Can you recommend an offsite vacation rental?

[djkeenan]

We’ve been sharing stories with friends and co-workers about the great time we had at a pool home a few weeks ago. Several have expressed an interest in trying one for themselves, but the home we rented has filled up fast.

Can you recommend a home, townhouse or condo based on your own recent experience? I’m compiling a list of locations that come with a testimonial from a fellow DIS member.

I’m just getting started, but I hope we can come up with a list that proves to be helpful so others can find as nice a place as we did and they will be comfortable dealing with an owner they don’t know.

THANKS!

 

[kilee]

There was a thread on this topic just a few weeks ago that had a ton of referrals in it. If I get time later I'll do a search and merge the info.

 

[winniedapooh]

We have used the same home at Windsor Palms 4 times. Our most recent stay was Christmas. I love this home...so well stocked I did not even need to buy papertowels or detergent. Very clean and towels that are hotel quality. Oh did I mention they have just put in 1000 count sheets??? There was a grill in the garage for us to use, a stroller, and porta crib should we have needed them all for no extra charge. HTH and let me know if you would like their email address for more info.

 

[Alice Sr.]

winniedapooh how did you hear about the place you stayed at? Do they have a website?

I tried to do a search about the thread Kilee was talking about but the search engine is overwhelmed or something. I have a friend that is looking for a vacation pool home and we found one but are a bit leery as the owner is apparently not a US citizen and she was worried about her recovery chances if things were not as they were portrayed. I thought there was a vacation home company that was a sponsor on these boards but that must have been some time ago. Any web sites and or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

TIA,
Alice

 

[djkeenan]

Winniedapooh – I’d love to have their email address and or website. There are thousands of homes to choose from, and I’m sure most of them are great, but nothing beats a personal testimonial like yours.

Alice Sr. – We wondered as well about sending a check overseas, but luckily, the owner we deal with is great at keeping in touch with his clients. Your friend’s experience is exactly why I want to put this list together.

Alexcturner – I found your website: myhouseatdisney and I’ll be in touch to get more details.

I searched all the threads back into January and didn’t find any list like I’m looking for. I’m hoping more DIS’ers will share their experience in order to help others, especially first timers, who are looking a vacation rental instead of a hotel room.

 

[minnie29uk]

We have used the same home at Windsor Palms 4 times. Our most recent stay was Christmas. I love this home...so well stocked I did not even need to buy papertowels or detergent. Very clean and towels that are hotel quality. Oh did I mention they have just put in 1000 count sheets??? There was a grill in the garage for us to use, a stroller, and porta crib should we have needed them all for no extra charge. HTH and let me know if you would like their email address for more info.

Ive added most of the itemes you mension - what are count sheets?New one on me!?

Lynn

 

[JANNYANS]

Alice I think( and this is just my opinion not fact) your friends chances are as good dealing with an out of country owner as they are with an out of state one as the home is being run as a business and has Florida licences and so should something dreadful occur the Florida legal system could be used.

djkeenan
This is a great idea -faith is needed by both parties when renting -especially for the first time -so any form of recommendation is a useful tool .
You can add me to your list.

Lynn - count refers to the number of theads per square inch -the more there are the better the quality

 

[bvc314]

Hi djkeenan,
The home we stayed in last summer was very nice and the small management company was very easy to work with. It was through www.justfloridavacations.com. The house we rented was the "platnium" in Rolling Hills. It was extremely clean, beautiful and had a fenced, private yard and pool area.
This summer we are staying somewhere else because the Platnium was not available. I'm pretty sure it is the same company winniedapooh is referring to. Their website is www.romancingthemouse.com. I found them through disboards and have e-mailed the owner several times and have made a deposit. Although I have not stayed there yet, everything seems great and the owners have been very professional, honest and caring. I get good "vibes", if that helps!

 

[Robinrs]

I've stayed in vacation homes 3 times in Orlando and used two different sources: Florida Leisure and Closesttodisney.com. Florida Leisure has a site that shows you a walk thru video of each house and gives you a great idea of what the layout is.

Both companies stay with you from beginning to end and are nearby so if you have any problems they're there lickety split!

I've dealt twice with private owners and was very disappointed. I think I just had two flaky owners, though, no reflection on those that are trustworthy.

Hope that helps.

 

[winniedapooh]

I am never quite sure whether or not to post a website so I just send pm's instead. I don't want to step on anyone's toes. I just sent those who asked PM's. Hope they help. I do know after an almost nightmare rental and finally getting up the courage to ask on the boards, the DIS members saved me from potential rental suicide! It turned out the place we were going through had a bad reputation with the better business bureau. I can't thank the DIS members that helped me enough. With that being said. Look for a reputable company and ask a lot of questions. Come here to the DIS and ask, if they are reputable someone here will have heard about them, used them, or can give you information for a private home rental. As was mentioned there are DIS members that own homes that are great and able to answer questions and offer suggestions. HTH and good luck! <(I'm using this guy because the new pixied dust guy just freaks me out!)

 

[torismom]

http://www.villabellacasa-florida.co.uk/

If you need a 5 bedroom home please contact the above website.Paul and Kim are as nice as can be. Their home is beautiful!!

 

[kilee]

This is a reminder that owners of villas CANNOT be advertising our suggesting their own villas in any way. I've already had to delete some posts in regards to that. If anyone has any questions please feel free to PM me. Thank you.

 

[djkeenan]

Let's not create any extra work for Kilee.

Owners are invited to PM me, but you won't get on my list until I receive an independent reference.

Former guests who were happy with their rental are invited to post away!

 

[Suzyq9241]

This is where we always stay because we love it....

 

[Suzyq9241]

This is where we always stay because we love it....