Has Anyone Stayed at a Private Vacation Home?

[Chattyaholic]

I've seen a few web sites that offer private vacation homes in Orlando to rent by the week. Has anyone done this? Are there any companies you can recommend? How did you like it? How expensive was it? Would you do it again?

I think it would be great to stay in a private home, with a private covered pool, rather than stay at a hotel. But need some recommendations from others who have done this, thanks.

 

[ClanHarrison]

We’ve only been to Orlando once, last year (going back Aug. 2007), with our group of 8. We spent one night on-site @ Universal and got Front of the Line privileges for 2 dys. Then we checked into “our” beautiful 5 br/4 ½ ba pool home off of 192. It was like two vacations in one and was magnificent! Will never go any other way. If staying at the Royal Pacific wasn’t nice enough (and it was excellent), we also had the home to look forward to. The family is STILL talking about that vacation and is just as excited about going back next year. It took all I had in me not to find a way to go this year…that’s just how excited we are to return. But, we went first class and are now spoiled, so it takes a year to save up to do it first class again.

The homes we stayed in were expensive, but we definitely got what we paid for and more. These homes are some of the more top quality homes (you can take a look at my signature for a link to the exact home we stayed in) but there are sooo many more, in the same area and more, that are MUCH cheaper and just as nice (we just fell in love with this particular villa). I’ll tell you, husband and I are looking into maybe get one of our own built, that way there will never be any question where we’re gonna stay again.

Here are some links that I have in my Orlando notes that have been posted on this board with great recommendations (I think most of these sites you rent directly from the owners, which can be much cheaper):

http://www.orlandovillas.com/

http://www.disneypremiervillas.com/

http://www.floridapremiumvillas.com/

http://www.vacationhomes.com/

http://www.vacationrentals.com/


I’m sure some others will be along with even more suggestions, but good luck and have fun planning; and don’t get too overwhelmed with choosing.

 

[Robinrs]

I was at one during July 4th week, our fourth time in a vacation home and I'm setting up another one as we speak in January!

I've stayed in over 30 places in Orlando and I still prefer vacation homes to hotels. I also like condo but had a somewhat negative experience at one once so I like the privacy of vacation homes.

I did a review in the sub board so you might want to check it out.

I like the separation, the kitchen, the silence and mostly the POOL!!! It was so nice to be able to enjoy it at anytime without the pleasure of someone else's kids to share it with! My son is 13 and when he was younger he liked being with other kids but now that he's a teenager he likes the solitude. And so do I!!!

I loved being able to grill food and sit by the poolside. I loved NOT being subjected to someone else's taste in pool attire, music or conversation. These things are sooooooo important to me!

Do a search and you'll find PLENTY of great reviews here. Try it once, it's worth it!

 

[Robinrs]

We’ve only been to Orlando once, last year (going back Aug. 2007), with our group of 8. We spent one night on-site @ Universal and got Front of the Line privileges for 2 dys. Then we checked into “our” beautiful 5 br/4 ½ ba pool home off of 192. It was like two vacations in one and was magnificent! Will never go any other way. If staying at the Royal Pacific wasn’t nice enough (and it was excellent), we also had the home to look forward to. The family is STILL talking about that vacation and is just as excited about going back next year. It took all I had in me not to find a way to go this year…that’s just how excited we are to return. But, we went first class and are now spoiled, so it takes a year to save up to do it first class again.

The homes we stayed in were expensive, but we definitely got what we paid for and more. These homes are some of the more top quality homes (you can take a look at my signature for a link to the exact home we stayed in) but there are sooo many more, in the same area and more, that are MUCH cheaper and just as nice (we just fell in love with this particular villa). I’ll tell you, husband and I are looking into maybe get one of our own built, that way there will never be any question where we’re gonna stay again.

Here are some links that I have in my Orlando notes that have been posted on this board with great recommendations (I think most of these sites you rent directly from the owners, which can be much cheaper):

http://www.orlandovillas.com/

http://www.disneypremiervillas.com/

http://www.floridapremiumvillas.com/

http://www.vacationhomes.com/

http://www.vacationrentals.com/


I’m sure some others will be along with even more suggestions, but good luck and have fun planning; and don’t get too overwhelmed with choosing.

ClanHarrison: I checked into ALL STARS and found them to be EXTREMELY expensive and always wondered why???? I'm glad you tried them out, what makes them different than other management companies?

 

[ClanHarrison]

ClanHarrison: I checked into ALL STARS and found them to be EXTREMELY expensive and always wondered why???? I'm glad you tried them out, what makes them different than other management companies?

Well Robin, I really have nothing to compare them to since that was our first & only trip to Orlando. But I can tell you, I've poured over thousands of sites & homes, both before and after our trip...and currently, trying to find the same mix in a home like the one we stayed in and I have not been able to find a home, yet, that was cheaper, had the same quality furnishings, rooms/bed configurations, game room contents, media room etc. that we found with this home. I'm sure it's out there (maybe ), and if it is...I'll find it. But if not, I'll have to stay with All Star...until I build my own .

But, I think a lot may have to do with the fact that it is a large Builder/Mgmt. Co. (need more profit), the location is as close as you can get to Disney, and the quality furnishings, appliances etc. that are in each home. In my opinion, they are really nice...and when I go on vacation (since we don't get to do this every year)...I want to know I'm on vacation. This home did that for all of us.

Take Care.

ETA: Actually, after looking at our bill from last year, I think it was a bargain after splitting it with my nephew & his family (we each have 2 adults & 2 children in our families). We paid $164.50 per night/per family and I don't think we could have gotten that kind of rate for the quality accomodations that we got. Just a thought.

 

[minnie29uk]

I've seen a few web sites that offer private vacation homes in Orlando to rent by the week. Has anyone done this? Are there any companies you can recommend? How did you like it? How expensive was it? Would you do it again?

I think it would be great to stay in a private home, with a private covered pool, rather than stay at a hotel. But need some recommendations from others who have done this, thanks.

Yes,yes and yes.So we baught one!!

The best bit is the extra room and the private pool and spa.
I also feel it saves money by having fully fitted kitchen.

Cheers,
Lynn

 

[isla bonita]

I loved NOT being subjected to someone else's taste in pool attire, music or conversation. These things are sooooooo important to me!

Robin I love your thinking.

We go down with friends or family and it is nice chatting with out sharing with the rest of the wordl.


There are no strangers in our pool we have to warry about.

I also like the idea that if we are thirsty or snacky we just run in for either and it is steps away.

 

[QT Pooh]

Hi, we've done it not only in Orlando but in several other places as well. We have two teenagers (a boy and girl) and we REALLY need the extra room a vacation condo/villa provides, and if we didn't have our own kitchen and buy much of our own food, the 14 yo boy would bankrupt us! Having more than one bathroom is a big plus too. We've always been very happy with our rentals.

There are many sites for vacation rentals. If you prefer to go directly to the villa owners, use www.vrbo.com or www.greatrentals.com. You'll be amazed at how many places there are to rent. You'll also be pleasantly surprised at what you're getting for your money compared to a hotel room. All Star Homes is paid commission by the owners for renting their places (as are sites such as expedia, travelocity, etc) so they'll be more expensive than renting directly from an owner.

Good luck!

 

[Robinrs]

Thanks for the response, CH. I've never directly rented from a owner and have always used management companies and comparatively found All Stars over the top with their prices. Even with the extras they offer, the rebate and the free car, I can't justify it. Also, I don't share expenses, I'm a single parent and the entire expense falls on me so I have to do some serious comparative shopping!

Chattyholic: Consider your family's needs when choosing a home. How much space, beds and bathrooms you need. How far is the commute? Most are east and west of 192, in Davenport and Clermont. Check the location map to see where you'd like to stay.

Check the amenities. If you have no need for a game room in the garage and prefer to park your car in the garage, don't pick one that's converted. Do you need a BBQ grill or a jacuzzi? How about a gated or non gated community? What kind of view do you want from the pool? A lake, a fence, a conservation site or a neighbor? How about a street? You will find them all!

Check their payment policies. Some ask for non refundable deposits, others refund them in a certain amount of time. Some demand payment 10 weeks before your arrival, some 4 weeks, some ask for the amount upon arrival. Some offer travel insurance. I had one person ask for the entire amount up front! Some take credit cards, some don't. Check all of the terms before falling in love with the house!

Enjoy the process, then enjoy the home. There really is nothing like it!

 

[disneygirlatheart]

Yes,yes and yes.So we baught one!!

The best bit is the extra room and the private pool and spa.
I also feel it saves money by having fully fitted kitchen.

Cheers,
Lynn

We are very interested in buying a home there also. Could you pass on some information on how and where you got started looking for one? Any websites etc? Thanks

 

[Meezers]

I am so glad I found this thread...will subscribe to show my friend at work. She wants to take her children and grandchildren...that would be 5 adults and 4 children. 3 motel rooms would be outrageous...so we have starting trying to check out the villas for them.

Thanks for all the links....

 

[Chattyaholic]

Thank you, EVERYONE, for the great recommendations, comments, etc.

I have been looking at some of the web sites and the homes are just so beautiful, and the pools (especially those with jacuzzis) are AWESOME!! I just can't imagine staying in one for a week or two, WOW!! What a vacation that would be! Some are quite reasonably priced, and even adding pool heat expense, it would still be equivalent, or less than, staying in a hotel and so much more room to spread out, your own kitchen, and your own POOL! WOW! Thanks again for the responses, really appreciate it!

DH and I talked about the vacation home option for our next trip and he thought it sounded good. And if we liked it we could always invite the kids and grandkids for the NEXT trip! Sharing a larger home with several bedrooms would be quite economical, and everyone could still come and go as they pleased. Sounds like FUN!!

 

[isla bonita]

chattyaholic

it is fun we do it twice a year. this sept. - oct. we are taking my side DM, DB, DN,DN, DS, DN, DN, and my own crew of 5.

 

[Robinrs]

Robin I love your thinking.

We go down with friends or family and it is nice chatting with out sharing with the rest of the wordl.


There are no strangers in our pool we have to warry about.

I also like the idea that if we are thirsty or snacky we just run in for either and it is steps away.

LOL! I'm a single parent with one son... not the norm in Orlando. My son is a FISH and could spend most of his time in the water, me.... I cannot swim, just drown in water!

Soooo most of the time I sit scalding in the sun while my son splashes around for hours.... NOT my idea of a vacation. I usually have to share small talk with the famiy next to me while Michael plays with their little sweethearts...

In the vacation home he can jump in and stay in until he turns into a raisin for all I care while I can watch him from the luxury of an AC.... ahhhhhh!!! The JOYS of getting OLD!!!

 

[isla bonita]

We have it better then you Robin

we have so many adults that are as bad or worse then the kids

so we can take off shopping and get all those bargains we talk about with out my kids and husband saying

"are we done yet lets go back swimming" LOL

 

[mbb]

Renting a private home is the best thing we could ever do...

Our first experience was for a trip for 13 of us...and all age ranges..

And it was my job to plan it.

I remember thinking how was I ever going to find a hotel that would accomodate all of our crazy needs and wants, plus be the luxury accomodations that our family likes, without the huge budget-busting bill.

Every "family group" wanted their own bathroom, king beds, cribs for the little ones, a pool area that had lovely furniture that Nana could sit on comfortably while watching the elementary age kids have fun (without having to get to the pool by 7:30am to score a lounger)..

And tv's...who wants to watch Teletoon all week long?

And hotel rooms "all together"? How could we all have keys for everyone else's room?? Can't just leave the doors wide open - and kids running down the hall...

A 5 bedroom house...3 mstr suites, 2 twins, a crib, and *6* bathrooms, was the answer.

And yep, found one.

Life was good.

Vacation life was fabulous.

Now we stay in them because, well, life *is* good. "Vacation life" is better!!

HTH!
...and have a fabulous villa vacation!

 

[jramacrae]

We love our villas - the freedom that we have is just amazing. There are a couple of useful articles here that may help:

Why stay in a Villa rather than a hotel?

Staying in a good hotel or motel in the Disney area can prove very expensive for a family and you'll only get one or two rooms to accommodate everything and everyone. There is no real privacy especially when you need to relax and have time to yourself.

Our villa has all the space you could want as well as a wonderful, private, pool which your family can enjoy in privacy, comfort and peace and we all know that a bit of personal space is invaluable on holiday! Also, eating in is so easy, flexible and inexpensive. The place becomes yours for the whole vacation - a real home from home.

We've set higher standards than you'll find in properties managed by a tour or management company. Our villa is furnished to our personal taste rather that by getting a contractor to fill it with the cheapest furniture pack available. That means comfortable beds, good quality fixtures and fittings and tasteful decoration including original art.

The larder is already stocked with a wide variety of everyday items and you'll probably even find some items in the freezer! You are welcome to use these items - all we would ask is that you replace any you finish. Its worked well for years and avoids unnecessary waste - what it really means is you don't have to do a vast amount of shopping just to make a meal and then throw away what you haven't used!

All the extras that you find missing from an hotel are here - no embarrassing trip down the hall for ice - put your champagne in the ice bucket provided! There are even bathroom scales - not for weighing yourself - they're to make sure you don't get a shock at the airport with overweight cases!

So if you value space and, don't want to have to fight anyone (apart from your own family) for the sun lounger of your choice, have to choice of 4 TV's to watch (after losing the fight for the last sun lounger Laughing), consider a villa. Its a far better choice!

Its also far cheaper - 2 rooms sleeping 8 in a 3* motel in March will cost you £134/$240 per night - our villa is less than 1/2 of that! And you have 5 bedrooms! Need I say more?

and

How to choose a Florida Villa?

We have come to realise from chatting with our guests that on of their biggest challenges is how to choose the vacation villa that is right for them! This article reflects their experience and hopefully sharing it with you will make your choice easier...

Is a villa right for me?? Whether you are seeking a magical Disney World Vacation or an active family holiday, a Florida villa is one of the most flexible options available to you. Many visitors decide on a hotel or motel room. This can appear to be the cheapest option but has several disadvantages. Our article 'Why rent a luxury Florida Villa' explains many of those factors. The convenience and space when things go wrong were an important factor for one of our guests when 3 of her 4 children became ill shortly after arriving. She was so pleased to have chosen a luxury florida villa with the space and convenience of 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms as it meant that the whole family was not wakened when one member had to get up frequently during the night!

Location: This is the most important one! Its important to choose the luxury villa that is close to the attractions that you will be visiting frequently. First time visitors have little idea of the scale of the Orlando area and the whole thing can be more than a little daunting. Its made even more confusing by the vast choice of vacation villas available and the lack of clear details on their location. We know that this has resulted in some families travelling long distances to get from their chosen location - not ideal. That's why we have clear links to maps from our luxury villa details pages. We want you to be able to plan your vacation and spend as little time as possible in the car!

Quality: We spent some time recently viewing Florida villas. The pictures on their web sites presented the villa very well in most cases but it soon became clear that they had been taken a very long time ago. Many of the villas were very tired, showed heavy wear and little attention to maintaining a comfortable environment for their guests. They were certaily far form the luxury villas they were being marketed as! These problems showed up much more in the properties in which the owners had clearly taken little interest and were managed by property management agencies (Large or small, and who, in turn rent them to the large holiday companies). This is one reason why we update the pictures of our properties each year. That gives our guests the confidence to know that what they see is what they will get. Whilst booking direct with the owner does not guarantee quality, it does give you the opportunity to ask if the photos on the site truly represent the condition of the villa today.

Check in/out This is often overlooked as one of these things that has to be done but be careful. Check in and out is not usually at the villa! Its normally at the management company office where you have to wait in line with everyone else that booked through the same company. This means that you have to drive to and find the office from the airport. We know of offices that are over 15 miles from the villas. Check the driving distances and times from airport to office and from office to your villa. (Be aware that if the office is in Kissimmee, it can be very busy and take a long time especially in the early evening). Note: We have an electronic access system so our guests can drive direct to their chosen luxury villa and let themselves in. The benefit of this sytem is clear - and you have no keys to lose or hand back.

Locality: What we mean here is the area surrounding the villa. Careful examination of the photos of some villas will show where they have been doctored to hide undesireable features. One of the favourites is to block out the lower areas of screened pool enclosures to hide the fact that there are many others very close to the villa. We do not enhance our photos. Check carefully or ask if the pool area is overlooked.

Games rooms Some villas advertise a games room with all kinds of entertainments. If this is something that you want to have in your villa, be sure to enquire whether it is properly air conditioned. The reason for this is that some owners have simply locked the garage door and installed a carpet and a pool table or foosball table to make a games room. Its fine in December but impossible to use comfortably for most of the year.

Equipment Check whether the equipment you need is 'included' or 'available' and know the difference between these terms. Included usually means that the item is included in the rent for the villa. Its important to know that 'available' usually means that the item is available but you will be expected to pay an extra charge for it. For example, a gas barbeque will cost you between $35 and $50 per week to hire (+ sales tax). A cot, baby seat or stroller will be about the same each! That can make a significant unexpected dent in your pocket - check unless the information is explicit!

Summary We hope that this guide helps you make your choice of vacation villa. We think that villas are exceptional value for money but there are some traps which we have highlighted. Whilst we realise that checking all these details might be a pain, we think that it will ensure that you have a much better vacation!
Hope this helps

John

 

[Brian Noble]

Those articles are very useful. One caveat: this feature...

The larder is already stocked with a wide variety of everyday items and you'll probably even find some items in the freezer!

...is *very* unusual in a privately owned villa. I'll often find leftover cleaning supplies (trash bags, laundry soap, etc.) and I do replace those as I use them, but very rarely is there leftover food. Many owners ask their cleaners to remove any food between stays, in part because of liability.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We've rented pool homes with and without extended family many times and love it! Just to have the extra space, even an extra bedroom to put luggage and souvinirs is great too. There's only 4 of us but usually a 4 br costs the same as a 2-3 br so why not? Also it's sooo nice to have more than 1 bathroom and multiple tv's (usually 1 in each br) so we can all spread out and relax. We don't cook a lot,just a quick breakfast, but it's still nice to make microwave popcorn while watching a movie. My kids like having popsicles by the pool too so it's great having the freezer. (Also great for freezing bottled water to take to the parks and keeps cold all day!)
We first rented from Families First and they were AWFUL!!! (in 2003 anyway.) They don't let you choose the house and I even requested a general area off of Formosa Gardens Blvd. (Rolling Hills, Windsor Palms or Indian Creek) and they put us way down Rt. 27 in a dumpy run down, carpet stained, bare-bones house. They never turned the pool heat on until I called maintenance 3 days later (we were so clueless we didn't know what pool heat should feel like!) and they wouldn't credit us for the 3 days that we never received the pool heat. After that I found www.villadirect.com and rented from them 3 times. It's a little more $ than Families First but you get to pick the home you want, they show the location on a map so you know how far you'll be to WDW and they give lots of "slide show" photos and virtual tours. We are so spoiled now that my dh "has to have" a big screen tv and I like a house that doesn't back right up to another house. The one house we rented twice in Rolling Hills (called Palm Palace) was for sale last time we saw it and it's now off of their available list but another we rented was called Sable Palms Villa in the Windsor Palms development and loved it!
Splurge for the pool heat; it's so heavenly! (we tried to skip it once during a May visit thinking it was so hot but at night after the parks the pool was so cold w/o pool heat ds's were very sad) Villadirect has added/raised a lot of petty extra costs like insurance and processing fees which irked us enough to buy a timeshare but if you want a nice, clean house that you can choose yourself they're great, esp with a large group. We'll never go back to small hotel rooms again!! sorry this is so long

 

[Kellydelly]

We have rented three times through Alexander & Associates. We hit the "end of the year" sales and pay about $650 for 7 nights including pool heat . These homes are very clean and comfortable and I'll never stay in another hotel in Orlando again! At least not until my children are grown and it's just me and dh!


http://www.floridasunshine.com/