I wish the rental home/condo had...

[TrustedTraveler]

There are a few things I wish the rental homes had that would make our stay more enjoyable. Please feel free to add your wishes/ideas.

1. Reverse osmosis drinking water system. To me, Florida water stinks (literally) but a $300 investment would give us true bottled water quality and great taste without the expense.

2. A crock pot. Start the meal in the AM and it's ready when we get home for dinner.

 

[2minnies]

Pizza cutter -- I can't stand cutting pizza with a knife!

 

[twooley2]

someone to make the beds each dayafter we leave for the parks

 

[sympatico]

The fridge that was in our last rental home had a water dispenser on the door and they must have had a filter of some kind on it because the water was great, no taste at all.

 

[dyna]

Nonstick skillet for eggs

I've notice being short of an ice cream scoop as well

Light blocking window coverings in bedrooms esp those on the south an west sides of house be very nice to take afternoon nap without being blinded by sun an to make room dark for naps.

 

[TrustedTraveler]

Every year I end up buying (for the house) a nice Teflon skillet for eggs as the one I bought the year before is always trashed.

I have to say I also like a pool home that has fencing between your pool and the neighbors.

 

[onajourney]

Cookie sheets. We didn't have any sheets to bake pizza or garlic bread on. had to be creative with foil.

9x13 pan. I would have made a casserole to put in the oven, but there were only small casserole bowls. Not big enough for the 6 of us. By the time I realized there wasn't anything bigger I didn't have time to run and buy disposable ones, so I had to just cook it all in a skillet.

 

[englishteacha]

Extra toilet paper. The last time we stayed in a condo there was a partial roll in each of the 2 bathrooms. That was it.

 

[happymommy]

Last time we stayed at a condo it was in Hawaii, at a Marriott, but still it's similar. I went out first day (stupid, I know, as by the time I'm checking out it's like midnight to me, and I go to bed at 9, but...) I bought Saran Wrap, Nonstick Reynolds Wrap, a spray bottle of Fantastic (or some cleaner), paper towels, plastic cutlery, Pam spray, full size shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste, bottled water, plus some other groceries. I like having the wraps, and they never have them in condos. Also, I ship or bring spices and such. We stayed in our condo for 11 nights, and cooked at least once daily. We went to Costco as well, for meats and such. We're very health conscious, so had grilled items and salads. I definitely suggest bringing spices and buying Pam or pack an ounce our two of oil (or buy a small bottle).

In Hawaii, many folks don't realize but a rice cooker will be brought to you. I had to tell my in-laws about this.

I also had a suitcase packed with quinoa and things. Ramen, cereal, and other non perishable. Bought broth for cooking too.

I would think that the nonstick pan should be essential. Ours was kind of sucky - I may bring one $2 one from Ikea next time. We make eggs and egg white omlettes. Also, a spatula, super cheap.

Salt and pepper - not always there. I had brought some (in our bag with food) and left it.

 

[happymommy]

Extra toilet paper. The last time we stayed in a condo there was a partial roll in each of the 2 bathrooms. That was it.

Yikes. Definitely a reason to check in, then go shop! Hope that you saved $$ by staying somewhere that didn't provide TP! It's such a minor expense, but makes a difference.

We bought paper towels, good ones for cleaning, at our Marriott timeshare. They provide some, but they suck. Plus, I got some cleaners. I clean the countertops and floor every time we eat. Plus the stove I keep super clean. My DH loved me for getting a bottle of Fantastick. It was maybe $2. Left the rest (not much after almost 2 weeks).

 

[two*little*birds]

Light blocking window coverings in bedrooms esp those on the south an west sides of house be very nice to take afternoon nap without being blinded by sun an to make room dark for naps.

YES, YES, YES! I couldn't agree more. Plus it keeps some of the heat out if you go during warmer months. We also like to sleep in on occasion.

 

[dougsmom98]

A soft sided cooler and reusable ice packs that we could borrow to bring to the parks.

 

[happymommy]

Tupperware type storage containers!

But, they could get icky, so I bring a few of the ones you get from lunchmeat and leave them sometimes. Or bring a roll of saran wrap - what else will you do with leftovers?

It would be cool if they had a spice sharing deal - like when folks have leftovers, they could leave them with the front desk. Like the lending library! I don't know the danger with it being edible, though, as far as liability. We left some salt and pepper behind, but think the food we left the housekeeping would have to take.

 

[Mickeypooh99]

Light blocking window coverings in bedrooms esp those on the south an west sides of house be very nice to take afternoon nap without being blinded by sun an to make room dark for naps.

I have to agree with this. We live in the country and are used to a dark bedroom. The light from the street lamp was really bright to us!

Our townhouse had lots of bath towels, but no beach/pool towels. We would have loved those.

We also didn't have any measuring spoons/cups. I bought the mickey ones at disney.