Offsite Options

[vanreg]

We are looking to stay offsite, but never have. We want something with a kitchen. What are the options?

 

[Alesia]

We stayed in this condo last May/June: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-re...yid_text_o_loth&utm_campaign=VRBOOwnerInquiry

It was in a great location and was exactly as described. We would stay there again in a heartbeat.

There are tons of reasonably priced condos in Orlando. Take a look at homeaway.com or vrbo.com

 

[Upatnoon]

We are looking to stay offsite, but never have. We want something with a kitchen. What are the options?

I would suggest Wyndham Bonnet Creek. There's a whole thread about it on here.

 

[kathy884]

There are three categories for you to consider. Once you’ve narrowed it down to one of these, we can offer more specific suggestions or you could look at options in each:
(1) House / Condo rental in residential community. House options usually include a private pool (a real hit with a lot of people). The Windsor Hills community is the one most often mentioned on this forum. It is very close to Disney. Houses usually have three to five bedrooms with some larger configurations available too. Condos usually have two bedrooms. There are many other communities besides Windsor Hills too. Emerald Island is another one I hear mentioned often. These will typically have some community amenities like pool, etc. too. Vrbo.com would be one source. People who do these more often than I do can give you lots of other links, sources, advice if this is an option you would like to look at.

(2) Timeshare resort rental (my personal favorite) -- There are tons of great timeshares in Orlando. You can rent from a timeshare owner directly to save some dollars, especially if you are looking for a full week rental or in many cases rent from the resort. Do though avoid and say no to any timeshare presentation. Sources for owner rentals: Tug2.net classified ads section, redweek.com (I've used both of these.) // Some people rent from ebay.com Skyaution (I don't have any personal experience with these for timeshare rentals.) // These sorts of resorts IMHO usually have more of a resort feel than the community houses and condos. Condo are most readily available in the two bedroom configuration that sleep six to eight, with a few resorts that have limited or a large number of three bedrooms too. Studios and one bedrooms are options too In a two bedroom you will typically get a combined LV/DR and full sized kitchen. And the LV and master bedroom will typically open up to a screened in balcony or patio (great for sitting out). LR/DR will typically have a pull out bed, two bedrooms -- usually a master and a second room with two doubles, two baths, and washer and dryer in the unit. These are really nice and there are so many that are really nice in the Orlando area. I will mention just a few. The one most often mentioned on this forum is Wyndham Bonnet Creek, as it is the closest to Disney. Searching this forum you will see sources people often use for these rentals. Another very popular timeshare property that is quite large and usually has a good supply of owner rentals that are quite close to Disney is the Sheraton Vistana Resort. Marriott and Hilton also FYI have numerous timeshare properties in the area. These are typically more expensive than the other ones I mentioned, but very lovely and highly rated properties. All typically have very nice pools and hot tubs. Some of the resorts take the pool experience to that to the next level with waterpark type amenities. Most have playgrounds, tennis courts. // Just to give you an idea with an owner rental a price of around $1000 for the week is very typical with the Marriott and Hiltons a bit higher. Low season can bring in some lower prices. Condos in a residential community (option 1) will be less than this price point. (I haven't personally looked into that for some time, but I think $80 to $90 a night is pretty typical). // Retail rentals of these timeshare resort (very easy, any number of nights you want / any time and period-- just pick up the phone and reserve your nights) are more expensive (based on size, time of year, resort -- $150 - $250 a night).

(3) Suite hotels: I see many different ones mentioned on this forum. Ask for suggestions if that is what you are looking for. The only one I have personal experience with is the Marriott Residence Inn. In these you usually get a condo like configuration, but not a screened in balcony or patio typically and I think many have laundry in a common area rather than your own washer and dryer. You do though get the kitchen or kitchenette you are looking for. There will usually be a nice pool and often a breakfast included in a common area. These are very handy and easy to book. Just call the place and reserve a room for your date. Prices are very similar to retail prices of (2) above ($150 - $250 a night is pretty typical) with studios and one bedrooms less expensive than two bedrooms.

*************************************
I have done all three:

(1) House is good if you have a very large group and you all want to stay in the same place -- good options when lots of individual bedrooms are wanted and lots of bathrooms. Many smaller families like this too if having their own private pool is a big deal. The condo rental in these communities give you a nice condo for your least expensive price too. And if these condos fit the bill for you, they are a very economical way to go.

(2) Timeshare resorts -- my personal favorite for a group of six or less and a full seven night stay starting on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and ending on a the same day of the week (easy timeframe for finding an owner rental). You'll pay a little more than the perfectly nice condo in a residential community, but I find these to be a little more upscale with more of a resort feel and am willing to pay more for that. I usually rent from owners for a week-long stay and think this is an exceptional value. I have done retail rentals for shorter stays to be at the same resort with family who are there for a longer stay with an owner rental or timeshare trade.

(3) Suite type hotels -- For a short stay these are very nice and super easy and convenient. For longer stays from weekend to weekend I usually go for (2) -- a nicer place for lower dollars with that balcony that I adore (typically not in the configuration for these). // But for a short stay, for example, to SeaWorld / Disney just four nights and just a small group with minimal chance to hit the grocery store (just picking up a few snacks somewhere) -- the Marriott Residence Inn was my number one choice. I was forgoing the balcony and laundry in my own condo for a breakfast included, some perks for the place being a SeaWorld partner hotel, etc. (front of line pass for a few attractions and free in park dining for my SeaWorld day and a great deal on tickets combined with my room rate.) // If you like having a free breakfast included vs. making your own, these are very appealing too.

You will find people that are huge fans of each of these options (different people value different things) and there are numerous good choices in all of these categories in the area. Orlando is overbuilt in all of these categories and for a resort area you will find very attractive pricing compared to other resort areas for the high quality you will find.