Please tell me about AirBandB for condo rentals at off site resorts

[Mrs~Incredible]

Hi friends! We usually stay off site, booking through RCI, but may choose to book through Air B and B this time.

1. Aside from watching out for extra fees, is there anything I should be aware of?
2. Are rentals usually for a specific unit, or is it possible to put in a request for unit location with the front desk (pending availability) - of course I know this may vary depending on the listing, but just wanted a general sense if possible
3. Any tips or tricks that you recommend?

Thanks so much!

 

[LovesTimone]

There are alot of options...

Double Check on Parking rules and fee's?, Daily Resort fees if anything extra, wifi upgraded cost?,
if some type of midweek house keeping is included?

Make sure you don't have to sit through some type of sale pitch, to get the discounts offered...

Same privileges as owners... for thing like pool, gym, or other amenities...

Some good options are:

David DVC rentals

Westgate

Margaritaville

Orange Lakes

VRBO

Air B&B

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

There are alot of options...

Double Check on Parking rules and fee's?, Daily Resort fees if anything extra, wifi upgraded cost?,
if some type of midweek house keeping is included?

Make sure you don't have to sit through some type of sale pitch, to get the discounts offered...

Same privileges as owners... for thing like pool, gym, or other amenities...

Some good options are:

David DVC rentals

Westgate

Margaritaville

Orange Lakes

VRBO

Air B&B

Thank you so much for the info!!

 

[JenBush]

1. I always rent from hosts with good reviews. I’ll never book a property with no reviews or has a host with no reviews.
2. You book a specific unit through Airbnb. There might be a concierge desk at the condo/apartment building that you book at, but they typically have nothing to do with your stay. Everything is done through Airbnb.
3. You can book private rooms on Airbnb as well as entire units/houses so make sure you filter out the private rooms when searching unless you want some roommates on vacation.

 

[FCDub]

Yes, I think you to do more research into what Airbnb is. You are staying in someone’s home, not a hotel room with a front desk willing to help you book experiences and other amenities. No “requesting a unit,” etc.

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

Yes, I think you to do more research into what Airbnb is. You are staying in someone’s home, not a hotel room with a front desk willing to help you book experiences and other amenities. No “requesting a unit,” etc.
[/QUOTE

Thanks- they actually do have some rentals on there for condo time shares in the orlando area. I’ll contact the host and report back what I learn! I’m assuming it is for a specific unit because she probably owns a specific week.
Hope this works out!

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

Deleted- double post

 

[limace]

I’ve been looking at Bonnet Creek rentals on Airbnb and they are not for specific units, though it can appear that they are due to pics.

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

A

I’ve been looking at Bonnet Creek rentals on Airbnb and they are not for specific units, though it can appear that they are due to pics.

Awesome, thanks!

 

[WNYDisneyDad]

Airbnb's (or other vacation home rental services) are great options. I'm a family of 6 (all 5 - 12 years old) and have found Airbnbs to be great options. As others have stated, be on the lookout for hidden fees. You can search and fine a really good rate but there might be a $300 or more "cleaning fee" on top of the price. The price you see on the listing itself (as opposed to the price you see when looking in map or list view) will list all the fees.

A few more tips:

- My number one tip is to be mindful of the cancellation policy. This policy is set by the owner themself and varies from 100% cancellation up till right before the trip all the way to you can only cancel for a 100% refund if you cancel within 48 hours of MAKING the reservation. The cancellation policy will be within the listing itself. You can also select the option for "Flexible Cancellation Policy" when searching for listings, and they will only show those that offer the generous cancellation.
- Many will offer contactless entry (this was a thing even before COVID) which allows you to enter via an electric keypad lock or a key inside of coded lock box. I've always like these. They will usually state this in the listing if it is offered. I've found MOST offer this, but not all.
- As others stated, read the reviews of the owners/property.
- You can message the owner with any questions prior to booking, if needed.
- If traveling with small children, you may want to ask about any inappropriate items in the house. It may not be an issue in a place catering to families, as Orlando does, but I stayed in an Airbnb once that had a canvas picture of Bruce Willis and his famous catchphrase from Diehard (the once that starts with "Yippie Ki-yah....." There was also a painting of nudity. Besides this, the house and owners were great, and I just removed the pictures from the wall until we left, but it was still something you should be aware of.

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

Airbnb's (or other vacation home rental services) are great options. I'm a family of 6 (all 5 - 12 years old) and have found Airbnbs to be great options. As others have stated, be on the lookout for hidden fees. You can search and fine a really good rate but there might be a $300 or more "cleaning fee" on top of the price. The price you see on the listing itself (as opposed to the price you see when looking in map or list view) will list all the fees.

A few more tips:

- My number one tip is to be mindful of the cancellation policy. This policy is set by the owner themself and varies from 100% cancellation up till right before the trip all the way to you can only cancel for a 100% refund if you cancel within 48 hours of MAKING the reservation. The cancellation policy will be within the listing itself. You can also select the option for "Flexible Cancellation Policy" when searching for listings, and they will only show those that offer the generous cancellation.
- Many will offer contactless entry (this was a thing even before COVID) which allows you to enter via an electric keypad lock or a key inside of coded lock box. I've always like these. They will usually state this in the listing if it is offered. I've found MOST offer this, but not all.
- As others stated, read the reviews of the owners/property.
- You can message the owner with any questions prior to booking, if needed.
- If traveling with small children, you may want to ask about any inappropriate items in the house. It may not be an issue in a place catering to families, as Orlando does, but I stayed in an Airbnb once that had a canvas picture of Bruce Willis and his famous catchphrase from Diehard (the once that starts with "Yippie Ki-yah....." There was also a painting of nudity. Besides this, the house and owners were great, and I just removed the pictures from the wall until we left, but it was still something you should be aware of.

This is so helpful, thank you!!
And I know that Bruce Willis quote.... oh my