Vacation Home requirements

[Elle]

Hi,

I am doing some research in to what a guest is looking for when they rent a vacation home. I was wondering if you could list your top 5 criteria when considering vacation homes.

Thank you,

Elle

 

[riu girl]

1. safe neighbourhood
2. clean
3. inexpensive
4. heated pool ( we primarily go to Florida during winter months)
5. proximity to theme parks

 

[TiffanyK]

I recently did a search for a home for our group of 13. I looked for:
1. close to parks in one of the close subdivision
2. the beds had to work out for our situation. For us, that meant at least 3 king size beds preferable with ensuite baths. And the kids beds needed to work out. But that would be different for every group.
3. We wanted a pool and a game room that was air conditioned (we'll be there in August.
4. I liked homes that had some nice decorating. I found I passed by houses that were painted white on the inside - personal preference I guess. I also liked Disney themeing since that's where we're focusing our vacation, but i found that sometimes the kids themed rooms didn't fit our kids. Meaning too many princess rooms, not enough boy rooms etc.
5. I wanted lots of dining seating since we're planning to cook, so we needed to be able to sit 13, not necessarily in the same room, but some of the houses had small tables for only 4 in the kitchen and i didn't see that working for us.
HTH!

 

[robinb]

I'm answering without reading what others have said. I came thisclose to renting a vacation rental home a couple years ago. We ended up at Pop Century with free dining instead.

This is what I looked for:

1. Close to Disney.
2. Nice pool with a heated spa. I preferred not to have to pay for pool/spa heat.
3. We needed 5 bedrooms with multiple "master bedrooms" with KING beds. We had 3 adult couples and each couple wanted a king bed instead of a queen bed. We didn't need master suites, just king beds. One of my favorite houses had twin beds in every bedroom that could be converted to king beds.
4. Free high speed internet access.
5. A complex with a nice clubhouse was also a plus.

OF COURSE ... after I read the other replies I had to add more . This is the place with the twin beds that converted to kings: http://www.romancingthemouse.com/. Price was also a consideration. I was willing to pay a bit more for a nice place, but there was no way I was going to pay more than $1500 per week.

 

[Thinkerbellum]

I Just booked our vacation home, after weeks of looking at approx 1220 houses. Most of the homes I wanted were booked. I suggest a very up to date availability calendar on websites so I dont have to waste my time waiting for emails or phonecalls..
What I looked for in a home is;
1) large pool with spa with some privacy
2) 2 or more master suites
3) affordable
4) location
5) game area for kids

 

[swilshire]

Convenient location with no major defects (such as traffic noise).

Comfortable beds.

At least reasonably clean.

Well stocked kitchen.

Reasonable price.

 

[Pierre2]

After just returning from a Rental Home...

1) Safe and Pleasant Neighborhood
1) Location to Parks
2) Pool with Heat
3) 4 + Bedrooms at least 2.5 baths (never enough Bathrooms)
4) Kitchen - Should have Pots and Pans for a large group
5) Beds - Should be better quality than a cheap hotel
6) Towels - Should be better quality than sheets
7) Laundry Facilities are a must
8) Grill - with or without a cleaning fee

Our latest rental left us wanting. If the house is large, chances are a big group will be staying. I would have liked to see decent sized pasta pots, large skillets, a griddle would have been very much appreciated. Several houses furnished little things that made a big difference. Catsup, mustard, salt, pepper - a welcome pack with snacks and popcorn. I loved feeling like a guest instead of a rentor. Thin small towels just stink. I wish I had asked many more questions. I will from this point forward.

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

Number 1 was closeness to Disney, so I booked in Windsor Palms.
2. Bed situations had to work out for us, since most big families rent the big homes, it is important that the big homs have at least 2 master suites both with King beds. Kids beds are also important
3. Yes, anything but white on the outside, I say a really pretty one painted a carmel color.
4. Decorate the inside nice, not with those yucky pastel florida colors, make it feel warm and cozy.
5. heated pool without paying extra for it would be nice.

 

[deejay-55]

1. close to Disney
2. pool not overlooked
3. gated resort with amenities
4. less than 5 years old
5. good guest testimonials

 

[mom0104]

1. Heated pool with stand alone hot tub
2. game room
3. game cube or the equivalent
4. More than one big tv
5. Pillow top mattresses

 

[Kellydelly]

Private back yard
Pool safety fence
Decent size tv in master bedroom (at least 20 inch)
Well maintained home; broken chairs, tables or stools are a big turn off!
Plenty of linens
A bin with kid's toys is a neat idea

 

[Elle]

Thank you everyone who posted. I write a newsletter for owners of vacation homes, so I hope to be able to feed back to them the facilities etc, which are of most value to you as guests. It is easy as a homeowner to think you know what people want, but I would like to have it 'straight from the horses mouth' so to speak!

Thank you for your time, and any more responses will be welcomed!

Elle

 

[martina857]

cleanliness
surrounding area has to be nice, landscaping that sort of thing
facilities in the home, tv's games etc
distance to attractions
current and quality pictures on web site
ease of booking
no extra charges/all in price
M