What to expect...Vacation Rentals

Many of you have likely used websites like Airbnb and VRBO for vacation rentals. Most of the time we travel in groups, so we look for the right rental for us. This may be for a summer family vacation, a guy’s trip to the city, a girl’s trip to the beach, and anywhere in between. Recently I have noticed there are many items or amenities missing from rentals, which is very frustrating in your “home away from home”. We stay at hotels for convenience, right? The pool, the free/access to the breakfast buffet, and the price is usually cheaper for a single family or small group. With a rental, you have your own private space, and it SHOULD be less expensive because you are buying and making all your own food, etc. This doesn’t really seem to be the case anymore, especially if you’re anywhere near an ocean or water. Even in a small town in Michigan where I am from the prices are high. 

When you are spending the extra money for the rental property, you want the amenities you’re paying for. I expect to go out to a nice pool, the pool should be crystal clear, and not to mention, clean. The outdoor furniture should be clean, not moldy, dingy, ripped, or rusty. The pool supplies, like floats and toys should also be fresh and not old and dirty. Why isn’t this standard when paying thousands of dollars? Also, for outdoors, I want a safe place to park my vehicle, such as, not in the road or will be damaged.

Moving indoors, at some properties this is standard and at others it is not: linens and towels. I have been to some that provide all linens. When you are flying in from out of state, you cannot possibly bring your own bath towels and bedding. The bedding that is provided should be fresh. Nothing that looks or smells old. I don’t care how much you have spent on a property, none of that is guaranteed. I have had to go to the local store and buy towels and linens because I was not aware of this. Doesn’t that just sound ridiculous?! There should be fans for each room, access to laundry, and enough bathrooms and showers for the size of the property. 

Kitchens- I have come across many kitchens that are lacking in supplies needed for a week’s long stay. Cleaning supplies, like paper towels, hand towels and soap. Utensils and pans. Why are there always 10 different spatulas, but no scissors?! So often you end up spending more and more money on these little details, while trying to save money by renting a place for everyone. Sometimes staying in a hotel is just easier. You do not get that intimate time with the people you’re with if you’re all in separate hotel rooms, but sometimes you sacrifice that for convenience. A sense of community and togetherness is why rentals are so popular. 

Check-in times are also so late now, hotels included. Half of your vacation day is over by the time you can check in at 4 pm. I’m not certain what they could do for this inconvenience, maybe earlier check outs, not sure, but it stinks traveling and having to wait that long to check in. 

In large cities, there are companies that own properties and have every option to help your stay easier. I have seen companies that will decorate for your bachelorette and stock the fridge with drinks and food. It is an amazing, lucrative business that I likely wouldn’t have known about without social media. Anyways, all these items seem like standard practice for rentals, but no two are alike and no stay is going to be the same. My advice to you is to ask questions to the renter, find out exactly what they provide and what you will need to prepare for your trip there. Happy Vacationing!