What to Look for in a Vacation Rental

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In recent years, there’s been a growing trend of travelers opting for private vacation rentals instead of hotels. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there are even more opting to stay in a private home rental as they typically come with kitchens, limiting contact with others outside their quarantine bubble, as USA Today notes. 

If you’re thinking of doing the same for your next trip, to ensure the best possible experience, there are many factors to consider before booking. This is what you should look for in a vacation rental when during your search.

Location

As they say, location, location, location, it’s one of the most important factors just like it was when buying your home among the Cincinnati Houses for Sale or anywhere else. It can make or break your experience – if you’re planning on spending your time at the beach, being within walking distance or even having the sand steps from your door rather than having to drive each day can make a significant difference. If you want to enjoy the cultural attractions in a city center, a vacation rental centrally located that allows you to walk to where you want to go or at least within close proximity to a bus stop can avoid the expense and hassle of parking. 

The Surroundings

The immediate surroundings of a vacation rental are important too. For example, when looking for that place in the city, you might want to avoid options on busy streets with lots of traffic or next to a nightclub where the noise can make it difficult to sleep. Research the safety of the immediate area and look at the options for dining and shopping nearby.

Your Basic Requirements

Vacation rentals can vary significantly. While some include everything you’d expect in a hotel and even more, such as complimentary toiletries and a coffeemaker with at least some coffee provided, not all do. Go through the amenities with a fine-tooth comb – is Wi-Fi included? Cable TV? A full kitchen? A rental with a washer and dryer can be a big convenience allowing you to pack lighter. Additionally, a reputable rental should uphold a sound standard of cleanliness to deter common issues like bedbugs and partner with a reputable company like Aptive Environmental Group Idaho to implement effective pest control measures. This contributes to a comfortable and worry-free stay for guests. Be aware that some rentals, and even more during the pandemic, require guests to bring their own linens and towels. When searching for a more remote rental, like a cabin in the woods, many offer the “unplugged” experience, meaning no TV, no Wi-Fi, and possibly no running water. For some, that can make for a fun adventure to escape the chaos of modern life, for others, it can mean misery.

A Reputable Host or Agency

Pay close attention to the ratings and reviews to ensure that you’ll be booking with a reputable agency or host. The service experience can also make or break your vacation – after all, you don’t want to arrive and find no one there to let you in, or essential items broken with no one to reach to fix them. On the opposite end of the spectrum, booking with a helpful, friendly host willing to provide you with insider tips about the area can significantly enhance your stay. While there are always some people that complain, the majority of reviews should be positive – you may not want to risk booking a property with no reviews at all.