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Ten Tips on how to choose your vacation rental

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1. Photographs

Always make sure the web site has large interior and exterior photographs, and lots of them.
If the photographs are so small you cannot see what’s in the room or the quality, find somewhere else as these people have got
something to hide.

2. Furnishings and fixtures

Make sure you can see the quality of the interior. Too many rental properties are full of cheap furniture, old kitchens and scruffy bathrooms. Really inspect that photograph and look at everything in great detail. Think to yourself would I put that in my home?

3. Beware of carpet

Wood and ceramic floors are much more hygienic. Carpet in the living areas can be dirty and full of undesirable organisms, especially with the Florida humidity. If you see dark coloured carpet in the photo beware.

4. Beds and sofas

A lot of rentals provide the cheapest beds and sofas; some are old and dirty. Find somewhere that renews on a regular basis. First class quality new mattresses, pillows, linens and sofas can make your vacation; this should be one of the first questions you ask.


5. Air-conditioning

Make sure the property has up-to-date air conditioning, which will be quiet in operation. Window units are extremely noisy which will drive you mad during your vacation.


6. Cleanliness

This is the most important topic. Some places are clean and some are really clean. Try to ascertain if they employ a cleaning supervisor or someone whose job it is to check out the accommodation prior to your stay. Just in case take a bottle of Lysol with you, as you may need it if you make the wrong choice and use a rental company which does not see cleanliness as a number one priority.

7. Hygiene

There is nothing better than a nice fresh ultra clean bathroom. Kitchen cabinets are mostly made out of particleboard, which adsorbs smells, leaks under the sink cause rotting. So make sure you have a new or near new bathroom and when it comes to the kitchen remember you make have to prepare meals in there for your family.

8. Condition

Some older Florida accommodations can be a little off putting. Make sure your choice is either new, nearly new or if it is an older property, recently completely gutted, remodelled and refurbished. It needs to smell fresh and clean when you walk in.

9. Compare prices

Some places charge a fortune for small cramped accommodation, especially during high season, so check around and compare. Why spoil a great vacation on a great island when for a few extra dollars you can stay in a lovely clean, spacious and comfortable property.

10. Make the reservation

If you find a property that you like on the internet for the dates you require then don’t delay, because if you like the look of it then so will other people. If there is an on-line reservation system go ahead and make the reservation on line. If you wait it may not be available when you go back to the website.

Summary

Owners rent out their property to make money but too many do not reinvest a proportion of their profits into renewal of the décor and furnishings on a regular basis, or even care about the quality of the furnishings they provide. Most vacation home owners say “that will do, its only a rental” and stick in anything to fill the rooms.
 
Look carefully at the nightstands and the headboard of the bed - are they the cheapest you can buy? Look at the quality of the sofas, are they out of date in design, old, lumpy, dirty and discoloured? Beware of the “old Florida style” spiel; a lot of times it means cheap and old, so it will smell like it as well. When you get to the property check under beds to see if it has been thoroughly cleaned. Check out the range oven, is it spotless? Lift the toilet seat, check underneath and look for stains around the toilet bowl. Take the pillowcases off and check the pillows themselves. Are they fresh and clean or are they stained and lumpy? Get a white cloth, dampen it and go around and wipe the kitchen surfaces hard and a few others places; look at the cloth each time and if it’s dirty do not be afraid to call the management to re clean it.
 
You have a right to a vacation home that is clean even if it’s old. If it is extremely clean on your arrival a small gesture for the cleaners would show your appreciation for a job well done.