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St. Croix Vacation Rental versus a Hotel / Resort?

Why would someone choose a vacation rental home or condo over a hotel room? We wonder just the opposite...
why would someone choose a hotel over a whole house, condo or other type of vacation rental!

Remove yourself from the crowded resort/hotel scene and enjoy the freedom of a vacation rental. A vacation rental villa or condominium can be a very affordable alternative to a traditional resort and/or hotel vacation, especially for groups and families. A typical luxury 3 bedroom villa, rented by six guests or three couples, will rent for about $3,000 for seven nights. That breaks down to just $1,000 per couple for a seven night stay! A stay in luxury resort can be twice that in the Caribbean! Villas and Condos are usually situated in the same beautiful locations as the finest resort hotels. Renting your own vacation villa or condo provides you with several advantages: luxury, space and privacy. They are usually less expensive than lodging in a St Croix hotel or resort with comparable comforts, yet the entire property is yours to enjoy. In addition, your vacation costs will be lower still because you are not at the mercy of pricey restaurants and bars. Renting directly from owners will typically get you more for your money as well because the high commissions property management companies charge villa owners don't have to be built in to the price of the rental.  Because owners that do the renting themselves generally spend more time at their property, they know first hand what needs maintenance. You will find rentals by owners are generally maintained better than many "managed" properties.

Vacation rentals come fully equipped with all of the amenities that you have at home...and more. Most come complete with linens, bath and beach towels, all the kitchen utensils you could need, TVs, VCRs and stereos. Many include books, videos and games as well.

Most vacation rentals, in warm climates, have private pools that include lounge chairs and plenty of additional seating. They will also have outdoor BBQ grills. There's nothing like a barbeque on a deck with a view of the sun setting over the Caribbean Sea!

If you haven't spent a vacation in a villa or condo...you don't know what you're missing. More and more people are discovering that renting a private vacation property can be a refreshing, luxurious and rewarding way to spend a well-earned vacation or business trip. There is a vacation rental in almost every location of the world and at a price to fit any budget! Click on a logo at the top of the page to see what you could be enjoying on your next vacation!

From the Miami Herald....

Published Sunday, August 15, 1999, in the Miami Herald

Villa rentals offer more space, lower cost than hotels

By EVERETT POTTER
Special to the Herald

It might be a Spanish villa with a swimming pool, a cottage in the English Lake District or a beachfront home in Hawaii. But from Paris apartments to Caribbean villas, rentals make a great deal of economic sense.

Rentals are often cheaper than a comparable hotel room, and they provide far more space -- as well as a kitchen. Even studio-apartment rentals in Europe come with kitchenettes, so that dining out is an option, not a requirement.

Such apartments also offer vacationers a Paris or London neighborhood to call their own.

There are similar advantages to renting in the country. While European hotel rooms -- even in rural places -- can be quite small, most rental houses come with at least two bedrooms, ideal for a family or two couples traveling together.

Larger properties, with three or more bedrooms, are suitable for families or groups of friends vacationing together.

As a rule of thumb, a one-week rental of even a studio apartment or a small house can save you as much as 35 percent over the cost of a comparable hotel stay. But if two or three couples travel together, their combined economic clout can be substantial. Their joint buying power can command an Italian villa or a luxurious Hawaiian waterfront house, complete with maid service.

To find a rental, contact an agency by phone or visit their Web site.

When choosing a property, note that location is crucial. For a city apartment, a quiet residential neighborhood can be a bonus, especially for the noise-conscious, who may not want a rental on a main city street. In the Caribbean or Hawaii, beach access and views are paramount.

Every good rental agent should provide a checklist of amenities that are included with the rental, from linens to access to a washer and dryer.

It's important to know how frequently the unit will be cleaned and whether a deposit is required for the telephone. It's essential to have a nearby contact in case a pipe bursts or the stove won't work, preferably someone who speaks some English.

For a country property, make sure the agent can supply accurate directions. If they can suggest dining options, activities for kids or sightseeing possibilities, so much the better.

The minimum rental period is usually one week. High season means higher prices, but shoulder season or even low season can offer great value, depending on the weather, of course.