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Rentals Vs. Resorts

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By TRACI CARL

The Associated Press

Published: January 18, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO, Mexico - My cousin booked an amazing wedding at the adventure resort Costa Azul, in the tiny Mexican village of San Francisco about a half-hour north of Puerto Vallarta.

There was only one catch: Costa Azul wasn't a big resort, and it was booked solid within hours of her save-the-date e-mail. For guests still looking for a place to stay, there were only a couple other small hotel options in town, and they were rapidly filling up.
Costa Azul suggested renting one of the town's many beach houses, so I turned to the Web site www.vrbo.com and quickly found a four-bedroom that could easily fit my family, my sister's family, my mom and two more cousins.

It was the perfect option. With a full kitchen, our meals weren't subject to the whim of the hotel restaurant, especially when it came to the two toddlers who preferred mac-and-cheese over fish tacos.

Everyone had their own room and bathroom. No fighting over who got to shower first before the wedding. And, with a full house, it turned out to be a cheaper and more flexible option than most hotels.

As spring break approaches, vacation homes can be a great alternative to large, impersonal resorts, especially for big groups or those who prefer a home-away-from-home setting. But it may not be the right choice for vacationers who want to be spoiled. There are no waiters prowling poolside, waiting to take your food and drink orders. Maid service may only be once or twice a week.

But there are definite advantages, especially for:

BIG GROUPS: Everyone can easily stay in the same place, and it is usually cheaper than a hotel. If you don't feel like cooking, some houses recommend local people who will come and cook for you - for a small fee. For large families, vacation homes can be a great alternative to squeezing into the same hotel room together or sending your kids to an adjoining room where it's hard to keep an eye on them. It's a great option for groups planning ski or beach adventures.

THE HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME CROWD: Do you have special dietary needs, or maybe you're just an early riser who grows impatient waiting for the hotel kitchen to set up brunch? Or do you want to spend a month living somewhere else but can't afford a second home? A vacation rental gives you a chance to set up a home away from home.

THE OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH CROWD: Don't want the resort to dictate your vacation? Instead of having the amenities right outside your door, you can explore and find your own entertainment, restaurants and spas.

Many vacation rentals also include insider tips on local sites. The owners of our rental home in Mexico, Americans Bill and Wendy Flint, sent us an e-mail with pages of great local advice.

CHECK OUT OPTIONS

HOW TO FIND A HOUSE: www.vrbo.com is a wonderful site with more than 110,000 homes around the world. You rent directly from the owners.

BE PREPARED TO PAY IN ADVANCE: Many homes will require full payment ahead of your stay, and there's a good chance you won't be able to use your credit card. Ask for a contract, and be sure to get a receipt or some other kind of documentation for your payments. Make sure you know whether you can get a refund in case you have to cancel.

TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD: Rental homes can be off the beaten path, so be sure to ask whether you need to rent a car or whether there are local options such as taxi services. Also find out whether grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and local recreation areas such as beaches are within walking distance or if they require a car. If you want to cook at home, some rentals will offer to have a local contact stock your fridge and cupboards before you arrive, for a fee. Otherwise, your first stop after arriving at the airport should probably be the grocery store.

OTHER: Make sure the owners have someone available locally for you to call if you need help with a burst pipe, a dishwasher you can't figure out or overflowing garbage bins. If you have small children or folks in your group with mobility issues, ask about the layout and any stairs on the property. You may also want to ask about security for the home and the neighborhood. And if you can't live without e-mail, find out whether Internet service is included or is available nearby at a cafe or library.

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