What do you look for?

[blott]

Like most home owners, I'm usually looking out for things to improve our home for our guests but what do you look for when renting a Florida home?

Will you make your decision based on price, location, facilities or outlook or is there something else you're looking for from your holiday or vacation base?

[Lakul]

We recently booked a villa on the Gulf coast. For us we looked for something not overlooked at the rear because our own villa at Highlands is like that. It was then someone who was flexible about midweek bookings, then number of bedrooms and then price. We found a lovely home in Hudson and can't wait to go.

[Haylow]

I've been to Florida quite a few times but only rented a villa last two visits.

For the first villa location wasn't an issue as we had no idea where it was (we'd always stayed on Int'l Drive). But on the second visit we did return to the same place (Lindfields). Price is a factor but I must admit that if I saw a 4 bed/3 bath for cheaper than I paid I would be suspicious as to the quality.

Outlook was not a concern for any of us (3 couples and 1 child) but it was nice in the second villa to have a fence surround because of the privacy and would look for similar in our next place.

Another 'nice' thing was in the first villa we had a "Welcome Pack". But saying that most of the things in it were of no use but it was the thought that counted!!

[netmum]

We have stayed in two villas and are about to stay in our third. They have all been different.

We look firstly for a villa that is central to Disney, International Drive and Highway 192. We have to have a fully heated pool, and a nice modernish interior. It is nice to have a pool that is not overlooked (at least one way). The extras are definitely a seller. We need a washer/dryer/dishwasher. It would have been nice for the children to have pool toys, a stroller, a high chair, a car seat, toys, books and videos. These are great to have in the villa but are definitely not the selling point.

Last year at Chatham Park we really liked the fact that it had a patrolling security guard.

All that and of course guaranteed sunshine!!!

[Kissyme]

Security would be a big draw for me knowing that when you come back at the end of the day everything will be o.k. also knowing someone is about if any thing should go wrong ie illness of course location, villa size and creature comforts are also important

[kelly]

hi,
we have always stayed in villas but never reterned to the same one not because they were not any good, mainly because we always book late to get the cheapest flights and have to take whats available, but there are definate things we look for, a screened pool is a must, the position of the property in relation to sun shine, (its no good if your always in the shade!) a management company on hand in case anything needs fixing this is especially important when we rent direct from the owner, size is important we preffer a bedroom each, a washing machine and dryer is essential as I hate coming home with cases full of dirty washing and although not vital a fenced garden for privacy, and a cover on the pool, we've found that it retains a lot of the heat overnight and makes it great for an early morning swim! Some of the features commonly offered that don't really influence our decision is TV, Playstation, games rooms, because if we are home were in the pool!, we do like having inflateables for the pool it keeps the kids busy!

hope that helps
Kelly:D

[Daniel Ramsey]

This is my first post here so please bear with me :D

My family stayed at a vacation home two years ago for two weeks, 2 adults, 2 young children, we are all from Alaska, winter is the best time for me to travel both because its cooler and I'm off season.
Last time we went it was perfect, home beatiful, quiet, clean, about 6 miles from WDW and easy to get to, this time I would really like to stay longer,have more luxury, possibly 3 weeks, would dearly love to have a jacuzzi, widescreen and most important internet access for my laptop.
What I mostly want is security, no noisy traffic or near areas of traffic noise. A king size bed would be great,a large master tuo and a fully equipped kitchen, my family is very food conscious, the kids and myself have certain food allergies so we must prepare our own meals, also a large heated pool because pools are basically unknown in Alaska:D
I would also like to have rental car options included, our next stay is being planned for about 12/01/2003-12/18/2003 but have not found a home yet, we rented from Families First last time, they were very good. I want a few more extras this time for a more memorable effect.

If a owner wants to they may contact me about a rental for above dates and wishes, thanks!:)

[Ann]

Daniel
if you put a general enquiry into the site with your wish list on it i am sure you will get someone with a home that meets your needs :D

[Carla]

Daniel, as owners we are not supposed to contact you in this way. That is part of the site rules. However, if you send a request as Ann suggests, then anyone with availability for your dates is able to contact you.

Asking on open forum means that anyone could offer you a villa, and it may not be from a verified owner advertising on this site. Be wary of anyone who has sent you their villa/villas details so far.

I'm sure that you will find somewhere lovely and memorable.

[Daniel Ramsey]

Sorry, I respect the board and as soon as I figure where to post it I will, found this board about 4 am this morning before I went to work so I only glanced through it, and most definately yes I want only a reputable home.

I thank all those owners of their replies in my mail, I have narrowed my search down a bit and now awaiting availability of the dates I requested, If I had only known of these fabulous homes last year I would have booked then instead of buying a laptop for $3000:D
A factor in my decision rode on having internet access, two years ago while staying near Orlando I paid for one month from a local ISP, they stole my credit card number and charged me over $900 worth of AOL and ****, and we need access for my work and my wifes family contacts.

[Carla]

Hi Daniel

Click on this link: http://www.orlandovillas.com
and then look at the "Find Villas" section or the "General Enquiries" section.

You can then send out an enquiry with all of your requirements.

Have a wonderful time!!

[brianthebare]

When booking my one and only florida holiday for the family, I was left in charge of finding a suitable villa by "Management" and so, I went for seclusion with sunshine first (obviously), then location in relation to theme parks et al (although they all are purdy close), then rooms/facilities and then price (ok, i've got more money than sense - he he). We were originally a party of 8 but are now only 4 so we could cut down the cost by going for a 3 bed. I am very pleased with the villa I picked.

Brian.

[Daniel Ramsey]

Thanks Carla, still looking for the best home, I really want the internet access for a requirement and then a large pool, so far nothing yet and I may change my date to the month of january for our visit, in that case I would book for the whole month if possible.

[Carla]

January, particularly after about the 4th or 5th when the Christmas/New Year people have gone home, will open up a lot more villas for you Daniel, as generally it is the Americans who holiday during this month, and very few of your countrymen and women plan so far in advance, so you should get the pick of the crop!! :D:D

Brian, with your "handle" you definitely need the seclusion!!!!
Make sure that you use plenty of sun cream. :D:D

[caroline]

LOL:D;):D

I was thinking along the same lines Carla - and just in case anybody is interested the weather in Florida is gorgeous today:D:D - just wish we were'nt going back to the UK on sunday - actually if I could take the weather with me....................

[brianthebare]

Carla / Caroline,

Thnks for that advice [:I]

I cant wait until we get out there.

Regards,
Brian.
:)

[Daniel Ramsey]

I just sent a deposit for home #3 for 28 nights in january, its going to be a big difference if its our normal -20 to -40F here in Alaska and then we all travel to 70-85F[:0]
Last time I spent 4 days just readjusting to pollen, ozone, and the warm humidity. In south central Alaska just north of Anchorage is whats calleed the Matanuska-Susitna Valley where we live, its semi-arid so its very dry year round, most rain happens mid july to mid august and we usually get less than 3 feet of snow. We have no air pollution, no ozone,no factories and refineries and almost no heavy traffic so our air is pure, dry and never stagnant and it can be very windy so if it gets too dusty the winds pick up.

So summing it up going to Florida is a pretty big change, I think it was the ozone that made my bronchitis flair up but it was worth being in a warm climate and swimming, our winters start in sept and run until may,so easy to get cabin fever when winter is 6 months long, even now or lakes still have frozen surface ice though it has gotten up to record high of 62F.

[millie]

We rented a villa before from a management company which meant we had no idea where the house was until we arrived and had to pick up the keys from a management company. Having said that the villa was lovely.

This time we booked with an owner from this site and the difference is huge. We really needed a cot and high chair and the playstation 2 was a big plus for my husband (they never grow up do they???).
The biggest selling point was the personal service from the owner. Being able to communicate by email and ask questions makes you feel you are paying for the use of a family's home rather than from a faceless business.

[Debs]

As Villa Owners that is just the kind of service we pride ourselves on!! We all like to make it a personal thing.

Have a great time :D

[orlandobabe]

Daniel
Thanks so much for telling us about your corner of the world-I was really fascinated. It sounds idyllic if a little too chilly for my liking. I often wondered how people live in the colder parts of the world. I'll be honest-I think I would find it very difficult.

I'm from the north of england where we have fairly mild winters on a good year and mild to hot summers-if we're lucky. We had about 3 days of snow in Feb-but we get lots of rain!

I watched the film Insomniacs-with Al Pacino-which I believe depicted Alaska-if not filmed in Alaska-and felt frozen the whole time watching it. The scenery was spectacular though.

I hope you have a wonderful time in Florida-and it doesn't make you ill-you don't need that!

[Daniel Ramsey]

Orlandobabe, it is different living in Alaska. For starters our state is more than twice the size of Texas with a population of around 750,000 for the entire state and 400,000 just for the largest city Anchorage.
Its mostly white people with the native indians like the Athabaskans, Tlingkits, Aleut (AL-ee-ute) and about a couple more mostly live north and along the coast.
We have no "slums or ghettos" but a lot of people that homestead out in the bush or interior where there are no roads. I hav'nt seen a colored person in years, its mostly rednecks where I live :D and thats 50 miles north of Anchorage in the Mat-Su Valley, it was settled in the 1930's by several hundred Norwegion families.
Almost everything is flown in or shipped by barge, if I need hobby supplies, paint or specialty items I must buy on the internet, land is cheap sometimes its free but thats way out in the middle of the bush and you must fly in to it. My home sits on 8 acres, two story house around 2,000 sq. ft. I think, its always expanding, paid $55,000 for it, have less than $6,000 on the balance. I moved here in 1992 from Lake Tahoe,NV where I was a marine engineer on the Tahoe Queeen a large paddle type of sternwheeler cruise ship.
Since 1995 I have been a mechanic, welder, electrician, plumber and concrete mixer driver at a company called Consteel the largest concrete batch plant outside of Anchorage. I work sometimes year round often outside when its -40, usually we only get 5 good months of warm weather from 50-70 degrees with over 20 hours of daylight. Working days are sometimes 6-7 days of 12+ hours.

Thats right, in the summer sunrise is at 3:30AM, sunset about 11:30, inbetween its light enough to not use headlights driving. Everything grows on a fast scale, potatoes 2 feet long, cabbages 5 feet across, carrots the size of baseball bats. Thats also when the tourists arrive, we get swarms of HUGE land yachts, bigger than highway bussess towing a car, its a long long hard drive of about 2,000 miles up the Alaska Highway through Canada to get here, most is gravel, one road only, I have driven it three times, very hard on the vehicles.
Cost of living is a little higher, but housing is very affordable as per buying a house, renting though is high. Wages are way above scale for skilled people and those that must work outside in winter. I do OK in that area;)
Almost all Alaskans of at least one years residency get whats called a "Dividend" its money from the state for revenue of the sale and investments of oil, usually its about $1,500-$1,800 but can go higher as it does every year. So about 1/4th of Alaskans by my guess use this money for winter vacation, many opt for either Hawaii or Orlando, we plan for it every year. Also many own homes in Arizona like my employer and is there from around jan-april.
Winter is long, dark, dreary,and can be depressing because of so little daylight and thats the complete opposite of summer. I have a full home theatre, 53" widescreen TV, satellite, DVD and well over 200 movies, XBOX 3 computers and games for the family, myself I build model tanks, planes, trains and also my gunsmithing.
It takes people that are hardy to live up here, whiners and slackers won't cut it through the first winter, have seen them come and go year after year. Living here can be dangerous, we have bear both the small black bear and the monster Grizzlies, they are everywhere. Herds of moose roam in town and around. I always carry a firearm when I am outside the house especially in the springtime when the bears come out of hibernation and are foraging for food.

Alaska I think is a good place to raise a family, sure we have drugs and kids shooting kids and occasionally a drivebye shooter but much much less than the urban cities in the lower 48. Only reason I would leave is because of the brutal winters and thats just for a couple of months.

[chrizzy100]

quote:Originally posted by blott

Like most home owners, I'm usually looking out for things to improve our home for our guests but what do you look for when renting a Florida home?

Will you make your decision based on price, location, facilities or outlook or is there something else you're looking for from your holiday or vacation base?


The Furniture...I'd want nothing that looked like a hotel room...when I've been looking at the Villa's the first thing I look at is the Master bedroom...is it something thats bit different....then the TV....because my family would die without a large TV.....a PS-2...extra TV's in the bedrooms for the kids....a hot tub....we have little interest in a pool....so that could be big ..small..or not there at all.....I have to say if the owner puts in little touches here and there.....then that would be the place for me.....:)

[Daniel Ramsey]

Same here about renting a "home", and my thoughts are exactly like chrizzy100 about certain minor luxuries like a jacuzzi, doesn't have to be a huge affair, even just something in an oversized bathtub is fine with me. A bigscreen TV is a definate plus. The only other thing I could possibly be interested in would be a simple universal gym, Walmart sells one that uses different tensioned bungee cords for under $100 I think it was. What recently sold me on renting a villa for 4 weeks was having internet access and a PC.

[chrisj]

The main points we looked for were

1. Had to have a pool, as we plan to spend a day at the parks, and relax the next day.
2. A villa not too near Disney
3. Security IE House alarm/safe/Gated community
4. A BBQ as we love having a barbie
5. Obviously kitchen with all the bits
6. Telly and Radio etc, I love background music kids love the
telly

We found a Villa, that was next to a park, Ideal, but it wasnt available. Got emails from other owners and the reasons we picked
the one we have is

Has its own pool, Far enough away from Disney, Has an alarm and BBQ. Also has a games table in the Garage, Son says it was the telly in his bedroom ??. The Bedrooms are upstairs which we like the idea of. Perhaps thats the mad dog english blood we have.
Also the Villa looked great in the pictures, inside it looks open and fresh. Cant explain but you either like the look of a villa or you dont, this one stood out for some reason.

The plus point and this may sound odd, is the owner lives in England, This is the first time we have booked direct with an owner, and the fact they are in the same country made us feel better and safer if something went wrong. Not that we wouldnt in the future book
from someone in America.

Hope that hasnt offended any american owners as I say it is the first time we have done this.


Chris

[Chris7]

fascinating insight into a very different way of life Daniel. I love hearing about stuff like that (wouldn't want to live there though;))

[Daniel Ramsey]

Well to tell you my perspective on society is this....its all a big mess:D but living in Alaska gives me more security knowing that being isolated so far north and having a generally inhospitable climate for over 6 months keeps out would be terrorists, also a lot of lowlife find they cannot find a haven here either, its too hard to survive for losers and bums.Living here is demanding, you cannot rely on year round employment, myself my yearly income often is less than 6 months, its long hours, above average pay but it gives me rest time in the winter often 3-4 months long! My goal is to eventually own a home in Florida and live there 3 months a year, finish my pilots lessons, continue with my inventions, build a boat or airplane etc. Living in Alaska is probably the best place short of Hawaii but there is far less people here, a whole lot less. And buying a home or land here is really affordable, my house is two stories, maybe 2500sq ft or so, 8 acres and I bought it for $55,000, its paid for....A lot better than a $400,000 home in a tiny lot with a lot of building restrictions. To each his own I suppose:D

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

I didn't know you were learning to fly Dan? I'm a private pilot myself and have to say it's one of the best ways I have of relaxing and getting away from the stresses of daily life.

Are you learning in Alaska and if so what do you fly? I'd guess there are a lot of crystal clear days for flying up there?

[chrizzy100]

quote:Originally posted by Daniel Ramsey

Same here about renting a "home", and my thoughts are exactly like chrizzy100 about certain minor luxuries like a jacuzzi, doesn't have to be a huge affair, even just something in an oversized bathtub is fine with me. A bigscreen TV is a definate plus. The only other thing I could possibly be interested in would be a simple universal gym, Walmart sells one that uses different tensioned bungee cords for under $100 I think it was. What recently sold me on renting a villa for 4 weeks was having internet access and a PC.


I went and had a look at the villa's to see what I was looking for on the outside....because its how the outside looks that makes you want to see more of the villa.....I found I only look at places that look like Villa's....big arches....large arched windows....single floor or with Masterbedroom on the ground floor....no ranches because I live in one now.....no houses...because I've lived in one before....I'm looking for that look that says hot weather...:)....most of the villa's here have that outside look.....that's when I go and see what they have inside....we spend little time at any place we use in Orlando....we get up and out by 8:00 in the morning....and get back around 11:00 at night....but we have older kids so we can do that..I'd maybe want the pool more if I had younger ones...(but my friends kids never wanted to leave the pool ...they got over tried playing in it in the evenings and made life between the families uneasy...but I think the pool is a plus if you have rules about using it....if there were going to be a next time I would rent a small villa just for us....I don't think I'd share again..just to get a bigger place)...where was I... ok..so the odd rest days...would be spent out of the sun and heat watching films...playing PC games....reading in the bedroom...the thing I love best ..:D.thats why I love a nice room....and to use the hot tub before bed....I'd also want some kind of internet....web TV would be fine.....with all the walking I do...I can live without my gym...for a few weeks....it still goes back to the look of the Furniture.....those little extra touches win me over everytime....:)

[Daniel Ramsey]

I just realized what I would really miss from home...my recliner!:D
Flying is fantastic in the summer when sunrise is currently 4:15 am and sunset is 11:47 pm and inbetween its twilite bright enough you do not need headlights to drive. I was flying a Cessna 150 back in 1992 when I first moved here and was still single, then I got married.....so that changed things.
I guess I am feeling some sort of motivation, I just bought three different Breitling watches, an Aerospace and two different Superoceans, got them from Ebay at good prices and two are excellant condidition and one is a bit scuffed up but operates wonderful. For other readers a Breitling watch makes an excellant pilots watch, they are the Mercedes Benz of quality and normally retail starting around $2,000 and up. Another hobby I have is giant scale radio controlled aircraft, my current project is a 1/4 scale Ryan STM with an 88" wingspan from an old Byron kit. I have modified an old chainsaw engine to fit in the cowl, its 60cc and is a tad bit oversized so I may use a 46cc instead but I have to buy a new chainsaw and convert it. What would really be nice is to build an ultralite or a full scale kitplane. Would rather fly in Florida in the winter, its a bit TOO cold in Alaska.

[phil moloney]

Daniel I have found your postings amazing- need a penpal? Against forums rules I guess!
I have printed the parts about the giant cabbages etc for my kids- fantastic!

[orlandobabe]

Yes Daniel-I had missed your other postings -and again really fascinating.

I'm just imagining going into town-and finding it over-run with moose! That would be a bit different-and those huge vegetables-without GM modifications too.

I also like the idea of the government giving you all a share in the oil-I've never heard of that before. I live near lots of petrochemical companies-I wonder if they would be prepared to fund our trips to Orlando-lol!

Those house prices sound like a dream-even without converting them from dollars into pounds-but I suppose you need a perk for putting up with the harsh winters-keep the tales coming-we love to hear it.

[chrizzy100]

quote:Originally posted by orlandobabe

Yes Daniel-I had missed your other postings -and again really fascinating.

I'm just imagining going into town-and finding it over-run with moose! That would be a bit different-and those huge vegetables-without GM modifications too.

I also like the idea of the government giving you all a share in the oil-I've never heard of that before. I live near lots of petrochemical companies-I wonder if they would be prepared to fund our trips to Orlando-lol!

Those house prices sound like a dream-even without converting them from dollars into pounds-but I suppose you need a perk for putting up with the harsh winters-keep the tales coming-we love to hear it.


We nearly got killed by a moose running across the road infront of our car in Yellowstone....they are HUGE.....the car could have gone under its body......

[orlandobabe]

That I would like to see Chrizzy-the moose I mean-I didn't think that they would be bigger than a cow!

[dbrook]

Nor did I. Don't you learn a lot on this Forum:D:D

[blott]

Sounds like you all need a dose of http://www.mooseworld.com to me! ;)

[chrizzy100]

quote:Originally posted by orlandobabe

That I would like to see Chrizzy-the moose I mean-I didn't think that they would be bigger than a cow!


They have real long skinny legs.....and this one was huge.....I don't know if they all are....

[katy]

One thing I looked for is that there's enough sofas & the dining table seats the number of people using the villa - you'd be amazed how many villas sleep 10 but only have 2 sofas & a tiny table with 4 chairs squeezed around it! I know you eat out a lot & are often hardly in the villa, but it's nice to have the option to eat at home! Have to say the ones on this site seem pretty good in this respect though. BTW postings about Alaska were fascinating - maybe I'm taking my holiday in the wrong place!

[coombsyl]

We usually look for at least two King/Queen bedrooms as we are two couples (although the house we rent is four bedroomed). I would like to rent a house with a computer with internet access so I could email pics home to the family.

It's nice to have a pool that isn't overlooked but not essential. Nice pool furniture is a must. A little selection of books (I usually leave the ones I have brought with the owners ones to give them a new selection when they go).

We normally find that the Master bathroom has all mod cons but we would like it if the second bedroom had a separate shower cubicle too or an at least a fixed screen round the bath rather than a shower curtain. We have found that the smaller bathrooms usually have a very small bath and are fairly basic. The ones with two Masters are usually the very big ones which would just be too much for two couples.

I do like dealing with the owner as you get to trust each other and I have always liked the owners we have dealt with (although never having met them personally). The owners we currently rent from sent us a nice thank you card for renting their villa which was waiting for us on our return, which I thought was a lovely touch.

Having read my own post I think I sound really picky but I am just answering your question with my own thoughts! :D

[chrizzy100]

quote:Originally posted by coombsyl

We usually look for at least two King/Queen bedrooms as we are two couples (although the house we rent is four bedroomed). I would like to rent a house with a computer with internet access so I could email pics home to the family.

It's nice to have a pool that isn't overlooked but not essential. Nice pool furniture is a must. A little selection of books (I usually leave the ones I have brought with the owners ones to give them a new selection when they go).

We normally find that the Master bathroom has all mod cons but we would like it if the second bedroom had a separate shower cubicle too or an at least a fixed screen round the bath rather than a shower curtain. We have found that the smaller bathrooms usually have a very small bath and are fairly basic. The ones with two Masters are usually the very big ones which would just be too much for two couples.

I do like dealing with the owner as you get to trust each other and I have always liked the owners we have dealt with (although never having met them personally). The owners we currently rent from sent us a nice thank you card for renting their villa which was waiting for us on our return, which I thought was a lovely touch.

Having read my own post I think I sound really picky but I am just answering your question with my own thoughts! :D


A lot of people don't have fixed screens around a bath because they can make it easier for mold to grow.....take this from an ex house cleaner....:D....I still always wanted one myself till I saw the damage done to my bathroom here...so I never replaced our one....a good shower curtain on a good rod is a 100% better in keeping mold away....one that can be taken down and washed in the machine.... a closed walk in shower is easy to clean....so you don't seem to get the same problems.....just my 2 cents......:)

[coombsyl]

quote:Originally posted by chrizzy100

Originally posted by coombsyl



We have found that the smaller bathrooms usually have a very small bath and are fairly basic. The ones with two Masters are usually the very big ones which would just be too much for two couples.



quote:A lot of people don't have fixed screens around a bath because they can make it easier for mold to grow.....take this from an ex house cleaner....:D....I still always wanted one myself till I saw the damage done to my bathroom here...so I never replaced our one....a good shower curtain on a good rod is a 100% better in keeping mold away....one that can be taken down and washed in the machine.... a closed walk in shower is easy to clean....so you don't seem to get the same problems.....just my 2 cents......:)


Ah I now I understand! I didn't realise about the mould problem. I must admit that the villa we rented with the fixed screens was years ago on Lindfields. I suppose owners have learned by their mistakes and now have the curtains.

Thanks for explaining. :)

[chrizzy100]

quote:

Ah I now I understand! I didn't realise about the mould problem. I must admit that the villa we rented with the fixed screens was years ago on Lindfields. I suppose owners have learned by their mistakes and now have the curtains.

Thanks for explaining. :)


It was funny talking about that because nextdoor had their bath screen taken down because of mold this week....but their built in showers never had mold....


Also each owner can make their Villa look a little different for a small cost with a shower curtain....I have a lovely one of a New England sea view....it was $5....you can get some beauiful ones now....if every home had bathscreens...they would look a bit like a hotel chain....
I was also told they don't last that well.....they come off runners....they get hard water stains....that are hard to remove....

[Daniel Ramsey]

This is a reply of sorts for Katy, I havn't been available much to make regular postings here lately because of my busy work schedule.
Is fall now here in Alaska, snow has fallen on the upper mountains nearby, the temps are averaging in the mid fifty during the day and lots of rain. PFD (Permanent Fund Dividend) is arriving next week for all Alaskans with residence of at least one year, its an account of royalties and funds from oil revenue that is divided equally to all of us on a yearly basis since its beginning around 1971, usually it goes up every year averaging at least $1500 or more, this year its only $1107 because of recent lows in the markets. We use this money usually to fund our vacation, many people in mass stampedes immediately after getting their check rush out to Costco, Walmart or whoever has a great deal of trading the PFD voucher for new car purchase down payments, airfare packages or other incentives to get business. Basically what folks do is buy big ticket items like new TV's, freezers, furniture etc. Or the smart folks reinvest it or pay bills ahead of time for winter when many people like myself who are seasonal workers are not working.
I actually am glad to be "off season" for a month, two or three during the winter, it gives me the opportunty to vacation for a whole month in Orlando like during next jan at a rental villa I found here from John.
And now its about time to recheck everything for that trip since its less than 90 days away, villa rental payments almost done, plane tickets done long time ago, rental car reserved (got me a sporty Grand Am this year:D) and now making sure my son and his school don't have a problem with him being gone for 4 weeks, lots of Alaskans snowbird in winter so its not unusual. Soon I will be checking for park ticket deals online and such.

This must be the longest post yet for me here!:)

[caseyd]

One thing we really need and look for is a TV in each bedroom. Very few homes have that. Our kids are alot happier if they can watch what they want on their own TV around bedtime and in the a.m. when they wake up-- much less arging that way. And since they have no TVs in their bedrooms at home, it's a treat for them. When we rent in the OUter Banks in the summer, we also look for that

[poet123]

We are off to disney in July ,well we are if we can decide on a villa!!!!! the problem is they all look so good I never thought I was so indecisive. I have drawn up a wishlist which suits our needs as a family with 3 boys,two oldies,and two fortysomethings!
Disney max 10 mins
Large pool/spa
Pool Table/game room
Amenities close by
Gated community/secure safe environment
Lakeview/privacy to rear
4/5 Bed
Top End Specification to house
Price reasonable for quality and ticking all above boxes!
Yes I know I dont want much!!!! but I think if I look long and hard enough I will find it out there. I have got several options and now just need to make that CRUCIAL decision.
Its funny how we all look for different stuff to make the holiday

[asbaum]

Here's a question:

Would you feel "intruded upon" or feel "more secure" if a villa/home had "external security cameras" watching the front door and the sides of the villa/home?

With an alarm, the guest must remember to set it when leaving and shut it off when entering. Cameras automatically film when the home/villa is approached via motion sensors and can supply authorities with actual footage should an incident occur.

The thought is that they deter crime more so than an alarm (which may not be set)when you are not there.

What do you, as holiday/vaction guests think?

[sunseeker]

Hi Arnie

i have never felt insecure whilst staying in a villa and have always used the alarm if one is provided, but having said that if a home owner put up secutity cameras it certainly wouldnt put me off renting one.

Dave

[SG]

Hi Arnie

As a guest I would be happy to use whatever security was provided so it would definitely not put me off.

Shirley

[Angua]

I'd agree. As a renter, cameras over the front door and sides of the villa would not be a problem to me. Obviously, the pool is a no no but as you haven't mentioned that area, I take it you're in agreement. I would only add a note of caution about any cameras positioned within sight of the pool. The camera may not be in range but I'd still feel uncomfortable unless I was sure it was "looking the other way".

I have never felt unsafe in Florida and as such, would not be put off a villa without an alarm or camera system. However, as there are so many lovely villas out there, extra security can raise that villa's profile above the rest that you are considering.

Kind regards
Sarah.[msncool]

[TotallyAngelic]

Although everyones requirements and wish lists for a villa would be different depending on the people travelling, numbers and ages of children etc, as the parent of 3 teenagers and a ten year old, I would appreciate a villa with two twin bedded rooms, pool inflatables, games room if possible (to give us parents some peace in the evening)and definitely a BBQ, as eating al fresco would be big plus in Florida (coming from chilly Wales!). A secluded pool area, with maybe a lakeside or conservation area on site, and of course in close proximity (as most are) to the Parks, a well-stocked supermarket, and a choice of restaurants.[msntongue]

[josephinekelly]

I think one of the most reoccuring points in this thread is that people like fenced off privacy for the pool area at least. It is the first thing I look for.

Poolside loungers to match the number of adults staying is also something I try to ensure.

Someone has already mentioned TVs in all the bedrooms. Nice to prop yourself up and watch in bed after a tiring day.

All properly maintained and registered Florida villas are to a very high standard of comfort, furnishing and facilities, and it is just these odd things which are the icing on the cake when decisions are made.

[asbaum]

What about free high speed internet and a computer provided?

Play games, check e-mail, google up directions or suggestions?

Do you consider this a "decision maker" when choosing a villa/home to rent?


Scale 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10
Scale 1 (don't consider it at all)
Scale 5 (will use it if there)
Scale 10 (must have, or won't rent)

How do you rate it?

[josephinekelly]

Don't rate this at all. My husband has enough trouble getting me off my computer here....I can't think of the protests if I did that on holiday too!

[Ray&Sarah]

You're on holiday, leave the computer at home and RELAX!:D

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by asbaum
What about free high speed internet and a computer provided?

Play games, check e-mail, google up directions or suggestions?

Do you consider this a "decision maker" when choosing a villa/home to rent?


Scale 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10
Scale 1 (don't consider it at all)
Scale 5 (will use it if there)
Scale 10 (must have, or won't rent)

How do you rate it?


[/quote]

I'd want away from the PC if I were renting...I was in Orlando for 6 weeks and never missed it for one minute.....so I'd rate it a 1....

[asbaum]

I guess some of the negatives on computers as posted, is that they are a distraction as opposed to TV or Playstation games (that are offered in most villas) which is entertainment?

I wasn't sure whether potential renters considered computers with high speed internet as an "added benefit" over a villa that did not offer one.

[Ruth]

It is like most things, down to personal preferences. JosephineKelly mentioned the first thing she looked for was a fenced in pool area. Well a fence would be the last thing on my list as I like a nice view instead:)Buy a villa in a location that you like. Put in your villa what you want in your villa. Then you will attract guests who like the same things as you and hopefully you will all be happy;)

[asbaum]

Well said, Ruth!

[Carla]

Arnie, you only had one guest reply re computers - the other replies are from homeowners, like me!!

All I know is that it has been a definite plus for my home. Most of my guests either run their own business or have to stay in contact with the company they work for, at least via email, so having a computer with free highspeed wireless internet access is a distinct advantage.

I had one guest who brought his family to Orlando so that they could have a holiday. He stayed in my home and worked on the computer for a lot of the time during the day, but at least they were then able to be together for the late afternoon/evenings. If I hadn't had the internet access, he wouldn't have been able to do this and may not have come with them to Florida, or they may all have had to give up their vacation because of his work commitments.

When you advertise that you have a facility such as a computer, then those guests to whom that facility is important, are more likely to request your home.

I am a guest and I have to agree with Carla, internet is a MUST for us as we have our business and need to have email access 24/7!

I feel that it will be more of a must in the future too

Julie R

[Joolz]

Hi I am a rentor too- I would see internet connection as a bonus rather than a must ... It might be the final thing that tipped the balance between the last 2 on a shortlist.
We look for:
3 main things
1.WOW factor: BIG TV in Liv room and.. things we dont have at home- those luxuries like: Tvs in all bedrooms & Playstation 2
2. Personal Touches- decor made to look luxurious
3. facilities:Pool not overlooked
In terms of upgrading your home then the following items may be
Some additional suggestions....
Once we had a juicer in the kitchen - that was cool- we made freshly squeezed oj in am from local oranges...[msnsmile2]
Inflatables in pool for kids???
I love Baths so If there is the option of a bigger bath - rather than one of those shallow little baths then as the designated researcher it goes higher in my shortlist...
I also like to have music on - so radio is a nice touch.
[msnsmile2]

As I said internet is a must because we run our own business and need email access 24/7, wish we could just switch off but when it's your own business you cant!

Things we look for are................

WOW Factor! Upgraded furniture not the standard floral sofas etc (sorry if anyone has foral sofas!)

Location - within 20 mins of Disney

Large TV + TV's and DVD's in all bedrooms + TV's in both lounge/living areas
Good cable TV package

Playstation

Privacey fencing down sides of pool area

Lake view/south facing

Games room

Free intenational telephone calls, answerfone/fax

Attention to detail/personal touch, something a little bit different.

Julie R

[Joolz]

OOh had another thought- I saw somewhere on my recent trawl ... that had walkie talkies avaialable (at a small fee) that would be a nice touch too.

[blott]

A question in a different direction but on the same subject.

Would you be willing to pay higher rental for a home that met all your 'wish list' criteria or expect it to be the same price as an 'ordinary' home without those amenities?

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Carla
Arnie, you only had one guest reply re computers - the other replies are from homeowners, like me!!

All I know is that it has been a definite plus for my home. Most of my guests either run their own business or have to stay in contact with the company they work for, at least via email, so having a computer with free highspeed wireless internet access is a distinct advantage.

I had one guest who brought his family to Orlando so that they could have a holiday. He stayed in my home and worked on the computer for a lot of the time during the day, but at least they were then able to be together for the late afternoon/evenings. If I hadn't had the internet access, he wouldn't have been able to do this and may not have come with them to Florida, or they may all have had to give up their vacation because of his work commitments.

When you advertise that you have a facility such as a computer, then those guests to whom that facility is important, are more likely to request your home.
[/quote]

I am sort of still a guest......[8)].I'd pick the villas for my friends and family to stay in if we need an extra home.....and I know them with a PC......we would never get anywhere.......and there would be fights all the time over it......so if I were looking for a home with a PC...it would have to have 2 or more..one for us and one for the kids.....or maybe one for each of the kids if I'm truthful.....:D

My son just came in and I asked him.....and he agrees with me about the fighting....hehehehehehe......
I really don't want fights over the PC on a holiday.......if its not there most people don't miss a PC unless they are working while on holiday......we went 6 weeks without one....and I loved every minute of it.......

:D

[Lyn]

When looking for a villa I want to know exactly where it is, I once had a bad experience of being miles away, so now I only look on sites that give me the address of the villa (there are not many sites that seem to do this) To me it doesn't matter if the pool spends most of it's time in the shade in fact that would be a plus point for me as I like to keep out of the burning sun.

[Claire M]

Blott

In answer to your question - yes I would be prepared to pay extra for a home that met my wish list.

I haven't looked for a home to rent for 2 years, but all things came into consideration before I had decided on the right one. One thing I would like to ask is why do so many owners charge for the use of a highchair and cot? These should be included in the cost of the rental, you wouldn't charge for the use of a bed or dining room chair, so why are the smaller guests not catered for? Also if you have a 2 story home, then a stairgate is essential!! All of these things were on the top of my list, as unhappy children make very unhappy parents :(. The owner of the home that we finally rented was very helpful and made sure that all of these things were there when we arrived.

Claire

P.S. I havent looked to rent for a while so some of you owners may include all this now!

[Carla]

Now, many owners do cater for smaller guests and have equipment for young babies which is available free of charge and includes things like a travel crib and a highchair. These "pack-away" items can often be found in a suitable closet and are easy to put up and then put away after use.

A full-size wooden crib/cot though is a different matter and is often charged for. Many owners don't want a wooden crib sited permanently in one of their bedrooms (it's a bit off-putting if you're looking for a romantic time and there's a large crib in the corner of the Master bedroom - not so good for ambience ;):D), so this is often dismantled after a guest has used it, and then erected for the next guest who needs it. Last year only 4 of my guest families needed baby equipment of any kind and only 2 needed a full-size crib.

You will also find that different guests want the baby equipment in different bedrooms, so even if an owner did have a full-size crib permanently sited, there is every chance that it would be in the wrong room. This involves extra work for the MC, who have to do the erecting and dismantling, and this has to be paid for.

A number of owners get around all this by renting the full-size crib from their MCs, and the rate paid to the MC includes the cost of erecting and dismantling, plus all required bedding etc. is provided. The cost of this is not normally included in the rental rate.

It isn't always as cut and dried as a bed or dining room chair, which are in place and require no assistance.

[Claire M]

Carla

Having just checked out your house, I see that you cater very well for small guests. My point is that not everyone does. I am just saying that it is something that I needed and found that at that time was not very well catered for.

Claire

P.S. Ambience and Romance! What's that?;)

[Carla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Claire M
Carla

P.S. Ambience and Romance! What's that?;)
[/quote]

It's what you get back when your kids have finally grown and wouldn't be seen dead sharing a room with you!!!
:D:D:D

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
A question in a different direction but on the same subject.

Would you be willing to pay higher rental for a home that met all your 'wish list' criteria or expect it to be the same price as an 'ordinary' home without those amenities?
[/quote]

I would yes.

Julie R

[asbaum]

Lyn,

You note:

"When looking for a villa I want to know exactly where it is, I once had a bad experience of being miles away, so now I only look on sites that give me the address of the villa (there are not many sites that seem to do this)".

There are a number of reasons that the addresses aren't posted. First and foremost, is security. These are rental homes and posting the exact address of a rental home/villa is looking for trouble - here I am, come rob me.

Second, some Management Companies (MC) own multiple homes and sometimes you really aren't assigned a home until the day you are told the address. This allows these companies flexibility in booking.

Third, until a guest pays the weeks rental payment, we really don't know "you are who you say you are" It is too unsafe to provide even a "tentative guest" the exact address. What if they really aren't a guest - but a thief, looking to be told when a house is empty, ie, "available for renting".

But, the majority of privately owned homes/villas do list the "community or sub-division" that the home/villa is located in. I haven't seen one private owner not provide this information. Those that do not provide even the community or sub-division are probably larger MCs and are looking for total flexiblity in moving you around at the very last minute. If they give you a community or sub-division then they are tied to that community or sub-division and if they tell you nothing - the field is wide open.

But the exact address - we keep to ourselves until we need to provide it (which translates into, after we have your money - then it is safe to provide it).

I hope this helps.

[caseyd]

Blott: I paid alot more for a rental this April that met my criteria (a TV in each of at least three bedrooms- this was absolute hardest to get; big pool and I don't care which way it faces as long as I can get it heated; covered lanai area) and I even gave in and didn't get one thing I wanted- internet access-- to get those things. Yes, I did pay alot more, not just a little more, to get those, esp. the TVs.

[Lyn]

Arnie

I agree that giving out the exact address could be a problem, but if someone says to me 'it is off Poinciana Blvd' that is a vast area. to say 'it is of Siesta Lago Drive' & gave me the Zip Code that I can cope with as it is a much smaller area. My sister was once told 'it is 15 minutes from Disney off Poinciana Blvd' it was at least 45minutes drive from the 192, I would hate that.

Also I would pay more for the villa that suited me best.

Lyn

I agree with Carla and would always expect to pay for a full size cot.

My 2 year old still needs a full size cot but sleeps better in her own room. Therefore, I would need it placed in another room to ours which would involve extra work and I would expect to be charged for that service.

Julie R

[blott]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:My sister was once told 'it is 15 minutes from Disney off Poinciana Blvd' it was at least 45minutes drive from the 192, I would hate that.[/quote] There isn't anywhere on Poinciana Boulevard that's 45 minutes from the 192 as the whole of Poinciana Boulevard is only 14 miles long from beginning to end and the end 4 miles or so doesn't have vacation homes anyway!

I happen to agree with Arnie in that I'm quite happy to tell prospective guests that our home is in Crescent Lakes but there's no way I would tell them the road name as our house is just too easy to find from its description and photos. Sorry Lyn.

[jad]

Many villa websites have location maps where you can fairly accurately locate a community and so do a lot of individual owners so I would have thought getting a good idea would be relatively easy - as long as the owner tells you which community

Jackie D

[mr flibble]

Hi:)
It`s always interesting to see what the "customer"
wants.
We have noted all the comments and I sure have the other villa
owners.Keep your ideas coming !!!!
Ian[8D]

[poet123]

From a personal point of view we would be prepared(and have done) to pay a very much higher price than usual for the extras we want and that will enhance our holiday. If you look at the rental costs in spain etc for villas comparable with the florida ones the prices are at least 3 times as high. Before deciding on florida we were on the point of booking a villa on the costa blanca which looked very luxurious but no more so than the one we have booked now in Florida and it was £1850 pw in july. So although we have paid what seems to be a high figure going off some villa prices we are happy to pay this. Usually you do get what you pay for and its no use crying afterwards if you cut corners on the accomodation and it doesnt meet your expectations.:):):)

[rainyday]

Going back to the original question of what do you look for, I would advise villa owners to make sure their photos are nice. I'm looking at villas (and Florida) for the first time and am amazed at the quality, choice and added extras. Cutting a long search story short, we found a villa which had all the things that my increasingly choosy family wanted. But we didn't even enquire about availability because the photos were so gloomy - the pool shot looked like it was taken on winter's day in Scotland and the interior shots were very dark too. I'm sure the villa is very nice and sees lots of sunshine but the photos put us all off - the kids were used to looking at pictures of sparkling blue pools so they wouldn't let me even ask about this one.

[Calamity Jane]

One thing I will say is make sure all photo's are up to date as sometimes villa shots are taken when the villa was first bought and some of the items in the villa on arrival are not as they were shown in the original photo's.( not on this site , but there are agencies out there that never change the photo's from one year to the next,so always ask if the shots are up to date)

One thing for sure is to make your photo's stand out and look bright and inviting, nothing worse than dark gloomy shots of any part of the home.

Everybody will have their own interpretation of what they require when coming on holiday so it almost always comes down to personal choice, and it shouldnt detract from an absolutely wonderful holiday "if" you dont get everything that you totally desire. What you dont have you shouldn't miss, anything extra is a bonus.

As far giving out the address of the villa...no way, not until I receive my balance, does anyone get the address, the name of the development should be enough to tell people how far it is from where they want to go.

[lamina]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
Like most home owners, I'm usually looking out for things to improve our home for our guests
[/quote]
looking at the specs for your villa, i don't think there's anything that needs improving, especially considering your rental rates. which seem more than reasonable compared to many other villas i've looked at.

[jminmaine]

I'll chip in with a couple of odd observations-- we are still looking for our first villa, and I notice some of the villas with as many as 5 bedrooms, with plenty of space for 10 or 12 guests, only have tables that seat 4 people. I understand a small breakfast table, and a smallish table on the lanai, but if you have 10 or 12 guests, shouldn't you have at least one place to feed them? Same goes for coffee pot size. Why only have a 4 cup pot in a house for 12 people? [these small things are not decisive for us, just notable.]

Also, for us, references are a big plus. It is so nice to see guest entered positive comments on the website.

Also, a nice, comprehensive, and easy to navigate website. There are just too many rental homes out there to need to bother with an unattractive or hard to use website.

We will definitely pay more for a villa that meets our wish list. It's hard to figure out what "paying more" amounts to, though, when the prices range so greatly for essentially the same homes with the same amenities.

[Nostromo]

When we rented a villa for the first time this spring, I got the oppotunity to check with the owner all the bits that we were worried about...use of the pool, kitchen facilities, operating washing machine, diswasher, dining space etc. We got satisfactory answers for everything BEFORE I signed the paper to confirm the booking. So, I suppose everyone could try asking the owner about the facilities available.

One possible explanation of the small dining table could be the owners' assumption that guests either eat out or get take-away meals to eat informally around the house.

[blott]

Thanks Lamina for your kind comments - we've acquired some extra facilities along the way since I first started this thread in February 2003. Owning a Florida home for rental is a 'never stand still' situation as far as amenities and facilities are concerned!

Lots of Florida homes have an informal dining area in the kitchen (nook/cafe) perhaps seating 4 or 6, a breakfast bar, seating 2 - 4 as well as a formal dining area seating 6 - 8 so dining seating shouldn't be a problem. As Nostromo suggests, it's always worthwhile asking the owner in case they've forgotten to mention something in their advert.

With regard to coffee pots, these are available in various sizes (ours is a 10 cup size - much above that and you start getting into catering equipment!) but individual owners will choose equipment that suits them and their guests best. As before, always ask if something's troubling you as owners would rather sort these type of queries out before your arrival, rather than to find that something about their home doesn't suit your party during your stay.

Almost all home owners will have references available from previous guests but, if they don't show these on their website, ask!

The beauty of booking a home via a site such as this (as opposed to via an agent) is that you can ask as many questions as you wish from the owner of the individual home and, because all the homes are verified, you can be sure that the person you're talking to does actually own that home.

[Calamity Jane]

I agree with Blott, if you are unsure about anything, just ask, thats what we are here for, on the odd occasion I have been asked for references from a prospective guest and we have passed on previous guests email address ( after asking their permission)

I have a friend who has just had someone staying in her very stunning villas and moaned all the time and his end shot was her villa was just too nice to feel comfortable in, her next guest couldn't praise it enough, in fact she sent both reports to me, so it just goes to show that everyone is very different in their approach to booking a villa.

[poet123]

Yet again we are searching for a villa!!!Having been now I know what is essential and what is desirable for us as a family. Would it not be possible to have a sorting order for amenities as it is time consuming to trawl through all the communities to find your dream villa!!! There is another site which does this so it must be possible, hope you dont mind me asking
We have to have
10 mins from Disney
4bed 3 bath
large pool/spa
pool table
PC+PLAYSTATION
It is desirable that we have
Lakeside
south facing pool
I can t seem to find all these features in the one house!!!so an index would help

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

I'm afraid we won't be doing this as there is a big danger that guests end up ticking pretty much everything and then they miss out on villas which may be perfectly suitable for their vacation but just do not have that "extra" the guest ticked but in reality does not need.

I'd suggest maybe using the keyword search part of the villa search page to location villas with specific amenities to narrow down your search.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by poet123
Yet again we are searching for a villa!!!Having been now I know what is essential and what is desirable for us as a family. Would it not be possible to have a sorting order for amenities as it is time consuming to trawl through all the communities to find your dream villa!!! There is another site which does this so it must be possible, hope you dont mind me asking
We have to have
10 mins from Disney
4bed 3 bath
large pool/spa
pool table
PC+PLAYSTATION
It is desirable that we have
Lakeside
south facing pool
I can t seem to find all these features in the one house!!!so an index would help
[/quote]

[huckleberry house]

Hi Poet

It isnt allowed for owners to contact you via the forum, sorry. The best way would be to make a general enquiry on www.orlandovillas.com or www.villasflorida.com and list all your requirements in the box, make sure you state that you would prefer owners not to contact you unless they match your criteria. Good luck, Lesley

[Carla]

Just send out a general enquiry listing what you'd like, as Lesley suggests. There are a number of homes on this site that have all of those features plus many more extras, as well. The main problem may be that if you are looking for a high season date for 2005, that these homes are already booked.

Happy hunting.:D:D:D

[Genie]

Don't forget onlinefloridavillas it is part of the family !

[tuzanne]

Hi Poet123 I can see that your list is what would be nice to have, but I think to be realistic it might be hard to get everyone of them, unless you look very far ahead, or are looking at a low season time of year to book. For example we have everything on your list except for south facing pool as ours is west facing. If I saw your list then I would not have responded to you because of this. This might limit the response you get to your enquiry. It might be better to list the things you def would not book unless they had them and see what you get.

Sue

[Cruella DeVilla]

Sue,
POET123 only said the southfacing was desirable, in the past I put out a search on another site for very specific requests and I got loads of replies back from people who did not even have the number of bedrooms I had asked for! It was annoying so I think they have it right on here about not replying if you do not have what is asked for but if POET123 was a genuine search, you could have replied as you met all the criteria....hope that all makes sense.:D:D

[LiesaAnna]

my tuppence worth, Firstly would like to know that a management company is on hand for emergency's
a, helpfulness/friendliness of the villa owners
b, proximity to parks/shopping malls etc
c, minimum of 2 toilets
c, heated swimming pool and heating
d, TV's and audio
e, washing machine and dryer
f, nice decor,


I guess my family is easy to please, we dont need disco lights in the pool, or piped radio/stereo throughout, spa, hot tub,
just a decent sized space to enjoy a well deserved holiday with access to facilities, parks, shops, but the most important thing is price, yes would love luxurious but space cleanliness, and the above would suit us lot, there is only 5 of us going in a villa that sleeps up to 10( 1 think):)

[stabard]

Have been following this thread with interest and I now have a few more things for my next shopping trip at New Year[msnsmile2]
Would also agree that if there is anything potential guests are unsure of they need only ask. I know that we added stuff to our villa after requests from guests[msnsmile2]

[UK Jane]

Well said Leisa

Although I have to disagree about the hot tub ... it is a lovely way to relax.

Barry

[CarolAnn]

Sounds like your family go to Florida for the parks and enertainment Liesa:)

[LiesaAnna]

we like the parks but i am not over keen i have put my needs down first but after talking to my family they agree with me, we like to be comfortable first everything else is second, we dont do parks here, so doing the parks is great but not everything...... i like shopping in florida but not here,... but then we have much more money to play with on holiday, as i've said on a previous thread i have bad knees with arthritis i do as much walking as i can but i do like to lounge around the villa and it is a lovely villa, we relax and just chill, guess we're all different.........:)

[momsbirthdayvacation]

this is my first time trying to rent a home for a vacation (I have posted here and have received many responces and so much help thanks)
the one thing that I wish owners would add in their descriptions of the homes is information about any baby items they may offer - such as a crib, stroller and high chair.
Im sure so many families travel with an infant and keep their comfort in mind when choosing what they rent.
I would have chosen a villa by now if there were some pictures or a better description of the baby items
after 2 weeks of searching and dozens of emails with questions about cribs and high chairs, Im still undecided as im still trying to figure out if a cot is a wooden crib or one of those fold up ones
a picture says a thousand words and with that i could avoid bothering the owners with my needless questions

thanks all

[huckleberry house]

HI Momsbirthdayvacation

There is a rental company that can supply a full size wooden cot/crib and all other babay items so if the villa of choice doesnt have what you want there is a way round it :)



Lesley

[MaggieAllan]

I don't know if this has been mentioned before but I like to see floor plans and room dimensions. It's not the first thing on my list but it is often the deciding factor.

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MaggieAllan
I don't know if this has been mentioned before but I like to see floor plans and room dimensions. It's not the first thing on my list but it is often the deciding factor.


[/quote]

Floor plans are a great help......I would of needed my kids near me when they were small....not right on the other side of the house.....both we very sick when young.....and they would need me quicky......having the twin bedrooms near the master would of been top of my list of must haves......

[poet123]

Well, we did manage to get all our requirements met from the list below and we are booking for peak time!!!! so it just shows that this site is so helpful and contains everything you could possibly ask for in terms of a villa and amenities, you just have to trawl through and select the one that suits you.
Thanks to all the homeowners who replied, all the villas sounded lovely, as did the owners, it was very hard to choose just one. The lakeside location we asked for swung it in the end, must be the PISCES in me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by poet123
Yet again we are searching for a villa!!!Having been now I know what is essential and what is desirable for us as a family. Would it not be possible to have a sorting order for amenities as it is time consuming to trawl through all the communities to find your dream villa!!! There is another site which does this so it must be possible, hope you dont mind me asking
We have to have
10 mins from Disney
4bed 3 bath
large pool/spa
pool table
PC+PLAYSTATION
It is desirable that we have
Lakeside
south facing pool
I can t seem to find all these features in the one house!!!so an index would help
[/quote]
[/quote]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by poet123
Well, we did manage to get all our requirements met from the list below and we are booking for peak time!!!! so it just shows that this site is so helpful and contains everything you could possibly ask for in terms of a villa and amenities, you just have to trawl through and select the one that suits you.
Thanks to all the homeowners who replied, all the villas sounded lovely, as did the owners, it was very hard to choose just one. The lakeside location we asked for swung it in the end, must be the PISCES in me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by poet123
Yet again we are searching for a villa!!!Having been now I know what is essential and what is desirable for us as a family. Would it not be possible to have a sorting order for amenities as it is time consuming to trawl through all the communities to find your dream villa!!! There is another site which does this so it must be possible, hope you dont mind me asking
We have to have
10 mins from Disney
4bed 3 bath
large pool/spa
pool table
PC+PLAYSTATION
It is desirable that we have
Lakeside
south facing pool
I can t seem to find all these features in the one house!!!so an index would help
[/quote]
[/quote]
[/quote]

Great news!! Where are you staying?[msnsmile]

[poet123]

We decided on Sunset Lakes, as it offered all we required and more, :)and is in the same area we stayed this year so it may minimise the problems we had with signposting!!! at least we may have an idea where we are, and the kids will not constantly be saying
"are we going on the right direction Dad" mind you we were staying no where near Championsgate and yet that is where we saw most of!! it seems to us all roads lead to Championsgate so perhaps a villa there would have been our best bet!!!!!!!!!!![msnwink][msnwink]DH kept muttering about "getting his bearings" we just kept thinking about the word that usually precedes bearings when we took yet another wrong turn!!!!!!!!!!!![msnoo]

[LiesaAnna]

we are going back to the same villa this year in order to get our bearings, thought if we could remind ourselves very quickly then we're halfway there, and not getting lost like we did last time, am getting all excited.............:)

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by poet123
We decided on Sunset Lakes, as it offered all we required and more, :)and is in the same area we stayed this year so it may minimise the problems we had with signposting!!! at least we may have an idea where we are, and the kids will not constantly be saying
"are we going on the right direction Dad" mind you we were staying no where near Championsgate and yet that is where we saw most of!! it seems to us all roads lead to Championsgate so perhaps a villa there would have been our best bet!!!!!!!!!!![msnwink][msnwink]DH kept muttering about "getting his bearings" we just kept thinking about the word that usually precedes bearings when we took yet another wrong turn!!!!!!!!!!!![msnoo]
[/quote]

Fantastic, its a great location and a lovely community!

[WR1]

MUST have a heated spa to soothe our weary bones after traipsing the parks and comfy loungers for relaxing on pool days[msncool].
Location - 10 mins from Disney.
Pool table and playstation a bonus but not essential.

[heathercobbett]

You have made me think,moms birthday vacation;unless it is specifically asked for I do not even mention our baby facilities on our initial response to an enquiry

And yet we have a good range including a large wooden cot(crib) high chair,bouncing chair,babybath and lots of baby toys.All free of charge

Perhaps I should start including this info with translations.You do worry about giving too much info and confusing people

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by LiesaAnna
we are going back to the same villa this year in order to get our bearings, thought if we could remind ourselves very quickly then we're halfway there, and not getting lost like we did last time, am getting all excited.............:)
[/quote]

My husband still goes passed our house most visits......you'd think he'd know where it was after a year or so.........[msnscared]

[orlandodaze]

We've been visiting Florida for over 15 years, originally staying hotels before moving on to villas, the more we visit florida the longer we seem to spend lazing around the villa ;)

We look for a rental home to have a mix of the following..
*televisions in all the bedrooms (size of tv not that important)
*two seperate living rooms \ one with tv
*computer with internet access
*large deck area with pool (pool size not that important)
*pool not overlooked
*shaded area \ lanai
*heated spa
*free international calls is a nice bonus and becoming more readily available
*good quality furnishing
*a garage to park the cars in to keep them out of the sun!! most recently we had a gamesroom in the house which meant we couldnt park the car (although I can understand that some families would love the games room[msnsmile])

its certainly a fussy shopping list, we're a big family and appreciate the above comes at a premium

[Nostromo]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by orlandodaze
*a garage to park the cars in to keep them out of the sun!! most recently we had a gamesroom in the house which meant we couldnt park the car (although I can understand that some families would love the games room[msnsmile])
[/quote]

This is perhaps the only complaint I have with the villas in Orlando area. There is a trend to convert the garage into a games room. While the games room is great to use on rest days, it would be nice if it was purpose built at the back of the house with the garage being left as it is. Knowing the popularity of games rooms, I wonder if the newer villas that are being built follow this principle.

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Nostromo
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by orlandodaze
*a garage to park the cars in to keep them out of the sun!! most recently we had a gamesroom in the house which meant we couldnt park the car (although I can understand that some families would love the games room[msnsmile])
[/quote]

This is perhaps the only complaint I have with the villas in Orlando area. There is a trend to convert the garage into a games room. While the games room is great to use on rest days, it would be nice if it was purpose built at the back of the house with the garage being left as it is. Knowing the popularity of games rooms, I wonder if the newer villas that are being built follow this principle.
[/quote]

Ours is a new build and the show models do not have games rooms set up in them. We have a 6th bedroom we could use as a games room and still have the double garage. Personally it is not something we shall be putting in. I believe most people use the garage or convert one of their bedrooms into a games room.

[dbrook]

It is often very easy to move an item of games equipment to make room for a car in the garage in many villas if a guests wants to garage the car. However, it wouldn't do for us all to have them and there is a market for both games areas and garages! However, I do get a lot of people, families especially who do request that they want the games area and comment how much they enjoyed having it. Of course if we had a spare room at the villa I would convert that into one as that is the ideal situation.

[orlandodaze]

Diane, thats what we did, it was a huge garage, we just folded up all that equipment and pushed the big table into the corner.. of course we put everything back in its place[msnwink]

our driver (DD) much prefers a cool car[msnwink] it can be like an oven if parked in the open day summer sun

[jovi]

Hi, when we visited Florida last May, our villa had solar pool heat:D This was great, we were in the pool all the time[8D] I know most people say that pool heat is not needed through certain months, we have been several times all in warm weather (90-100 degrees) but still find that the pool is too cold to enjoy all of the time. So I would definetly look for solar heated pool again on our next trip:) W e were able to go in the pool long after the kids had gone to bed. We have my husband and father in law in the pool and drinkin bud at 12.30 in the evening on video:D Great to watch when you think of going anywhere else on holiday, look at the video and it clarifies it has to be Florida every time[8D].

[emtswife]

We are in the process of looking for a villa now. I must say that price was one of our main considerations. We just don't have much extra money. Next on my list was a fenced in pool. If I am going to be by the pool in a bathing suit, I don't want any one being able to see my big....um self. It is traumatic enough for my hubby and kids! I also looked for a villa that had more of a "homey" feel. Some of them looked more like hotels and less like someone's home. Internet was a big plus for me, but not absolutely necessary. Son wanted playstation or xbox, but was not a big factor either when I explained that he could bring his own if he had to. Location was a big part of the decision as hubby hates to get in a snarl of traffic and wanted to be able to go back and forth from the park. The thing that I learned from the responses I received, is that there is something out there for everyone. You just have to figure out what is most important to you. Now could someone tell me which one to pick??? lol

[emtswife]

oops! Sorry for the double post. Son reminded me that one of our main requirements was tvs in the bedrooms. Makes for a miserable vacation when Dad takes over the tv and we all have to watch what he wants or find something else to do. Also, even though I do not have babies, I agree with the post about the stair gate. That would be a wonderful addition if the house is two-story. And something that most parents would not be able to bring with them. One thing that may sound petty, but I thought about while viewing some of the villas, is the fact that alot of them had glass top tables and things. I could just imagine one of my preciouses accidently slamming something down on them and breaking it. They may be sturdy enough to withstand it, I don't know. But I just don't want to spend my vacation walking around on eggshells because I am afraid of breakages.

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by emtswife
oops! Sorry for the double post. Son reminded me that one of our main requirements was tvs in the bedrooms. Makes for a miserable vacation when Dad takes over the tv and we all have to watch what he wants or find something else to do. Also, even though I do not have babies, I agree with the post about the stair gate. That would be a wonderful addition if the house is two-story. And something that most parents would not be able to bring with them. One thing that may sound petty, but I thought about while viewing some of the villas, is the fact that alot of them had glass top tables and things. I could just imagine one of my preciouses accidently slamming something down on them and breaking it. They may be sturdy enough to withstand it, I don't know. But I just don't want to spend my vacation walking around on eggshells because I am afraid of breakages.
[/quote]

Glass tables nowadays are very very sturdy they have to meet regulations, so it would need to be something considerable to break it.

You can delete one of your duplicate posts by clicking on the dustbin icon in one of them. This allows you to bin it!!

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by emtswife
oops! Sorry for the double post. Son reminded me that one of our main requirements was tvs in the bedrooms. Makes for a miserable vacation when Dad takes over the tv and we all have to watch what he wants or find something else to do. Also, even though I do not have babies, I agree with the post about the stair gate. That would be a wonderful addition if the house is two-story. And something that most parents would not be able to bring with them. One thing that may sound petty, but I thought about while viewing some of the villas, is the fact that alot of them had glass top tables and things. I could just imagine one of my preciouses accidently slamming something down on them and breaking it. They may be sturdy enough to withstand it, I don't know. But I just don't want to spend my vacation walking around on eggshells because I am afraid of breakages.
[/quote]

I'd not worry to much about glass top tables....I don't think I could break my dinning table with a hammer......the same goes for my coffee table.....

[emtswife]

that is nice to know! I have never had one and could just imagine glass everywhere and a bill that would match the cost of the vacation. I don't worry very much in a hotel for some reason, but would just die if we damaged something in someone's home.

[ctgirlscout]

Glass tables actually hold up better than some of the wood ones. We don't have to worry about scratches or water rings. And I honestly don't think the glass would be that expensive to replace if it did break.

[resorthomerentals]

I would not recommend glass top tables. We had a glass top coffee table at home. I know it was sturdy as I had dropped when moving and it sustained no damage. The glass was about 1 inch thick.

I went outside for a few minutes, leaving my then 2 and 4 yr olds in the house. Yep - you guessed it - not a good ending... the 4 yr old stood on the table, the table tipped, and the glass broke. I came in to a huge mess of broken glass and blood. After getting 15 stiches in his leg he has a new appreciation of glass tables.

[ctgirlscout]

Was your table a pedestal type, or was the glass an insert in a frame?

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by resorthomerentals
I would not recommend glass top tables. We had a glass top coffee table at home. I know it was sturdy as I had dropped when moving and it sustained no damage. The glass was about 1 inch thick.

I went outside for a few minutes, leaving my then 2 and 4 yr olds in the house. Yep - you guessed it - not a good ending... the 4 yr old stood on the table, the table tipped, and the glass broke. I came in to a huge mess of broken glass and blood. After getting 15 stiches in his leg he has a new appreciation of glass tables.



[/quote]

OOPS standing on a glass table probably not the best playtime activity. Poor wee soul!

[resorthomerentals]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ctgirlscout
Was your table a pedestal type, or was the glass an insert in a frame?
[/quote]

Pedestal type, but not with the pedestal in the middle. It was kind of a kidney bean shape, with 3 spots where the glass rested on the base.

[resorthomerentals]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by resorthomerentals
I would not recommend glass top tables. We had a glass top coffee table at home. I know it was sturdy as I had dropped when moving and it sustained no damage. The glass was about 1 inch thick.

I went outside for a few minutes, leaving my then 2 and 4 yr olds in the house. Yep - you guessed it - not a good ending... the 4 yr old stood on the table, the table tipped, and the glass broke. I came in to a huge mess of broken glass and blood. After getting 15 stiches in his leg he has a new appreciation of glass tables.



[/quote]

OOPS standing on a glass table probably <span style="color:red">not the best playtime activity</span id="red">. Poor wee soul!
[/quote]

He agrees with us about that too! Standing on ANY furniture is not allowed in our house - never was. Sometimes they learn the hard way that Mom and Dad make these silly rules for a reason.

Fortunately he has healed well, and the scar is a gently reminder of what happened.

[ctgirlscout]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by resorthomerentals
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ctgirlscout
Was your table a pedestal type, or was the glass an insert in a frame?
[/quote]

Pedestal type, but not with the pedestal in the middle. It was kind of a kidney bean shape, with 3 spots where the glass rested on the base.
[/quote]

I've always wondered about those types of tables. I guess a lot of people have sucess with them. Our tables have the glass inserts, the FR has a wood frame with insert, and the LR and DR tables are stone w/ the inserts. So they are pretty steady, and so far, we haven't had any issues with them. But with children, you can never tell what they will think to do next!

[chrizzy100]

Kids can get hurt on anything......it would be hard to rent if you had to child proof everything that could harm a child.....the most trips we've had with kids to hospital....is door frames......where kids trip and fall......and you can't take door frames out.......[msneek]

[Y]

Chrizzy
I,ll send my husband round to try for you. In our rented villa last year he slipped in the dining room, bumped into a chair which knocked the edge of the dining room table causing a large chip[:O]
It was a bit embarrassing explaining to the owner as we were only her second guests but luckily she was very good about it.[:I]
The replacement glass wasn't too expensive either.
The funny thing was it was such a small bump he didn't realise the damage until later that evening
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:

I'd not worry to much about glass top tables....I don't think I could break my dinning table with a hammer......the same goes for my coffee table.....
[/quote]

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Yvonne

Chrizzy
I,ll send my husband round to try for you. In our rented villa last year he slipped in the dining room, bumped into a chair which knocked the edge of the dining room table causing a large chip[:O]
It was a bit embarrassing explaining to the owner as we were only her second guests but luckily she was very good about it.[:I]
The replacement glass wasn't too expensive either.
The funny thing was it was such a small bump he didn't realise the damage until later that evening
[/quote]

I'd not worry to much about glass top tables....I don't think I could break my dinning table with a hammer......the same goes for my coffee table.....
[/quote]
[/quote]

We've already drop ours...and had the glass light above it fall on it......[msnembarrased]...

[ctgirlscout]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by chrizzy100
Kids can get hurt on anything......it would be hard to rent if you had to child proof everything that could harm a child.....the most trips we've had with kids to hospital....is door frames......where kids trip and fall......and you can't take door frames out.......[msneek]
[/quote]

My son, when he was small, fell and cracked his head open on the kitchen countertop! That was many, many stitches, and a trip to the hospital I'd rather forget![msnsad] Its true, having four kids, I've learned that despite all my best efforts, they will go out of their way to find something to get hurt on! No wonder I'm starting to get gray hair![msnscared]

[jpthome]

Hi

When we go to Florida we always look for a Spa and extras like a games room.

We also hate villas that offer everything as an extra for high chairs and cot etc.

[emtswife]

That is the bad thing about kids (and husbands too sometimes!) They just don't always do the smartest thing. Like Bill Cosby says... "Kids do stupid things. Why? Because they are brain-damaged!" I am not worried about the kids getting hurt. That happens on a daily basis at my house. I would just be mortified if my little daredevil decided that the dining room table looked like a swimming pool or whatever her little imagination dreamed up and dove into the middle of it or something equally stupid. With her, I never know! I know that accidents happen...Just don't want them to happen in someone else's house!

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by emtswife
That is the bad thing about kids (and husbands too sometimes!) They just don't always do the smartest thing. Like Bill Cosby says... "Kids do stupid things. Why? Because they are brain-damaged!" I am not worried about the kids getting hurt. That happens on a daily basis at my house. I would just be mortified if my little daredevil decided that the dining room table looked like a swimming pool or whatever her little imagination dreamed up and dove into the middle of it or something equally stupid. With her, I never know! I know that accidents happen...Just don't want them to happen in someone else's house!
[/quote]

I'm sure that the people who rent out their homes....know the difference between someone damaging a home...and a kid breaking something through play......[msnsmile2]