What do you look for?

[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) 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.