hotels articles

Orlando is calling to you and your family to come and visit! You have been putting it off long enough, finally it is time to give into the urge to come to the sunshine state and enjoy the many attractions that Orlando has to offer! Orlando houses Disney World of course, one of the main attractions that makes you want to come. So where should you stay and how close to the huge theme park do you really want to be?

Here are a few tips in finding lodging and how far you should go to make your family vacation one that you will remember forever.

Where to stay:

* Trade in the old hotel rooms that are too cramped without enough room for you and your kids to have some breathing room. Instead, rent a villa that is so close to the park you’ll feel like you know your way around in no time.

* Only a few miles from the Disney attractions, vacation villas are perfect for families big or small, with any size villa available for the perfect lodging amount for your family!

* You think hotels are the way to go because they have pools and housekeeping? Welcome to the world of villa resorts – where you basically live in a house for your stay, have the accommodations of a hotel with housekeeping, restaurants, pools, sports activities and more. No need to fuss, and the best part is that in a villa, you have as much space as you would at home! What more could you want?

Why is it good to be close to Disney?

* You won’t be the only one frequenting the Disney attractions, everyone else visiting Orlando will be on their way to the theme park at the same time as you are. This means traffic and anxious kids in the car ready to get to their destination. The solution? Stay somewhere that is close to the Disney attractions, but still comfortable. The vacation villas will allow you to get Disney easily and quickly without having to go through as much traffic as others who will stay in hotels and motels on a tourist strip of restaurants and fast food chains.

* Disney is close to many other main roads that are essential when traveling to other parts of Florida. If you have a day planned for the beach, want to explore the Kennedy Space Center, or experience the Florida Everglades, being close to Disney World also makes you close to convenient roads that will get you where you want to go with no confusion and hassle.

* Many times, when you stay close to Disney, the deals, discounts, and special prices are a lot easier to get and are offered more frequently. When you stay at an Orlando villa, a Kissimmee villa, or a Davenport villa you can easily hope for a good deal to come your way whether it be on prices of lodging or prices of attraction tickets.

* It’s fun! Usually Disney is the main reason why you and your family want to be here, so why not treat yourself and stay close to the hot spot?! Enjoy being in a place that is close to the action so when you get home late at night, you aren’t more exhausted from the long drive, but can make it back to your villa quickly and easily.

Other tips to know when staying in a villa close to Disney World:

* Be careful of the tourist traps (and this is for anywhere you go in Orlando). Trinket shops, grocery stores, gas stations, and even restaurants can easily hike up the prices when they know you are coming to spend money on vacation. Though you cannot avoid this completely, you can be aware and not spend your money all in one place. Make sure souvenirs you buy are not just cheap look-a-likes of the real thing and avoid the many gift shops lining the strips leading up to Disney World. Be aware of your spending!

* See Disney fireworks from your villa! If you decide not to stay until the parks close to see the fireworks, you can see them from many places outside the parks. Depending on the level of your villa and the place where it is located, you can see the bight fireworks in the distance. Sometimes it is just as fun to sit and watch from a far in the comfort away from crowds as it is actually being there. Ask the information desk at the villa resort for advice on where to see the fireworks and when they usually begin.

* Ask around for short cuts! Many Floridians know shortcuts that get them around the traffic that builds up as you enter the parks, so these shortcuts do exist! Don’t be afraid to ask the informational desk at your vacation villa resort and they most likely will be able to tell you an easier way that is less traveled, but be willing to experiment and be open to having to find your own way!

* Take a day off! Just because you are staying close to Disney World doesn’t mean you have to go there everyday of your vacation. Take a couple days in between long days at the attractions to enjoy relaxing by the pool, playing sports, or hanging out in your villa. Though the kids will have a ball at the theme parks and never forget their experience, sometimes they can enjoy themselves just as much by playing in the pool for the day. Many times this relieves you of the responsibility of trying to make sure everyone has a great time.

* Take a shuttle! You may have rented a car and assume that because you are so close the theme parks, that you should drive, but many of the vacation villa resorts have a shuttle to Disney World for you. Though some days you may want more of an option to go around where you want, other days taking the shuttle allows you to be more relaxed and puts the pressure on someone else! You are close to the park and it shouldn’t take long to get there and back. Check with the driver about return times and places.

Since you are going to be visiting the Disney World theme parks so often and will be so close by for a convenient stay, make sure to use this checklist when packing for your vacation villa in Orlando, Kissimmee, or Davenport, Florida! Checklist for your Orlando villa vacation:

* Lots of sunscreen! Even when the sky gets cloudy you can get burned!

* An umbrella or ponchos for Orlando’s tendency to rain for an hour or so in the afternoons.

* Water! Bring water bottles in a bag with you to Disney or make sure to buy some there so as not to get dehydrated while walking around in the Florida sun.

* A small pad of paper or a signature book for the autographs of Disney characters.

* Snacks for when you are leaving for or returning from the theme parks to either keep with you in the car for hungry kids or in the kitchen at your villa.

* A good attitude to have a total blast in Orlando! With a villa as your “home away from home” who couldn’t have the attitude of an angel? Enjoy!

You’ve finally decided to take the family on the long awaited trip to DisneyWorld. Now you have to decide where to stay while you’re there. The options may seem limited, but there really are more choices than you might think.

Important Points to Consider When Choosing Accommodations

Before you make your final decision regarding your accommodations, there are a few factors that should be taken into consideration. First and formost is your budget. Obviously, the larger your budget the more options that are available to you.

You also need to consider number of people in your party. A family of 4 can usually fit into an average room at one of the many Disney Resort properties or an off-site hotel quite comfortably. However, if your party is larger than 4, or includes several families or a large group travelling together you will need more space and you may want to consider an off-site vacation home or resort condo. Another option for large families is to book 2 or more adjoining rooms at a hotel.

What type of amenities are important to you and your family? Is privacy and seclusion a high priority for you? Or are you more concerned with the type of amenities available to you during your stay? Will you have a car, either your own or a rental? Or will you need transportation to and from the parks? Do you plan on spending the majority of your vacation on Disney property, or are you interested in spending some time away from the theme parks and exploring the many other attractions central Florida has to offer?

The answers to all of these questions will help to make your choice of accommodations much easier.

The Pros and Cons of On-Site Accommodations

Most first time visitors to the Orlando area choose to stay at one of the many Walt Disney World Resort Properties. These properties have long had a reputation for being clean, well maintained, and very family friendly. The excellent service provided by the Disney staff is also a big plus. Other advantages of staying on-site at one of the resort properties is the use of the resort’s transportation system. There is no need to rent a car if you plan on spending your entire stay at the Disney theme parks. There is an extensive transportation system available to guests that will take you anywhere you want to go within the resort. However, if you think you may want to venture off-site to some of the other attractions, restaurants, or shows in the Orlando area then you will need to find your own transportation.

Your vacation budget should also be carefully considered if you are planning on staying on-site. The resort accommodations tend to be more expensive than off-site alternatives, and rooms are limited. It may be difficult to find availability if you are planning your trip at the last minute.

The Pros and Cons of Off-Site Accommodations

Many visitors to the Orlando area, especially first time visitors, are not aware of the many off-site accommodation options available to them. There are hotels, motels, resorts, and privately owned condos and vacation pool homes all within a 10 - 15 minute drive of the parks. All of these are viable alternatives to staying within the Walt Disney World Resort.

Choosing an off-site hotel or motel can be a good alternative to on-site accoommodations. Many offer free shuttles to and from the theme parks and other popular area attractions. This can be very convenient and can also save you from paying daily parking fees. However, shuttle times can be limiting and may not fit your party’s schedule. On the plus side, many guests enjoy being able to “escape” the Disney atmosphere at the end of a long day. On the other hand, the quality of off-site hotels and motels can vary greatly and is often inconsistant, unlike the resort properties with their high standards of excellence.

Another accommodation option that has been growing steadily in popularity, especially among U.S. visitors to the Orlando area are privately owned vacation homes. These homes can be booked through one of the many management companies in the Orlando area, or even through a travel agent.

A vacation home offers guests comfort, convenience, and privacy. Often, large families or groups find it more cost effective to rent a larger vacation home rather than book 2 or more hotels rooms. Vacation homes also offer the opportunity to save money on dining out, as each home comes with a fully equipped kitchen that allows guests to prepare some, or all of their own meals during their stay. Many guests also appreciate the privacy that a vacation home provides.

Some vacation homes are located in resort communities and offer guests the use of all the resort amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, and game rooms. If these amenities are important to you, be sure to confirm that the home you are reserving is located in one of these resort communities. If it is not, you will still have the use of your own private swimming pool but will miss out on the other amenities.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin is known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World”. Given this fact, it is hardly a surprise Dells vacation rentals are plentiful.

Getting Wet In Dells Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells is home to both the world’s largest indoor and outdoor waterparks with a total of 200 waterslides in the area! This city is a great vacation spot for families and adults alike given the 70 attractions available. Included are the famous waterparks as well as the Ho-Chunk Casino and Bingo Indian Casio. The nightlife is vibrant and there are thrill rides galore for the more adventurous individuals.

When looking for a place to stay, the vacation rentals in Wisconsin Dells cannot be beat! There are Cottages and Cabins, Hotels and Motels and Bed & Breakfasts available to suit any taste.

If you are traveling with kids 11 and under, why not stay right where the waterpark action is? The Atlantis Waterpark Hotel in Wisconsin Dells has eight pools and whirlpools and six water slides on the premises. It’s also located within walking distance of other attractions such as Mt. Olympus Theme Park and Noah’s Ark. There are two indoor waterparks at this hotel, as well as other amusements to assure a good time for your kids. Make sure to get a break on regular rates by looking for special offers.

Looking at other Wisconsin Dells vacation rentals, you can’t help but notice the Inn at Wawanissee Point, in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Located right near Wisconsin Dells and Devil’s Falls, this bed and breakfast is a gorgeous retreat for anyone who’s looking to relax. With only four rooms, this inn caters to their guests the way only a small establishment can. Rooms are beautifully appointed and yummy breakfasts are offered with a personal touch. Prices include your room as well as breakfast and evening wine and cheese for that romantic touch.

Many families, couples and singles hit the road every year for vacation. Many look forward to spending quality time with family and friends, while others simply want to get away and unwind from the every day stresses. Some are looking for peace and quiet, while others are seeking adventure and daring.

Most will just get away for a weekend or for an entire week or two. A smaller handful will take a month or two away from it all. Whatever the vacation, most people want to make the most out of their time away from home.

When you search for lodging accommodations, what are you looking for? Luxury? Budget? Family Friendly? Rustic?

In many cases, people will search for a hotel or motel for their stay. Hotels and motels have their advantages and disadvantages. When you stay at a hotel or motel, privacy might be somewhat limited. Usually, you’ll have other people staying within close proximity to your room. In some cases, that might not matter if you are simply using it for a place to sleep. If there are loud visitors in rooms close by, a good nights sleep is not always possible.

Some advantages might be: a room with a view, swimming pools, spas, restaurants and room service. Some even offer day care!

BUT what if you are looking for a little privacy during your stay?

Lets talk about Vacation Rental Homes.

Many people are turning to vacation rental homes, these days. Often, the cost of renting a private vacation home is very close or the same cost as renting a room at a hotel or motel. In Michigan, for example, rental homes can range on an average from $80 per night to $200 per night. In some cases rates can run $300 per night or more for luxury homes.

Many rentals offer weekly rentals only, while others will rent on a nightly, weekend or on a monthly basis. Some owners will offer discounts for longer term stays.

There are several advantages to renting a private vacation home.

Privacy

First, there is usually a lot more privacy! That will vary, depending on location and closeness of neighbors. For example, a home on an all sports lake with close homes won’t be as private as a secluded retreat out in the middle of some wooded acreage. Some homes might offer quiet settings on a private fishing lake, while others will offer swimming and boating on an all sports lake. In some cases, you may be able to rent a home on acreage for some extra privacy or for hunting and fishing purposes.

Usually, renting a private home can offer you more space to enjoy. This usually includes: private bedrooms, living room, full or partial kitchens, full or partial bathrooms with showers and tubs and a private lot or acreage setting. In some cases there will be a garage available for car storage during your visit.

Unique Experience/Settings

Each vacation home will be unique. Some will offer luxury accommodations, while others may be rustic or offer mid range comfort.

The great thing about shopping for a vacation rental for your stay is, that you can browse through several possibilities that can fit your needs and budget. Different rentals will offer different settings and experiences, depending on what type of vacation you are looking for. Rentals will range from private homes to cabins and sometimes, private condo units.

If you are looking for boating and water skiing, you can browse though lists of homes and cottages offering those types of amenities. You can often look at several pictures and find out more about the lakes that these homes are on, before you make a choice. Some may even offer boat rentals or free use of a boat already at the rental unit.

If you are looking for a ski resorts or homes near ski hills, you can look and various homes and locations online or in magazines. This is the same for homes and cottages on acreage or lakefront.

Locations

Another major advantage to renting a vacation home is that sometimes you can find accommodations in a desired location where there are no hotels or motels available. For example, maybe you want to visit some relatives up north, but you don’t want to stay at their house. What better way to enjoy your visit, than to rent a vacation home nearby?

Also, vacation rentals are available all over the world! You can find vacation homes in just about any country and often at great prices. I’ve had people stay at our Michigan Vacation Rental USA from as far away as England!

Price

Often, you can find advantages on the rates for a private house rental. Many hotels/motels can charge anywhere from $45 to $300 or more per night for your stay. For a budget hotel, you often get what you pay for. Some budget hotels don’t offer the best experience for your dollar.

Here in Michigan you can rent a clean and comfortable vacation home for as little as $80 to $130 per night. Of course, that amount will vary per rental.

Another thing to take into consideration about renting a vacation home and price, is that in a home you are usually able to cook your own meals in a kitchen. Therefore you can save on the cost of going out to eat for your meals. For a family on a budget, that can save a lot of money and offset the cost of what type of accommodation they can afford.

Orlando is calling to you and your family to come and visit! You have been putting it off long enough, finally it is time to give into the urge to come to the sunshine state and enjoy the many attractions that Orlando has to offer! Orlando houses Disney World of course, one of the main attractions that makes you want to come. So where should you stay and how close to the huge theme park do you really want to be?

Here are a few tips in finding lodging and how far you should go to make your family vacation one that you will remember forever.

Where to stay:

* Trade in the old hotel rooms that are too cramped without enough room for you and your kids to have some breathing room. Instead, rent a villa that is so close to the park you’ll feel like you know your way around in no time.

* Only a few miles from the Disney attractions, vacation villas are perfect for families big or small, with any size villa available for the perfect lodging amount for your family!

* You think hotels are the way to go because they have pools and housekeeping? Welcome to the world of villa resorts – where you basically live in a house for your stay, have the accommodations of a hotel with housekeeping, restaurants, pools, sports activities and more. No need to fuss, and the best part is that in a villa, you have as much space as you would at home! What more could you want?

Why is it good to be close to Disney?

* You won’t be the only one frequenting the Disney attractions, everyone else visiting Orlando will be on their way to the theme park at the same time as you are. This means traffic and anxious kids in the car ready to get to their destination. The solution? Stay somewhere that is close to the Disney attractions, but still comfortable. The vacation villas will allow you to get Disney easily and quickly without having to go through as much traffic as others who will stay in hotels and motels on a tourist strip of restaurants and fast food chains.

* Disney is close to many other main roads that are essential when traveling to other parts of Florida. If you have a day planned for the beach, want to explore the Kennedy Space Center, or experience the Florida Everglades, being close to Disney World also makes you close to convenient roads that will get you where you want to go with no confusion and hassle.

* Many times, when you stay close to Disney, the deals, discounts, and special prices are a lot easier to get and are offered more frequently. When you stay at an Orlando villa, a Kissimmee villa, or a Davenport villa you can easily hope for a good deal to come your way whether it be on prices of lodging or prices of attraction tickets.

* It’s fun! Usually Disney is the main reason why you and your family want to be here, so why not treat yourself and stay close to the hot spot?! Enjoy being in a place that is close to the action so when you get home late at night, you aren’t more exhausted from the long drive, but can make it back to your villa quickly and easily.

Other tips to know when staying in a villa close to Disney World:

* Be careful of the tourist traps (and this is for anywhere you go in Orlando). Trinket shops, grocery stores, gas stations, and even restaurants can easily hike up the prices when they know you are coming to spend money on vacation. Though you cannot avoid this completely, you can be aware and not spend your money all in one place. Make sure souvenirs you buy are not just cheap look-a-likes of the real thing and avoid the many gift shops lining the strips leading up to Disney World. Be aware of your spending!

* See Disney fireworks from your villa! If you decide not to stay until the parks close to see the fireworks, you can see them from many places outside the parks. Depending on the level of your villa and the place where it is located, you can see the bight fireworks in the distance. Sometimes it is just as fun to sit and watch from a far in the comfort away from crowds as it is actually being there. Ask the information desk at the villa resort for advice on where to see the fireworks and when they usually begin.

* Ask around for short cuts! Many Floridians know shortcuts that get them around the traffic that builds up as you enter the parks, so these shortcuts do exist! Don’t be afraid to ask the informational desk at your vacation villa resort and they most likely will be able to tell you an easier way that is less traveled, but be willing to experiment and be open to having to find your own way!

* Take a day off! Just because you are staying close to Disney World doesn’t mean you have to go there everyday of your vacation. Take a couple days in between long days at the attractions to enjoy relaxing by the pool, playing sports, or hanging out in your villa. Though the kids will have a ball at the theme parks and never forget their experience, sometimes they can enjoy themselves just as much by playing in the pool for the day. Many times this relieves you of the responsibility of trying to make sure everyone has a great time.

* Take a shuttle! You may have rented a car and assume that because you are so close the theme parks, that you should drive, but many of the vacation villa resorts have a shuttle to Disney World for you. Though some days you may want more of an option to go around where you want, other days taking the shuttle allows you to be more relaxed and puts the pressure on someone else! You are close to the park and it shouldn’t take long to get there and back. Check with the driver about return times and places.

Since you are going to be visiting the Disney World theme parks so often and will be so close by for a convenient stay, make sure to use this checklist when packing for your vacation villa in Orlando, Kissimmee, or Davenport, Florida! Checklist for your Orlando villa vacation:

* Lots of sunscreen! Even when the sky gets cloudy you can get burned!

* An umbrella or ponchos for Orlando’s tendency to rain for an hour or so in the afternoons.

* Water! Bring water bottles in a bag with you to Disney or make sure to buy some there so as not to get dehydrated while walking around in the Florida sun.

* A small pad of paper or a signature book for the autographs of Disney characters.

* Snacks for when you are leaving for or returning from the theme parks to either keep with you in the car for hungry kids or in the kitchen at your villa.

* A good attitude to have a total blast in Orlando! With a villa as your “home away from home” who couldn’t have the attitude of an angel? Enjoy!

If it’s a restful Florida vacation you’re looking for, consider heading for the Panhandle and Gulf Coast area. Here, you can fish, golf, hike, bask in the sun, take in some interesting museums and have a laid back good time.

When you’re planning your visit, be sure to book a vacation rental in the area. Staying in a Panhandle vacation condo or villa is the perfect antidote to cookie-cutter hotels and motels and offers you the opportunity to not only enjoy your own cooking and activities timetables, but provide you with all the conveniences of home as well.

There’s a lot to do and see in the Panhandle of Florida. This area is known for its world-class beaches and golf courses and its interesting mix of history and nature.

If you visit Pensacola, you’ll surely want to visit the famous National Museum of Naval Aviation. This museum is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, and is home to more than 140 restored aircraft from the Navy, Marine and Coast Guard. There are more than 290,000 square feet inside and more than 30 acres outside to explore and understand this country’s aviation history.

After all that walking and exploring, take some time out at one of Pensacola’s pristine white beaches. The Pensacola beach areas include the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is 16 miles of beautiful, undisturbed beach.

In Destin you can enjoy all of Florida’s simpler pleasures – golfing, sightseeing, white sand beaches, and fishing. A good seafood meal will likely be included in any visitor’s activities as well. If you made the wise decision to book a Florida villa or condo rental, you can buy some wonderful fresh seafood and cook it on your grill “at home” after a long day of enjoying Florida’s Panhandle region.

In this beautiful area of Florida, the beaches are well known to be white, sandy and surrounded by emerald waters. These beaches are prime territory for sunbathers, who enjoy the quite, placid waters and undisturbed beaches. If you want more activity, consider the variety of water sports available here – from snorkeling to parasailing, you can find it here.

Heading for the Panama City area of the Panhandle? After unpacking your bags at your Florida vacation rental, head for the beaches, golf courses or interesting destinations.

Water sports and activities fill the calendars full in Panama City. You might choose to go scuba diving or deep sea fishing. You might enjoy Alvin’s Big Island, where you can see live sharks and alligators and have lunch at the same time. Head to the Ebro Greyhound Park where you can watch greyhound racing, or go crazy being a kid at Great Adventures Amusements Co., where you can drive a bumper boat or go kart, go bungee jumping or spend a few nickels on the midway.

Whatever you choose to do in Florida’s Panhandle, it’s sure to be fun and sun filled. Each night you’ll enjoy the restful sleep you get at your condo rental. Then you’ll be ready for more activity in the morning – however you like it.

Condo hotels, also called condotels, are a relatively new concept in vacation home ownership. Rapidly gaining popularity, numerous condo hotels are now being built in Florida, Las Vegas, Chicago, Toronto, the Caribbean and many other locales around the U.S. and the world. To help illustrate the unique qualities of condo hotels, here’s a look at how they compare with traditional condos.

AMENITIES

Condos - The average condo has a community pool and some common areas.

Condo Hotels - A condo hotel has many of the amenities you would find at a four- or five-star hotel. In addition to a pool (or pools), there is probably an on-site restaurant (possibly several), a lounge, a full-service spa, a state-of-the-art exercise facility, poolside bar, etc. The amenities in a condo hotel are far greater than what you would typically find in a condo.

FURNISHINGS

Condos - Condos are usually sold unfurnished. You may decorate your unit as you like, and you pay for all furnishings.

Condo Hotels - A condo hotel unit is delivered to you completely furnished, typically with high-end furniture, appliances and fixtures selected by a professional interior designer. All units are decorated the same, more or less, much like hotel rooms. Condo hotel units are delivered user-ready upon receipt. The cost for furnishings is included in the price of the condo hotel unit.

SERVICES

Condos - You are responsible for your own housekeeping and unit upkeep. Services are usually limited to maintenance and possibly security.

Condo Hotels - You get daily housekeeping as you would in a luxury hotel. You have access to room service, concierge services, maintenance services and check-in services. The vast majority of condo hotels are operated by big-name hoteliers like Ritz Carlton and Hilton, the consummate professionals when it comes to customer service. Most of the same services available at their high-end hotels are offered at their condo hotels.

LOCATION

Condos - Condos can be found in almost every major market across the country. Some condo developments are in resort areas, while others are not.

Condo Hotels - At this time condo hotels are only available in a handful of locations, all of which are major vacation destinations or highly desirable cities, such as South Florida, Las Vegas and Chicago. Condo hotels are usually built on the most desirable pieces of land such as on a golf course, overlooking the ocean or in the heart of a major city.

PRICE

Condos - Prices for condos can start as low as $70,000.

Condo Hotels - Units start at $200,000, and most are substantially more. An oceanfront four- or five-star condo hotel unit can cost $500,000 to over $1,000,000.

RENTAL INCOME POTENTIAL

Condos - You have the option of renting out your unit when not using it. However, you are responsible for finding your own renters, preparing the unit for those renters, dealing with any maintenance issues that arise and collecting the rent. The condo association’s approval may be required on renter issues. You keep 100% of the rental revenue.

Condo Hotels - All details are handled for you. When you’re not using your condo hotel unit, you simply place it in the rental program. Renters would be found for you, and all aspects of the renters’ stay would be handled by the hotel management company. The entire process would be hassle-free for you.

You would receive a portion of the rent revenue, typically 40%-50%; the balance would go to the management company. Because the condo hotel most likely is a national or international hotel chain (such as Hilton or Ritz Carlton), it has a global sales force, multimillion dollar marketing campaigns, loyalty programs, a centralized reservation system and a strong Internet presence, all of which suggest that the property’s management would probably have better success at keeping your unit rented than you would as an individual condo owner.

APPRECIATION POTENTIAL

Condos – Whether your condo will appreciate or depreciate depends strongly on its location. Because there are so many condos on the market, the rules of supply and demand often help keep prices down. For the same reason, condos can be hard to resell.

Condo Hotels – Because condo hotels are a relatively new type of property investment, they are limited to just a handful of locales across the country. The supply is small and demand is currently high and growing, all of which contribute rapid and significant appreciation. Another factor to keep in mind when reselling a condo hotel unit is that you’re selling not only the actual unit but also the luxury lifestyle that comes with an amenity-filled, high-service property.

Many condo hotels are sold out in pre-construction. Often the developers, sensing the high demand, will themselves raise prices many times before all units are gone.

For example, The Mutiny condo hotel located in Coconut Grove, Florida was the first condo hotel to be built in South Florida. From the time the developer began accepting deposits until it sold out in pre-construction, there were nine price increases. People who bought early did exceptionally well.

Choosing your accommodations is a big part of planning a vacation. There are many types of places to stay. Two of the most popular are traditional resorts and vacation rentals which are growing in popularity. Resorts are large, usually company owned hotels. Vacation rentals are usually individually owned and can be houses, apartments or condos. The difference between the two are distinct, but they do have some similarities. When choosing which is best for you it might be easier to compare the two.

Vacation resorts take you from a crowd to an individual place. You are renting a home, basically. You do not have to worry about noisy neighbors or being interrupted by service workers. You have the freedom and ability to cook for yourself and even have a little private party of you wish. Vacation rentals can be very affordable. When you consider having to rent a couple rooms for your family verses only one rental house you can see why you can save money. They also do not have the staff expenses. Although, some vacation rentals do offer outside services that may add a little extra to your bill, but allow you to keep aspects of a hotel. For example, they might provide you with a chef to cook your evening meals or a maid to tidy up for you. Vacation rentals also tend to have more space than you would get in a traditional hotel room. You have greater privacy also. Vacation rentals can be found almost anywhere you want to vacation and prices come to fit in all budgets.

Resorts are the idea of luxury while vacationing. You have someone to take care of everything you hate to do at home, from cleaning to cooking. You can get a range of services for a range of prices with resorts. If you are looking for a vacation package you can usually get the resort included. This allows you to know exactly how much you will spend and have everything taken care of in one attempt. Resorts offer many extra services besides basic housekeeping and cooking. Some resorts have dance instructors and nannies on staff, to give two examples. You can spend the day busy with resort sponsored activities or just lounge around relaxing. You get top of the line service and never ending fun when staying at a resort.

Vacation rentals and resorts offer two different kinds of vacation experiences. Choosing between them is a matter of your personal preference. You need to decide how you want to spend your vacation. If you want privacy and the comforts of home then choose a vacation rental. If you want to be pampered and enjoy lots of activities then choose a resort. The type of vacation you have could really be influenced by where you stay, so be sure to explore each option before deciding.

We traveled to Costa Rica on vacation in 2001. Fell in love with the people and their country. Purchased property on the last day of our vacation and built a villa in 2002. Handles villa rentals for five additional villas. Two, three, four and five bedroom villa’s available, all of which are surrounded by Costa Rica’s biodiversity and over looking the Pacific Ocean.

Let’s face it, most of us are not lucky enough to have a swimming pool in our back garden, so when we go on vacation it’s a rare treat to splash about in the toasty warm waters of an outdoor swimming pool.

Outdoor pools are best enjoyed in the sunshine, and to that end, there can be no better place to lie back in the crystal clear waters, staring at the dappled silhouette of a swaying palm tree and let your cares float away, than in everyone’s favourite holiday destination, Florida.

And whilst not every hotel has it’s own pool, if you choose to stay in the now increasingly popular choice of a private luxury villa, such as those advertised on the Florida Vacation Rentals Web Site Orlando Villas, you will most definitely be spoilt with not only stunning accommodation but your own private pool too. However, as with all things watery, common sense must always be applied.

For some reason folks on vacation, who in their ordinary everyday lives might be the most sensible people on the planet, often forget to pack their common sense along with their sunscreen and flip flops !!! This in itself is not a detrimental thing, except perhaps when it comes to pool safety.

Fortunately, Florida state law has stepped in to lend a helping hand by requiring rental villas with private pools to follow some very simple rules to ensure the well being and safety of their guests.

Naturally, it goes without saying that all children must always be supervised by an adult in and around any pool area. But in addition to that, you will find that your rental villa’s pool is also clearly marked in terms of water depth, indicating both the shallow and deep ends.

Child alert pool alarms are also required to be fitted onto any door leading directly from the property into the pool area. This alarm will sound if opened by a small child to alert parents of the imminent danger.

A clear set of “Pool Rules” will also be posted at the poolside, which you should read carefully before dipping your toes into the water.

Floatation devices such as water wings and inflatable rings are extremely popular with children, but it should always be remembered that these are not life saving devices. They are merely floating toys. Just because your child is wearing water wings, does not mean that it is safe to leave them to play in or by the pool.

Rough play and running on the pool deck is also a big “No No”, due to the obvious dangers of slipping and diving is also discouraged, as most pools only have a maximum depth of 6 foot.

To sum up, if treated with respect, and common sense is applied, your vacation swimming pool can be one of the highlights of your trip. Remember that small children learn by example, so if you as an adult can teach them to safely enjoy their swimming experience, it will be a lesson that will never be forgotten, and which ultimately could one day save their lives.

Bordeaux, the largest city in south west France, is the wine region of the Aquitaine area. Bordeaux wine is readily exported to countries throughout the world and there are many vineyards that help make this exportation financially rewarding for the region by producing popular tasty wines to suit all tastes.

Vineyards in Bordeaux cover hundreds of thousands of acres of land. Large quantities of wine producers in this area are independent wineries. Chateau Beychevelle is a Bordeaux winery that welcomes wine tasters from all over the world to sample its home grown produce. Visitors come and go daily, tasting and purchasing the fine product of the hard working vineyard’s laborers.

Another area in Bordeaux that wine enthusiasts should visit is the Saint-Emilion village. In Saint-Emilion village one will find a number of friendly vineyard owners who are always happy to show off their wines. The difficulty many say is choosing the vineyards to visit. With so much choice you may need several days to get a full taste of the area.

A popular way to cover many vineyards in this region is by going on a wine tasting tour. There are usually many tours being offered and they are individually unique in their own right. Some tours will be by bus or bike via an independent tour agency and others will be provided by a specific Châteaux. In order to consider all the available options, your concierge or local tourist information office is a good starting point to making an informed decision.

When looking to visit the Bordeaux vineyards, one should consider booking a France vacation rental for a week or two in order to have enough time to leisurely visit the many wineries in the area. France vacation rentals can be easily booked through your travel agent or by using the internet to find vacation packages that cater to France vacation rentals. Whatever vineyard an individual chooses to tour or France vacation rental one chooses to book, that person is sure to be happy with his/her final decision regarding this wonderful touring opportunity.