Vacation Home Rentals Blog

Having once shared a cramped studio apartment with a friend on the Upper East Side, I can fully appreciate any New York vacation apartment larger than 400 square feet. This Manhattan vacation apartment is more than twice that–880 square feet–and with 12-foot ceilings, a king-sized mattress in a master bedroom and a Brazilian teak balcony to boot.

The vacation rental, close to Chelsea, Greenwich Village and the Meatpacking District, is pretty pimped out. The stereo system is Bose, the TV a 40-inch LCD Sony Bravia, the kitchen appliances Jenn Air and Miele. In our midrise on 88th and 1st, we barely had room for a microwave. The kitchen was a two-foot hallway with two burners.

Let’s talk about the decor.

The chandelier, wooden coffee table and oversized wall mirror say vintage chic, giving the overall apartment a lived-in, yet approachable feel. You wouldn’t be afraid to relax in there with a glass of wine. And that bathroom. You’d sooner find the mosaic tile in the restroom of a hot club or spa. The lister of the property said, “One of the nicest apartments I have seen living here in NY for 14 years.”

You’d probably pay thousands to rent this one bedroom, one bathroom apartment full-time, but for vacationers, it’s only $1,700 a week or $250 a night. Do it. You’ll have no regrets.

When you’re out on the balcony, cooing over the skyline, you won’t be sorry.

That discount? That’s 10 percent off a week’s stay, but make sure to mention the special when booking the property.

With the first day of school around the corner, it’s too late to reserve a vacation home rental for summer break, but for you singles, this Destin condo provides the perfect chance to bypass the high season traffic. No worrying about displacing junior out of the pool after a gleeful cannonball. Always a lounge chair open. Why wouldn’t you visit in September or October?

Bahia in the Village, like a lot of new Destin condos, is very grown up–no cheesy flamingo paintings or dolphin figurines. The furnishings scream Crate and Barrel catalog, from the blond wood dining room table to the powder blue couch. And look at those olive green chaises by that sexy curved window. I’d want to swipe them for my own apartment.

The condo sleeps four guests: two on a queen sofa bed and two on a king-sized mattress in the master bedroom. A full kitchen, refrigerator and breakfast bar means that you can take turns making eggs or slinging cocktails.

A resort card secures access to tons of activities.

Take a romantic stroll on the beach. Go ocean kayaking. Book a tee time. Grab a tram to Baytowne Wharf for shopping, eats and cocktails.

But before you do all that, don’t forget to mention the discount. Ten percent off is still 10 percent off. Who doesn’t need a little help in this economy?

From yesterday’s South Beach vacation apartment to a stunning Galveston vacation home, I’m thrilled when I can find something unique about a property for you to brag about on your postcards to friends. This particular vacation rental hovered over the competition in Galveston for its expansive wraparound porch, stiltlike stature and tasteful, kid-friendly interior.

Bottom line: I could just see families vacationing here.

The custom Gult Coast vacation home was built in 2007 for parties of 10 and has already hosted a few groups during this summer season. The Pettys and Exparzas, who stayed there in July, said, “Even with six kids running around there was plenty of room to relax and enjoy our surroundings.”

And about those surroundings, they mean the beach, or Playa San Luis, which is a short walk away.

Two master suites each have their own balconies and bathrooms, a great setup for in-laws, parents or neighbors with kids. The guest rooms are brightly decorated with pastel plaid linens and heavy wood bedroom suites, including trundle beds, nightstands and drawers.

Like other beach rentals in Galveston, the property is not far from attractions like Moody Gardens, the Schlitterbahn Water Park and the Galvestand Strand Shopping District, where locals come to antique, ride horse-drawn carriages and peruse art.

When the sightseeing is done, head back to the home to “just sit outside in the quiet and enjoy the salty air,” or so recommends Summer, a Dallas resident who visited in June.

No arguments there.

You’re single, sexy and sniffing around for a Florida vacation rental. Well that’s a no-brainer. You should go to South Beach.

This 290-square-foot studio isn’t the Delano, but chances are, if you’re hunting for vacation rentals by owner, you’re trying to pin down a bargain anyway. Well, I’ve found it for you. How’s $600 a week starting Sept. 1?

Sure it’s South Beach’s low season, but that’s a plus if you don’t care for crowds. This Miami Beach vacation rental, complete with kitchen, stereo, plasma TV, queen and sofa beds, could be the base from which you could explore the city that’s been called America’s Riviera.

Situated in a historic building, the near beach rental sleeps two guests and has a view of the pool. Free concierge service gets you transportation rental servies and reservations at local restaurants and clubs, but ladies and gents, keep the parties in the VIP lounges. The building owners do not tolerate any carrying on within the premises, issuing this stern warning: “People wishing to party should find another vacation property.”

I need to remind myself that not everyone cares for the beach.

Some of you prefer the forest air, baiting a hook, hearing and actually listening to the rain. When you get away, you disappear. Bird, not people, watching is more your thing.

I’m all for that, but I heart my creature comforts, too. This Georgia log cabin rental marries modern conveniences with a location right in the heart of the woods. It sits on two acres of land near a Bavarian-inspired village.

Because of its size (two bedrooms, two baths), the house probably couldn’t accommodate any more than six guests, but I’m seeing it more as a couple’s getaway, heck, even a honeymoon spot. Couldn’t afford Germany? The dollar is weak anyway.

Besides, it’s doubtful you’d find a weeklong rental there for $600, which is the price of this wooden retreat. And look at what that gets you: a GE Profile stainless steel kitchen, leather furniture, full entertainment center, loft and master bedrooms, a woodburning stove, rocking chairs on the porch and an outdoor hot tub.

Outdoorsy types and and history buffs will love the nearby activities, from horseback riding to state parks to super quaint Alpine Helen, which has Cherokee and lumber mill ties and puts on a big Oktoberfest celebration every year.

So you see … who needed Germany anyway? You have Georgia.

You might ask: Why this rental and not that one?

I don’t subscribe to a particular methodology, friends. Sometimes it’s whatever state I would fancy visiting myself. Other times it could be as simple as being drawn to a single photo on the listing. The folks who own this Myrtle Beach vacation rental strike me as nice people. Look at them on the beach. Wouldn’t you want to buy your next getaway from them?

And at $695 a week in September, $595 a week in October and – wow – $395 a week from the final week of November to the end of February (a period of weather misery for snowbirds), there’s no excuse not to consider renting this oceanfront vacation rental during the off season.

The condo has enough space for six to eight guests, with two full beds (and pillow top ones at that), a murphy bed and a sofa bed. Take advantage of having all those extra chefs around because the kitchen is fully stocked with its own cookware, dishes, utensils, glassware, appliances, etc. Cook up some steaks and enjoy them on the terrace. A table for four boasts a view of the Atlantic.

While the kids are going back to school soon, it’s never too early to start thinking about spring break or even where to go next summer. The family-friendly attractions nearby will elevate you to hero status: Medieval Times, Alligator Adventure, Ripley’s Aquarium and three different water parks. For dads (and moms, too), Myrtle Beach is dotted with golf courses.

If you feel like spending all your vacation at the condo itself, I wouldn’t blame you either. There’s a restaurant onsite, plus gym and kiddie and adult pools. Pack as light or heavy as you like – there’s a washer and dryer inside the apartment. And don’t forget the iPod. The owners have equipped the condo with an iPod docking station so you’re not stuck listening to bad local radio.

Because there’s nothing worse than the light station on a constant loop.

I know what you’re thinking.

What’s up with the towels, and why were these women laughing?

Was this their maiden trip to a nudist resort and the chuckling a coping mechanism? Did the girls decide to get loose with a few cocktails first before fully disrobing?

I guess that’s for them to know and for you to find out.

This adults-only Palm Springs resortpaints itself as an upscale retreat for celebrities, VIPs, couples and girlfriends wanting to frolick in the nude in a safe environment. The pictures show folks wading in a mineral pool, sharing passionate kisses in the sun and getting massages.

I’m not one who is easily impressed by honors, so the fact that this retreat was called one of the top five places to be naked doesn’t really resonate with me. What does that mean exactly? What were the factors in the decision?

That said, however, the user reviews mean more. I like this comment from Dayton, Ohio, residents Mark and Laurie, who visited the resort last August: “I, too, worried about bringing my wife to a nude resort and what it might be about. I am happy to report to this site we found a very high end excellent spa.”

Personally, I’d rather hear from a first-timer to a clothing optional resort before making a decision to go there. The fact that this couple felt comfortable is a relief.

In your head, don’t you envision slimy old guys hanging out in packs, waiting for fresh meat? Not here. The retreat sticks to a policy of no single men allowed on the property. Wow. That sorta surprises me.

As far as the rooms go, expect king-sized beds fitted with Egyptian cotton linen. There’s no restaurant or gym on the site, but if you’re into the nudist lifestyle, you’re probably not going for the cooking or the cardio anyway. At least not that kind of cardio.

We’ve all heard of babymoons, the getaway couples take as expecting parents. What’s the name of the vacation for couples wanting to get pregnant?

For me, all it took was a little Don Julio and an all-inclusive Mexican resort called Moon Palace. I can definitely vouch for the pure bliss of this Cancun vacation spot because I stayed here for five nights.

What makes me miss this place:

The swim-up bars: There are two, with seats planted into lagoon-style pools for you to take shots directly from servers who pour the liquid into your mouths. (Suddenly, you feel like you’re on Spring Break again.)

The food: 10 on-site restaurants with yummy Mexican buffets, Italian, burgers and more.

The club: If you wanted to, you could drink here all night. The music is a groovable mix of familiar hip-hop, pop and Spanish dance. When we were there two years ago, the hot track was Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina.” Lemme tell you: Tequila and “Gasolina” go down well.

For this particular Mexican vacation, a VIP membership secures access to all the Palace Resorts’ Five-Star properties, including Aventura Spa Palace Resort, Cancun Palace Resort, Sun Palace Resort, Playacar Palace Resort, Cozumel Palace Resort and others. The studio sleeps four – complete with a hot tub in the room.

And for you golfers, check out the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course or try the 72 par Playacar Palace Resort Golf Club. I was too hungover to go myself, but adventurers would enjoy the scuba lessons arranged by the hotel staff.

Honestly, though, if you never left the property, you would still have an amazing trip, and perhaps even a token to remember it by.

Her name is Eliana, and I blame the Don Julio.

Having grown up by the Atlantic Ocean, I can’t see myself living away from the water. I’d miss the picnics by the beach, the sun on my face and – not to get all gooey on you – but seeing my children rush to the tide, only to turn right back around, make a beeline for me, with nothing but giggles and coos.

I’m thinking that this Cape Cod house rental would be a great place for my (and your) family to score that sorely missed East Coast beach vacation.

Located in Onset, Mass., on Buzzard’s Bay, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom vacation house with room for eight guests embodies my ultimate Cape Cod fantasy: a traditional dollhouse by the beach with all the modern amenities of a new home. The open kitchen looks fit for big groups, with a dining room and breakfast bar for spooning up that delicious New England Clam Chowder. The master bedroom has its own balcony that looks out onto the water. It’s BYOB, too. (Bring your own boat, thanks to an outdoor dock/boat slip.)

Not that I would EVER encourage this, but there’s a trundle bed in the master bedroom for little ones who wake up in the middle of the night wanting to be next to their parents. (I know, I know, co-sharing sleeping quarters doesn’t foster a couple’s intimacy, but we’re talking about a room here, not a bed.)

In terms of location, the beach is walkable. No need to schlep all your stuff in the car or find parking. If you forget the sunscreen, you can just run back to the house.

When all that sunbathing gets a bit old, stroll into Onset to pick up some arts and crafts, browse for antiques or grab a bite. Make sure to get a photo in your top-siders and e-mail it to me.

I never made it to San Juan. San Juan, Washington, that is.

I was supposed to, but at the last minute, the bride called off the wedding, informing 50-plus guests via e-mail that they “decided to remain friends.”

Ooph. How do you respond to that and as a bride, is it kosher to keep the gifts?

When she shared the news, I hadn’t made reservations yet – for a flight or hotel – but I probably would have booked a place like this San Juan vacation home. Situated on Lummi Island, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom retreat is convenient by ferry, which departs on the hour from 6 a.m. to midnight every day. And the ride is only 10 minutes. Not bad.

You know me – gotta mention the outdoor kitchen. If you can be outside, why wouldn’t you? There’s a week’s worth of whale watching, sailing, biking and canoeing to do.

I’m not a huge hot tub gal (I barely use our jet tub at home), but if that’s your thing, there’s one inside, along with a full kitchen, one queen, king and sofa bed, plus ooh … a fireplace.

I’ll leave this post with two happy endings:

My friend found love and got married last year to a fellow Washingtonian.

The San Juan Islands, according to the official tourist site, enjoy 247 days of sunshine and half the rainfall of Seattle.

A Washington vacation without storms? No need to raincheck that trip.