Vacation Home Rentals Blog

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We’re hours away from saying good riddance to 2008.

Why not spend it in the city that throws the best New Year’s Eve party in the world? Times Square, baby.

This Midtown Manhattan vacation apartment is on sale this week for $150 a night–unheard of in the city that never sleeps. This isn’t some dingy walkup either. It’s a luxury studio flat with hardwood floors, granite countertops in a full-size kitchen and its own terrace for guests to gawk at the circus that is New York City on NYE.

Can’t make it to the city?

While not nearly as thrilling as Manhattan, this Halcottsville vacation home is also slashing its price to $125 a night from Dec. 31 to Jan. 3. For those who want to be far away from the mayhem, this charming cottage is a place to pass time with family, read, play board games and possibly catch a glimpse of an otter in the stream at the rear of the property.

However you spend the opening to 2009, check here for more last-minute deals.

With budgets tighter for splashy vacations, let’s make a prediction: 2009 will be the year of long weekends.

Folks won’t abandon their plans–they’ll just cut their trips shorter.

For Southern Californians, a two-hour drive into the oasis that is Palm Springs is time well spent if the final destination is a vacation home like this retro rental by owner. Bring your best guide to classic cocktails and don your favorite Buddy Holly glasses or Marilyn Monroe halter dresses for an escape to 1952.

Palm Springs, long-known as a desert playground to the stars, is that postcard-perfect community, thanks to its kidney-bean shaped pools, manicured backyards and mid-century aesthetic that appeals to modern hipsters.

Shoot, even “The Hills” filmed there (so it must have cred, right?). Justin Bobby and Audrina took their first official vacation as a couple at a luxe hotel.

Singles, check your calendars for long weekends that could use a little swimming, cocktailing or golfing (So that’s what President’s Day is for.). Nothing against parents, but the house looks more like a bachelor pad than family-friendly getaway.

If you can find a babysitter–thank you, grandma–more power to you.

If you don’t deal with ice or snow that well, there’s a beach in Puerto Rico waiting for you.

Several airlines–Continental, American Airlines and US Airways–are dangling cheap flights to San Juan, with some going for as little as $119 each way. Depending on where you live, the airfare may be more affordable than a flight to the West Coast.

If you can swing February or March, when temps hang in the low 80s, we pinpointed two vacation rentals for your winter break.

This San Juan rental is just two blocks from Ocean Park beach. Completely rehabbed in January 2008, the house suits families and groups needing the room to cook their own meals, eat at their own dining table and spread out–there’s even another unit at the rear with one bedroom and an attached restroom. The look is clean and minimalist, from the granite countertops to the marble rain shower to the red leather couches in the living room.

Say you’re looking for more authentic character, a piece of Old San Juan.

This second-floor vacation home is made for the traveler who wants to live the life of a San Juanero. Located in the lively shopping/gallery district, the apartment is close to Cristo Chapel, Pigeon Park, the Governors Mansion, and Plaza de Armas. One former renter said, “It would be very hard to find a better apartment in San Juan, on so many levels: location, privacy, security and comfort.”

He mentioned eating at no fewer than 10 great restaurants within five minutes of the flat, which is key when you don’t want to rent a car (which the owner discourage anyway due to the lack of parking in the area).

While friends at home are fighting with their ice picks, you’ll be drinking rum cocktails and snapping photos of the Paseo, a mile-long pathway flanked by the sandstone walls surrounding the city.

Sucks for them, but good for you.

With the euro stronger than the American dollar, is it really the right time to go to Europe?

If your schedule is flexible and you do your online homework ahead of time, why certainly.

Just eight months ago, one euro equalled $1.60, according to this Associated Press story. Now, it’s down to about $1.40. While that’s not great, if you’re a smart shopper, you can find some incredible deals on European vacation rentals, including this two-bedroom Spanish vacation apartment. (The modern flat, complete with rooftop jacuzzi overlooking the city, is based in the bustling community of El Carme close to numerous paella bars and medieval architectural gems.)

Like home buyers scoping out the best purchases in a market of oversupply and diminished demand, travelers will easily be able to snatch an amazing vacation no matter the time of year–whether that’s for springtime in Paris, summer in Ibiza or fall in Berlin (which just happens to be the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall).

Stop dreaming and start clicking your way to your dream getaway.

You’ve heard the expression, “Wherever you go, there you are.”

Well hopefully that there is somewhere you want to be–i.e. a Winter Park vacation home or at a beach condo in Barbados. Or maybe this week is all about chilling in your own zip code, then doing it up on New Year’s Eve in Vegas vacation rental.

Wherever you’re drinking your eggnog or champagne this holiday season, here’s hoping you’re surrounded by friends and family. Cheers to you, and thanks for your company on this blog.

Back in a few days after the food coma wears off and you’re dreaming of somewhere warm to escape in January, say, Cozumel.

Happy holidays!

As of publish time, the Obamas are spending the holidays at a $9 million wood-frame home fronting Kailua Beach near the President Elect’s former stomping grounds in Honolulu.

A wise choice considering it’s 2 degrees (feels like -13) in Chicago.

With so much curiosity surrounding the First Family, you better believe Obama tourism will follow. Want proof? Just try to book any Washington, D.C. vacation home for Inauguration Day.

For vacation purposes, this Kailua beach rental is where I would pick for down time. First, the light. Can you get over the brilliant greens and blues, the majestic palm trees and the shimmery pool and Pacific Ocean beaming in the background? This is paradise minus the crowds of Waikiki beach. For the most powerful leader in the free world, it’s a no-brainer.

A tennis court invites visitors to practice their serve–there’s even a separate tennis house on the grounds. (Note, the tennis house cannot be reserved individually, but the beach house can.)

Yes you can. And for only $20,000 a month.

Time to start pressing for another stimulus package.

These days, spontaneity is a tough idea to swallow. Questions race through your mind. Can I really afford it? Do I really need it?

For vacation home owners, the proposition of leisure is an even bigger challenge to sell, but it can be done. People will still plan their getaways–they just may abbreviate them.

New Year’s Eve is the one occasion to embrace the surprises a getaway may bring. Property owners, time to come up with some real incentives for travelers to pack up and go even if it’s just for a staycation. Throw together a package for the Last-Minute Deals section of this site to garner more exposure. If your vacation condo is already sensibly priced, even better.

Whether it’s a chill long weekend at a beach rental or splashy house party with friends in a ski vacation townhome, give people a reason to look forward to 2009.

Renters, these three cities live up to their reputations for knowing how to throw a bash:

1. Miami Beach vacation apartment
South Beach is the playboy’s (and playgirl’s) paradise, notorious for bottle service, world-class DJs and hard bodies. That’s all nice and all, but maybe your budget can sustain only one night of high-end boozing, which is fine by you because this affordable condo is hardly cramping your style. With a super chic master bedroom with windows opening to tropical greenery, funky artwork and an additional futon for two more guests, the apartment satisfies the needs of travelers who don’t want (or need) the expense of a Delano room on their credit card bills.

2. New Orleans vacation condo
Come Mardi Gras, wallflowers turn into one-woman peepshows. Clearly, there’s a sizzle in this city that coaxes people out of their comfort zone–and out of their clothes. Curious if that same spirit is present on New Year’s Eve? Rent this New Orleans vacation condo located in the Warehouse District, what the owner describes as a “great place to stay without the noise of the French Quarter or worries about crime.” The modern space has exposed brick walls, 16-foot ceilings and a fun loft area reachable by ladder. Just don’t climb up there after a night of alcohol.

3. Tampa vacation condo
Gotcha. You figured on at least one mention of Vegas. Wrong. This no-frills Gulf Coast vacation apartment–situated in South Tampa, what locals consider the best place to live in the city–is close to restaurants and nightlife. Take a cab to Ybor City, where you’re just as likely to run into a Goth kid decked out in leather cuffs and a fishnet shirt as a bodacious babe who knows the moves to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” Or drink local at MacDinton’s, an Irish pub that is anti-obnoxious party scene (Read=No guys in shiny shirts.) for the holiday. Ask for Aileen. Tell her Val sent you.

Vancouver, British Columbia won’t be on the global stage until winter 2010 when it hosts the Winter Olympics, but that shouldn’t stop folks from scoping out the landscape well before the Italian slalom team hits the slopes. Before the crowds flood this city that earned the title Best City in the Americas by Conde Nast Traveler, a mini getaway may be just what you need to firm up your decision on whether to attend the games.

Wouldn’t you agree? Canada is like the neighbor down the street you always plan to visit, but never do because of the proximity. You tell yourself, One day, I’ll make it there. Just not now.

On the other side of that, to the property owners in Vancouver: Take a cue from those inauguration vacation home owners and get in on the game now before it’s too late. To date, just 10 vacation rentals are listed on this site, but hopefully the options expand to provide Olympic visitors alternatives other than a cramped hotel room.

Travelers, consider the following arguments for taking off to Vancouver:

1. The American dollar is stronger.
It makes good fiscal sense to visit a country where your own currency yields more bang for your buck. This waterfront vacation condo is $900 a week, or $1,084 Canadian dollars. Use that extra dinero you would be spending on a pricier hotel for sampling the city’s nightlife, restaurants and shopping.

2. If you are planning on attending the Winter Games, it’s better to be familiar with the landscape.
Say you want to take family. A hotel would probably suit your loved ones just fine, but could you cook your own food there or explore the city from the local perspective? Probably not. This vacation home answers both needs. It’s situated in trendy Kitsilano, a hip, yet kid-friendly neighborhood close to theaters, boutiques and food.

3. If you don’t like Vancouver, you can try Quebec or any other place in Canada the next time.
Maybe you find that the city is too buzzing for you. Perhaps a Quebec City vacation chalet is more your speed. At least you’ll know, and you won’t have to worry about being stuck with the tab for the Czech Republic’s ice hockey team.

When it comes to ski vacations, Californians are split into two camps: NoCal folks hit Tahoe, while SoCal bunnies head for Mammoth. Since readers are probably more familiar with Tahoe vacation homes, let’s zero in on the latter.

Hardcore skiers and snowboarders in the L.A. area have been flocking to Mammoth vacation rentals for years. A reliable snowpack, solid restaurants and an unpretentious atmosphere made it a natural fit for those on a budget, but the secret is out, and now the luxury makeover has begun. Alongside affordable vacation condos come resort-style homes styled with gourmet kitchens, spa bathrooms, hot tubs and heavenly views of this quaint town.

Walk into the village for antiquing, upscale boutiques and potentially a celebrity spotting. Brad and Angelina took their brood there last year, according to The Oregonian, and the crew from the original “Laguna Beach” show visited–presumably without their parents–on a high-school getaway so many seasons ago. (I don’t remember having that luxury as a teenager, but then again I never had an infinity pool or drove BMW convertibles either.)

Without further due, find three vacation homes for exploring the so-called “Aspen of the West.”

1. Mammoth vacation home
You can walk to the village from here in eight minutes, but why would you want to? All that you need is here, from a 36-bottle wine cellar, two king master suites, a hot tub, game room and dining table for 12 guests.

2. Mammoth vacation rental
The outside comes inside at this retreat nestled in a wooded knoll area. Marvel at the quartzite floors, slate vertical surfaces, granite and concrete counters, knotty pine doors with rust hardware and the waterfall–yep, waterfall–trickling indoors. Gather round the kitchen island on stump-like stools for mulled wine and feel as though you’re sitting in a woodman’s tavern.

3. Mammoth vacation condo
If you’re on a limited budget, consider this vacation condo in Crestview, where six snow buddies can hole up for $130 on weeknights or $160 a night on weekends after Jan. 11. After a long day on the slopes, prepare a meal with friends or take advantage of the sauna, pool table and video games in the recreation room. A free shuttle transports tourists to the village and the front door of the Canyon Lodge.

And good news for L.A. locals: Horizon Air added nonstop service from LAX to Mammoth this week, with fares as cheap as $79 each way. The drive is normally around five hours, but flights take an hour. Now you have no excuses.

In these uncertain times, it may be out of your realm to even consider purchasing a 10,000-square foot Kissimmee vacation home. First, does a buyer really need all that space? Second, what would it take to qualify for a loan?

But the fact is, such luxury still exists, and by the numbers. For day-to-day living, it’s probably not the best idea. For vacation, it’s just good economic sense–especially when split between a large group.

The estate above, situated on prime lakefront property in the exclusive community of Formosa Gardens, is like a five-star hotel at a more reasonable price. “If you work this out it only costs 44 usd each per night!,” according to the listing. (Based on the assumption of 16 guests staying at the property)

The over-the-top amenities–a 55-foot Roman-style pool, a custom movie theater with reclining seats, porcelain floors, chandeliers and wine cellar–lend to a space that would star on MTV “Cribs” or “Beverly Hills 90210.” And what’s more: The maid service is complimentary.

Property owners, don’t be afraid to flaunt the majesty of your vacation home. Use size as a selling point. Consumers always feel better when they feel like they’re getting more for their money.

In a house this elegant, renters may forget why they came to the Orlando area in the first place. Mickey Mouse, who’s he?