Tips for Travelers Staying at a Vacation Rental

 

Vacation rentals are the new hotels! More and more travelers are choosing to stay at vacation rentals over traditional hotels. Guests enjoy the extra space, privacy, amenities and flexibility that staying in a vacation home offers.

Still, choosing to stay at a vacation rental can be a very different experience for travelers that are used to spending their vacations at hotels. If it’s your first time staying at a vacation rental or it’s just been a while since your last stay, our handy tips are just what you need when planning your next vacation.

What to Pack

Just like hotels, vacation rentals are often stocked with the standard amenities – towels, toiletries, coffee pot – and then some. Many, like Cobbo’s Beach House in Avila Beach, also offer a kitchen complete with common appliances, cookware, and tableware, along with extras like board games and outdoor gear. Check the vacation rental’s website before your stay for a list of onsite amenities so that you know what items you need to bring on your trip and what things you can leave at home.

Scope Out the Neighborhood Before Your Stay

Unlike hotels, vacation rentals are often located in residential areas. It’s a good idea to research the area before your stay. Find out where the nearest grocery store is, what restaurants are in the area, how far the property is from tourist attractions and the like. Depending on your preference, you’ll also want to note if the vacation rental is located in a quiet neighborhood or close to the hustle and bustle of the city.

Assign Your Rooms

The beds are usually located within the same small living space when you stay at a hotel. Vacation homes can have anywhere from one to several bedrooms, with varying sizes and features, like balconies, private bathrooms and panoramic views of nature. Avoid squabbles or inconveniences by choosing who will stay where ahead of time. It’s likely that the vacation rental you choose will feature photos and descriptions of each room, and may even offer a virtual tour.

Personalize Your Vacation Package

Staying at a vacation rental often comes with the flexibility to personalize your stay. You can bring the entertainment right to your door. Book a personal yoga session while you take in the property’s views, host a dinner party with a private chef or arrange for onsite spa treatments and massages. The possibilities are endless. When you stay at Cobbo’s Beach House in Avila, CA, you’ll have the option to customize your stay with a variety of packages, including a wine or whiskey tasting guide at the house.

Put Your Vacation Rental Owner on Speed Dial

Property owners are like your own personal concierge, full of local knowledge and useful tips. Ask them for dining recommendations, advice on nearby excursions or help arranging car service. Feel free to ask questions or put in any requests in advance so that everything’s ready for your stay.

If you’re taking a vacation to California’s Central Coast, check out Cobbo’s Beach House. Our luxury vacation rental is located downtown between the beach and the golf course. The house sleeps 18 and has 6 rooms, 6 baths, rooftop patio, 2 hot tubs, commercial kitchen appliances and much more.