The thread on Costa Rica inspired me to seek advice. We are interested in a 3 bedroom house in the Carribbean near the beach. We are totally open as to which island to visit. We are not interested in doing any sight seeing, just resting and recharging on a beautiful beach. The house must have air conditioning as well as Internet. We have vacationed in the Carribbean, but have always stayed in hotels. We’d like to have the added space of a house but I am terrified of the complications that could arise if the house is not as represented in VRBO.
I was hoping someone might be able to share a specific house they’ve rented like Southern Hope did for Costa Rica. That house sounded wonderful but is too long of a drive for us. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
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but I am terrified of the complications that could arise if the house is not as represented in VRBO.
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I own VRBO rentals. If the listings have plenty of recent pics and plenty of 5 star reviews, you can feel safe.
also read the descriptions and amenities. If you want to be “on the beach” then make sure that’s what you reserve. Likely that will be a higher price. If parking is needed, make sure it has that. If A/C is desired, make sure it has that. Check to see if all linens and paper goods are provided (some only provide a “starter amount” (which I think is weird).
check to see if there’s a washer and dryer…and a fully equipped kitchen.
Also…be sure to ask the Owners as many questions that you need. If they aren’t hospitable and don’t answer your Q’s, then move on to looking at other properties. (some Owners forget that this is a Hospitality business.)
also…look over the house rules…check in and check out times. look over the cleaning fees.
VRBO’s are not hotels. They don’t operate like hotels. this confuses people. Owners do try to accommodate, but we’re rarely on property, so it’s not like there will be room service. lol