Worldwide Listing of Agencies That Handle Rentals
[To our readers: Below is a list of vacation home rental agencies that appeared in the October 1997 issue of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, published by the nonprofit Consumer's Union organization. Please note that some telephone numbers or other information may have changed.]
All agencies in our list rent to the public. We also provide information on travel clubs that specialize in vacation rentals, and directory sources. Agencies that operate primarily through Web sites are only illustrative samples; new sites are cropping up almost daily. Listing does not imply endorsement by CRTL.
The following agencies arrange pre-paid rentals in the geographical areas listed. To arrange your rental, call (or have your travel agent call) a listed agency to ask what's available in the area you want to rent for the dates you need, make special service requests, and get brochures. Others may want to access rental-agency Web sites or contact them by e-mail, where available (noted in listings). The most popular weeks in many locations are rented up to a year in advance. Check cancellation policies before you rent.
Many listed brokers offer other travel services as well as rentals, air tickets, car rentals, housekeeping services, tours, etc. Many pay commissions to travel agencies.
Payment procedures vary. Some agencies require a flat service charge that may or may not be applicable to an actual rental. Some agencies require a deposit, with the balance due up to 45 days before arrival; others require you to pay the balance directly to the owner upon arrival, in traveler's checks or cash. Many rentals require a housecleaning fee in addition to the rental payment. Most agencies accept payment by personal or travel agency check. Those that accept charge cards are noted. Some agencies add 2% to 5% to the total cost if you use a charge card.
AA Oceanfront Condominium Rentals, 2439 S. Kihei Rd. #102-A, Kihei HI 96753; (800) 488-8004, (808) 879-7288, fax (808) 879-7500, www.makena.com, aaocean@maui.net. Hawaii (southern Maui). MC, V.
Abaco Vacation Res, 40 Stone Hill Rd., Westminster MA 01473; (800) 633-9197, (978) 874-5995, fax (978) 874-6308, www.abacovacations.com, abacobahamas@prodigy.com. Bahamas (Abaco), Caribbean. Disc, MC, V.
All Destinations, 19 Scodon Dr., Ridgefield CT 06877; (800) 228-1510, (203) 744-3100, fa x (203) 744-1320, www.alldestinations.com, alldestinations@ridgefield.com. California, Florida, Caribbean. AE, Disc, MC, V.
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