Here's a no-lose proposition: You get better accommodations, you get them for less and you get other discounts.
We're talking vacation rentals. Families or groups can save on the per-night cost versus a hotel, generally speaking, and by preparing and eating meals in. Rentals may offer more privacy than a hotel room and may even allow Fido, which means you'll save on the kennel bill.
And now there are other reasons to rent.
"With the current bad economy, we are seeing two types of deals: a percentage off -- anywhere from 10% to 30% -- or the rental [that] sometimes comes wrapped with a fifth night free when you book four nights," said T.J. Mahony, chief executive of Flipkey.com, a vacation rental site (owned by TripAdvisor.com).
"If an area is dependent on tourism . . . attractions begin offering discounts. Frequently, property managers have group discounts available."
Eileen Buesing, a spokesperson for HomeAway Inc., owner of several vacation rental websites including Homeaway.com and VRBO.com, says a recent HomeAway vacation rental marketplace survey revealed about two-thirds of their vacation rental property owners are trying to stir interest with deals and incentives. These include discounted rental rates and leniency on booking dates (no minimum stay).
Add to that rounds of golf, ferry fare and discounted admission to amusement parks, said Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com, a website that features travel news, deals and advice.
For rentals, Banas likes Flipkey.com, Homeaway.com and VRBO. "Flipkey is one of the few that have actual guest reviews (though not for every property yet)," she said in an e-mail. "VRBO and Homeaway are quite comprehensive and offer a lot of photos and an availability calendar. VRBO also offers some reviews in its 'guestbook' (though again, not on every property)."
Travel & Leisure magazine named Flipkey, which has more than 90,000 properties worldwide, its top vacation rental site in 2008. Flipkey has more than 85,000 guest reviews posted. (Guests must be invited by Flipkey, by e-mail, to post a review based on confirmed booking records). Flipkey's user-friendly structure lets you sort rentals by dates, number of rooms/guests and price.
More than half of Flipkey's properties are represented by property managers, who often create packages that include coupons, kids' activities and discounts. Because the extra amenities may not appear on the website, Mahony suggests e-mailing or calling the property manager or owner.
