| If you're looking at this article, you've probably | | | | example, is the brochure or web site really |
| scanned others outlining the various routes to | | | | exciting -- and really old. So old that the resort |
| lodging rental. And they're probably true for most | | | | may have deteriorated in the meanwhile? So old |
| every vacation destination. So you're cool. Right? | | | | that management has become lax? If you're |
| Wrong. | | | | looking at a condo complex, you're probably |
| When you rent on Sanibel beach you need to | | | | looking at a unit owned - and maintained - |
| consider a few subtleties particular to Sanibel | | | | individually. Find out if there is an annual unit |
| beach and probably other beachside destinations. | | | | evaluation program or a mandatory standard of |
| The following five guidelines have been developed | | | | décor that is regularly enforced for the |
| from the questions I was asked most by | | | | unit to be admitted to the program. Ask if the |
| potential guests. | | | | condo association has a strategic plan that includes |
| 1. Are you on the gulf? | | | | a commitment to high standards. |
| Well, yes. But there's a difference between gulf | | | | 4. Will my kids like it? What's there to do? |
| front and gulf view. There are many complexes | | | | Again, depends. At the bigger, more pricey |
| that are gulf front, but not all of their condos are. | | | | resorts, the kids programs, tennis-sign-ups, |
| If you are offered a really great rate, you may | | | | walking tours, etc., are convenient add-ons. But at |
| be in one of the back units with no gulf view or | | | | the smaller resorts, kids build sand castles, find |
| perhaps the tiniest sliver of blue waves. Which is | | | | other kids and make new friends and happily |
| fine, if the view from your lodging is not so | | | | splash around in the pool till you have to tear |
| important. But if you were counting on sitting on | | | | them away. |
| the lanai with your morning coffee admiring the | | | | You've identified your ideal lodging and what |
| sunrise or checking out bird life - not so much. | | | | you're willing to give up and what you can't live |
| Determine whether the unit you are renting will be | | | | without. There's only one more question: |
| gulf view or gulf front. | | | | 5. What's available the week of ___? |
| 2. Why are you priced so high? | | | | I know that current trends are to book closer to |
| Hmm. You do get what you pay for and "so high" | | | | time of a vacation, whether because the dates |
| is relative. If you absolutely require hot tub, pools, | | | | can't be fixed earlier or looking for last minute |
| kids programs, tennis courts, on site restaurant, | | | | deals. But consider one other factor -- the best |
| wireless internet, washer/dryer in the unit, daily | | | | properties in your category, and the most popular |
| maid service, you will probably pay more than | | | | weeks, book up early. Which, again, may not be a |
| you would for something gulf front with a pool | | | | large issue for you. But if you have your heart |
| and maybe shuffle board or tennis and maid | | | | set on that gulf front hideaway with the little lanai |
| service upon your departure, for example. So, if | | | | facing the sunrise - someone else may beat you |
| money is an issue (and when isn't it?), be aware | | | | to it. And that's okay if you have other options |
| of what you require and what you're willing to | | | | and can compromise without feeling cheated on |
| give up. | | | | your vacation. |
| 3. Is it clean? | | | | In the end, it's all up to what you want and are |
| Well, usually, but there are other quality | | | | willing to pay for, just like about everything else in |
| considerations that you need to review. For | | | | life. |