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by Scott Norris
Today, I read an interesting article in the associated press about a family that booked a three bedroom vacation rental home for the holidays late last year. Upon their arrival the family found the third bedroom of the rental property was “down a narrow, steep set of stairs under a kitchen trapdoor, half hidden by a scatter rug.” The bedroom amounted to a converted basement.
Travelers should take precautions when booking vacation rentals online and use a Lake Tahoe professional company that offers verified vacation rentals whenever possible. Many of these companies are offering free night stays on many of their vacation rentals and cabins located on the North and South shore of Lake Tahoe as I write this blog.
If you are hunting for the perfect accommodations please keep in mind that pictures and video of these vacation rentals and cabins can be deceiving. Ask yourself this question: If you were going to take photos of your rental would you post the one of the unfinished bedroom or bathroom or the freshly remodeled kitchen – My guess is the kitchen.
I have fallen for this too. On a family getaway to Lake Tahoe, Nevada in the recent past I booked a “good deal” on a vacation rental that I found on craigslist. Upon my arrival, I found the vacation rental positioned fifty yards from a very busy highway. One of the bedrooms was built using just plywood. Since our family arrived late at the home after a long road trip we made the decision to stay after considering our options. Mainly, we were simply tired and wanted to get to bed. The next morning the first thing my wife did was put our kids on restriction from the front yard! Yes, the kids were on restriction while on our family vacation!
Sure many websites offer online reviews but who writes these reviews? Are they trustworthy? When dealing with a professional booking company who responds to past customers like us they are certain to point out the good and the bad on each of their vacation rentals. They are also there to answer the phone if you have issues, direction needs; heater problems, broken pipes and last minute requests unlike many do it yourself rental owners who have day jobs like most of us.
After years of renting vacation rentals and cabins in Lake Tahoe, I made the decision to only book verified vacation rentals and cabins from professional managers since this is our travel destination of choice and I can do without the surprises.
Anyway, the article goes on with scary stories about people who put down thousands of dollars in security deposits and travel hundreds or thousands of miles only to discover stained couches, cobweb-covered grills, dilapidated patio furniture, ant infestations – and worse. Some stick it out. Others take the loss, spending additional thousands of dollars for alternative lodging – Been there done that!
Clearly the traveler is at a disadvantage if they have never been to their selected vacation rental or cabin in Lake Tahoe or anywhere for that matter. And, even if they had stayed there in the past how do you know the vacation rental is still in good condition? Using a trusted and professional company that knows the home, has visited the home and really wants you back for repeat bookings is the first step and the safest route to your travel destination.
By the way did you know that in many cases these professional companies will give you a BETTER DEAL and more FREE NIGHT STAYS than an owner may provide. The first step to fun and successful travel accommodations for Vacation Rentals and Cabins in Lake Tahoe should begin with trust and end with you, your family and friends wanting to go back to the vacation home year after year. Plan well, book vacation rentals with confidence and enjoy your special family Lake Tahoe getaway without the worry of trap doors.
Great article. It is easy to see all of the advantages of vacation rentals, and miss that there are also many risk involved. It seems logical that this is the reason that their market share of vacationers is not larger. Would look forward to hearing some of your suggestions. Thank you.