Inside a Deluxe Vacation Home
Rental House or Condo Should Have These Essential Furnishings
Ask in advance what furnishings and amenities are included in the resort house, condo or villa you plan to rent to avoid disappointment.
Some travelers are concerned about renting a vacation house, condos or villa in a distant resort because they do not know what kind of amenities or appointments they should expect to find. Even though listings on Web sites by property owners and professional property managers assure visitors that they will have everything they need for a complete vacation stay, it is useful to ask what is included.
Below is a typical property management company list of required furnishings and extra that travelers expect in all deluxe rental vacation homes. No matter whether the property you rent is rated with three, four or five stars, there are some basics you should ask about:
Living Rooms and Family Rooms
Telephones in all rooms; color TVs, preferably flat panel screens that are a minimum of 27 inches; plus VCR and DVD players in the living room, family room and all bedrooms. Stereo sound system with CD player should also be included, along with a separate dedicated phone line for a fax machine and high speed internet access. In addition such homes should have a custom décor, preferably one that has been chosen by a professional interior decorator.
Gourmet Kitchens
In the kitchen, a deluxe vacation home should have a microwave as well as a range, an electric coffee maker, toaster, electric blender and perhaps even a Cuisinart or other food processor. Ask about matching sets of flatware, dishes and glassware that are equal to the number of guests the unit can sleep. Make sure there is a full complement of cutlery and a knife sharpener, along with several sizes of sauce pans, skillets and a roasting pan for the turkey you might prepare. A large salad bowl and placemats should also be standard. Also ask about hot pads or trivets, cutting boards, steak knives and serving trays.
Bedrooms
In bedrooms, besides a bed and a TV, expect to find headboards on all beds, plus nightstands, a chest of drawers and a radio alarm clock. Naturally there should be enough linens to change bedding during the week.
Fireplaces and Decks
If you are renting a condo, villa or house in a cold climate, ask about a working fireplace and whether it is electric or requires wood. Be certain the property manager provides firewood, a fire extinguisher and an ash bucket. If you are renting in a beach or other warm-weather resort, inquire about individual room air-conditioning controls and if you like entertaining outdoors, a gas barbeque grill.
Eliminate Guesswork
It makes sense to request a list of the furnishings that will be provided in a rental, rather than rely on photos of each room.
