May 24th, 2006
Summer cottage rentals versus hotel stays
When planning your summer family vacation, keep in mind it may be cheaper and easier to rent a home than to book a hotel. “Good Morning America” real estate contributor Barbara Corcoran
explained how and where to find great rentals at affordable prices. You can find her tips below.
Save 20 Percent to 50 Percent
Based on a one-week stay, you can save between 20 percent to 50 percent
by renting a place rather than staying at a hotel. Renting also means
more room, is kid- and pet-friendly, and usually has amenities like a
kitchen, backyard or barbecue. You can fool yourself into thinking
you’re not a visitor, but a local who lives there.
Come and Go as You Please
Renting can be easier to schedule, as you don’t have to worry about
check-in and check-out times. Some hotels have very strict timing
policies, but with rentals, you can avoid Saturday to Sunday
restrictions.
It Pays to Wait
Not only is it not too late to get a great summer rental deal, it
could pay to wait longer. You can save 10 percent or more by waiting to
book your rental until two weeks before you get on the plane. Sometimes
the discount is official and advertised, but always ask, “How
inexpensively can we get a cottage for our family?” when negotiating.
Even if you get a discount, always try twice. No one gives you the best
discount the first time.
Midseason markdowns generally start after Aug. 15. Because many
schools are starting earlier than ever, you can book these as early as
the first two weeks in August.