Luxuryvillafinder's Keys to Finding and Reserving your Dream Vacation Property

How to find the Perfect Vacation Rentals

Get Clear about what you want from your vacation property

Seasoned villa and vacation property renters know that by becoming very clear in their requirements, desires, and budget--before they launch their search--they increase the likelihood of quickly finding and booking their dream property. Luxuryvillafinder has created a most comprehensive search tool for finding exactly what you’re looking for in its portfolio of properties.

Start your villa search Early

Seasoned villa and vacation property renters also know that the earlier they begin the search, the more desirable properties they will find that meet or exceed their criteria. That’s not to say that last minute availability doesn’t happen, even for the most in-demand properties, but why not stack the odds in your favor by booking early and looking forward to the exciting experience that awaits?

Be Flexible in the criteria you use to find vacation rental property

If you reach an impasse in your villa search, consider redefining your search criteria in a meaningful way that may present you with new choices. Perhaps there are areas (such as property type, the amenities, ambiance, or even the overall destination) that can be modified. It’s always possible to be pleasantly surprised by a new place or activities you hadn’t considered before. The Caribbean instead of the Canaries? Trade a condo for a luxury houseboat? Croquet in Palm Beach instead of Golf in Hawaii? Carefully consult our list of Unique Offerings when you search for properties. It may inspire you to try something new and different.

Define and Refine your villa search criteria

It has been said that, “Luck is the residue of good design.” A well-thought-out list of what you’re seeking in a vacation rental will indeed bring you luck. And Luxuryvillafinder’s leisure property search tool has been well-designed to help you meet your match. Here is a list of aspects to consider before setting out on your vacation property search:

Destination: What country, region, and city are you most interested in visiting? Is there a place you’ve never considered but are curious to learn more about it? Learn more by consulting one of our recommended Destination Guides.

Villa Type: Beach house, country manor, ski chalet, riad, penthouse apartment, or luxury tent? Luxuryvillafinder has even more options.

Accommodations: How many people will you need to sleep and in how many and what size beds? Will you have additional guests visiting during your stay? Will you need accommodations for baby, wheelchair access, or room for the family pet? What are you used to having at home that may not be readily available in a vacation home? Use Luxuryvillafinder to find a leisure property that meets your needs.

Ambiance: A party house or zen retreat? Children welcome, a strictly non-smoking home, gay-friendly, or hiker’s base camp? The Luxuryvillafinder can help direct you to properties that offer something offbeat or special.

Environment: You don’t have a driver’s license and want a five-minute walk to shopping?…You want to be on an island reachable only by charter plane?…You like long, scenic walks from the villa to local restaurants?…The Luxuryvillafinder can work with your definition of ideal vicinity to airports, shopping and dining, and local attractions.

Features: Not every property is equipped with air conditioning, covered parking, televisions or “surround sound” in the home cinema. Thinking of these details in advance may save disappointments later.

Cost/Budget: From Simple Chic to World’s Most Exclusive…every price category is represented in the Luxuryvillafinder Portfolio.

Getting There: Luxuryvillafinder advertisers share the best way to get to their properties—nearest airports, area maps, roads and routes, and the best airlines they know of for a smooth trip to their homes.

Political/Environmental: Make sure before you go that the destination you’ve chosen is currently safe and appropriate for a visit

Weather and Climate: Know before you book if the local weather conditions will be right for your dream trip. Thinking about India but want to avoid the Monsoon season? Fantasizing about Morocco but can’t take the heat?. Please consult our Destination Guides. for the best times to go.

The Keys to Reserving

Ask Questions! Luxuryvillafinder has made every effort to ensure that its advertisers automatically answer your questions in their Portfolio Presentations. But just in case they don’t, here is a list of questions whose answers you should know before you go:

What is the minimum stay requirement, if any?

What is the cancellation policy for the property?

Are there extra charges, and what are they? Extra charges can be related to linen rental, cleaning, lost keys, and fees and commissions due agents or transportation providers.

How much is the security deposit, and when will I get it back? Are there any holidays I should plan around? Holidays can bring crowds, and stores and restaurants may be closed. In certain Muslim countries like Morocco, a visit during the religious holidays of Ramadan (when midday food is harder to come by) can either be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you look at it.

How do I get to my vacation home from the airport or train station? Most agencies supply maps and detailed directions, but ask for them anyway.

Will someone meet me at the property, or first at the airport or other station?

Will a rental car be necessary? Where can I park it?

Keys to the property.

What are the arrangements for key pickup and return? Will there be extra copies available for other members of my group?

What kind of shopping is nearby? Where can I find basic provisions?

What amenities does the property have? Is the kitchen properly equipped with pots, pans, utensils and appliances to prepare an entire meal. Is cleaning equipment and supplies provided?

Find out about TV, radio, washer/dryer, telephone service, and Internet connections. If no dryer is available, how should clothing be dried? If no internet is available, are there internet cafes in the neighborhood?

What about sleeping? Verify there are enough beds and configurations for your group. Sofa beds are usually uncomfortable, but find out if they are offered for that extra guest that may turn up.

Bathrooms. Are they ensuite, shared facilities, and do they have tubs or only showers?

What about hot water? Is it automatic or connected to a hot water heater that must be turned on and off?

How will I access temperature controls? Is heat and air conditioning included in the package, or paid extra for up front or at the end of the stay?

Housekeeping. Is maid service included or at an extra cost?

How do I get up and down the floors of the apartment building or house? Is there an elevator and if not, how many flights must I climb? Remember that the first floor in European terms means the second floor in American.

How should I handle emergency situations?

Something has broken down. Who should I call?

I can’t accept the property. Can I get a refund or exchange it?

We at Luxuryvillafinder hope that by first carefully considering your vacation villa criteria, and using our powerful search facility, you will find the perfect match.

Getting to the Property and an Enjoyable Stay:

If you appreciate the personalized service of a top-notch travel agent, and already have a confirmed or pending booking with one of our villa advertisers or agents, please view our list of Elite Travel Agents who would be glad to help you finalize your transportation arrangements and even suggest ideas for add-on trips to and from your villa destination.

Please consult our Preferred List of Service Providers and Consultants for referrals to companies providing extra services such as baggage shippers, nanny agencies, and personal chefs.

For those who are managing a group or family trip with multiple travelers who will need transportation arrangements, and you do not wish to engage the services of a travel agent, the following websites may be helpful in coordinating your plans:

Orbitz Trip Planning, www.orbitz.triphub.com

Triporama, www.triporama.com

Groople, www.groople.com

Group Travel Planet, www.grouptravelplanet.com

“We try our best….”

We try our best to ensure that our advertisers provide extremely detailed descriptions that can answer all your questions within their web pages, with a minimum of time and trouble. Please let us know if you feel that a particular advertiser has not provided enough information up front to help you make an informed decision. Let us know what’s missing and we’ll encourage them to include it for you next time.