Colorado Lodging Guide

Colorado Vacation Home Rentals Offer Big Benefits

Renting a privately-owned vacation home offers benefits above and beyond a hotel. For starters, vacation homes are literally "homes"—personalized with unique furnishings and convenient amenities. Kitchens, laundry facilities, fireplaces, ski racks/closets, stereo systems and DVD players are just some of the amenities typically found in a Colorado vacation rental. Vacation homes also come in a variety of types, sizes and locations. Whether you're looking for a cozy condo on the slopes, a luxurious mountain home on the lake, or a rustic cabin in the woods, you get to choose the place that's right for you. In essence, you get to set the scene for a truly original and memorable vacation.

Here are a few more reasons you may want to consider a vacation rental vs. a hotel:

• More Space for Your Money — With numerous types and sizes of properties available, you can enjoy more lodging space for your money (and that means more elbow room for everyone!) For example, the standard size of a room in a popular Vail hotel is 340 square feet. Compare this to a 1300 square-foot, 2 bedroom/2.5 bath condo in Vail...with money left over for groceries.
• Complimentary Convenience Items — Many properties provide the same creature comforts found in your own home, such as movies, books, toys and games at no extra cost. Highchairs and portable cribs are even included in some places...and would you believe fresh slippers?
• Full Kitchens and Laundry Facilities — Most vacation rentals feature full kitchens, allowing you to save money by preparing a few meals instead of always eating out. Even if grocery shopping and meal preparation aren't on your agenda, catering companies are available in some areas to help you stock your frig. Another popular amenity provided in many vacation rentals is laundry facilities. Whether available in or near your vacation rental, access to washers and dryers makes it much easier to pack lightly!

Once you've decided a private vacation home is your lodging of choice, you then have the option to rent a place directly from a property owner or through a property management company. Both offer a variety of benefits. Typical advantages of each are highlighted below:

Benefits of Renting Directly from Owners:

Renting a vacation home directly from the owner offers unique advantages to securing any other type of lodging. If you want to personally pick your own place and/or are looking for reasonable rates, personal service, flexible terms and overall value, renting directly from an owner may be a great option for you. Take a closer look at the benefits available through owners:

• You Pick Your Own Place — You get to shop the rental inventory and select the exact place you want for your dream vacation.
• Savings on Lodging Costs — Middle agent fees are avoided by booking your vacation rental directly with the owner.
• One-On-One Service — Your contact is a single vacation rental homeowner who is focused on you, rather than a multi-property reservations agent. Owners tend to have intimate knowledge of their properties and nearby activities.
• Reservations Flexibility — Vacation rental home owners tend to be flexible regarding arrival and departure days and times.
• Rate Negotiation — Vacation rental home owners may be open to rate negotiations on last-minute bookings and extended stays.
• Pet-friendly Properties — Some property owners are open to pets, and even provide conveniences such as feeding bowls, leashes and information on nearby pet-friendly parks and trails.

Benefits of Renting through a Property Management Company:

Renting a vacation home through a property management company has its own array of benefits. If you're looking for assistance with your lodging selection, seeking multiple properties for a large group, or just feel more comfortable booking with a company, renting through a property management company may be a great option for you. Here is a break-down of management company benefits:

• Assistance with Your Lodging Search — Whether you're short on time or unfamiliar with your vacation destination, hospitality professionals can help you match your accommodation needs to that perfect place.
• Lodging Variety — A company provides a single point of contact with several different property options. So if one place is booked, a similar property may be available.
• Full-time Reservations Agents — Via phone or online, immediate assistance is often provided by a professional dedicated to responding to travelers' inquiries.
• Local Availability and Knowledge —Property management personnel are usually available at a local office to assist you during your stay with keys, area information/activities and maintenance needs. Onsite concierge services may also be available.
• Capacity — Large groups can usually be accommodated with multiple properties.
• Expertise in Industry — A company often provides years of collective experience from a trained team of hospitality professionals.

Benefits of AbsolutelyColorado.com:

Whether you choose to rent directly from an owner or through a property management company, www.AbsolutelyColorado.com can help you with your lodging needs. We offer Colorado-bound travelers the following:

• Lodging Selection — Choose from a variety of lodging types and locations throughout Colorado—for all tastes and budgets.
• Fast and Easy Search — Our comprehensive Lodging Locator helps pinpoint your ideal lodging options, so you avoid scrolling through lists of properties that do not match your needs. Search on criteria such as availability, property type (i.e. house, condo, cabin, etc.), location, size (i.e. number of beds/baths) and amenities (i.e. pool, hot tub, Internet, crib, etc.)
• Photographs of Vacation Rentals — Property listing pages include up to eight photos each, so you can see the vacation rental before you get there.
• Owner-Managed and Company-Managed Properties — If you have a preference regarding the management of your vacation rental, you can use our Lodging Locator to search properties by management type.

Discover the personal side of Colorado and experience the incredible value of vacation rentals for yourself. Book a privately-owned vacation home directly with one of our friendly home owners/managers today! Search Now

• Overview
• Rental Benefits