Thursday, July 23, 2009

Vacation Home Rental Trend validated by TripAdvisor

Reading this at TripAdvisor validates our thoughts as well. We see the incredible values created in the home rental market vs the hotel room market in the leisure vacation travel. Comparing apples to apples, renting a vacation home is much less costly than getting hotel rooms as the number in your party increases. But more than that, just the personal space alone is a big draw. Conjure up visions of sitting in your bathrobe on your private deck overlooking the ski slopes drinking coffee in the morning waiting for the kids to wake up.

The following is from the July 17th, 2009 issue of TravelTrade

According to a recent survey by TripAdvisor of more than 2,800 travelers, forty-three percent of travelers said they are staying at a vacation rental in the next 12 months because they believe there are good deals to be had in the market. Twenty-four percent are staying or have already stayed at a vacation rental this summer.

•Sixty percent of travelers would take advantage of a great last minute deal at a vacation rental this summer, and 41 percent would require a 50 percent discount or more to entice them to book.

•Eighty-seven percent of travelers would choose a vacation rental over a hotel if it were a better deal.

•The top reason travelers like vacation rentals is that they offer more space, according to 78 percent of travelers.

•Seventy-seven percent cited access to a full kitchen, while 57 percent noted the benefit of a vacation rental home’s privacy.

•Among travelers that have already stayed at a vacation rental this summer, the south is the most popular US vacation rental region, according to 37 percent of respondents, followed by the west at 18 percent and northeast at 14 percent.

•Twenty-four percent of travelers have stayed at vacation rentals more than 10 times in their lifetime and 14 percent stay at the same property every year.

•Sixty-six percent said that the top activities that vacation rentals allow travelers to do is sleep more people, 64 percent said they enjoy the ability to have homemade family or group meals, and 60 percent identified common areas for hanging out. Twenty-three percent believe the best benefit is more privacy for romance.

“Travelers on the hunt for a hot summer deal should take a closer look at vacation rentals,” said Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of new initiatives at TripAdvisor. “Many rentals offer comparable amenities to hotels but with more space, privacy and similar comforts of home.”


At Keystone Retreat, we provide luxury private vacation home rentals for the discriminating executive in a private Rocky Mountain setting near the River Run base area at Keystone Ski Resort. For more information visit: www.keystone-retreat.com

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

The Vacation Home Value vs. The $129 Hotel Room:

Many are intrigued with the $129/night rooms being offered by many hotels and resorts. Trust us, we have noticed the advertisements and we are intrigued as well.

We know $129/night is a bargain for many to have access to a small hotel room, double occupancy with an over-priced mini-bar.
While a $129 rate may seem attractive, when comparing “apples to apples” the vacation home rental is usually the true value proposition when considering the following:

•Multiple Rooms: A four or five (4-5) bedroom vacation rental will sleep 12-14 persons in expansive comfort usually including 3-5 bathrooms. In hotel terms, this would translate to 6-7 rooms.

•Living Room/Dining Room/Game-Entertainment Rooms: Hey, we love hotel and resort public spaces, especially having to get fully dressed to enjoy a cup of coffee or an evening night cap. Even better, dressing for breakfast or waiting in-line for the privilege to dine at the overpriced on-site restaurant. Sometimes dining al fresco in your polo shirt and shorts in your private deck is a vacation in itself.

•Kitchen Facilities: Even a small kitchen provides access to groceries and snacks anytime. Breakfast in the morning, afternoon snacks, popcorn for the home theater? All available from your 2 private kitchens? No room service, no gratuities, it all adds to cost-savings. In addition, a case of beer in (each) fridge and a blender on top of the bar drops the prices of drinks drastically.

•Private Space: From the private hot tub to the lounge chairs on the deck, it is your space. No sharing or reserving chairs by the pool. No opening and closing hours on the amenities, they are yours to use as you wish.

•Concierge/Chef Service: While hotels may have a concierge on staff, our management partners can provide concierge and private chef services based on years of experience and relationship building. Grocery delivery, private guides, dinner reservations, concert tickets, spa services, your wishes will be facilitated.

•Parking: Having a 2 car heated garage and large driveway that accommodates at least 3 more vehicles steps from the door means security and convenience. In the winter when it’s 10 degrees outside and you want to jump in the car, it’s nice walking into a heated garage and not waiting 5 minutes for the heat to come on.

So, is the $129/rate still the value proposition? You decide and call us if you have any questions. Travel Agents, please note, we are here to assist you and your clients as well.