Whether you are alone on business for an extended period or with family in need of a place to stay while on vacation, a short term rental is a great way to be comfortable while you are away. Even if you may not be away from home for too long, you nevertheless want to make sure that the short term rental unit you choose offers everything that you need. The following are things to consider when searching for short term rental housing.
1. Length of stay
Before securing a short term rental, consider how many days you will be gone. If your stay will be longer than a few days, you definitely want more than a small, confined space that hotels offer especially if you will be with other people. Short term rentals often offer larger living areas, kitchens with a stove, refrigerator, and microwave, and individual bedrooms for added privacy. It also helps to be mindful of your expected stay because longer term rentals can be cheaper in the long run. Because a long term rental guarantees a certain length of stay, renters often charge a flat rate that is cheaper or offer discounts for a lengthier stay. If you are unsure how long you will be in the rental unit or there is a chance you may be leaving the property early, consider a short term rental as you usually pay daily rates for them and there will be no penalty for terminating the lease agreement early.
2. Amenities
Making sure the rental unit has everything you need would be beneficial before booking. Confirm that you have access to a kitchen so you do not have to eat take-out every night. Having a kitchen will allow you to keep groceries in your unit so you can cook healthier meals that will keep meal costs down. Access to laundry facilities would also be convenient, allowing you to wash clothes at will and keep you from making regular trips to a laundromat. Some short term rental properties may offer Wi-Fi access so you can check emails, surf the internet, etc. and pools and gyms so you can stay active.
3. Party size
Consider your party size when booking your rental to ensure your accommodations are big enough. Your stay will not be enjoyable if everyone is crammed into a space that is too small. If you will be staying with co-workers, the rental unit has separate bedrooms for privacy and a living room can serve as a place to unwind after a long day or a meeting room to discuss work-related issues. If you will be joined by family, a short term rental can offer ample room for everyone to spread out and separate bedrooms for additional privacy. The kitchen can facilitate family meals so you don’t have to eat out every night.
4. Location
If your short term rental property is in a city you are unfamiliar with, you definitely want to make sure that it is in a safe area near all of the amenities you need. If you have a means of transportation, driving in a foreign city can be frustrating especially in a metropolis with a lot of traffic. If you do not have transportation, public transit can be frustrating and confusing. As a result, it helps to confirm that your rental unit is near at least a grocery store and a bank so you do not have to stray too far for these basic necessities. If the unit does not offer laundry facilities, consider a rental property near a laundromat.
