Help help for vacation rentals in Orlando first time.

Question

I take my kids on their 10th birthday universal and my littlest is turning 10 in May and we’re going towards the end for eight days. When we’ve gone in the past, we’ve stayed at Sonesta suites with a two bedroom and a small kitchen and it’s been fine. But scrolling the Internet I found vacation rentals and villas and resorts and I’m lost. They look too good to be true in the price ranges that they are. I don’t understand what the catches or what sites are legitimate To Rent through. And I’ve searched all the forms and I keep seeing different things like some people say top villas is good other people say watch out for it. A lot of people talk about the DVC other people talk about Windsor Hills. Is there a catch her renting a villa that’s part of a resort?

Answer

Planning a trip to Orlando for the first time and navigating the world of vacation rentals can definitely feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available! Here's a breakdown to help guide you through the process of booking vacation rentals, villas, and resorts in the area:

1. Why Vacation Rentals, Villas, and Resorts Can Look Too Good to Be True: Vacation rentals and villas often offer attractive prices compared to hotel rooms, especially when they promise more space, kitchens, private pools, and other amenities. However, some deals can seem too good to be true due to various reasons such as hidden fees, misleading photos, or misrepresentations of the actual property. It's essential to carefully research and read reviews before booking. Additionally, some rentals might look like part of a resort but could be independently owned homes with different levels of service and upkeep.

2. Legitimate Rental Sites: When renting through a vacation rental site, it's crucial to use legitimate platforms that offer secure booking systems and reliable customer support. Some reputable sites include:

Airbnb – Offers a wide range of vacation homes, apartments, and villas, including reviews from other guests.
Vrbo – Specializes in vacation rentals, including houses, villas, and condos in Orlando.
Booking.com – Also lists vacation homes, but includes more traditional hotel options as well.
Windsor Hills Official Website – If you're looking for villas within a resort, the official Windsor Hills site offers direct booking with verified properties.

3. Resort Villas vs. Independent Villas: Renting a villa within a resort area (like Windsor Hills) usually offers a combination of private home amenities and access to shared resort features like pools, fitness centers, and shuttles to theme parks. This can be a great choice for families, especially if you prefer a more secure environment with additional services. However, independent villas outside resorts can also be great deals if you prioritize privacy and flexibility but might miss out on the resort amenities.

4. Popular Options to Consider: Here are a few of the most popular villa communities near Disney and Universal that you might come across:

Windsor Hills: One of the most popular and highly-rated vacation communities in the Orlando area. It offers spacious, well-equipped villas and townhouses with resort-style amenities, including a clubhouse, pools, and a shuttle to the parks.
Top Villas: This is a popular website for renting luxury villas in Orlando. While many people have had positive experiences, others have raised concerns about miscommunication or unclear booking terms, so it’s important to read reviews carefully.
Disney Vacation Club (DVC): The DVC offers timeshare villas and accommodations within Disney resorts. While these villas offer great amenities and proximity to the parks, they can be pricier and are typically available only to DVC members or through resale options. Booking through a third-party DVC resale site can sometimes offer good deals, but you’ll need to do your research to ensure legitimacy.
Sonesta Suites (Your Previous Stay): Sonesta Suites is a reliable option if you prefer more traditional hotel-like accommodations with the benefit of kitchenettes. If you're happy with this setup, it can be a great alternative to more complex vacation rentals.

5. Catch or Hidden Fees: While vacation rentals are generally great value, it's important to factor in any additional costs that might not be included in the initial price you see. Common hidden fees include:

Cleaning Fees: Some rentals charge hefty cleaning fees on top of the base rental price.
Resort Fees: If you're staying at a villa within a resort, there may be resort fees that cover amenities like the pool, fitness center, or shuttle services.
Booking Fees: Websites sometimes charge a small fee to process your booking, which could add up.

6. Things to Check Before Booking: To avoid surprises, here are a few important things to check before booking:

Read multiple reviews from different sources (including past guest experiences).
Look for properties with verified listings or direct owner contact.
Check the cancellation policy to ensure flexibility if plans change.
Contact the property owner or management company directly to confirm amenities and any extra charges (like parking or pool heating fees).

Final Thoughts: It’s perfectly reasonable to be cautious when booking vacation rentals, but there are many legitimate and great options available. If you’re looking for more space, privacy, and the option to cook your own meals, a villa or vacation rental could be a great choice. Just be sure to book through trusted websites and do your due diligence to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Enjoy your time in Orlando and have an amazing birthday celebration for your little one!