|
CONDOMINIUM RENTALS
by Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Condominiums are a good choice for family lodging, especially when the stay is for longer than a weekend. Prices are usually competitive with motels, and you get additional space in the form of extra bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen.
Vacation money can be stretched by making use of the kitchen to prepare breakfast and to put together a picnic lunch. Barbecues, which are sometimes provided, can make cooking the evening meal more fun. Occasional meals out then become more affordable.
Many condo complexes offer shared recreational facilities such as a pool, a hot tub, and tennis courts. They also usually have appreciated amenities such as laundry facilities and fireplaces. In the winter, packages with nearby ski resorts are often available.
Sharing a condo with another family can cut expenses even further. Pooling monies might allow a choicer property. Cooking and shopping chores can be shared, and each couple can get a night out by taking turns babysitting. Be sure, though, to make it clear what happens if one family cancels out after the deposit is paid.
The reservation numbers listed in this article are generally for an owners' rental service. Because maid service and office expenses have to be covered, the units usually cost more than when rented directly from the owner. Though money can often be saved when renting directly from the owner, it usually is required that the unit be cleaned by the renter before leaving.
HOT TIPS
Through the years my family has stayed at some wonderful condominium resorts. Here are the details on a few of our favorites.
California
Lakeland Village (on Highway 50, South Lake Tahoe, 800/822-5969, 916/541-7711). Though located on a bustling highway, this complex manages to retain a secluded, restive feeling. Many of the units are lakefront; all are within a short walk of the lake. Amenities include two pools, a children's wading pool, two hot tubs, a sauna, two tennis courts, a recreation room, and a playground. During the Christmas holidays, sleigh rides are available through the resort's 19 wooded acres.
Northstar-at-Tahoe (on Highway 267 near Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, 800/533-6787, 916/587-0200). Located 6 miles from the lake, Northstar has been described by the Sierra Club as a "model development." Hotel rooms and homes are also available for rental. A complimentary shuttle bus operates within the complex, making it unnecessary to use your car. Amenities include a pool, two hot tubs, a parcourse, an exercise room, an 18-hole golf course, a stables, and ten no-fee tennis courts. A supervised children's recreation program is available in July and August for ages 2 through 10, and during ski season for ages 2 through 6.
Colorado
The Village at Breckenridge Resort (90 minutes west of Denver, in Breckenridge, 800/800-7829, 303/453-2000). Located in an authentic Victorian mining town that holds 345 registered historic buildings, this year-round, ski-in/ski-out resort is nestled in the heart of the rocky Mountains. Situated just on the edge of downtown, the lodge also has some hotel rooms with kitchens. Facilities include nine restaurants, two indoor/outdoor heated pools, twelve hot tubs, a health club with saunas, a retail shopping area, two medical clinics, and bicycle rentals, plus paddle boating and trout fishing on the property's Maggie Pond in the summer, and ice skating in the winter.
Hawaii
Kiahuna Plantation (Kauai, 800/367-7052, 808/742-6411). Situated on sunny Poipu Beach, this magnificent resort features 35 acres of beautifully maintained gardens. We had a ground level unit that opened onto a grassy expanse where our kids could romp freely. The ocean was just a short walk away. The resort's facilities include a pool, an 18-hole golf course, and six tennis courts, plus free use of backrests, chairs, and beach towels. You also get daily maid service. Informal children's activities are sometimes scheduled, and several restaurants provide alternatives to cooking.
The Whaler (on Kaanapali Beach, Maui, 800/367-7052). You can't get a better location than is provided by these two ocean-front towers. Most of the spacious units have a view of the ocean. The towers are separated by a large grassy area, and it's just a few steps from there to the warm ocean waters. Facilities include a pool, hot tub, exercise room, sauna, video game room, five tennis courts, and daily maid service. A children's program for ages 5 through 12 operates during summer. A registration fee is charged, and in return each child is given a t-shirt or a stuffed bear and may then participate in the various scheduled activities. Teens will appreciate "Dig Me Beach." Located in front of the Whaler's Village shopping center, which is right next door (and has several great restaurants), this is where the fine young things hang out and admire each other. Also, some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii is just down the beach at Black Rock.
Papakea (on Kaanapali Shores, Maui, 800/367-7052, 808/669-4848). A quieter, less expensive, lower-key version of The Whaler, Papakea is operated by the same management. Though the comfortable units are smaller and less luxurious than at The Whaler, they are also low-rise and overlook a lushly landscaped courtyard featuring koi pools and two 18-hole putting greens. The beach here was washed away a few years ago, so now the water splashes against a breakwater. However, guests can walk next door to the Aston Kaanapali Shores (an all-suite resort) and make use of their narrow beach. Facilities include two pools, three no-fee lighted tennis courts, a washer and dryer in each unit, and daily maid service. A children's program similar to the one at The Whaler operates in summer.
Oregon
Sunriver (800/547-3922). Located in sunny central Oregon, this resort also rents regular motel rooms and more spacious homes. And they don't call it Sunriver for nothing. The sun is said to shine here an average of 265 days each year. But the best feature, in my opinion, is the 26 miles of paved bike paths. We left our car parked and rode our bikes everywhere during our stay. Other facilities include two swimming pools, two children's wading pools, two 18-hole golf courses, 28 no-fee tennis courts, canoe rentals, horse rentals and hayrides, guided river rafting and fishing trips, and two restaurants. In the winter skiing is available at nearby Mount Bachelor, the shopping mall's outdoor miniature golf course becomes an ice skating rink, and horse-drawn sleigh rides are available. Some units have membership in a private club with indoor racquetball and tennis courts. All guests have access to hot tubs.
MORE INFORMATION
To find out about other condominiums in areas you plan to travel to, contact Condominium Travel Associates (800/492-6636, 203/975- 7714). You will be referred to a local travel agent for assistance. |
