I'm a solo female traveler so my other issue is one of security, specifically the locks and keys of the rental unit. I've read (on SlowTravel) that sometimes apartment rentals are "known" to house tourists and therefore are targetted for burglaries. But my concern is how frequently are the locks being changed?
In my part of Florida, vacation condos that rent by the week are far more common than hotel rooms. The management company for the condo my parents own requires that all of their properties be on a keypad lock system so that they can change the codes regularly for safety purposes. The owner's code stays the same; renters and service workers or repairmen get door codes that are limited duration/limited use and are changed regularly.
Originally Posted by
Kagehitokiri
and of course there is the combination - renting directly from owner of a hotel residence (whether urban condo or resort villa) for less than the hotel charges if they include residences in inventory
I'll note that at least down here, renters sometimes have to rent through the primary management company to use all the extended amenities on the property. So going through the owners directly may mean that you don't have access to beach club or tennis courts or something like that.