Rates Slashed for Hawaii Vacation Rentals
The nightly rate for this Oahu vacation rental home that sleeps 10 has dropped to $120 per person. That's a remarkable price for a top-notch beachfront house in a central location.
by Wendy Perrin
Tempted by those dirt-cheap air fares to Hawaii and the tremendous hotel deals there? Keep in mind that you can often stretch your dollar even farther by renting a vacation home. Rental owners in Hawaii are offering excellent deals right now, even for those Christmas/New Year's weeks that are normally sold-out at peak prices this late in the year.
This over-the-top-luxurious villa on Maui sleeps 8. The nightly rate over the holidays is $238 per person, marked down from $350.
Anne Pawsat-Dressler of Hawaii Hideaways, who is on my rigorously vetted list of the country's best villa rental agents, updated annually in Conde Nast Traveler, says that renters have enormous bargaining power right now. Here, courtesy of Anne, are key bargaining tips for negotiating the best rate:
*If you're not going to fill the house--say, the house sleeps 10 but you've got only 6 in your party--definitely ask for a discount.
*If you're staying for more than a week, absolutely ask for a discount because you're giving them so much business.
*Tell the villa rental agent what your most comfortable maximum price point is. "We approach owners that are more expensive and offer them this rate," says Anne. "Most take the lower offer because they are hungry for rentals. The client gets an upgrade for traveling when times are tough."
*When you're quoted a rate, ask the agent if she can get you a lower one. "Just ask," advises Anne. "Not all owners say yes, but it never hurts to ask."
I'd love to hear from anyone else who has bargaining strategies to share! Just click on "Comments" below.
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My strategies:
- If you rent direct from the owner you have more bargaining power. Agents tend to not go down in price much.
- Tell the owner if you don't have any kids, especially a high end rental.
- Tell them that you don't party (if you don't). Assure them that you're going to take good care of their home.
www.hawaiigaga.com is a great site to find all the rental choices and lots of specials
Posted by: garyw | November 01, 2008 at 08:34 PM