eWire
August 18, 2005
EXPOSED! VACATION RENTALS ARE
VACATIONSPOT.COM DEBUNKS TOP MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT VACATION RENTALS
Hotels.com
(DALLAS – August 18, 2005) Vacationers across the U.S. looking for an alternative to hotel rooms can now find all the amenities they could ever dream of by staying in a vacation rental during their next trip. Comprised primarily of suites, condominiums, villas, and vacation homes, the vacation rental segment is enjoying phenomenal growth and popularity, according to VacationSpot.com, the most comprehensive resource for booking vacation rentals and bed & breakfasts worldwide on the Internet.
“A major reason the segment is growing so quickly is the widespread entry of major hotel franchise chains into the suite and condominium space,” says Rick Fisher, spokesperson and vice president of vacation rentals for VacationSpot.com, which is owned and powered by Hotels.com. “At the same time that we’re seeing almost double digit industry growth* for 2 years running and next year’s growth expected to escalate further, it’s interesting to note that there is tremendous untapped potential for more growth, as a significant majority of the travel population have yet to stay in a vacation rental unit.”
According to VacationSpot.com, many travelers resort to booking hotels because they believe that vacation rentals are expensive, finding a rental is too difficult and online information is not accurate or up-to-date. “VacationSpot.com is the only global website that offers instantly searchable and bookable properties with great year-round availability,” added Fisher. “Plus, we have vacation rental specialists available 24/7 to answer any additional questions you might have.”
To that end, VacationSpot.com is helping travelers plan their next vacation by debunking the top five myths and misconceptions about vacation rentals:
1. “Vacation rentals are expensive, exclusive villas that are only available to the likes of Tom, Katie, Angelina and Brad.”
False! People are shocked when they find out they can rent a beautiful and spacious condominium, villa or vacation home, with multiple bedroom and bathrooms, for comparable or less than the price of a standard hotel room. The reality is that vacation rentals are just as much for the average Joe as they are for the rich and famous. You don’t have to be a millionaire to vacation in style and comfort.
*According to the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA.com)
2. Vacation rentals are located way out in the boondocks and far away from amenities and tourist spots.
False! As with many full service resort hotels, there are numerous rental properties that provide access to on-site restaurants, tennis, golf, skiing, water sports, fitness centers, spas, children’s activities and much more. Also, a quiet villa or vacation home represents a growing accommodation of choice for people who may not necessarily be going somewhere but just wish to get away at a spot close to home. VacationSpot.com has more than 3,000 properties worldwide in top beach and mountain destinations as well as the most popular tourist cities (Washington DC, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, and Paris, to name a few). And VacationSpot.com has wide availability in a range of accommodations from studios to 5 bedroom homes all located in destinations that offer a vacation lifestyle to meet anyone’s needs and taste.
3. “The term “vacation rental” is just a euphemism for “time-share.”
Nope … you won’t endure a high-pressure sales pitch when you stay at a vacation rental you book on VacationSpot.com. While some vacation rentals may be located at time-share properties, you can enjoy the security and comfort of a great vacation without any strings attached.
4. Finding a reliable vacation rental resource seems time-consuming and risky. Plus, how will I know if the descriptions and photos really are accurate and truthful?
VacationSpot.com, established and built by a team of the travel industry’s top vacation rental experts, has developed a program and service to meet the growing demands of both past renters and those people who have not yet been exposed to the travel industry’s best kept secret. VacationSpot.com, like its partner Hotels.com, offers a low price guarantee and a proprietary star rating system clearly defined on the site. Each rental is showcased online with a detailed description and an array of photos. In addition, VacationSpot.com has specialists, available 24/7 at 1-888-290-SPOT (7768) to answer any questions.
5. When I book a hotel, I know what I’m getting. Why would I want to book a trip where there seems to be so many unknowns?
When you use VacationSpot.com, there will be no worries or hassles. We offer:
• instant online searching and booking;
• a wide selection of vacation rentals and bed & breakfasts available all year long;
• multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, patios, kitchenettes or full kitchens, outdoor grills, private hot tubs and fabulous views, often for the price of a traditional hotel room;
• a wide range of destinations – more than 420 in popular resort and urban markets;
• great deals year-round;
• a low price guarantee;
• a proprietary star rating system;
• online detailed property descriptions photos;
• and qualified vacation rental call center specialists that are available to answer questions 24/7 at 1-888-290-SPOT (7768).
About VacationSpot.com
VacationSpot.com, powered by Hotels.com, is the most comprehensive resource for booking vacation rentals and bed & breakfasts worldwide on the Internet. VacationSpot.com offers thousands of properties in hundreds of the most popular destinations. Travelers can book vacation rentals through the website, www.vacationspot.com and through live operators available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-290-SPOT (7768). Hotels.com is an operating business of IAC/InterActiveCrop (Nasdaq: IACI) CST: 2059975-40.
Media Contact:
Liz Greene
The Powell Group for VacationSpot.com
lg@powellgroup.net
214.522.6005, ext. 104