Question on last-minute rentals

Say, for example, I called a rental agency on a Thursday telling them I needed a place for the next two nights, what kind of discount could I expect?

I have never tried this before, but one would think a company would offer some kind of discount so the place at least doesn't go un-rented.

It would entirely on the agency and the owner. I know that's not much help, but honest.

I'd say it's worth a toll free call to the agency of choice and see what they can do for you. My guess is you could probably get a sweet deal right now. ;-)

One other thing. Although they are NOT in the reservation business, the TDC often gets notices from some of the rental agencies that still have availability on major holiday weekends and/or specials, so you could always check with them and see if they know of anything. It's a free call 1-800-822-6877. This might save you some trouble of calling around.

You're probably looking at around a 25% discount at max from a rental company. Although for holiday weekends don't expect it. Some companies have desperate owners that will discount to almost anything to get a renter, but generally those aren't the nicest properties. I would also try VRBO, but don't expect as nice an answer as a rental company.

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We have found some VRBOs discount around 15% if booking is made within a week of rental date.


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Bumping this up to get a little more specific. Still don't know dates, but all I need is a small one-bedroom or studio. I plan on spending my days at the state park beach, so it doesn't matter to me where I sleep.

If anyone has anything, or knows of anything I can get reasonably, please reply or PM.

Thanks!

log onto www.seagrovebeach.com on line availability and user friendly. See if there is anything available that interests you then call Gary at (800) 443-3146 or 800-seagrove and see if he can discount it for you. Tell him you heard about us on sowal and report back. Good luck!!

Bumping this up to get a little more specific. Still don't know dates, but all I need is a small one-bedroom or studio. I plan on spending my days at the state park beach, so it doesn't matter to me where I sleep.

If anyone has anything, or knows of anything I can get reasonably, please reply or PM.

Thanks!

If your wanting to stay in Grayton you may be out of luck, but try www.rivard.net. If staying in the Seagrove area try www.seagrovebeach.com, www.destinresorts.com, and www.garrettrealty.com. Of course you can always kick it back to kurt and use one of their links at the top of any page. ;-)

Bumping this up to get a little more specific. Still don't know dates, but all I need is a small one-bedroom or studio. I plan on spending my days at the state park beach, so it doesn't matter to me where I sleep.

If anyone has anything, or knows of anything I can get reasonably, please reply or PM.

Thanks!

Hibiscus?

Hibiscus?

Definitely a possibility. I checked VRBO and their are dozens of one-bedrooms and studios at spots like Gulf Place and Village of So. Walton. I just worry about dealing with an individual owner on a last-minute basis.

Hibiscus may be the way to go (provided they have availability).

If it is last minute, the individual owner might be very happy to deal with you.

Definitely a possibility. I checked VRBO and their are dozens of one-bedrooms and studios at spots like Gulf Place and Village of So. Walton. I just worry about dealing with an individual owner on a last-minute basis.

Hibiscus may be the way to go (provided they have availability).

Just send emails out to all of them that look good and someone will respond positively. Mr. TFT and I had to cancel our beach vacay this week because of a last minute work conflict. :( I put a note in my headline that it was available and would have been thrilled to get 75 percent of the rate. I ended up renting it for less than that to a very nice lady.

I was in a good mood that day because at the very instant I was emailing her back, the mail came with our wind insurance renewal. It was way down (shhh) and once I made sure we were actually still covered, I happily accepted her offer. Win-win ... as long as we get through hurricane season unscathed. :blink:

So, just go for it. Don't be pushy but do ask for their best possible rate. Every owner has a different idea of what is fair. :wave:

Taking all of what TFT has said keep in mind that some owners may come back feeling insulted or jilted, it just comes with the territory.

True SWGB, I handle a property for a friend. Someone inquired about the property which rents for about $145 a night. They wanted the whole week for $600 - everything included. That was about $75 night after taxes and cleaning fees. I told them good luck and see ya! I dont mind coming off a little for someone last minute but my friend is not that desperate.

So JB, it does not hurt to ask just remember that renting is a business for the condo/house owner as well.

True SWGB, I handle a property for a friend. Someone inquired about the property which rents for about $145 a night. They wanted the whole week for $600 - everything included. That was about $75 night after taxes and cleaning fees. I told them good luck and see ya! I dont mind coming off a little for someone last minute but my friend is not that desperate.

So JB, it does not hurt to ask just remember that renting is a business for the condo/house owner as well.

Yeah, we all have a line to draw and sometimes that line changes, depending on mood/cash flow/number of people in party. But yes, it is a business, and something is not always better than nothing.

True SWGB, I handle a property for a friend. Someone inquired about the property which rents for about $145 a night. They wanted the whole week for $600 - everything included. That was about $75 night after taxes and cleaning fees. I told them good luck and see ya! I dont mind coming off a little for someone last minute but my friend is not that desperate.

So JB, it does not hurt to ask just remember that renting is a business for the condo/house owner as well.

I understand completely. I guess my thought was, if a place is probably going to go un-rented for a given weekend, doesn't it make sense for an owner to at least make a little something rather than nothing.

All that said, there are dozens of units at Gulf Place will within my price range - even at regular rates.

I've got a studio in Inlet Beach 100 steps off the gulf. It's open till 17 July then completely open after 20 July on. Rate is $800/wk and will discount to $650/wk. Add $60 cleaning and 11% tax. Separate $200 security deposit is refundable. Will rent on a daily basis, 3 nt minimum as well. See: http://vrspots.com/inletsands/