How to Book a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Home
By Santa Barbara Local | August 30, 2010
While there is a growing abundance of options when it comes to booking a Santa Barbara vacation rental, many travelers still find the vacation home rental market to be a little chaotic - at least in comparison to more traditional accommodations like hotels/motels. The increasing popularity of vacation rentals in Santa Barbara as a value-packed alternative to pricier hotels has led to an abundance of options that can be overwhelming.
Here are some tips for booking your Santa Barbara vacation rental to ensure that you are getting the most bang for your buck, while protecting yourself from scams or disappointment.
Booking a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #1: Check out niche listers that focus on specific destinations.
Whether you’ve rented a Santa Barbara vacation rental before or not, you’ll want to work with a local company and representatives that know their stuff.
For example, if you’re interested in a Santa Barbara beach house rental, a qualified representative will earn their stripes by walking you through the suitable available properties based on your unique needs and desires. For instance, if you’re bringing your three Bernese mountain dogs along with you, they’ll recommend Santa Barbara beach rental locations that are both dog-friendly and bric-a-brac-free.
Additionally, once you arrive, you’ll want to enjoy concierge services to help you get reservations at that trendy new restaurant, or simply recommend a hike that overlooks the ocean. An anonymous operator three states away won’t be able to deliver that level of local service.
Booking a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #2: Use a credit card to protect yourself and minimize risks.
You want and expect every detail of your vacation to be perfect. But unfortunately that won’t always be the case. So you need to protect yourself.
Renting with your credit card through a Santa Barbara vacation rental management company offers you that protection. If for some reason the property doesn’t meet your expectations, and the management won’t do anything to fix it, you can keep a record of the problem and dispute the charge with your credit card company.
Property owners who rent person-to-person usually insist on a cashier’s check for 50 percent of the Santa Barbara vacation rental to reserve it, and then the other 50 percent in cash upon your arrival. If you later discover roaches scuttling through the kitchen of your Santa Barbara vacation rental or other elements of the property that were grossly misrepresented, you will have no leverage because you will have already paid in full in cash.
Booking a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #3: Get the most bang for your buck.
Dollar for dollar, a Santa Barbara vacation rental gives you so much more than a luxury hotel. You get exponentially more space (both indoors and outdoors). You get a host of amenities from luxurious pools to high end kitchens to top flight entertainment systems, all for your exclusive use. Unlike an anonymous hotel room off a crowded corridor, you have a serene private home away from home to call your own.
But there are a host of priceless intangible benefits you get when you book your Santa Barbara vacation rental through a professional management company. Working with a premier Santa Barbara vacation rental management company to find your ideal Santa Barbara vacation home rental gives you a whole new level of service. A Santa Barbara vacation rental company has skin in the game. They are working to establish a good reputation and a list of return clientele, rather than just trying to make fast money.
In the-best-surprise-is-no-surprise category, unlike an absentee owner off Craigslist, with a professional Santa Barbara vacation rental company, you have someone who is troubleshooting issues 24/7, working hard to keep both the renters and the owners happy.
The most underused amenity is the professional Santa Barbara vacation rental staff. Once you arrive at your vacation rental in Santa Barbara, the staff is at your beck and call. Concierge and housekeeping services are a mere button-touch away. The staff’s local Santa Barbara knowledge and connections can turn an average vacation into something amazing. There is no extra cost, and the return is priceless.
Booking a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #4: Book with confidence.
There’s a HUGE difference between someone who just wants to sell you a room, and a professional Santa Barbara vacation rental company that wants to make sure that you enjoy your ultimate Santa Barbara vacation so much that you return again and again. The key to that difference is delivering on what is promised.
Many vacation rental agencies are just big clearing-houses that list properties, sometimes all over the world. They do not usually specialize in a region and offer no other services, aside from rental matchmaking. They can’t make guarantees about the Santa Barbara beach house rental you’ve booked because their representatives have never visited them, inspected them for health and safety concerns, or even met the owners. They cannot vouch for the actual condition of the Santa Barbara vacation rental property, the advantages/disadvantages of the location, etc.
Some agencies just want to book the Santa Barbara beach rental and collect their fee. They may not care too much about what happens during your stay.
If you’ve never visited the Santa Barbara beach rental house you’re considering, or gotten a firsthand report from a trusted friend, you have no idea whether the photos you’ve seen on the web site are an accurate representation. They might be outdated, retouched, or from an entirely different place. (It goes without saying that you should never rent a Santa Barbara vacation rental that doesn’t at least offer photos!) Beware of any site that only offers view or exterior shots. If they’re not willing to show you what the Santa Barbara vacation house rental looks like inside, you don’t want to stay there.
With a professional Santa Barbara vacation rental company, you can be assured that the quality you see is the quality you will get.
Booking a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #5: Go with the highest standards of quality.
Professional Santa Barbara vacation rental agencies are held to higher standards than private owners. Even if an owner fervently believes that their Santa Barbara vacation rental is clean and up-to-date, their standards might not match your own. One person’s no-visible-dust-bunnies and hi-fi-system are another person’s filthy and anachronistic. A professionally managed Santa Barbara vacation house rental will also be a professionally cleaned and maintained Santa Barbara vacation house rental.
Booking a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #6: Understand the risks of booking through free listing sites like Craigslist.
Listing on a free site is, well, free. No crime in that (who doesn’t love free?), but that might point toward a general laissez-faire attitude the owner has toward his property and tenants.
The owners who are willing to pay a fee to keep their vacation houses booked and in first-class condition have already demonstrated their care and commitment to a working relationship that is beneficial to all parties. The management companies they work with are companies you can rent from worry-free.
Booking a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #7: Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
The more often these Santa Barbara vacation rentals are occupied, the happier the owners are, so if you are planning a last-minute or a long-term stay or if you are a frequent visitor, there is often room to negotiate on the price of your Santa Barbara vacation rental. Sometimes the discount might be as much as 30 percent.
Booking a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #8: Do your research and compare rates, amenities, and conditions before entering into a rental agreement.
When you’re trying to narrow down your choice of a Santa Barbara vacation rental, be sure you’re comparing apples to apples. A smaller house on the beach will likely cost more than a larger one in the hills. Know what you’re getting from each property, and from each management company. Follow your gut and go with the company that will cheerfully show up in the middle of the night to snake the sink.
Another benefit to working with a Santa Barbara vacation rental professional management company is that it’s so easy to do a background check on them. Call or visit the Better Business Bureau or a vacation rental site like FlipKey.com. Has the firm had any reasonable complaints against them? How were they resolved? Type the name of the Santa Barbara vacation rental firm and its owner into Google and you’ll get a wealth of informative opinions.
The increasing popularity of Santa Barbara vacation rentals has led to an abundance of online resources. Your best best bet is to do due diligence and compare rates, amenities, reputations, views, and conditions before entering into a rental agreement. It’s your vacation and booking the right accommodations will help you ensure that your holiday will meet and exceed your expectations.
Topics: Holidays and Santa Barabra Vacation Rentals, Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals, Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals, Uncategorized, Vacation Rentals California | No Comments »
Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals Tips on How to Book with Confidence
By Santa Barbara Local | August 30, 2010
While popular U.S. destinations like New York are implementing restrictions to help regulate the increasing popularity of short-term apartment and other vacation rentals, consumers are still faced with a growing abundance of options to consider before entering into any rental agreement.
Anacapa Penthouse
Graham Farrar, our very own vacation rentals expert, points out that many travelers still find the vacation home rental market to be a little chaotic – at least in comparison to more traditional accommodations like hotels/motels. Therefore it is important for travelers to be able to book a Santa Barbara vacation rental with confidence, especially since they are usually reserving the property sight unseen.
Santa Barbara vacation rentals are growing in popularity as a value-packed alternative to traditional hotel accommodations, though it can be difficult for consumers to know how to book a property that best fits their budget as well as travel needs and desires. There are many things consumers can do to protect themselves from scams or disappointment – including working with a professional management company whose goal is to ensure your vacation rental experience meets and exceeds your expectations.
Farrar recommends that renters visit the Better Business Bureau or a vacation rental site such as FlipKey.com for candid reviews. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for travelers to end up in vacation rentals that do not deliver on what is promised. A recent guest even shared the nightmare experience that preceded her Santa Barbara vacation rental stay. Rory B. from New York, NY shares her story:
Anacapa Villa
“After flying across the country to LA, we arrived at a home we had rented in Malibu to find it totally misrepresented and truly un-stayable. We considered flying back to New York and then decided to look into Santa Barbara instead. We contacted Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals and they were able to offer us the Anacapa Villa at a very reasonable price for same day arrival. The condominium was beautiful, every detail was thought through, it was immaculate and comfortable and the next best thing to home.”
About Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals
Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals is your one stop source for high-end, fully-furnished vacation homes in Santa Barbara including private beach houses, California holiday villas, and large luxurious vacation homes. Our luxury rental properties are ideal for romantic vacations, family gatherings and reunions, or wedding parties and wedding accommodations. We also offer pet-friendly vacation rentals on select properties. Our full-service staff and concierge services are available to assist you with all your Santa Barbara vacation rental needs. We strive to create a memorable vacation experience of the highest quality, giving all our guests the utmost consideration and quality service. To view our properties, visit http://www.sbluxuryrentals.com/
Topics: Holidays and Santa Barabra Vacation Rentals, Holidays in Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals, Santa Barbara Vacation Tips | No Comments »
Video: Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals Guests Demand and Get More Value from Their Accommodations
By Santa Barbara Local | August 27, 2010
Santa Barbara vacation rental guests come in all different stripes. Some are families who have scrimped and saved all year for one big blowout vacation. Others are visitors to whom leisure is a way of life. But regardless of the guests’ circumstances, we knock ourselves out to provide a premium Santa Barbara vacation rental experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
One of the comments we hear over and over again is how Santa Barbara vacation rentals consistently deliver more of…everything! Our Santa Barbara vacation rental homes have more space, more amenities, more luxury, more breathtaking views, more access to beaches, more knowledgeable concierges, more responsive property managers, more information and more access to whatever important to you.
Our Santa Barbara vacation rental properties are beautifully decorated and equipped. They have high-end amenities and every comfort you could ask for. Many of our Santa Barbara vacation rental homes even have outdoor entertaining areas and outdoor sports equipment.
Every day we strive to exceed our clients’ Santa Barbara vacation rental expectations. We find that it’s the thoughtful little touches that can really turn a nice vacation into the experience of a lifetime. Whether it’s a lit fireplace and a bottle of Cabernet left open to breathe and await your arrival, your favorite model rental car ready at your door or help arranging the adventure of a lifetime, we are here to honor any request.
We were amused and delighted when we saw this YouTube video, posted by a Santa Barbara vacation rental guest Chris Brogan, president of New Marketing Labs, a social media agency. Listen to how he and his friend were knocked out by everything about the Santa Barbara vacation rental they stayed in. It’s a pretty typical response. Hopefully, some day it will be yours, too.
Topics: Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals, Santa Barbara Vacation Tips, Uncategorized, Vacation Rentals California | No Comments »
Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals Launches Blog to Provide Valuable Resources for Visitors
By Santa Barbara Local | July 31, 2010
At Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals we provide a variety of high-end vacation rentals in Santa Barbara. We continuously aim to make our guests’ stay in Santa Barbara as comfortable and pleasant as possible. This is why we have launched a new blog featuring insider tips, expert travel advice and trip planning resources. The new blog can be found at http://blog.sbluxuryrentals.com/
At Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals we know that finding the right accommodations for your trip is only part of the vacation planning process! This is why we want to share our local insider tips and advice with our guests. Our Santa Barbara blog is just another way we provide top notch service to our vacation rental guests. Even before our guests arrive at their Santa Barbara vacation rental, we are ready to provide assistance and invaluable information about the area and all that Santa Barbara has to offer to help them create a memorable vacation experience.
On the Santa Barbara vacation rental blog, visitors will find:
• Information on popular Santa Barbara activities including the best hiking trails, wineries and famers markets.
• Local area guide highlighting insider tips for enjoying dining, shopping, art galleries, ocean activities, antiquing, and more.
• Helpful tips for traveling smarter including ways to save money without sacrificing your overall vacation experience.
• Local events including concerts and cultural festivals.
• Expert recommendations for planning family-friendly vacations, Santa Barbara destination weddings, or romantic getaways.
• Easy ways for our guests to make the most of their Santa Barbara vacation rentals to help stretch their vacation budgets further.
For those who want to explore our Santa Barbara vacation rental properties, the Santa Barbara blog also highlights featured vacation homes and provides easy links to view private beach houses and holiday villa properties at www.sbluxuryrentals.com.
About Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals
Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals is your one stop source for high-end, fully-furnished vacation homes in Santa Barbara including private beach houses, California holiday villas, and large luxurious vacation homes. Our luxury rental properties are ideal for romantic vacations, family gatherings and reunions, or wedding parties and wedding accommodations. We also offer pet-friendly vacation rentals on select properties. Our full-service staff and concierge services are available to assist you with all Santa Barbara vacation rental needs. We strive to create a memorable vacation experience of the highest quality, giving all our guests the utmost consideration and quality service. To view our properties, visit http://www.sbluxuryrentals.com/
Topics: Holidays and Santa Barabra Vacation Rentals, Santa Barbara Family-Friendly Vacation, Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals, Santa Barbara Vacation Tips | No Comments »
Book a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental for a Last Minute Central Coast Summer Getaway
By Santa Barbara Local | July 31, 2010
- Grab a last minute steal on a Santa Barbara vacation rental.
Oops! Are you one of the millions of potential vacationers who are waiting in vain for airfares to go down? Do you have vacation days to burn, but nowhere to turn? Are you going to scream if you hear someone extolling the virtues of a “staycation” one more time?
If you’re within a four- to five-hour drive of California’s south central coast, have we got some good news for you. Parenting web site has targeted a Santa Barbara vacation rental as one of the best places to take your family for a last-minute vacation. It’s no wonder. There is so much to do in the area. There are innumerable watersports for kids of all ages, beach activities, history to relive, gardens to admire, plays, movies, outdoor entertainment, etc.
There’s also the perfect family-friendly place to stay. Santa Barbara vacation rentals are beautiful properties that suit almost any budget and timeline. Whether you’re planning to visit for 48 hours or four to eight weeks, a Santa Barbara vacation rental can offer you the perfect estate, villa, cottage, bungalow or apartment to suit your needs.
Guests at our Santa Barbara vacation rentals travel here by plane, train or automobile. You can stay right on the beach in Ocean Oasis, or up in the hills in Le Petit Chateau. The Santa Barbara area offers a lovely temperate climate year-round. It’s never too hot and never too cold at a Santa Barbara vacation rental, so there’s literally nothing to stop you from enjoying the great outdoors at any time of the year.
If you are looking for last minute deals on a Santa Barbara vacation rental, give us a call at 805-715-3900. If you’re lucky and can act quickly, you might get a real steal.
Topics: Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals, Santa Barbara Family-Friendly Vacation, Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals, Santa Barbara Vacation Tips, Vacation Rentals California | No Comments »
Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals’ Guests Enjoy the Best of Water Sports
By Santa Barbara Local | July 30, 2010
Stand up paddling (or SUP) combines the best of surfing and canoeing. Photo: http://www.kayaksb.com/
If you’re staying in a Santa Barbara vacation rental there’s a new water sport craze hitting the beaches and it’s a hit with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. The sport is called stand up paddling (or SUP) and it combines the best of surfing and canoeing. Enthusiasts stand on a board and paddle through the water, and they’re raving about the experience.
Thatsfit.com called Santa Barbara the best place to learn SUP, and in particular recommended Paddle Sports in the Santa Barbara Harbor near several Santa Barbara vacation rentals and in Carpinteria as the best place to rent. Paddle Sports offers a two-hour, $40 rental that includes the board, paddle, a wetsuit and leash.
Originally all the rage in California and Hawaii, SUP is now catching on like wildfire anywhere there’s flat water. If your Santa Barbara vacation rental is near a lake, pond or glassy coast, you will find enthusiastic SUPers. It is being embraced by all age groups, and people of any and all (or no) athletic abilities. You can glide around at a snail’s pace, or race around like a professional outrigger.
Santa Barbara vacation rental guests enjoy a great workout for your abdomen, arms, back and shoulders, but it also tones all of the leg and torso muscles you use to stay upright and balanced. Like any paddling sport, the more upper arm strength you have the better your endurance will be.
But have no fear ladies, in this sport, style counts as much as substance. Anyone can learn the strokes, postures, foot positions, angles and techniques to make an elegant turn and stay dry. And she who stays on her board instead of falling off will always be considered the better athlete. This could be why women account for almost 50% of all SUP board sales.
You may want to check out YouTube or www.supsurfmag.com to watch videos or read articles to get some hints and tips before you head out on the open water. Remember, the Pacific ocean can be cold. They give you a wetsuit for a reason.
Paddle Sports has many different packages available to suit any experience level from newbie to expert. Your Santa Barbara vacation rental concierge would be happy to organize the right package for you. The Santa Barbara Harbor facility is located conveniently close to several Santa Barbara vacation rentals including Mykonos Villa, Juniper Cottage, Santa Barbara Oceanview and the Anacapa Penthouses.
If you are interested in trying stand up paddling during your Santa Barbara vacation rental stay, book a Santa Barbara Luxury Rental today.
Topics: Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals, Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals, Uncategorized, Vacation Rentals California | 1 Comment »
How to Select a Santa Barbara Beach House Rental for Your Summer Vacation
By Santa Barbara Local | July 26, 2010
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Santa Barbara, or making an annual pilgrimage, selecting the right Santa Barbara vacation rental can make all the difference. Staying in a Santa Barbara beach house rental is the perfect solution for many travelers. It offers all the luxury of staying in a high-end hotel, with the comfort and privacy of your very own home away from home.
How to Choose a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #1: Decide Where you Want to Stay.
Feel the sand with one step from your Santa Barbara beach house rental.
Location is key when selecting your Santa Barbara beach house rental. Do you want a true beachfront property? Or would you prefer spectacular ocean views to easy beach access? Santa Barbara beach house rental properties that are close to the beach (1-2 blocks) may be located behind other homes so they won’t have an ocean view. Other beaches homes may have an awesome ocean view from atop the Riviera, but will be about a 5-10 minute drive to the beach. Property descriptions will often make these details as clear as possible for renters, but it’s definitely important to ask to make sure you are getting what you want.
How to Choose a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #2: Make a wish list.
Enjoy every amenity from your Santa Barbara beach rental.
Consider your individual needs and prioritize your preferences for vacationing in Santa Barbara. Do you want to watch the orange sun set over the silvery horizon every night from your roof deck of your Santa Barbara beach rental, or do you want to be front and center on the sand with seaweed wrapped between your toes? Do you want to be within easy distance of a good jogging beach? Do you want to wake to the smell of sage and explore a new hilly trail every day in your Santa Barbara vacation rental? Or maybe you want to stroll Santa Barbara’s red-roof district and explore the art/food/shopping scene downtown? If you know what you want out of your Santa Barbara vacation rental, you’re a lot more likely to get what you want.
How to Choose a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #3: Get specific.
This Santa Barbara beach rental is spacious enough for romantic dancing by the fireside.
Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about everything from the beach gear that’s provided to sleeping arrangements at your Santa Barbara vacation rental. If you have kids and pets, then you will want to know which beaches are most kid-friendly and dog-friendly – along with the best way to get there from your Santa Barbara beach rental. A beach house that requires a steep walk to or from the beach, or necessitates that you bring all of your own beach toys and paraphernalia with you may not be the best match. Most properties provide sun umbrellas, beach chairs, beach towels, etc., and even sunshade and toy rentals for kids through concierge services, so you don’t have to schlep all your own beach gear on vacation.
How to Choose a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #4: Hit the Web.
Explore online resources and check out online Santa Barbara vacation rental travel-review sites. Some favorites include:
- http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentals-g33045-Reviews-Santa_Barbara_California-Vacation_Rentals.html,
- http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/Santa-Barbara-California.html,
- http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rentals/california/santa-barbara-area/r8398,
- http://www.flipkey.com/vacation+rentals/united+states/california/central+coast/santa+barbara+county/santa+barbara/.
Photos of your potential Santa Barbara beach rentals are important, but they may not give the whole story. Pay particular attention to the visitors’ comments. If it was important enough for someone to write about, it will probably factor into which Santa Barbara beach rental you choose, too. Before you put down your deposit you’ll want to know whether the Santa Barbara vacation rental’s advertised “beach neighborhood” is actually a twenty-minute drive from the sand, or if the “friendly neighbors” mentioned in the ad peek into the windows at night.
How to Choose a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #5: Stick with the Professionals.
Obviously, if you deal with a professional Santa Barbara beach house rental agency, you have more protection and options. Mrs. Kravitz may not care that you don’t like the dilapidated shack she advertised as a romantic Santa Barbara beach rental cottage, but a professional will knock themselves out to help you find what you’re looking for. They want your business, and will do whatever they can to make your visit a special one.
How to Choose a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental Tip #6: Call the Source Directly.
Once you’ve found a few potential Santa Barbara vacation rental properties that seem to fit your criteria, call their managers and ask specific questions about the homes. Whatever is important to you should be important to the agency. They are experts in their field. If, after talking with them, you decide that a particular Santa Barbara beach house rental is not what you’re looking for, they may be able to make another suggestion that would fit the bill perfectly, even if it’s through another company. Is the staff friendly and helpful? That is a good sign that they will continue to be attentive during your actual stay in your Santa Barbara beach rental.
And there’s no reason to give up the high-end service you crave either. Some Santa Barbara beach house rental companies offer concierge service free of charge. These professional men and women will fulfill all of your requests as quickly and cheerfully as any Golden Key professional.
There are many, many options when it comes to choosing a Santa Barbara vacation rental. There is something for everyone. It may take a little digging, but it will be worth it when you find your ideal Santa Barbara beach house rental.
Simply put, Santa Barbara is your oyster. Pick your pearl of a Santa Barbara beach rental.
For more information on high-end, fully-furnished vacation rentals in Santa Barbara – including private beach houses, California holiday villas, and large luxurious vacation homes – visit www.sbluxuryrentals.com or call 800-715-8766.
Graham Farrar is a Santa Barbara local with specialized knowledge in the popular destination’s attractions and activities. He is a Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals expert and offers tips and advice for traveling to Santa Barbara on the www.sbluxuryrentals.com blog.
Topics: Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals, Uncategorized, Vacation Rentals California | No Comments »
Ultimate Summer Getaway with Santa Barbara Beach House Vacation Rentals
By Santa Barbara Local | July 5, 2010
Make the most of your summer vacation for a fraction of the cost. Avoid the traditional and costly hotel accommodations this year. Rent a luxurious Santa Barbara beach house with ocean views and countless amenities to maximize your fun in the sun this summer!
California is famous for its legendary beach lifestyle, but surprisingly only a small fraction of its 40 million residents live near the coast. When visitors flock to the popular destination for summer vacation, they look for Santa Barbara beach house rentals with amenities like ocean views, backyards, decks, fire pits, porches and Jacuzzis for that ultimate summer getaway experience.
Vacationers who book a Santa Barbara beach house rental enjoy great value and greater overall living space for less than the cost of a stay in a 400-sqft hotel room. Santa Barbara beach house rentals help guests save time, stress and money by offering conveniences and amenities like BBQ grills, spas, outdoor showers, beach bicycles, towels and lounge chairs.
Beach access is probably what most people are concerned about. At Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals, guests enjoy being an easy walk from popular spots like Butterfly Beach and West Beach. Santa Barbara is really paradise for both nature lovers and sun goddesses, and Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals’s beach houses are designed to help guests make the most of their summer vacation.
Ocean Oasis is one of the most in demand Santa Barbara beach rentals with its oceanfront location where there is nothing but bluff between guests and the unspoiled and un-crowded beaches. A hot tub is perched on the deck with gorgeous views of the water where guests can watch birds and dolphins frolic from the backyard of their Santa Barbara beach house rental.
“[Ocean Oasis] is truly just that, with the most jaw-dropping views of the Pacific that I have ever seen,” said David H., a recent guest from from Seoul, South Korea. “The hot tub, perched on the very edge of a 90-foot cliff, is well positioned to take advantage of the great views and gorgeous sunsets. It was unforgettable.”
About Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals
Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals is your one stop source for high-end, fully-furnished vacation homes in Santa Barbara including private beach houses, California holiday villas, and large luxurious vacation homes. Our luxury rental properties are ideal for romantic vacations, family gatherings and reunions, or wedding parties and wedding accommodations. We also offer pet-friendly vacation rentals on select properties. Our full-service staff and concierge services are available to assist you with all your Santa Barbara vacation rental needs. We strive to create a memorable vacation experience of the highest quality, giving all our guests the utmost consideration and quality service. To view our properties, visit http://www.sbluxuryrentals.com/
Topics: Holidays and Santa Barabra Vacation Rentals, Holidays in Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals, Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals, Vacation Rentals California | No Comments »
Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals: BBQ Grill Secrets
By Santa Barbara Local | June 25, 2010
Santa Barbara beach house rentals and outdoor living go together like “Beach” and “Boys.” Long after you’ve returned home from your Santa Barbara beach house rental, the smell of barbecue smoke will forever after bring back memories of the heavenly time you spent living the good life in your Santa Barbara beach house rental. If you’re new to the wonderful world of barbecuing, we’ve got some tips for you.
Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals – Beach House BBQ Grill Secret #1: Drivers, start your recipes!
If the only grilling you know about happens on cop shows, don’t worry. Santa Barbara beach house rentals has your back. Check out these mouthwatering beach BBQ recipes:
Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals – Beach House BBQ Grill Secret #2: Keep it clean.
Clean your grill. Most of the Santa Barbara beach house rentals that come with grills feature the necessary tools. If not, they’re easily picked up at a hardware store. Burn the grill, and then use a wire brush to scrape away any remaining cinders.
Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals – Beach House BBQ Grill Secret #3: Non-stick tips.
Put a light coat of oil on the grill (unless your cooking sauce is oily) so your meat doesn’t stick. If you’re cooking chicken, leave the skin on so the meat doesn’t get desiccated. (You’re on vacation, what are you worried about dieting for anyway?) If you’re cooking with a sugar or tomato-based sauce, put it on toward the end to avoid blackening, unless you dig your food Cajun-style. “Lessez les bon temps roulez!”
Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals – Beach House BBQ Grill Secret #4: Don’t give yourself food poisoning.
Never use the same plate or utensils for raw meat and cooked meat unless they’ve been thoroughly washed in hot, soapy water. If you’ve marinated something and want to serve the extra sauce at the meal, boil it for ten minutes to kill any lingering bacteria.
Don’t under-cook your food either. This is an easy mistake to make, but it’s even easier to avoid. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temp of your roast beast before serving. If you’re in a hurry, you can start or finish cooking your meat in the microwave on a lower power setting. Depending on how “done” you want it, beef should be 120-165 degrees (Fahrenheit), lamb should be 145-170, chicken and turkey 165 and pork 160-170. Fish will vary, depending on the type.
Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals – Beach House BBQ Grill Secret #5: Don’t forget the tunes!
You’ll probably want some festive music to inspire you to grilling greatness. We recommend something fun and peppy like the Beach Boys (of course) or the B-52s. “Love Shack” anyone? If you’re not into the classics, Pandora, YouTube or Last.fm might have a mix that appeals to you.
Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals – Beach House BBQ Grill Secret #6: Don’t lug the charcoal.
Many of our properties have gas barbecue grills including:
- Casa Linda
- Juniper Cottage
- Knolltop Estate
- Le Petit Chateau
- Montecito Hideaway
- Mykonos Villa at Cinque Terre
- Sycamores Estate
- Villa del Mar
Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals – Beach House BBQ Grill Secret #7: Pick your setting.
Whether you’re visiting a Santa Barbara beach house rental for some solitude or with a gaggle of your best buds, you’ll want to pick a property that has the outdoor amenities you’ll need. Do you want to perch high on your rooftop terrace with a dynamite 360-degree view, or are you looking for an enclosed garden with fruit trees that the kids can safely climb? A deck or patio expands the total living space of your Santa Barbara beach house rental offering value for your vacation dollar and privacy that a public beach or park can’t.
We offer Santa Barbara beach house rentals with decks, patios, lawns, gardens, orchards, outdoor fireplaces or fire pits, hot tubs, pools, decorative water features, saunas, outdoor showers, steam showers, heat lamps, games and innumerable other amenities.
No matter what kind of Santa Barbara beach house rental you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals.
Topics: Holidays and Santa Barabra Vacation Rentals, Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals, Santa Barbara Family-Friendly Vacation, Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals, Santa Barbara Vacation Tips, Uncategorized, Vacation Rentals California | No Comments »
Making the Most of Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals’ Amenities for Outdoor Living
By Santa Barbara Local | June 25, 2010
Many Santa Barbara vacationers find heaven-on-earth in a Santa Barbara beach house rental. Whether you’re planning to hit the hiking trails every morning before sunrise, or laze in your beachside Jacuzzi all day, there’s a Santa Barbara beach house rental tailor-made for you.
California is famous for its beaches and legendary beach lifestyle. As a Santa Barbara vacationer you have an advantage over the native Californian. While only a tiny fraction of almost 40 million Californians live within shouting distance of the coast, you get your pick of Santa Barbara beach house rentals to watch the waves lap the sand 24/7.
Santa Barbara Beach House Rental Great Amenities for Outdoor Living Tip #1: Enjoy the Great Outdoors.
A Santa Barbara beach house rental means different things to different people. Some guests are happy to scrunch sand between their toes while they watch and listen to the mesmerizing surf. Others will use their Santa Barbara beach house rental’s sound system to crank up their Best of the Beach Boys CD while enjoying mai tais on the back deck.
Regardless of what kind of vacation you’re planning, Santa Barbara beach house rentals can help you enjoy the great outdoors. Additionally, while some are just a few steps from the beach, other Santa Barbara beach house rentals also provide proximity to shopping and great restaurants.
Santa Barbara Beach House Rental Great Amenities for Outdoor Living Tip #2: “Livin’ La Vida Loca.”
Some Santa Barbara beach house rental guests come to town eager to play, play, play! Fortunately, there is plenty to do in the Santa Barbara area for even the most ADD among us. Staying at a Santa Barbara beach house rental is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the ocean by day and the local attractions by night. Santa Barbara is home to many great lounges and nightclubs that offer dinner, dancing, drinks and theme parties including Eos, the Wildcat Lounge and even a few pubs like the James Joyce.
If you wake up with a hangover, visit Cold Spring Tavern, a former 19th-century stagecoach rest stop to nurse yourself back to health. A little off the beaten path, it is now a laid-back rustic restaurant that features four fireplaces, indoor/outdoor dining, live music during summer afternoons and delicious American-style food (their breakfasts are especially renowned) just like mom used to make.
Santa Barbara Beach House Rental Great Amenities for Outdoor Living Tip #3: It’s a Dog’s Life.
If Fido is due for a vacation too, there are lots of places for you to play together. A Santa Barbara beach house rental gives you and your four-legged best friend a vacation to remember.
Not far from many Santa Barbara beach house rentals are some great spots that dogs can visit. Many parks and hiking trails welcome dogs on leashes, but if you want your furry friend to run free off-leash and feel the wind in his fur there are a few options. Douglas Family Park, at the end of Medcliff Road & Selrose Lane, is a 70-acre facility that features both a beach and stunning hiking trails. Hale Park, at Camino Viejo and Eucalyptus Hill Road, has lots of tree-lined walking trails. Orcutt Park, at Alameda Padre Serra and Moreno, is a long narrow exercise park that the locals favor.
If you’re planning on renting a Santa Barbara beach house in mid-July, get your dog spruced and pruned for the annual Poodle Parade at the Santa Barbara French Festival (all breeds are welcome).
As with any doggy outing, bring a leash, your own poop-pick-up bags and water. Santa Barbara authorities are particularly keen that dogs visiting public places use their best guest manners.
Santa Barbara Beach House Rental Great Amenities for Outdoor Living Tip #4: Life’s a Beach.
Some people come to Santa Barbara for the mountains or the valleys, but let’s face it, most visitors are here for the ocean. There’s something cathartic about listening to the pounding surf while you watch a seagull weightlessly ride a coastal air current. When you’re choosing a Santa Barbara beach house rental, consider whether it has all the amenities you’ll want. A Santa Barbara beach house rental that already has the toys you’ll need can save time, stress and money. Here’s a partial list of things to ask about when booking your Santa Barbara beach house rental for a beach vacation:
- Beach bicycles
- Beach chairs
- Beach games like volleyball and Frisbee
- Beach mats
- Beach towels
- Boogie Boards
- Kayaks
- Roll-away ice cooler
- Sun umbrella
Santa Barbara Beach House Rental Great Amenities for Outdoor Living Tip #5: Eat, Drink and Be Merry.
One of the best parts of staying in a Santa Barbara beach house rental is being able to cook and eat outside in the temperate California coastal climate. Whether your preferences run to creating your own molto bene meals or dialing 1-800-BRING-DINNER, make sure your Santa Barbara beach house rental has all of the al fresco amenities that you want, including:
- Gas BBQ grill and accessories
- Local menus and dining guides
- Mountain or ocean views
- Outdoor dining area
- Private deck with table, chairs
- Seating area
Santa Barbara Beach House Rental Great Amenities for Outdoor Living Tip #6: Embrace The Good Life.
Once you settle into your Santa Barbara beach house rental, you’re not going to want to leave. And why should you? It’s got every outdoor amenity a body could possibly want in a little slice of heaven, including:
- Courtyard
- Doggy door
- Games: basketball hoop, croquet set, pool table
- Fire pit
- Fireplace
- Fountains/water features
- Heat lamp
- Local entertainment guides
- Lounge chairs
- Observation deck
- Outdoor shower
- Outdoor speakers
- Outdoor TV
- Pool
- Private balconies
- Redwood sauna
- Rooftop terrace
- Spa
- Steam shower
- Umbrellas
- Wireless internet (WiFi)
- Wraparound covered porch
- Yard with fruit trees, lawn and flowers and/or herb garden
- Jacuzzi
The only question is, which Santa Barbara beach house rental will you choose? With so many possible amenities we recommend the sensible approach. Try them all until you find your favorite Santa Barbara beach house rental.
For more information on high-end, fully-furnished vacation rentals in Santa Barbara – including private beach houses, California holiday villas, and large luxurious vacation homes – visit www.sbluxuryrentals.com or call 800-715-8766.
Graham Farrar is a Santa Barbara local with specialized knowledge in the popular destination’s attractions and activities. He is a Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals expert and offers tips and advice for traveling to Santa Barbara on the www.sbluxuryrentals.com blog.
Topics: Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals, Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals, Santa Barbara Vacation Tips | No Comments »