Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Sanibel Island Condo Rentals for Vacation

Jason Story asked:




Want to enjoy everything that Sanibel Island has to offer at a great value? Looking for the available Sanibel Island condo rentals? Well, Sanibel Island is a secluded paradise off the southwest coast of Florida, but is well-known throughout the world for its natural beauty. It has white sandy beaches covered with a variety of seashells, dazzling sunsets, fine dining, adventure sports, restaurants, shops, and of course great accommodations.

FindVacationRentals.com is basically where most vacationers plan their vacations. This site was developed to provide the people access to the most complete and comprehensive listings of the available vacation property rentals in the major tourist destinations of the world. Here you can find a list of Sanibel Island condo rentals, and all you need to do is to simply click on any of the given Sanibel Island condo rentals to view any additional information about the property.

Search for Sanibel Island condo rentals at ValueVacationRentals.com, one of the most well-known sites for vacation rentals. Here, you can find not only a listing of Sanibel Island condo rentals, but also helpful information about the island and its neighboring areas. And, for your convenience, you can sort the listed Sanibel Island condo rentals and other properties by simply following on their listed links.

GulfCoastRentals.com is but another notable site on the web that features hundreds of active Sanibel Island condo rentals on their property listing page. Note that the listed properties are advertised by the property owners themselves, and if you choose, you can find the owners and reserve your stay from them. To know more about the available options, just follow the underlined links through their directories and click on the name of the Sanibel Island condo rentals that interest you.

The Sandpiper Beach condominiums have long been acclaimed for its lovely 1,200 square foot, beachfront condominiums with screened lanai, overlooking the pool and Gulf of Mexico. These Sanibel Island condos are actually a twenty-seven unit complex in five buildings, settles on a quiet dead-end street next to a wildlife preserve of the Sanibel Island. From these Sanibel Island condos, every type of boating and water sport is available and if youve never gone scuba diving, then this is the exact place to learn. It also has a gorgeous palm lined swimming pool which continually beckons your for a dip.

VacationRentals.com is finally out there to further give you the chance to find the best accommodation for your Sanibel Island holiday vacation. At VacationRentals.com, you will find not only the available Sanibel Island condo rentals but also other properties for rent such as villas, cottages, homes, and cabins. To know more about their listed properties, you may choose to click the detailed description of the property or view the images provided for more information. And, perhaps whats nice about this site is that the Sanibel Island condo rentals are added and updated every week.

Fayetteville, NC Apartments

Sam Huntington asked:




There are many things to consider when seeking to rent a Fayetteville NC apartment. The convenience of the location, how much you can afford to spend and, if you have children, the local school districts are all something you must consider. There are many different apartments for rent in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Prior to going apartment hunting, ask yourself how soon you wish to move in, how much you expect to pay and how long you wish to stay. Although most rentals require a one year lease, others have short term leasing available.

The Woodstream Apartments is an apartment complex located on Woodstream Trail in Fayetteville. Renters can lease the apartment for six months or one year and there is a $100 deposit required on new rentals. The Woodstream Apartments are close to Fort Bragg and Cape Fear Medical Center and many people who work in the medical center live here.

This Fayetteville NC apartment complex has a swimming pool and tennis court for the residents. Each unit includes a dishwasher, garbage disposal and refrigerator as well as air conditioning and ceiling fans. Prices are very reasonable for both one and two bedroom units. There are excellent laundry facilities in the building.

Another Fayetteville NC apartment complex that has one to three bedroom apartment is Tamarack on the Lake Apartments located on Pine Lake Drive. Tamarack on the Lake apartments offer a fireplace, vaulted ceilings, high speed Internet, air conditioning, ceiling fans, walk in closets, a dishwasher and garbage disposal as well as a microwave and refrigerator. One of the nicest things about this Fayetteville, NC apartment complex is that each unit has a washer and dryer hookup in the unit.

Tamarack on the Lake Apartments can be leased for short term leases starting at three months, making this the perfect Fayetteville NC apartment for those who are looking for a place to stay while shopping for a home in Fayetteville. You can even bring your dog and cat as this is a pet-friendly apartment complex. In addition to the many amenities, there is even a full tennis court, clubhouse and swimming pool for residents. You can even rent a fully furnished unit for a short term stay.

Crescent Commons is another Fayetteville, NC apartment complex that has many fine features. Crescent Commons apartments also offer short term leases and have one to three bedrooms. The spacious, air conditioned units have ceiling fans, high speed Internet, walk in closets, dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, refrigerators, an in-unit laundry room and a private balcony. The Fayetteville, NC apartment complex also has a large swimming pool, club house, fitness center, playground and even a business center. Many people relocating to Fayetteville, NC make the Crescent Commons their temporary home.

The Crescent Commons apartments are pet friendly and the rent is very reasonable, especially when you consider the size of the units and all of the amenities that are included. They are an ideal place to live in this charming, southern city.

No matter what type of Fayetteville, NC apartment you seek, there is one to suit your needs. Whether you are looking to stay long term, or only a short while, Fayetteville has many different apartments available to rent. Fayetteville is a beautiful city and many people who relocate to the area stay in an apartment so they can spend time looking for the perfect home. Whether you plan to live in a house or rent an apartment, you will be glad to call Fayetteville, NC your home.

A Simple and Easy Guide to Renting a Service Apartment in Bangkok, Thailand

Rex Freiberger asked:




What are the best areas of Bangkok to rent? What facilities and services can I expect from a Bangkok serviced apartment? What are the best and worst serviced apartments in Bangkok? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and much more in my simple and easy guide to renting a serviced apartment in Bangkok for expats and travelers.

Bangkok is the Center of Southeast Asia

As the commercial center of Thailand and the hub of business and leisure travel within Southeast Asia, Bangkok has exceptional hotels of all kinds catering to the business elite and casual traveler.

Recently, a new kind of accommodation has gained favor with business executives on short stays in Bangkok–the luxury serviced apartment. With increased commercial expansion over the past several years, serviced apartments are quickly becoming the favorite choice of living style for their affordable luxury.

What is a Serviced Apartment?

The serviced part of the equation usually refers to the daily or twice weekly cleaning of your room, the furniture, kitchen amenities and so on that normal apartments do not include. Some service apartments also function as hotels, and these are called Aparthotels.

What’s So Special About Bangkok Serviced Apartments?

Real estate and relocation agents believe Bangkok has the most number of sophisticated apartments the world has to offer. There are not just one or two luxurious apartments, but close to 50. This is because skilled labor is cheap in thailand, and the city itself is a major business hub for the southeast asia region.

Renting a serviced apartment in bangkok can be a daunting task for several reasons–the primary one being there are so many ‘fine print’ and extra costs involved when signing a weekly, monthly or yearly contract.

I have been living in Bangkok for a few years now, and have gone through several serviced apartments, learning on the way which ‘services’ are included and what to expect from your stay in Bangkok.

Bangkok’s City Plan

The Bangkok Jungle has several meanings, one of them being that the city was never built with a city plan or urban design in mind. The city is a sprawling landscape, a montage of residential and commercial buildings juxtaposing one another. It is home to 10 to 15 million people, depending on who is arriving from the rural country and abroad. The people as well, from poor to affluent, live side by side.

The city itself is lopsided; if you look down any major road in bangkok, you will see that both sides of the road arent balanced, building heights are different, and there is an overall lack of symmetry. This is what makes Bangkok unique and charming. And what makes it a jungle.

The Best Areas To Live In Bangkok

Bangkok contains inexpensive to exclusive apartments, but the best ones are found in the following regions of Bangkok:



Sukhumvit, the main road or artery of Bangkok

Asok, one of the most exclusive and expensive areas to live

Thong Lo, the chic and fashionable street,

Sathorn, the business district of Bangkok

Silom, another business and red light district

Ploenchit, business district

Chit Lom, business district



The areas listed above are all within easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, trains, skytrains, and expressways. If you choose to live in one of these areas, you will experience life in the center of Bangkok’s thriving business and shopping centres while indulging in an ultra private serviced apartment in Bangkok. I personally recommend Asok and Chit Lom, as they are the classiest areas of Bangkok, but if you are looking to be close to the night markets Silom is perfect, and Sukhumvit is always a colorful experience.

Facilities and Services of Typical Bangkok Serviced Apartments

These vary between the different types of apartments and condos, but a standard of excellence has been establlished from the increasing competition among serviced apartments. Facilities and services are upgraded regularly to keep up with rival residences. However, before investing in a serviced apartment, be sure to check if these services and facilities are available.

5 Services That Should Be Included Free of Charge:



Room Cleaning

Water/Utilities

Internet Usage

24 Hour Security

Room Service/Errand Boy



4 Facilities That Should Be Included



Restaurant

Gym

Pool

Convenience Store



The Loopholes: Length of Stay, Deposits and Electricity

If you are staying for a month or year, the serviced apartment may charge you for electricity. Make sure that you negotiate this price to 6.5 Baht/Unit. A lot of times the apartment owners will charge 8 Baht/Unit for more profit. They only pay 3 or 4 Baht/Unit.

Be careful when signing leases; most require a 2 month deposit, and if you move out before your contract is finished you forfeit this deposit.

Make sure the serviced apartment has a laundry service, either in house or out of house. Most serviced apartments have coin operated laundry rooms as well as pick up services. More deluxe suites will have washing machine in the room. Note that most places do not have dryers.

How much Should I Pay?

This is a difficult question to answer, but the more facilities a serviced apartment has, the more it will cost. If a serviced apartment has a pool, gym and also functions as a 24 hour hotel, then the monthly price will be above 30,000 Baht.

Location also has a large part to do with cost of a bangkok serviced apartment. If you are staying in an area not close to skytrain or subway access, your price will be much lower. Conversely, staying in the business districts of Silom or trendy spots like Ekkamai or Thonglor will raise your monthly rent.

Which Serviced Apartment Should I Choose?

The serviced apartment market in Bangkok is lead by three groups, The President Group, The Ascott Group, and Centre Point. Most of them offer first class accomodation and have a decent system of serving their customers. However, there are numerous independent serviced apartments to choose from.



The 2 Worst Serviced Apartments in Bangkok




Ascott Bangkok Sathorn



There have been several articles written in trade journals about the decline in service at the once famous and most prestigious serviced apartment in Bangkok. Once known for attention to customer relations, their lack of it is now glaringly obvious to everyone who stays there. This place is an example of a chain serviced apartment becoming too much like a corporation with no human touch of service.



Lebua



Rumor is their staff is very untrustworthy. Read the trade journals and ‘google’ the residence for reviews.

Top 2 Most Luxurious Bangkok Serviced Apartments



Siri Sathorn Apartments



Siri Sathorn is a five-star luxury `boutique` property which epitomises private and elegant living in a residential setting. It is a concept of the perfect home which appeals to international traveller. This place caters to Japanese clientelle but of course is open to everyone.



Fraser Place Urbana Langusan



They have an exclusive 45-metre driveway leading from the main road to the serviced residence for great privacy. They also have some of the best services and customer relations I have ever experienced, pampered is the only word that comes to mind

Best Value Bangkok Serviced Apartments



Silom Convent Garden



Newly built in November 2006, this chic serviced apartment is located in the Silom-Sathorn area but has some of the cheapest rates for this business and night market district. For 36,000 Baht/$1000 a month you can have a 38 square meter, 1 bedroom, fully furnished luxurious apartment complete with full kitchen, washer machine, flat screen tv, and rain shower. The only drawback is the place doesn’t have a pool or gym, but thats the reason the price is so low and why its one of the best values in Bangkok.

If you are still undecided whether to have a stay in Bangkok on your next trip, it was just recently announced that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to make Bangkok a “paradise” city. The article from the Bangkok Post states the BMA will establish a fund to address trash, pollution and traffic problems. Now is the time to take your next vacation or business trip to Bangkok, as life couldn’t get any better in the City of Angels!

Cyprus Property for Sale in Paphos

Kev Moore asked:




Paphos in Cyprus still remains the number one resort on the Islands West coast and this of course has done wonders for property values in the area. There is however still lots of room for even more growth in this lucrative Cyprus property market. Bargain Cyprus properties can still be located all over the Paphos area by those astute investors or holiday home buyers who know where to find them. The prospect of finding good deals on Paphos property substantially increases when prospective buyers open up their options to include resale properties too. The development of property in the Paphos area has been expanding for several years now and many of the older builds are now finding their way onto the Cyprus resale property market.

It’s not just older properties either that are sold under the banner of “resales” because there are large numbers of virtually new built Paphos villas and apartments being sold as resales too. These will usually be in the form of property that was originally purchased “off plan” by speculators with the intention of selling at a profit on completion of the development. Whilst the owners are awaiting a sale they may have been rented either to the lucrative Cyprus holiday rental market or to short term tennants. Many such lets would be to people wishing to live in the Paphos area whilst they await completion of their own new build Paphos properties.

There is even a good chance that your resale Paphos property may never have been lived in at all. Speculators and investors will be advertising these villas or apartments for sale as soon as they are nearing completion and they need to sell to reinvest the capital in the next development. Often as not these properties will have one or two “sweeteners” included in the deal such as fully equipped kitchens complete with all the white goods or maybe even air conditioning thrown in too. Don’t get the wrong idea though these hard nosed Paphos property investors are in it for the money so they may be hard to *****. The bottom line is however that they make money from money so in many ways they could be seen as motivated sellers.

As the old saying goes “money talks” and buyers that have their finances lined up ready are always going to be in a good position to drive a bargain. Property in Cyprus is not immune to this golden rule and particularly in a thriving area such as Paphos so like the boy scouts it pays to be prepared. Unless you have been marooned on some desert Island for the last 50 years you will know that there is big money in property so these sellers do have room to manoeuvre. If you can’t get the deal you want (within reason) move on to another property. Don’t allow yourself to be blackmailed with the usual lines like “this is the last one” the price is going up next week” or any of the other hard sell patter that will most likely be headed your way.

There is always another Paphos property to buy, in fact new villas and apartments are coming onto the Cyprus property market on an almost daily basis. The very fact that all this development continues at such a pace almost guarantees buyers a good deal because the Paphos property developers and speculators have got to sell somewhere. There is little doubt that prices in Paphos and the surrounding area will continue to rise steadily for some time to come so buyers wishing to cash in should move soon. Paphos villas and apartments are ideal for the small investor or private buyer due to their ease of rental especially to the booming holiday market. If you are considering purchasing property in Cyprus Paphos may be a great place to look.

Real