Sunday, 24 July 2011

Renting Villas in Lanzarote


Renting villas in Lanzarote, or on any of the Canary Islands, is a great way to vacation with friends or family. While there is something to be said for all-inclusive resorts, if you want to save money, getting a villa in Lanzarote is a smart choice.

If you are not familiar with Lanzarote, it is the Eastern-most of the Canary Islands. It is right off the coast of Africa and near Spain. In fact, it is considered part of Spain, so normal European Union rules apply. Because of its proximity to the equator and Africa, Lanzarote enjoys mild weather for most of the year. All the Canaries do. Lanzarote is particularly blessed with little rain and a nice breeze that bring warm air from Africa.

It is not as well known or traveled as some of the other Canary Islands. It is more of an outdoorsey persons vacation spot. Yes there is shopping and great restaurants, but the island is known for its flora, fauna and ecology, not for its nightlife. So renting a villa on this beautiful island is even more special. Be assured that not all holiday villas in Lanzarote are created equal. Some cater to family-style vacations. Some advertise their amenities, like a swimming pool or proximity to the golf courses. Others describe the beautiful, tranquil landscape and on Lanzarote it is still possible to feel a million miles from the rest of the world.

Rural villas are popular. You can feel like a millionaire for about $1,000 a week. Villas that are closer to the towns will cost about the same amount of money. On the island, you really aren't far from anything, no matter where you stay. Most villas are going to include a pool, television, computer access and garden.

When you get ready to start researching villas to rent in Lanzarote there are a couple of good tips to help you save time and money. First and most important, how many people will the villa hold and how many are you allowed to bring. Most rental agencies will charge by the person, to help defray costs on water, electricity and cleaning. While those charges will add to the cost of renting, you will be saving money on food, entertainment and pocket expenses like tips by staying out of the hotel/resort scene. The last tip is the most important: be sure to get an emergency contact from the rental agency. The heat could go out or the water heater could burst and you need a 24/7 phone number to call if that happens.

Luxury villas in Lanzarote generally rent by the week and you can expect to pay $1,500 to $2,000 a week.. By renting a self-described luxury villa you might not save much money, but you will enjoy privacy, quiet and a wider choice of meal options. Having a pool is nice. Having a private spa is so much nicer and for many couples and families, that makes all the difference. If you go in the off season, you may actually find a deal on a villa that is cheaper than what you would pay at a resort for the same quality of accommodations.

Most villas in Lanzarote are going to sleep 8 comfortably. The price will probably increase slightly for the maximum number of guests, but not enough to keep this option from being an amazing way to vacation.

If it's just the two of you and you want to stay in town, you can rent an apartment or duplex in the capital city of Arrecife for about $300 a week. This might be a great alternative to renting a large villa. Many of the apartments offer access to community pools.

Searching for villas for rent in Lanzarote is simple, much simpler than even 10 years ago. You don't need a travel agent. You just need a computer to research the options. Much like our parents did with brochures, you and your spouse can flip through the websites and compare prices, pictures and amenities. In the end, you many decide to still go the resort route. It all depends on your likes and dislikes. For example, for someone who hates to cook, the prospect of having to make meals in a villa could seem like no vacation at all! Whatever your final decision, a stay on Lanzarote will be worth the effort. Before the trip even ends you will be planning your next visit.



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