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New York Apartments » News » Feeling at home in rentals

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Feeling at home in rentals

29 Jun 2010

Maybe it´s the musty smell. Or the seashell-patterned couch. Or the prize marlin hanging above the fireplace.
Vacation rentals, your sweet escape from home, sometimes can´t help but not feel like, um, home.
But it doesn´t take much to personalize a rented beach house, lake cabin or mountain retreat.

Christine Karpinski, director of vacation rental company HomeAway in Austin, Texas, and Connie Crosby, of Pensacola, Fla.-based Constance Crosby Interiors, whose portfolio includes many beach properties, offered suggestions for making your summer rental feel more homey.

Scented candles. "One thing that always stands out when you´re in a new place is the smell — even if it´s not bad, it may not be one that your nose is used to," Karpinski said. A smell you enjoy helps make an unfamiliar place feel more pleasant, so come with your favorite candles and diffusers.

Family photos. Placing your home photographs on side tables and mantels helps a rental feel like you belong there, Crosby said.

Throw blanket. It can feel icky to wrap yourself in someone else´s blanket, so bring your own luxurious throw to snuggle on the couch, Karpinski said. It´s also nice to have for the car or plane ride.

Pillows. Bringing your own accent pillows helps transform a stranger´s couch into your own, Crosby said. You also might sleep easier on your own bed pillows.

Kitchen supplies. One of the advantages of staying in a rental instead of a hotel is that you can save money by cooking in the kitchen rather than dining out, so bring your favorite spices or appliances, like a blender to make smoothies or a coffee maker, Karpinski said.

Entertainment. Most rentals come with TVs and DVD players, so bring your favorite movies and board games to play during downtime or on rainy days, Karpinski said.

Staying in a New York short term rental is the most economical and enjoyable way to experience New York City.

New York short term rentals are a great alternative to overpriced hotels!