What do you look for in a vacation rental?

I'm sure this has already been mentioned more than once, but I'll add SECURITY. Dive gear is expensive. An outdoor locker in which wet gear can be hung is reassuring. Divers may also have expensive camera gear and related electronics, such as computers on which we edit dive photos, which may be vulnerable if left in the unit while we are out to dinner or wherever. In all but the safest places in the world--and I'm not sure those exist anymore--a rental property needs more than just an alarm. Sadly, in some places, bars on some ground-floor windows and sturdy doors/locks are a fact of life. If nothing else, provide a safe in the closet to store small valuables.

 

I know this is a bit old now ... but to the point of security - a functional safe. Not only for divers but too often when we arrive at rental condos the safe is broken, or has a weak battery or some issue and that is just not acceptable. I second the other recommendations related to rinsing, drying and security.

 

I always have lots of stuff to charge (camera, strobe, UW lights, etc), and would appreciate a 'charging station'. I envision a table or cabinet with multiple spaces, with multiple power outlets all over. At home, I choose my power strips carefully, so they can accommodate plugs and bricks of different sizes and orientations. Maybe even include an array of high-power USB sockets too.

Now I'm daydreaming: If the 'charging station' had some robust doors and a lock, it could be used for secure storage of tablets and computers while away. Alternatively, if you provide a safe, it would be awesome to have power/usb inside!!

Many here have already talked about drying racks, or lockers, or gear storage. Make sure there is lots of airflow or even a fan. Let me summarize: someplace secure where I can wash/dry/store my gear, all at once. A dedicated room or shed with a dehumidifier would be really cool. I can imagine a small building with tile, drain, and hangars/racks inside; rinse tanks, a hose, and a shower outside. A big locking door if it has AC or dehumidifier, or a big locking gate if it is 'open air' storage.

If shore diving via car/truck, maybe layout a convenient parking space where gear can be loaded/unloaded quickly and easily. It would be cool to open a large door and have the truck bed within a few feet.

How about 'dive towels' separate from bath towels. I often wish for a nice soft fluffy bath towel after showering, but also want something (cheaper) that I can take to the pool or diving.

If you do something radical like including a car/truck in the rental, having a locking storage in the vehicle would be appreciated. See multiple threads about vehicles in Bonarie and security for examples of what might also happen in Curacao.

I like the idea of an outdoor shower. If you can't do rinse tanks, maybe a nice convenient hose would be appreciated.

Any maps or guides to nearby dive sites would be a plus, including photos and drawings.

Generic rental feedback:

Although it is getting better, I have had really bad experiences with wifi in rentals. Having a high quality router, and reliable internet is a must. Having a local contact number of someone who can actually come and fix any wifi issues is BIG for me.

I love having a grill, but HATE how dirty they look. It often is a huge turn-off, and I avoid it. Other peoples grime is gross. Be sure your cleaning service is instructed to diligently and excessively clean it!!

If you intend to market to families, have some video games setup.

TV: More channels is better!! Just because you like and buy the 'European Water Polo' channel, doesn't mean that your guests will feel the same. Quantity+Variety!

Pool: if you have one, include some toys for kids.

 

Gee you don’t want much

I like heated towel racks.

 

Please No. Security has to be rock solid. Leave a spare key at the police station maybe, or some solid character neighbor.

A/C is important, and if the a/c blows out onto racks that we dry bathing suits and other gear for quicker drying, (like one setup in St. Croix) then that’s a twofer!

Good sized freezer for ice and frozen fruit and a blender for frozen dacqueris.

Anti-mildew cleaning products?

 

We traded our house in Hawaii with some French who had a house in Loumarin and we took a 200 dollar cab ride to the cherry estate to find a fram house with boarded shutters and realized we had no keys or no neighbors. We are like “where could the keys be?!” And my husband walked right over to the barbecue hood, presto!

 

Well yea in USVI you need security but that doesn’t include the police station, don’t ask how I know.

 

I’ve heard the police don’t care about tourists but they do care what homeowners think, or the owners of the Home has to hire private security.
We installed an electronic keypad because our darling kept losing keys, even when we put them in hanging baskets. But burglars in vacation spots wait for guests to arrive with electronics to steal, so that is when the security has to get real.

 

Will this property be ready in time for the SCUBABOARD Surge to Curacao June 2019?

 

Yes they watched me on a deserted
beach unload my windsurfer and after I went out they took my keys and opened the trunk (because they watched me)

Another time I was robbed at gun point in bed
and the police were “mean”

Which means they thought it was funny that was sunburned and nekid.