Summer Rental Guide in the ADKS Part Two: Tips from our Local Team
by Hannah Torrance
If you’re considering a summer vacation in the Adirondacks (ADKS), you won’t be disappointed. But the experience will be even better if you know all the local ins and outs when you’re planning. Part One of our Summer Rental Guide can get you started with information on popular areas and planning essentials. In part two, you’ll learn more about renting during the summer and tips for travelling as COVID-19 precautions continue – all straight from our Rental Manager, Diane Brenner.
Summer Rental Tips for Travelers
When renting a vacation property, there are some general tips to follow:
Use a reputable property management company
You may think you’ll pay less with a smaller company or by going directly to an owner, but vacation rental fraud does happen. Consider whether the small savings might be worth the cost of a ruined vacation.
Carefully consider the property
The photos may look great but take the time to research whether the location is where you really want to be, if the amenities are what you are looking for and whether the rules for the property are agreeable to you. Don’t forget to also look at reviews.
Manage your expectations
While they have many wonderful amenities, keep in mind you’re renting a vacation property, not a hotel room. So, the experience will be different – no turn-down service, room service or daily housekeeping, for example.
Raise concerns right away
This applies to getting all your questions answered before you rent as well as contacting the property manager with any problems during your stay instead of after. Trust us, you’ll be much happier with the experience if you act right away.
Specific to summer rentals in ADKS, Diane says, “If you haven’t booked your vacation rental for this summer yet, be flexible with your dates. The more open your dates are, the more likely we will be able to find you the rental property of your dreams.”
She continues, “For travelers coming to the region, I would recommend making reservations for activities and restaurants whenever you can. If you plan on being outside and hiking, being on the water, etc.; do research beforehand on your proposed trails/routes and wear the appropriate clothing, footwear and have a first aid kit. Be open to activities that may not be on the top ‘to do’ lists.”
While the peak rental season is mid-June through mid-October, if you have flexibility with travel dates, mid-week during the fall foliage and winter seasons and from May-mid-June are also wonderful times to visit the area.
Traveling with COVID-19 Precautions
It goes without saying that we’re all ready to travel again, but since some travel restrictions do remain, keep these things in mind:
- Know the cancellation policy. Read the fine print carefully and ask questions if you’re unclear about ANYTHING.
- Check cleaning protocols and make sure you’re comfortable with them before renting. Also find out what cleaning supplies the rental offers, if any, during your stay. If you feel the cleaning protocols aren’t stringent enough you might consider seeing if a buffer period between rentals is possible. Per CDC guidelines, surfaces are no longer infectious after 72 hours.
- Research local laws. COVID-19 policies can differ by the state, county and city so make sure to do your research beforehand and that you’re prepared.
For ADKS, Diane states, “People that are traveling this summer should be fully vaccinated. Guests visiting should still prepare and have the same expectations that they had last summer. Shops and businesses are open, but some may be at a lower capacity as in years past. At this time, travelers to Lake Placid are still being asked to wear masks and to social distance for the protection of everyone.”
Summer Rentals with Merrill L. Thomas, Inc.
Diane herself grew up in Lake Placid and graduated from Siena College with a B.A. in French and International Studies. After working 15 years in the tourism and hospitality industries in New York City and New Jersey, she returned to the Adirondacks in 2002. Diane enjoys traveling, hiking, cross country skiing, and volunteering in community organizations. She resides in Lake Placid with her husband, Ron, and their son, Evan.
As a small office of three Diane describes how the rental team at Merrill L. Thomas works together to provide the best service possible. “Whenever a guest calls, any of us can assist. We are all local to the area and have families here. We try to personalize our service by matching guests to the rental property that will best meet their size and needs. We have a variety of rental properties that can accommodate from two to twenty people. We pride ourselves with offering a quality product, and our rental office does pre-rental inspections of all of our properties prior to guest arrival.”
She goes on to say, “Each property is unique as it is someone’s home. Every property has a different décor and provides a different guest experience. Many of our waterfront properties will offer non-motorized watercraft for guest use. Properties that aren’t directly on the water are a short walk to Main Street and some even offer water views. All of our rental properties provide linens and bath towels. We also love to provide renters with local tips on our favorite activities and restaurants.”
In addition, the Merrill L. Thomas rental office is open seven days a week during July and August and we also have a 24-hour answering service should an emergency arise during a guest’s stay.