Beach Towns: How To Score A Summer Rental

For many families, a summer vacation rental is a generational experience with grandparents, parents and children often returning to the same cottage on a yearly basis.

Such is the case for Lakeside Chautauqua, a small historic community just over an hour west from Cleveland. “Someone once told me they thought staying here was like being in Dirty Dancing,” says Kevin Sibbring, president and CEO of Lakeside Chautauqua.

He suggests making a list of your particular needs before booking. “You need to know how many bedrooms, what size bedrooms and what kind of kitchen you want,” he says. That includes all your creature comforts like air conditioning and WiFi.

Once you have your list of needs gathered, you’ll want to reach out to local real estate agents to see what’s available. Although Sibbring says it’s never too early to reserve your booking, he suggests planning for a six-month lead time.

If you find yourself scrambling for a last-minute vacation in August, don’t worry — many homes are still available after the traditional summer season. “You’ve got a home away from home for however long it is that you’re renting,” says Sibbring. “That just lends itself to a different type of experience.”