America’s Top 10 Vacation Rental Homes

These are some of the most beautiful rental homes available on TripAdvisor that also sport breathtaking views of their natural surroundings, from opulent beachfront villas to secluded mountain-top cabins.

TripAdvisor, a leading travel site, today (Oct. 19) announced its list of America’s best vacation rental views, according to TripAdvisor travelers and editors.

To further help travelers, Conde Nast Traveler has just announced the results of its 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking the best cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, hotels, resorts, and car rental agencies worldwide. (Read: When Readers Rate the Hot Spots)

And for travelers to the polar regions, Quark Expeditions says it has produced a number of video guides to provide a visual taste of the adventure. Two new guides were posted to the polar specialist’s website.

The Expedition Experience explains the difference between an expedition cruise and a traditional cruise. The Northwest Passage video depicts the history of the quest for the northern route to Asia. (Read: Video Guides for Travelers to the Polar Areas)

Meanwhile, the Fareologists at Bing Travel have issued a preliminary outlook for the 2010 holiday season predicting similar holiday travel pricing as last year. In 2009, airfares and hotel rates remained low as a way to reinvigorate consumer travel during a tough economy.

This year, the same opportunities exist for people looking to see family or take a vacation during the 2010 holiday travel season. (Read: Quick Tips for Smart Holiday Travel)

And Norwegian Cruise Line says it is working with YouTube to create YouTube Vacationer, a travel-specific channel. It aims to provide vacation information from Lonely Planet, National Geographic and Travel Channel.

The YouTube Vacationer is also interactive, offering visitors an opportunity to create their own “Vacation You” video experience and share it with others. (Read: Norwegian Cruise Line Travel Channel on YouTube)

Here’s the TripAdvisor list:

1. Oceanfront Opulence: Kaleialoha Condo, Lahaina, Hawaii – Fall Season Rate: $124 per night

Boasting the “best views on Maui,” Kaleialoha Condo gets rave reviews from travelers for its stunning sunset views and prime location right near the beach.

Guests also give the property high marks for its plentiful amenities and wealth of sea life right outside the door.

2. Mountaintop Magnificence: Mountaintop Home for the Adventurous Spirit, Littleton, New Hampshire – Fall Season Rate: $430 per night

Situated on the top of a steep and winding quarter mile long driveway, this mountaintop home, made of elegant stone, glass and logs, features a number of tiered gardens and orchards on its breathtaking grounds.

While guests enjoy the property’s unique details, the views of nearby Mount Washington and the neighboring peaks are what keep them coming back.

3. Island Indulgence: Casa-Bella, Anna Maria Island, Florida – Fall Season Rate: $379 per night

Located on the pristine shores of Anna Maria Island, Casa-Bella sports jaw-dropping ocean views from its back patio and infinity pool. In addition, it’s just a short walk away from nearby beaches, restaurants and shops.

Advertisements:
Come, Work with Us
Digital Media Campaigns
Submit Information
Robojit Calling Hollywood

4. Charming Chateau: Pervenche, Park City, Utah – Fall Season Rate: $399 to $995 per night

Nestled in a picturesque valley right near the heart of ski-haven Park City, Pervenche is a beautiful chateau with views that rival its own charming look. Guests can catch glimpses of Mount Timpanogas, Deer Creek and the entire Heber Valley from the home.

5. Vivacious Views: China Mountain House, Port Orford, Oregon – Fall Season Rate: $550 per night

This modern chic rental leaves no amenity unturned, including a spa-like bathroom, full gourmet kitchen, and theater system with a 14’x10′ projection screen. The home’s 12-foot high ceilings and glass walls facing the picturesque Pacific coast are often what leave guests in awe.

6. Park Place: Lustig, Estes Park, Colorado – Fall Season Rate: $165 to $185 per night

Situated near the Rocky Mountain National Park and sporting views of the beautiful Continental Divide, Lustig is a fabulous rental property for travelers looking to get back in touch with nature without sacrificing any of the comforts of home.

7. Perks Near the Peaks: Dawson‘s Peak #1071, Big Bear Lake, California – Fall Season Rate: $718 to $1,055 per night

A perfect mix of rustic and modern, this three-story log cabin is a fantastic escape with all of the comforts of home, a state-of-the-art kitchen and a game room complete with a pool table, air hockey table, darts and foosball. Its amazing views of the surrounding mountains and ski slopes are what truly get rave reviews from guests.

8. Scenic in the City: Michigan Ave Penthouse Suite, Chicago, Illinois – Fall Season Rate: $325 to $399 per night

Just steps away from the park, lakefront, shops, and restaurants, this luxurious rental serves as a perfect home base for exploring Chicago. As an added perk, guests can enjoy gorgeous views of the city skyline from the comfort of the apartment and its outdoor terrace.

9. Breathtaking Beachfront: 1506 Villamare, Hilton Head, South Carolina – Fall Season Rate: $318 per night

For travelers who long for the smell of ocean air and just want to watch the waves roll in, look no further than 1506 Villamare. This oceanfront rental home features views of the Atlantic from nearly every room.

10. Amenities Aplenty: Smoky Mountain Tower, Gatlinburg, Tennessee – Fall Season Rate: $149 to $179 per night

While this mountain chalet is packed full of amenities, from an air hockey table and electronic hoops in the game room, to a hot tub on its first floor deck, its views of the Great Smoky Mountains are what really wow its guests.

“Vacation rentals really shine when the surrounding landscape is the main attraction,” said Hank Hudepohl, director of vacation rentals at TripAdvisor.

“This list showcases rentals where their views rival the beauty of the homes themselves. With the recent addition of TripAdvisor’s photo view option for vacation rentals, we’ve made finding homes like these even easier for travelers.”

Last year, TripAdvisor announced the availability of vacation rentals and the innovative Vacation Rentals Calculator on tripadvisor.com.

More than 100,000 vacation rentals in more than 5,000 regions are now available in TripAdvisor’s vacation rental listings, which are powered by FlipKey, says the company.