Shopping Local Includes Booking Your Next Beach House
If you’re wondering why to book local just like you shop local, here’s why…
You’ve unpacked the car, everyone has picked their bedroom, and you’ve stocked the refrigerator and pantry. Now, it’s time to settle in, relax, and enjoy the view from your vacation rental you booked for your Galveston getaway. It sounds like heaven, doesn’t it?
Local Expertise
One of the benefits of booking directly with a locally-owned and managed vacation rental company is the local expertise and support. The company staff – reservations, maintenance and management - live on the island. So if you have a question, just ask. Reach out by email, phone, or private message. In many cases, staff are Certified Tourism Ambassadors, and they are well-versed about what to do see and do in Galveston.
You can get to know your local company, and in the future, they’ll know, and you’ll know, what you most want from your Galveston vacation rental.
Savings
You already know that there’s a cost-benefit to booking a vacation home versus a hotel. But did you know third-party travel websites, like Airbnb and Vrbo charge additional fees that you don’t see upfront? By booking directly with a local property management company, you’ll know your beach house rental cost up front without any hidden service fees. You’ll also find a clear cancellation and refund policy on the company website. (Each property listed on Airbnb and Vrbo has its own cancellation, refund and rental policies.)
Plus, when you book directly with your chosen local management company, you can take advantage of return guest discounts and reward programs. And, if you follow their social media sites, you’ll be in the loop for any last-minute Galveston specials and, in some cases, real estate.
Variety
Local vacation rental companies know the area and offer a broad range of choices. Some companies specialize in beach houses – on the beach or bay - while others provide lofts, historic homes, cottages and condos. Whatever your preference, that local expertise helps when making that choice. If you are dreaming of a beach view or view of the bay, or quick access to Galveston’s historic downtown, they can direct you.
Are you looking for a house that sleeps 14 with bunk beds for the kids? Or, are you looking for a bay house that sleeps 8 and boasts its own private fishing pier? Local companies know the area and, based on your wishlist, can help you choose the perfect rental.
Galveston Association of Rental Managers
We live here and we want to be good neighbors. While Galveston is a destination, it is also home to many residents all over the island. In 2004, West End property management companies formed the Galveston Association of Rental Manager or GARM. The goal was to establish a “good neighbor” approach to managing vacation rentals.
We do this by hiring off-duty, uniformed Galveston police officers to monitor our properties. This security includes additional patrols during peak times and event weekends. We also offer residents and guests a central number, manned daily from noon to 6 a.m., to call if there’s an issue with noise, too many guests, parking, or trash. The number is 409.682.3603.
Be My Galveston Guest, Gary Greene Vacation Rentals, The Hatmaker Group, Ryson Vacation Rentals, Sand ‘N Sea Properties, and Victory Vacations are all current members of GARM. Collectively, GARM represents approximately 350 West Galveston vacation rentals, including beach houses, cottages, and condos.
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