Confessions of a Condo Reservationist, Budget Travel, February 2004
Kelly Bastone recently worked in reservations at a company that managed Colorado condominiums. Now she’s dishing the insider dirt on how to score the best condo at the slopes.
Ask and You Shall Receive What you know and what you ask for are important. People who know the scene get deals. People who have no clue get lemons. We’re instructed to say that all of the condos are exquisite, but the truth is some are shabby and some are razzle-dazzle. Avoid the condo with the orange shag carpet by insisting on an updated, “A-level” unit.
Location, Location, Location Lots of people want “ski-in/ski-out,” which can be a rip-off. These condos usually don’t offer you much beyond location. The best values going are condos with a shuttle service. Places farther from the slopes often drive guests around to skiing, shops, restaurants and bars. Plus, the condos tend to be newer, so you’ll probably score a spiffier pad (often the ones near the lifts are older).
Tricky Language If you insist on ski-in/ski-out, find out exactly what you’re getting. Some condos are “right on the slopes” but quite far from the lifts. Likewise, “ski-in/walk-out” condos may let you ski right to your door, but that walk can mean struggling up hills or stairs—lugging your gear the entire time, of course! Also, “on the slopes” doesn’t mean “near shops and restaurants.”
Go Big The bigger the condo, the cheaper it is—at least when you break down expenses per person. Studio and one-bedroom condos are so popular that companies rarely discount them, but if you can get enough friends together to fill a three-bedroom place, you can nab some killer prices.
Wheeling and Dealing In general, negotiations don’t really happen, but there might be specials—just like when you order a pizza. Companies often have promotions to boost rentals. The best bargains are in early or late ski season, and sometimes at the last minute (within two or three weeks of arrival). Also, if you liked your condo company, ask about discounts for repeat guests.
Great Insider Info Use your condo staff to the max. We’re not your servants, but as residents of a resort town, we’re experts at pitting our humble funds against a lofty cost of living. Ditch the dining booklet; ask your front-desk agent where to find a good, cheap burger or the best happy-hour specials. Tip your shuttle driver and he may tell you about his favorite powder stash.
