Beach House Recap

Pros:
      -beautifully decorated (colors, textures)
      -gorgeous wood floors
      -enclosed private yard great for dogs (even though we did not bring ours)
      -only 2 1/2 blocks from beach
      -3 bedroom/2 bath = plenty of room for everyone

Cons:
      -furniture not as comfortable as last beach rental
      -not as fully stocked with supplies
      -too much space meant everyone retreated  to their own room rather than gathering together
      -too far from beach psychologically (did not feel like a beach house)
      -tall fence around entire house made it feel closed in, like a fortress
      -outdoor seating not comfortable and in sun all day
      -wood floors are noisy!
      -no sense of privacy with the layout
      -bar located directly behind the house makes for noisy weekend nights
      -sharing parking with neighbor is not always ideal


Take home message:
       -we need to be closer to the beach and have access to comfortable outdoor seating
       -we need less space to encourage togetherness (especially since our kids are teenagers)
       -don't get sucked in by the decor....pretty is not always better
       -must paint a wall that brilliant blue color in a future house!

Do you rent houses when you travel? Do you have any tips/secrets to share? This was only our 2nd vacation rental, so I'm sure we still have lots to learn! Do share....