Park City Lodging, one of our partners in Utah is celebrating their 25th year of service to clients and visitors in the Park City area. A lot has happened during their 25 years in business.

Park City as it is presently known opened on December 21st, 1963 as Treasure Mountain operating at the time the longest gondola in the United States. According to local historians, when the slopes opened to the public, skiers were transported nearly 3 miles into the mountain on the Spiro Tunnel mine train and then lifted 1,800 ft to the slopes on a mine hoist elevator. Aerial trams once used for hauling ore were converted into chairlifts. To this day, there are still more than 1,000 miles of old silver-mine workings and tunnels beneath the slopes at Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley. The sister area “Park City West” (now The Canyons) opened in 1968.

Deer Valley Resort opened in December 1981, at the site of the former “Snow Park” 1946-69.
Thus, our partners at Park City Lodging can be considered old-time locals in the Park City community. Their diversity of lodging opportunities provides clients opportunities from economical options in Old Town and The Canyons to over-the-top luxury slope-side ski-in/out chalets at Deer Valley.

We are proud to announce Park City Lodging’s management division has recently been awarded the management duties for the Home Owners Association of Town Pointe Condominiums. For those who know Park City, Town Pointe offers an enviable location in the heart of Park City just two blocks from the Town Lift (access to Park City Mountain bypassing the base area) and historic Main Street (with its diverse retail and dining options, Chez Betty, a personal favorite as well as municipal shuttle service to Deer Valley and The Canyons).

In addition, Park City Lodging is the managing agent for Town Lift, Lift Lodge and Park Station providing a varied selection of Old Town Park City lodging opportunities.

If you are considering a visit to the Park City this coming winter, Park City Lodging offers clients of TheSociety.com a diverse collection of lodging options and superior customer service. We congratulate Park City Lodging on their 25th anniversary of business and look forward to joining them on the slopes during the 2009/10 season and in 25 years for the 2034/35 ski season, their Golden Anniversary.

We recently received a note from a client who is planning a trip to Italy during the fall season (an absolutely glorious time to visit). The following are excerpts from the letter concerning one of our Italian villa/estate rental partners:

Responsive: “BravoHR responded within one hour of our e-mail request providing villa options within all the parameters we requested including location and budget. In addition, the managing agent provided additional options mentioning a larger more luxuriously appointed villa, which due to a cancellation would be available in our budget, we booked it immediately.”

Concierge Services: “Even though we have traveled to Italy in the past, the company was most helpful concerning grocery delivery (which we opted for due to our later afternoon arrival on a Saturday). In addition, the managing agent assisted with local car rental, touring options and a wedding coordinator as we plan to “renew our vows” next year.”

Insider Tips: “While we assumed we knew Tuscany, the managing agent provided us with a list of festivals and events happening during our visit. In addition, a “cooking class” was arranged with a local chef, something we have never experienced and we are looking forward to.”

Value: “We have always known the value associated with villa rental even during this period of slashing of hotel rates. The larger villa allows us to invite friends to travel with us, share the cost and allows our budget to be stretched to the maximum, outlet stores; here we come (which the estate manager has already provided options, a map and hours of operation).”

While we at TheSociety.com know the vast majority of our property/estate managers will provide service “above and beyond” what is considered adequate, we appreciate the letters of thanks concerning exceptional service. In this day and age of automated bookings, Internet research and downgrading of services by hotels, it is refreshing to know our partners continue to exceed our high expectations one client at a time,

We hope the client viewed last week’s newsletter concerning events and activities in Italy during the fall season which can be accessed at: http://thesociety.com/blog/2009/08/we-suggest-italy-for-fall/

While Hurricane Bill made the news recently including its track to the north between Bermuda and the eastern coast of the United States, one should know the southern Caribbean is great in the late summer and fall; no crowds and low rates. Hurricanes, which strengthen from warm water temperatures usually develop north of this latitude thereby sparing these southern-most islands.

Thus, we suggest Barbados, the eastern most island in the Caribbean. Barbados enjoys warm, sunny weather all year round with average daily highs of 75–85 F. Prevailing northeast tradewinds blow steadily and keep conditions comfortable, and the dry season lasts from January to June. Though the hurricane season from June to October brings tropical rainstorms, they usually come in quick showers and are quickly followed by sunny skies.

Did you know TheSociety.com offers clients access to 300+ vacation rental residences on the Island of Barbados. Thus, if we cannot satisfy your wish-list, no one can.

Italy is truly a country and a destination of diversity. The north, known for its industrial strength and design, home to Alfa-Romeo, Armani, famous mountain and lake resorts and of course The Duomo in Milan. The middle of the country, the hills of Tuscany attractive year-round with temperate weather and charming towns dating from the Middle Ages, the hand-stitched leathers of Gucci, the beautiful gold jewelry, the predecessor of bling. Moving south, visitors can experience Rome, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and of course Sicily.

The fall and early winter is one of the most enjoyable periods to visit this most beautiful country. The heat and humidity of the summer months gives way to warm days, cool evenings and low humidity. The school groups and tour buses are a distant memory as Italians get “back to work” following their August vacations.

The fall and early winter in Italy is known as the season of festivals, the following are a few of our favorites:

• Lucca: La Luminaria procession, the streets are illuminated with candles.
• Panicale: The 3rd weekend in September is the Festa del l’uva, the grape festival
• Panicale: The olive harvest is not to be missed in November, enjoy the EVOO
• Chianti: Late September, locals pick grapes, filling tubs for harvest
• Tuscany: Chestnut harvest, from middle of October to the middle of November, if visiting early spring, be sure to pick up some fresh chestnut flour.

No matter what your travel desires from the hills of Tuscany to the cosmopolitan streets of Milan, Florence and Rome to the seaside splendor of the Amalfi and Liguria Coast, we have estate partners throughout Italy who will be able to assist you in finding the perfect vacation rental within your budget.

While Lake Tahoe is home to multiple ski resorts, few rival the diversity of terrain (Tahoe’s largest ski resort), access (most high-speed lifts, most vertical, highest elevation, extensive grooming, tree-skiing) and views which Heavenly Valley offers its visitors. While we would be remiss not to advise of the many beautiful vacation home rentals offered by TheSociety.com (which we will), we suggest checking out the 2009/2010 Heavenly Pass-The Best Deal in Tahoe.

The Heavenly Pass is a bargain at $349/season. Yes, there are a few restrictions as noted below; however, you also have the option of skiing/boarding some of the finest resorts including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin at HALF PRICE.

• Skiing and riding seven days a week at Lake Tahoe’s largest ski and snowboard resort (blackout days apply 11/27&28, 12/27-31 and 2/13&14)).
• Unlimited half-priced lift tickets at any of Vail Resorts’ four Colorado resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone No blackout dates. One lift ticket per day, for pass-holder use only. For the 2009/10 Season Only.
• $20 discount on regularly priced Heavenly lift tickets on 2009-10 blackout dates.
• Exclusive pass-holder e-mail offers allowing you to save on resort purchases, including ski and snowboard school, food and beverage, retail and more!
• 2009 summer Gondola access.

When visiting Heavenly, may we suggest a charming 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom ski cabin literally within minutes of the Heavenly Resort. This cabin is rustic yet comfortable attracting those who wish for expansive accommodations close to the resort at a value price-point (under $500/night). The densely wooded, forest setting gives a secluded feeling, yet is close to everything. Very comfortable, with deck & hot tub, fireplace, two-car garage and just minutes to the nightlife of the area including casinos & the Lake! Spend a day on the mountain then come back and relax in the hot tub.

The chalet has been completely remodeled and updated - everything is new! There is a wrap-around deck with a gas grill. The master bedroom has a balcony (excellent for morning coffee). Bring the whole family because there’s plenty of room! The lower level bedroom has two double beds, the upstairs bedroom 2 queen beds, and the  master bedroom, 1 king bed and a full size futon. Plasma TV with cable, wireless internet, granite counters. TVs in all bedrooms as well! Sofa in the living room is a sleeper so you can utilize this area as well.

The NY Times published an interesting article today:

Rise of the Super-Rich Hits a Sobering Wall

It could be used as the story line for Part II of Richistan (a book by Robert Frank on the American Wealth Boom). The article is worth reading. It gives some real insight into what the ultra wealthy are experiencing right now.

As mentioned in the article, “The relative struggles of the rich may elicit little sympathy from less well-off families who are dealing with the effects of the worst recession in a generation. But the change does raise several broader economic questions.”

While there has never been an exact science of formula concerning pricing a vacation home rental, present economic conditions, limited demand, increased supply and the multitude of options concerning exposure makes the pricing proposition a quandary many face.

We hope the following provides insights and guidance and please note, the staff of TheSociety.com is available to assist on multiple levels from pricing to exposure to target market analysis and so forth.

Installment II: The Honest Assessment AKA “The Appraisal”
-Section II: The Physical Plant (Bedrooms and Bathrooms)

In Section I we explored the valuation associated with location which is truly the most important determining factor concerning valuation of the vacation home rental. While “Location, Location, Location” has been the real estate sales maxim since the dawn of time, the same holds true for vacation home rentals.

In Section II we explore the “Physical Plant” also known as improvements on the land. The improvements can take many forms and each location will have variations, however, for the purposes of a general overview, we will be reviewing comparable features and associated demand while at times deviating to provide examples based on local/regional desires and constraints.

Many renters of vacation homes look at the number of bedrooms first as a factor to gauge interest beyond the size and specific location. On TheSociety.com we provide visitors various search options, however, the “number of bedrooms” is usually the first search criteria used after narrowing down location.

In general, a bedroom is considered “double-occupancy” or 2 persons/ bedroom. Thus, a 3 bedroom vacation rental should sleep 6 persons in comfort.

Of course there are variations. For example, one property showcased by TheSociety.com in the Bachelor Gulch area of The Vail Valley has a “Children’s Bedroom” which is truly a suite. The bedroom has 3 bunk-beds (which sleep 6 persons), 2 shower stalls, a separate bathtub and a basin set-up with 6 faucets. However, on the listing it is counted as one bedroom, thus we have revised the description to note the # of occupants the home is designed for i.e. Six Bedrooms-Sleeps “16”

On the flip side, it is not uncommon to see homes in which the maid’s room is listed as a bedroom. We express our empathy for the guest(s) sleeping in the maid’s room with a single bed attached on 3-sides and a wash basin advertised as a full-bath.

In last week’s edition of this newsletter we profiled our Las Vegas Mini Castle one of the most palatial, unique and in-demand vacation home rentals in the Las Vegas area. The unique gated compound offering guests up to 31,000 SF of living space with 36 guest bedrooms (sleeps 60) and 44 bathrooms is sure to impress. We anticipate increased demand during the Fall, Winter and Spring Convention Season from those searching for an upgrade from the “hotel scene” including private pool, hot tub, expansive outdoor entertaining options and true luxury interiors rivaling the finest hotel offerings.

Yet, we know Las Vegas is not all business and gaming. While many have heard of the art galleries at The Bellagio, the shopping arcade at The Wynn and so forth, we have uncovered a unique opportunity to experience the heyday of Las Vegas.

Located approximately one mile north of Fremont Street is The Neon Museum and their “collection” known as the Boneyard. The Boneyard is a treasure trove of vintage Las Vegas (from the 1940’s to the present) documented via the many signs salvaged from the wrecking ball.

The collection of signs is literally a history lesson concerning Las Vegas marketing and glitz which continues to this day. The tour guides from The Neon Museum take small groups though the Boneyard highlighting the many famous signs and adding historical facts.  The admission is $15.00 per person and is well-worth the cost. The Neon Museum is working on the development of a permanent reception building and restoration of some of the signs. One sign which has been restored (Hacienda Horse and Rider) can be seen at the intersection of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard. Plans call for restored signs to line Las Vegas Boulevard from downtown to The Neon Museum. Restored signs will also be at the site of the museum.

Reservations are a must for the tours and should be reserved in advance. The Neon Museum can be reached at 702.387 NEON (6366). The office is open Tuesday – Friday, 11AM to 5PM.

At TheSociety.com we are proud to partner with the finest property/estate management firms worldwide. Lifestyle Villas of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is one of our partners in the area offering our clients the finest luxury vacation home rentals and what we consider the most professional and accommodating concierge staff in all of Mexico.

Not all honeymoon couples desire to share their post nuptial bliss in a crowded resort property, some desire the privacy and seclusion of a vacation rental coupled with concierge services to insure a memorable honeymoon. May we suggest a luxury flat at One Medano Beach, Los Cabos’ newest luxury condominium tower.

While the interior appointments will keep honeymooners happy with marble floors, granite countertops, sliding pocket doors, private terraces, central air conditioning and fine custom wood cabinetry, if they venture outside, they will not be disappointed.

Grounds amenities include pool, hot tub, outdoor grills, and showers (to rinse off sand from the beach). Just beyond the entry, a short stroll to the beach provides guests with the finest swimming option along the Cabo coastline. For the shopper, the Puerto Paraiso Mall offers the finest in luxury retail and dining. BTW: we suggest Casa Rafael’s for fine Mexican dining. For deep-sea fishing and diving excursions, the marina is one block away.

In addition to a true luxury selection of vacation home rentals, Lifestyle Villas is world-renowned for their “Lifestyle Services Portfolio”. Offering services beyond the most experienced resort concierge, the Lifestyle Services Team is literally your one call for all your desires when visiting Los Cabos from Butler to Private Chef, event/wedding planning to private security to custom floral arrangements, the Lifestyle Services team of Lifestyle Villas will impress and exceed even the most demanding expectations.

While many visitors to Telluride fly into the town (note, renovations to the Telluride airport will allow larger planes beginning in November 2009) or neighboring Montrose, during the summer and fall season, we suggest a leisurely drive to this most enchanting town/resort in southwestern Colorado. Once travelers get off the Interstate, the two-lane roads provide photo opportunities at every bend. For many Southwestern Colorado is a section of the state which retains its Rocky Mountain heritage from scenery to gracious hospitality.

Events in Telluride of note for late August and September include:

Aug 19th: Sunset Concert Featuring The Avett Brothers (MV)
Aug 20th: Fireside Chat, Sasha Cucciniello: Western Women in Words (MV)
Aug 22nd: Telluride Vaudeville @ The Sheridan Opera House
Aug 27th-30th: Telluride Mushroom Festival
Sep 3rd: Film Festival Exhibit Opening
Sep 3rd: Telluride Art Walk (until 8PM, right when the sun is setting)
Sep 4th: Ophir Hill Climb (run or bike, your choice)
Sep 4th-7th: Telluride Film Festival
Sep 6th-7th: Ouray County Rodeo, say “hi” to Ralph Lauren in Ridgeway
Sep 12th: The Imogene Pass Run, from Ouray to Telluride, 17 miles, 5,000’ vertical feet
Sep 17th: Bob Miller Memorial Golf Classic Fundraiser for Telluride Adaptive Sports (MV)
Sep 18th–20th: Blues & Brews Festival at Telluride Town Park
Sep 25t –27th : Artist’s Studio Tour
Sep 25th-27th: Writers in the Sky
Sep 26th: Mountains to the Desert, Fundraiser: 133 miles from Telluride to Moab on bike for the Just for Kids Foundation

For your late summer/early fall visit or for ski season, may we suggest our Castellina Townhomes. These luxurious 4 bedroom townhome chalets are excellent options for any vacation to Telluride. When the snow is not flying this enchanting Rocky Mountain retreat is an easy walk to the core of Mountain Village and the gondola to town. In the winter, with its ski-in/out location adjacent to the Village Bypass ski run, you will be the envy of others as you begin and end your ski day at your private vacation rental residence.

Late summer and fall rates begin at $700.00/night or under $100.00/per person/per night assuming full occupancy. Winter rates range from $1,300.00/night to $2,500/night during Christmas Week. A most attractive rate for a luxury 4 bedroom ski-in/out townhome within walking distance to Mountain Village. We suggest a hot cocoa on the deck around 3:00PM viewing skiers as they are heading to the base area.