In a market where lodging products have become commoditized (little or no differentiation), it is important to understand that there are significant differences between hotels and vacation home communities (see our reviews on the right).

When hotels drop their rates, it typically has a treacherous impact on their profitability. Some credible news sources now claim that as many as 1 in 5 hotels are in some stage of foreclosure. Vacation homes have also seen huge amounts of foreclosures, but such issues can be largely prevented by renting a home from a larger reputable management company.

Bargains now abound in Orlando as the competition for the consumer lodging business grows fierce. However, for the price of a decent hotel room, you can typically rent an entire house with your own private pool. If arriving with a family, it can be much more enjoyable for everyone to have their own bedroom and television as well enjoy large common spaces such as kitchens and living rooms.  This may be contrasted to staying in a cramped hotel room. Many Orlando vacation homes also come with private pools and full garages.

In conclusion, if you are planning on coming to Orlando, consider renting a vacation home from a well established and reputable management company. Consult our unbiased vacation reviews and profiles and details of various vacation resorts in the area.

Orlando Vacation Homes

Premium Group (Summer golf rates in Orlando, Fl for this group tend to run from $40 to $65 depending upon the time of day)

• Falcon’s Fire Golf Club 3200 Seralago Boulevard; Kissimmee, Florida 34746 Phone: 407-239-5445
• Mystic Dunes Resort 7850 Shadow Tree Lane; Celebration, Florida 34747 Phone: 407-787-5678
• Orange County National Golf Club 16301 Phil Ritson Way; Winter Garden, Florida 34787 Phone: 407-656-2626
• Orange Lake Resort and Country Club 8505 W. Orlo Bronson Memorial Highway Kissimmee, Florida 34747 Phone: 407-905-1050

Value Group (Disney area golf rates for this group tend to run from $25 to $40 depending upon the time of day)

• Highlands Reserve Golf Club Club 500 Highlands Reserve Boulevard; Davenport, Florida 33897 Phone: 863-420-1724; We profiled this course in a previous post.
• Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club 200 Eagle Ridge Lane; Davenport, Florida 33837 Phone: 863-424-8666

Disclaimer: Please call course golf shops for specific rates and tee times for your Orlando golf vacation. This information was gathered from diligently reviewing websites and visiting with golfers in the area. Summer greens fees in Orlando quoted for all courses can change at any time. Always inquire about condition of course greens due to occasional drought and damaging heat conditions.

Orlando Golf Course

Orlando Golf

A typical hotel hotel room runs approximately 325 square feet in size. The average nightly rate in Orlando for that hotel room runs around $80 per night depending on the time of year or .25 cents per square foot if you are evaluating a cost average based on size. Two hotel rooms could tightly accommodate eight people for a total of $160 per night.

For a three bedroom vacation villa in Orlando that will sleep eight to ten persons, it will run around the same amount ($160/night) depending on time of year, amenities and subdivision. Such a vacation home/villa will be roughly 1,800 square foot on average. Therefore, for a much larger home, your per square foot cost is .09 cents per square foot, plus you get the use many amenities that typical Orlando hotels do not have such as a fully equipped kitchen, private garage and private pool.

In summary, Orlando vacation homes/villas represent significantly better value than hotels if you are traveling with 4 or more persons. Based on our caluclations, hotel rental rates run around .25 cents per square foot while vacation homes are in the .09 cents per square foot range on average.

Why would you book a hotel in Orlando? Please consult our blog postings for helpful tips, consumer information and community reviews.

Windsor Hills – Best Community Award Winner 

Based on our Windsor Hills Orlando reviews, the resort is the # 1 Overall Vacation Home Community in the Orlando/Kissimmee area. Windsor Hills Resort was built in 2005 by Pulte Homes and is considered by many guests and travelers to be the best overall vacation home community in and around the Central Florida area. Windsor Hills Resort is located southwest of Orlando in Kissimmee, Florida.

The community pool at Windsor Hills Orlando is one of the better community pools in the Central Florida area. The pool has a zero/sloped entry as well a great water slide and toddler kid’s pool. In addition, alongside the pool you”ll find a hot tub and plenty of seating to relax with other vacationers while enjoying the Orlando and Disney area. Of all the Orlando vacation home rentals to choose from, Windsor Hills is perhaps one of the most family friendly.

Windsor Hills Kissimmee also offers a large clubhouse that includes a retail shop, concierge and information desk, attraction tickets desk, game room, premium fitness center, billiards, wireless internet and movie theater. On the grounds of the resort, there is a volleyball and tennis court plus kid’s playground.

Another great benefit of these vacation rentals is the fact that they are located approximately 5.9 miles (35km) from the main entrance of Disney’s Magic Kingdom ®. Windsor Hills villas are also a short 5 minute drive to the major shops and restaurants located on Highway 192 -Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. The resort entrance is gated and guarded for safety.

For additional security, access to the clubhouse areas and community areas in the Windsor Hills Resort Kissimmee is by a special magnetic card which you obtain from the information center at the clubhouse.

The Windsor Hills rentals includes these types of villa accommodations:

• Townhomes – Typically offer more of a uniform attached style 2 story accommodations, typically 3 and 4 bedroom villas with exterior parking.

• Condos – Typically 2 & 3 bedroom condo rentals close to the community pool and clubhouse area offering exterior parking.

• Vacation Homes – The traditional detached single holiday homes in Windsor Hills Orlando are typically larger and offer homes of 4, 5, 6 and 7 bedrooms. Most of these vacation home rentals come with a private pool, so be sure to request when making a reservation.

To learn more about the Windsor Hills community, peruse our Google® interactive Windsor Hills map, video tour, reviews and photos of Windsor Hills villas.  The video clips from this resort will give you a good idea of why Windsor Hills holiday rentals are so popular. Consult our Windsor Hills Resort reviews for more descriptive details:

View Larger Map of Windsor Hills Resort

Windsor Hills Orlando Florida

Windsor Hills Reviews - Great Pool & Water Slide

Windsor Hills Pool and Recreation

Windsor Hills Resort Orlando Fl

Windsor Hills Kissimmee Fl

Windsor Hills Vacation Homes Kissimmee Florida

When we do rate/critique vacation home subdivisions, we are completely independent and unbiased. We have no vested interest in either renting you a home or promoting one community over another.

We have placed vacation home subdivision and community ratings on our blog to help guide you through the maze of different vacation home communities in the area. Our efforts are based on an evaluation of the common areas and general upkeep of the grounds, amenities and community club. Obviously the quality of an individual vacation home from a maintenance and cleanliness standpoint will be home specific.

If you see a community that is not rated, email us at economist@orlando-vacationhomerental.com and we will make every effort to rate the community.

CLICK ON A COMMUNITY BELOW – See them all on the right hand ——>

Kissimmee Area

#1 Windsor Hills Resort Vacation Homes

#2 Emerald Island Resort