Tips on Accommodations

House Rentals & Swaps

House and villa rentals and swaps are becoming more common in Mexico, but no single recognized agency or business provides this service exclusively for Mexico.

With regard to general online services, the most extensive inventory of homes is found at VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner; www.vrbo.com). They have over 33,000 homes and condominiums worldwide, including a large selection in Mexico. Another good option is VacationSpot (tel. 888/903-7768; www.vacationspot.com) owned by Expedia.com, and a part of its sister company, Hotels.com. It has fewer choices, but the company's criteria for adding inventory are much more selective, and often include on-site inspections. They also offer toll-free phone support.

You might also consider trying HomeLink International (www.homelink.org), the largest and oldest home-swapping organization, founded in 1952, with over 11,000 listings worldwide ($90 for a yearly membership). HomeExchange (www.homeexchange.com) and International Home-Exchange Holiday Service (www.intervac.com) are also reliable.

House-Swapping -- House-swapping is becoming a more popular and viable means of travel; you stay in their place, they stay in yours, and you both get a more authentic and personal view of a destination, the opposite of the escapist retreat many hotels offer. Try HomeLink International (www.homelink.org), the largest and oldest home-swapping organization, founded in 1952, with more than 11,000 listings worldwide ($90 yearly membership). HomeExchange.com ($49.95 for 6,000 listings) and InterVac.com ($68.88 for over 10,000 listings) are also reliable.

Surfing for Hotels

In addition to the online travel booking sites Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline, and Hotwire, you can book hotels through Hotels.com; Quikbook (www.quikbook.com); and Travelaxe (www.travelaxe.net).

HotelChatter.com is a daily webzine offering smart coverage and critiques of hotels worldwide. Go to TripAdvisor.com or HotelShark.com for helpful independent consumer reviews of hotels and resort properties.

It's a good idea to get a confirmation number and make a printout of any online booking transaction.

Saving on Your Hotel Room

The rack rate is the maximum rate that a hotel charges for a room. Hardly anybody pays this price, however. To lower the cost of your room:

Landing the Best Room

Somebody has to get the best room in the house, and it might as well be you. You can start by joining the hotel's frequent-guest program, which may make you eligible for upgrades. Always ask about a corner room. They're often larger and quieter, with more windows and light, and they often cost the same as standard rooms. When you make your reservation, ask if the hotel is renovating; if it is, request a room away from the construction. Ask about nonsmoking rooms, rooms with views, rooms with twin, queen-, or king-size beds. If you're a light sleeper, request a quiet room away from vending machines, elevators, restaurants, bars, and dance clubs. Ask for a room that has been most recently renovated or redecorated.

In resort areas, ask the following questions before you book a room:

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Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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				Frommer's Cancun, Cozumel and the Yucatan 2009 Author: David Baird Pub Date: September 09, 2008 Price: $18.99				Related Titles: Cancun & the Yucatan For Dummies, 3rd Edition Frommer's Cancun & the Yucatan Day by Day, 1st Edition Frommer's Fiji, 1st Edition

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