June 30, 2014 by Rebecca Waraczynski

#PetFriendly Accommodations Set the Standard for New Trends in Vacation Rentals

It’s always been a question Wisconsin vacation rental owners ask themselves; “Should we allow pets at our vacation rental property?” The answer will depend if they could use the extra bookings. Traveling with pets is a trend that’s not going away any time soon, and I would be surprised if it ever went away, but the desire to bring pets along has become increasingly important in where vacationers stay. Other than instilling a pet deposit, what can you do to ensure that you do not turn away any business unless absolutely necessary?

Questions to ask renters about their pets:

How big is your pet?
What breed is she? Do you have papers to prove this?
Has he been neutered or spade?
Is he good around strangers?
Is he potty trained?
Do you leash the dog ( there could be a leash law)
Has he had his shots?
Are you planning on leaving your pet for any reason if you exit the property?

You might ask why it’s such a big deal to allow pets. They can be messy right? Well, there are a few bad apples out there but if you ask the right questions and prepare your home with the right stuff and give your guests directions, it can be nothing but smooth sailing from there, and guess what? You can actually charge more for your “pet friendly” Wisconsin cabin rentals.

A few suggestions for showing your guests that you will be accommodating but not walked all over:

Create a welcome gift consisting of doggie bags, a helpful list of tick solutions, doggie treats and pet hair rollers for carpet or couches.
Give a rundown where the carpet cleaner is, the glass cleaner and extra rags or booties for paws
State a list for charges if something were to be damaged such as a couch or a window. Explain why there you charge more, such as cleaning fees to make sure all hair is out, cleaning vents and A/C units, etc….

Most guests are just happy that they can bring their pet for their vacation, eliminating the kennel fees and enjoying family and fun moments that the can share with their beloved pet.

June 26, 2014 by Rebecca Waraczynski

Why we choose #WI #Cabins and Cottages for a Vacation over Hotels. A Biased View :)

We truly believe that Wisconsin Cabin Rentals offer some of the best memories ever made. Kids seem to enjoy the lakes and wide-open spaces and parents love giving the freedom to them while also experiencing a peaceful setting amongst nature. There is nothing like sitting outside for dinner on a picnic table with great food and a view of the lake or flowing river. Being able to roast marshmallows over the fire and catch fireflies under the stars are moments that last forever. We have compiled a list of reasons why we love renting cabins, cottages, lodges and homes.

Hotels seem to force families or friends in separate living quarters, interrupting quality time and laughs created by spur of the moments that arise.
Hotels have increasingly limited the number of guests in each room, only allowing 4-5 in a room, making you rent out several rooms, which can get expensive.
Pets are part of the family and vacationers want them to come on vacation. Many cabins and cottages are accommodating towards your pets.
Parking can be cumbersome when renting a hotel. Whether you park on the other side or 4 floors down, no one wants to mess with that.
Don’t be suckered into going out to eat for all your meals. That can be costly. It can also mean taking time out of your day to make sure the family is presentable for dinner establishments and let’s face it, kids are always messy.
It’s pretty hard to star gaze through a hotel window. With wide-open spaces and a yard to lay a blanket down, you can’t beat the star-gazing at a cabin.
There’s no quiet hours. We’re not saying let’s get crazy but no one wants to have to whisper to their family down a hallway to get ice when they can talk normally on their way to the kitchen.
Amenities in a cabin and a cottage can sometimes be pricey in a hotel. Take for instance fireplaces, boat rentals, Jacuzzis, full size kitchens, screen porches. Some cabins can be more rustic if back to nature suits you.
When you return the next year, the hosts actually can remember you and your preferences.
Cabins and Cottages are KID FRIENDLY. They let the kids run around, squeal with delight, chase after the dog, fish off the dock, swim at the beach, climb a tree and tell ghost stories around the fire.

YOU CAN’T HAVE YOUR OWN PRIVATE DECK AT A HOTEL.

It’s no secret were fans of Wisconsin cabins, cottages, lodges and vacation homes. We like to think that we are experts in the industry. Head to RentWisconsinCabins.com to view nearly 700 WI rentals. We have a unique interactive Map and a custom Narrow Your Search Tool.

June 9, 2014 by Rebecca Waraczynski

Thinking About a #Northern #Wisconsin Getaway This Summer?

When you think UP NORTH, think Wisconsin. Wisconsin may be known for the beer and cheese but that isn’t all it’s famous for. The people are welcoming, the fish are biting, the sweet-smelling pines are whistling, and the wildlife peeking out from their burrows. Northern Wisconsin offers anything a person can ask for.

For the outdoor adventurer, there is nothing short of things to do in Wisconsin. The Cable area has been nationally ranked by CNN and the American Hiking Society as owning some of the best hiking trails in the nation. This could be because of the uninterrupted landscape of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. In some areas you can even see Lake Superior. These trails are also traveled by mountain bikers.

If the sound of waves and running water can instantly calm you, you’re in for a treat. Wisconsin boasts over 14,000 lakes and northern Wisconsin has some of the best beaches. Visit Lake Superior and you will never need to leave the state again for a vacation. You can go boating, fishing, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, swimming, frolicking or really just about anything you want to do in the water, you can do it here.

Avoid the high travel costs of overpopulated beaches and get the trip of a lifetime cheaper. Rent a house for the whole family! Wisconsin has wonderful cabins, cottages, lodges and vacation rentals perfect for all your needs. Check it out at RentWisconsinCabins.com

Northern Wisconsin offers unique shopping experiences, wine tours, boardwalks, island cruising, and plenty of great hearty food. After all, this is America’s Dairyland.

For fishing enthusiasts, Northern Wisconsin is your Musky, Bass, and Walleye wonderland. Be sure to check to ask the owner of the Wisconsin vacation rental about local fishing guide services – be sure to know where to go!

Eagle River cabins (city is named appropriately due to the popular sightings of eagles), offers a great family vacation spot for summer months in the upper Midwest. Here they named it the “snowmobiling capital of the world” for its annual snowmobiling derby. This is widely popular here because of the well groomed miles of trails. A 4-season paradise.

For the fitness guru, Hayward is home of the famous Birkie. The Birkebeiner is a 88 kilometer trail system that attracts skiers, bikers and runners worldwide. Compare 45 Hayward cabins, and book directly with the owners to make sure you get the best rental rate!

Hunting wildlife is a great game as well and there is plenty to hunt. In the Minocqua area, there are 55 up north cabin rentals and hundreds of acres of public hunting forest available for hunting. Here you can find deer, snowshoe hare, woodcock, turkey, grouse, and even mink, otter, and muskrat.

Winter in Wisconsin will never be unmatched. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, and skiing are all wonderful activities to do. You don’t know winter until you’ve been there. Ice shanties scattered among the lakes, families enjoying their catch at the dinner table and follow up with roasting marshmallows around a fire.

For breathtaking views, check out the waterfalls, bluffs, and endless lake views joined with a mesmerizing sunset to complete a wonderful day in Wisconsin. So relax – Enjoy your search at RentWisconsinCabins.com – You’re on Cabin Time now!

March 29, 2014 by RyanneGraham

Summer Vacation in Wisconsin Dells

Vacationers know Wisconsin Dells as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” but it is much more than that. We all love to splash around at the waterparks, but don’t forget about the scenic destinations around the Wisconsin Dells area. So cheers – cheers to exploring the beautiful Wisconsin Dells area. Here are a few recreation ideas in the Wisconsin Dells area that our team has enjoyed. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to view some great Dells vacation rental properties.

Original Wisconsin Dells Ducks

Drive. Splash. Cruise. How awesome is that? No matter the age, the Duck tours are ideal to view the area. This exciting tour has been around for nearly 70 years. You’ll explore the Wisconsin River, Dells Creek, with a final splash in Lake Delton. We have talked to many vacationers who frequently visit the Dells area who make this a regular visit. Here is more information on the Original Wisconsin Ducks.

Water Recreation on Castle Rock Lake

Thinking about being in the area during the summer months? Great! There are plenty of options to explore the local lakes. Castle Rock Lake is an extremely popular lake that our vacationers visit. In fact, view our Interactive Wisconsin Map and scroll to the Dells area to view all of the properties on this lake. We aren’t joking; there are plenty of options. Plus, there are plenty of watersport rentals available on Castle Rock Lake: pontoons, waverunners, kayaks, and paddleboats.

Tommy Bartlett Show

After all of the fun in the sun, kick back and relax. In 1952 the Tommy Bartlett Water Ski & Jumping Boat Thrill Show began with its first show near Chicago. Their second show in Wisconsin Dells was such a hit that the team was asked to stay. Since then, the show has continued to be a hit. This takes water recreation to an entirely new level. So, let’s start the countdown to the end of May.

Vacation Rentals in Wisconsin Dells

Spring Brook: Americana Cabin on the golf course & walking distance to the lake. The four bedroom home offers enough space to sleep up to 10 vacationers. The ranch style vacation property offers plenty of living space. Downstairs, vacationers enjoy the fantastic family room which includes a wet bar, foosball table, and two bar tables. Come, enjoy the fun!

Check out this gorgeous interior at Sand County: Herons Landing. The lakefront vacation home is on Lake Delton. Like one can tell from the above photo, the interior design at this home is unmatched. The living space features a wood burning fireplace and a modern, open-concept kitchen. Bring your family and friends; this home sleeps up to 14 guests.

The Cottage Keeper: Lakeside Lodge is on Castle Rock Lake. The outdoor amenities draw in many guests to this spacious vacation cabin. Relax in your screened deck or out on the stone patio – all with great views of the lake. By evening, gather around the campfire pit to enjoy a crackling fire with roasted marshmallows.

Our website lists over 100 vacation rentals in the Wisconsin Dells area. Be sure to check them all out.

Questions? Comments? Let our team know.

March 20, 2014 by RyanneGraham

The Ultimate Guide to #Hayward, Wisconsin

Four Season Vacation Possibilities

Year after year, vacationers visit this Northwestern Wisconsin destination to enjoy recreational activities, no matter the season. Sawyer County was ranked the #1 trail system in Wisconsin by The Wisconsin ATV Association. Snowmobilers and ATVs enjoy the 600+ miles of groomed trails. During the winter, the 300 miles of off-road mountain biking trails are transformed to pristine cross-country skiing trails. As the snow begins to melt, locals and vacationers start dreaming about the warm weather recreation. Hayward is often referred to as the “Golf Capital of Wisconsin.” According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Hayward offers “an age-old gangster course, a Pete Dye course, historical courses with Scottish influence, traditional, modern and natural courses that compliment the environment and family-run courses with top-notch customer service.” Talk about variety! Don’t forget about biking, hiking, bird watching, and endless fun on the water.

Fairs, Festivals, and Fun

Mark your calendars, folks. There are a variety of annual festivals in Hayward, Wisconsin. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next vacation:

Musky Festival

Join the largest summer festival for their 65th annual celebration. Visitors and locals enjoy the handmade art show, sidewalk sales, live music & street dances, and a variety of food booths. During the weekend there is also a 5K and 10K non-competitive race and a fishing contest. End the weekend with a large parade on Sunday.
June 19, 2014 – June 22, 2014 | Musky Festival information

Lumberjacks World Championship

Once a lumbering community, Hayward keeps the traditional alive with their international timber sporting competition. Participants compete to be crowned as the “King of the Forest.” Men and women compete in a variety of activities: boom running, sawing, chopping, speed climbing, and logrolling. Come view this family-friendly event, live!
July 24 – July 26, 2014 | Detailed Lumberjacks World Championship information

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival

Since 1983, thousands of bicyclists participate in this 40 mile off roading event in Hayward and Chequamegon, Wisconsin. To register for the race, participants must enter a lottery. The event attracts locals and visitors from all over the country. A variety of other fun events are held throughout the weekend to make this a family-friendly event: Klunker Bike Toss, Lumber Jack & Jill Log Pull, Hammer Slammer Hill Climb, and more.
September 12 – September 14, 2014 | More Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival information

Be sure to check out the Hayward Chamber of Commerce website for a full list of fairs & festivals.

Vacation Rentals in Hayward, Wisconsin

All of our vacation homes in the area are located on the water. No matter the season, you’ll enjoy the fun recreational activities nearby. Whether you’re looking for a week escape to paradise or a fun weekend to enjoy a local festival, you are in for a treat. Take a look at our full list of Wisconsin vacation rentals in Hayward to start planning your trip. Here are a few property photos to get you started. Click on the photo to view the detailed property information:

Wisconsin, hayward, cabin, vacation home

Mallards’ Landing: Mallards Nest I

Majestic Escapes: Eagle Point Lodge

Windsor’s Vacation Rentals: The ‘Log Cabin’ on Perch Lake

What do you look for when picking a vacation destination? Happy travels.

March 12, 2014 by RyanneGraham

Fun, Wisconsin Vacation Destination: St. Germain

It’s that time of year again. There have been a few warmer days & people are starting to believe that there will indeed be summer. We’ve been starting to see more and more inquiries come through for the summer months, that’s where we come in. We want to help inspire those that are beginning their summer vacation planning. For the next few weeks, we will be sharing some popular Wisconsin destinations with recreational activities and some vacation rental ideas. We are ready to kick off the blog series with a popular northern Wisconsin location: St. Germain.

Popular Recreational Activities in St. Germain:

Hiking and Biking:

St. Germain is ideal for anyone looking to explore the area by foot or bike. The St. Germain Bike and Hike Trail offers 12 miles of family-friendly fun. Both visitors and locals love to visit this scenic stretch – and the gentle terrain provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy a leisurely trip. To access the trail, there is a Bike & Hike Park behind the St. Germain Chamber of Commerce (Highways 70 & 155). If you are looking for a trail a bit off of the beaten path, we recommend the Shannon Lake Trail. During the warm months, it is ideal for hiking and mountain biking. The hiking loops range from 2.3 miles to 7 miles. The lake loop is one of our favorites because it offers fantastic lake sights and is ideal for viewing wildlife. Once winter hits, the Shannon Lake Trail is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Golfing:

We find that many vacationers express their interest in golfing while on vacation. Well, be sure to pack you clubs when visiting St. Germain because you are in for a treat. There are 16 courses within a 20 minute drive of St. Germain!! What does that mean for you? Options. Flexibility. Fun. Two popular options are The St. Germain Golf Club & 19th Hole Par 3. Whether you are an aspiring professional golfer or a newbie, there is something for you.

Water Recreation

How could we not mention the exciting water recreation offered in the St. Germain area. This area has some of the cleanest water & locals and vacationers definitely take advantage of that. Take a break and relax on the sandy shoreline reading a good book or making a splash in one of the lakes. Other popular activities: kayaking, canoeing, skiing, tubing, pontooning, can you tell that the possibilities are endless? Many of the rental properties in St. Germain come with these options or have affordable rental prices for kayaks/pontoon boats/etc. Be sure to ask the owners.

Summer Events

The Cropsey Vacation Rentals owners provided some awesome insight regarding summer events in the St. Germain area. Every Monday from Memorial day to Labor Day, the town hosts a large flea and farmer’s market featuring over 400 vendors. The farmer’s market is a new addition for the 2014 season that will be held in conjunction with the flea market. Following this, there is Monday Night Bingo from the first Monday in June to nearly the end of August. The Cropsey owners say that over $1,000 is guaranteed to be given away each week – wow!

Love St. Germain, Where to Stay?:

We love it too. Plus, because it is quite popular, there are a variety of vacation rental options, so you are sure to find something that fits your needs. Some properties are quaint and sleep just 2 while others are quite large and can sleep up to 15. We list over 100 St. Germain vacation rentals so be sure to check those out. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Be sure to click on the photo to view more property information!

Cropsey Management: Red Pine Lodge on Pickerel Lake

Idle Hours Resort: Courtside Cabin on Little St. Germain Lake

Serenity Bay Resort: Red Oak on Little St. Germain Lake

Have you been to the area before? Any recommendations for potential visitors? Share with us.

March 12, 2014 by Joe Mogensen

Searching for a Wisconsin Vacation Rental?

We believe your family vacation should start with the online Search. We’ve made it fun and easy. You’re on cabin time now!

1. One website that is entirely focused on Wisconsin cabins, cottages, lodges and homes.

2. A website that offers a large selection.

3. A website where you can CONNECT and BOOK directly with the owners. These days, it’s hard to find. Have you noticed that most vacation rental websites now make your book through their site? Third-party websites take a commission on every booking. That means you’d likely pay more for the same rental because rental owners raise their rates. Not at RentWisconsinCabins.com: You always book directly with the owners and Save – Besides, the owners are your best tour guides, not booking websites.

4. Finally, you need a website that offers easy Search Tools that narrow your search.

When it’s vacation time, it’s time to visit RentWisconsinCabins.com.

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