The recent Super Bowl ads sponsored by the HomeAway® vacation site generated record internet traffic according to the company. In a company press release, HomeAway® announced that visitors to the company’s website jumped five-fold from daily averages after the Super Bowl ads debuted. The celebrity advertisements feature onetime comedy superstars Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo (aka Griswolds) from their 1980’s “National Lampoon” Vacation movie. The catchy ads certainly help bring a spotlight to vacation rentals as a major player in the lodging industry.

Spending millions on splashy ads provides a spark to a national mainstream interest in vacation rentals. However, longer-term, it will be the quality of the underlying experience with the individual vacation homes that determines success in the longer term. This is true regardless of what destination is being considered. Ads bring in new customers, but referrals from satisfied customers provide a stream of home renters for years to come.

The problem with the presentation of vacation rentals is that it is very difficult for the average consumer to evaluate the value proposition (i.e quality and expectations) posed by individual vacation home communities. This is even more pronounced for “vacation rentals by owner” homes as opposed to rental homes managed by a professional management company. Additional resort reviews are needed to help consumers.

This site provides reviews of over 80 vacation home communities designed to assist prospective Orlando vacation home renters. The opinion reviews posted on the main page are designed to provide the prospective consumer with details related to resort location, amenities, and community information.

Regardless of whether the consumer is interested in a HomeAway® Orlando Florida home or one advertised by a management company, professional reviews provide additional insight and reduce perceived risk for anyone wishing to book a vacation rental.