Located in Davenport, about 20 minutes west of Walt Disney World's main gate in a relatively quiet area, the homes are part of the Highlands Reserve golf community. Looking like a suburban neighborhood (and nothing like a hotel resort), Best Western operates some of the homes in the large subdivision. Private owners rent most of the other homes to vacationers, while a small percentage of the properties are owner-occupied. During our vacation, we saw a school bus picking up students in the neighborhood.
Best Western, which is the world's largest hotel chain, says that they are the only major hotel operator that offers vacation homes and Florida is its only program. UK-based IPG (which stands for International Property Group), partners with Best Western for the Highland Reserves homes and also offers other single-family vacation homes in Florida and around the globe. Brits are apparently ahead of the curve when it comes to vacation homes and everyone else is catching up with the concept. Best Western began its Florida program in 2002 and views it as a prototype for possible expansion into other markets.
The homes are actually investment properties owned by individuals. They typically vacation in them for a few weeks and let Best Western and IPG rent them (and share in the rental revenue) for the rest of the year. These are not timeshare properties and Best Western doesn't strong-arm any guests with high-pressure sales tactics. (Although, they will accommodate interested guests that ask for a tour.) In 2003, 4-bedroom homes cost an average of $250,000. Because they are individually owned, each home bears the unique design stamp of its owner; with its leopard-skin lampshades and pictures of wild animals, it appeared our home belonged to a bachelor.
Vacationing in the Best Western homes is not without its considerations and quirks. A car is a virtual necessity, so you'd need to factor in rental costs when you budget for your vacation. Grocery stores, restaurants, and other amenities are nearby, but nothing (other than the golf course) is accessible by foot. And you'll probably need to get to the grocery store.
If you opt for the "Total Independence" housekeeping service, you'll have to clean up after yourself and--don't forget this one--purchase your own toilet paper and soap once the initial stash is gone. Best Western offers a 5% discount off the room rate for this option. While it says most guests prefer the independent program, Best Western also offers weekly or daily housekeeping at no extra charge. The homes include washers and dryers, but guests need to provide the detergent. You'll also need to pick up things like dishwashing liquid and detergent for the dishwasher if you plan to use the kitchen.
Florida vacationers have other alternatives to standard hotels, including suites, villas, condos, apartments, and homes either through individual owners or management groups. But, the Best Western IPG homes come with all the amenities of a vacation home--loads of space, privacy, comfort, incredible value--and the assurance of a respected brand name.
