HOUSE HUNTERS INTERNATIONAL

Long ago I used to sleep on the beach in the shelter of lifeguard stands like this one. These days we get our budget accommodation on line on websites like VRBO.com or vacationrentals.com. But you only actually get to see the apartments/condos/units that you rent, not the ones pass up. So it was a rare chance to compare listed units when my niece visited this past week.

The first sequence of apartment photos are from the one we DIDN'T take from the online description. Second floor of an art deco building, full kitchen, one bedroom, very bright, uncluttered, pool, $89 a night plus $80 cleaning fee, flexible check-in and out times, but no parking.

The second group is the one we DID take. First floor of an art deco building, full kitchen, one bedroom, not very bright, odd layout, no pool, $100 a night with NO cleaning fee, helpful local manager, and secure indoor parking 2 blocks away.

The 2 are literally around the corner from each other in great location, walking distance between fashionable Lincoln Road mall, seedy Washington Street, and very hip Ocean Drive. Our deciding factor was the parking spot for the van. No on-street parking otherwise, and overnights are $20 each. No brainer, we took door #2. Which would you choose, other than the lifeguard stand??