How to Choose a Sturgis Rally Home Rental (And Not Be Scammed or Disappointed)
They say there’s no place like home. But anyone who’s been to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally knows there’s really no place like Sturgis, either. To get the comfort and safety of home and the excitement and adventure of a rally vacation, more riders than ever are considering renting a home in the Black Hills. If you’re one of them, here are 10 tips from Sturgis Rally Rentals that can help you make the right choice.
1. Know what you want.
Nailing down your big picture preferences before beginning your search can help you find the right spot without overspending. Will this house merely serve as a place to lay your head at night? Or do you plan on spending some time relaxing and connecting with friends there?
If you are traveling in a group, make sure to coordinate with everyone and come to an agreement on what’s important.
2. Get your timing right.
As a general rule, booking earlier is better. Sometimes a year or more out. Unlike a hotel room, no two Sturgis Rally rental homes are exactly the same. Seeing what’s available to rent before options start getting snatched up will give you more freedom of choice and potentially save you some money.
3. Find a reputable property manager.
Always make direct contact with the property manager or homeowner beforehand to gather information and ensure you’re getting what you pay for. If you’re looking to rent from an individual, be sure to ask questions and walk away if anything seems fishy.
For peace of mind, it’s worth starting your search with a well-established rental agency such as Sturgis Rally Rentals. Rally-goers like you have trusted this company to realize their rally vacation dreams since 2002.
You can take out a lot of the guesswork knowing that this site reviews all of its affiliated homeowners for you. In addition, you’ll receive incredible personal service and be able to tap into their knowledge of the Sturgis and greater Black Hills area when making your decisions.
4. Consider the location.
Do you want to be close to downtown Sturgis, major entertainment venues like the Sturgis Buffalo Chip or great riding roads? Are there specific attractions or landmarks you know you want to hit up?
When making your selections, spend some time calculating your riding distance and what kinds of roads you’ll be riding on. Find rental addresses on Google Maps and compare to popular riding areas on the Black Hills Motorcycle Map.
5. Make a list of important amenities.
What creature comforts will make you feel safe, relaxed and most at home? Is A/C a must? What about a private yard for outdoor activity? Do you need a garage to park your bike? Run down your checklist when viewing each listing.
6. Evaluate the kitchen.
One of the major bonuses of renting a home during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the access it gives you to a full kitchen. This room is the heart of any home, and the time you spend there can truly set the tone for your day. Not to mention, it’s an amenity that can save you a good chunk of money since getting groceries and cooking for yourself is usually cheaper than eating out.
Consider what kinds of meals you’d like to have. You don’t have to go all out to get bang out of your kitchen buck. The savings can add up by simply grabbing a quick breakfast at your place before heading out and having a stash of cold beer waiting for you when you get home.
7. Determine whether you’ll need laundry.
When you’re on a motorcycle, packing light is key. Pulling your bikes in a trailer gives you leeway to carry along a little more.
Knowing how much you’ll be able to pack will help you determine what kind of access you might need to a washer and dryer.
8. Consider what you’ll have to pack.
Speaking of packing, it’s important to find out what comes stocked with your rental.
Toilet paper, sheets and towels are three items you probably wouldn’t consider bringing along if you were staying in a hotel, but they aren’t always present at a rental home.
9. Compare prices.
Once you’ve factored in the above, it basically comes down to price. Determine which available locations check all the right boxes then look at the prices side by side.
Selecting the option that saves you the most will put more cash in your pocket to use on a different aspect of your Sturgis experience.
10. Look for any potential bonuses.
If prices are close, special amenities might sway you to spend a little more.
Perhaps it wasn’t on your initial list of musts, but you might decide, for example, that soaking in a hot tub at the end of a long day of riding might be worth a few extra bucks.
For more information on renting a home for your rally vacation, contact Sturgis Rally Rentals:
Jody Mollman
Licensed SD Property Manager
Office: (605) 578-2369
Cell: (605) 920-1269
Email: jody@sturgisrallyrentals.com
