Why we set up Bear Lake Lookout the way we did

We travel a lot, and we have stayed in plenty of rentals. The places we remember are the ones where we did not have to think. The ones we remember for the wrong reasons are usually about something small.

Our favorite example: we once checked into a beautiful rental with a coffee maker and no filters. You do not notice at night. You notice the next morning, when all you want is a cup of coffee and a view. So at Bear Lake Lookout, coffee is handled. We are setting up single-cup coffee makers on two levels, so the grandparents downstairs and the family upstairs can each make a cup without walking through the house, and we are keeping pods stocked, plus ground coffee in an airtight jar for anyone who wants more.

When we look at a rental, these are the questions we ask: Is there a hot tub? Is there a deck? Can I drink my coffee outside and see the lake? So we answer them up front:

• Every level has its own deck and its own view of Bear Lake.
• The Harbor Village pool and hot tub are open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Harbor Village does not allow charcoal or gas barbecues, and we will show exactly what the condo provides, with photos, so nobody is surprised.

We would rather tell you too much than have you arrive and run to the store. If there is something you want to know before booking, ask us through the early list form.