Question Marks Still Linger Over Condo Stays : Vacations: At many resort areas, condo and villa rentals are welcome alternatives to the limitations of hotels. But don’t rely on those colorful brochures.

Condominiums and villas are increasingly popular places to spend vacations, especially in resort areas as travelers seek a different sort of accommodation than the standard hotel.

But before you select one of the growing number of condos or villas being offered, there are some questions to ask. Brochures don’t always include all the details.

Whether they are free-standing or part of a larger unit, condos and villas generally offer more space than standard-size hotel rooms.

Sizes are generally from studios to three bedrooms, although some units may be larger. This gives travelers a good range in both space and cost to consider, especially in relation to hotel rooms in the same area.

As a rule, condos are priced per unit, while hotel rooms are pegged around the number of persons. Thus you can achieve some saving if you have several people in your party and need more than one hotel room. Otherwise, rates between hotel rooms and condos are fairly competitive.

“We’re selling more and more condo vacations,” said Martha Scott of Glendale Travel. “There has also been a big increase in villa sales in Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. People like the idea of having more room and home-like comforts.”

Rooms at condos and villas are fully furnished. The size of the rooms is a point to consider, especially with a party of several persons. And, can you get extra beds or a crib if needed. Check the cost.

Is there only one TV set, and can it be moved from one room to another?

How about a VCR? Will free or rentable movies be available? Is there air conditioning, with an individually controlled thermostat? How many phones do you have? Just in one room or more? Any fireplaces? Stereo equipment?

How many people can stay in the condo? Is there a tab for any extra persons or children? Is there a discount for children under a given age?

Location, just as with a hotel, is another important point to consider. Where is the condo/villa in relation to sightseeing, beaches, shopping and night life?

If you are a distance from such sites, will you need a car? Is a shuttle service available to condo residents? Is it free? If you rent a car (for packages that include car rentals) is parking free? Is there convenient public transportation?

Also: Where is your condo within the grounds or the building? Will you have an oceanfront location or an ocean view that might turn out to be more distant than you thought (brochure pictures can be deceiving)? Will you face the parking lot or the mountains? If you’re going to be at a beach area, will beach towels or mats be a complimentary service?

Ask about the facilities, if any, that are available in the building or on the grounds. Is there a swimming pool? You might want one if the condo is in hot-weather country. Tennis courts or Jacuzzis or exercise equipment?

Are there any special privileges at nearby tennis courts, golf courses and/or health clubs? Any diversions or special areas for children? Is there a baby-sitting service?

One of the basic advantages of a condo is that you can eat in and thus economize by not having to consistently eat out. But this advantage can be muted if you don’t have easy access to a good food store. Shopping at smaller specialty stores is likely to put more of a dent in your budget. If your tastes run on the gourmet side, you probably should take along some of your favorite spices.

Be sure to find out what sort of cooking facilities and appliances are available in the kitchen. Will there be a full-size refrigerator or a mini-unit? Determine if enough plates and silverware will be on hand for your group. Is there a separate dining area? How about an outdoor barbecue grill?

You should also take along any of the everyday household items, such as irons, that you are likely to use, to avoid having to buy them in an expensive resort area.

Does the condo have its own washer and dryer? Do you have to supply bed linens and towels? Is there maid service and, if so, how often? Daily? Once a week?

When making your arrangements, determine if a minimum stay is required. At many condo/villa units you can’t stay just one night. But this can vary from condo to condo, depending on the season and bookings. Maximum stay periods may also apply.

As with hotels, make sure you know specific check-in and check-out times. With reservations, how much of a deposit is required--just the first night, as is generally the case with hotels, or more? Can you guarantee your reservation with a credit card? What are the cancellation penalties, and how much notice do you have to give to get a full refund?

Another point worth checking is the extent of front desk or condo staff help that will be available. For example, is someone on the staff available around the clock, seven days a week? Or only during more limited time periods, such as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How about sending and receiving messages? While condo/villa stays are generally pleasure and not business trips, can you send and get fax messages, and at what price?

Another issue to resolve for some travelers is whether pets are allowed. If so, do you have to pay a deposit for any damage your pet might do?

Keep in mind that some condo units are run by management companies and thus operated somewhat like hotels.

Other condos, while equally appealing in terms of location and decor, may be run by small, independent outfits that may not offer the same range of internal services.