I'm glad you have found a solution to your dilemma.
My vote is to go the way you have chosen, to have friends care for your pets or to hire a pet sitter when you need to be away. I have done both in the past, and I think that the pet sitter was well worth the cost. I knew that my animals were going to stay in their home environment, with a professional who had made it her job to feed, walk, brush, play with them, etc. The added benefit was that there was someone bringing in the mail and watching the house while we were away.
On the other hand, I have also boarded Daisy with my family vet during vacation time. I picked a place where I knew she wouldn't just be warehoused, but would be played with and fussed over as well. I must admit that this option was a bit harder for me......I wanted to explain to her that I would be back very soon and we would go home again, but of course a dog lives in the moment and wouldn't understand this. Ultimately, I think it is the quality of a facility that gives you the peace of mind you need to choose this route.
Best wishes.........
__________________ Heather &  Daisy |