Questions (FAQ's)
Q: Who are you folks?
A:
Our network is unlike any other. Most lodging companies are either some big corporation a long way from their properties or very small operators without many resources. Our firm, on the other hand, is a network of individually owned local Managers who use our Network to handle the 101 Marketing, Advertising and Administrative details so necessary to quality lodging.
Each Management Member is required to attain some pretty stiff requirements on cleaning, maintenance and Guest services. Everyone in the group has your best interests at heart.
Q: So what are Vacation Rentals?
A:
That's an easy one. Any lodging unit that has a full kitchen & bath, is fully outfitted with linens and towels and usually detached bedrooms is a Vacation Rental Home. These may be apartments, cabins, condos, chalets, houses or villas. In some countries they are called Holiday-lets, Holiday homes, Holiday Villas or Gites (France.)
Q: Why should I Rent from You?
A:
There are a bunch of good reasons. We've been around a long time, have quality properties and work diligently to make Guests happy. But the best reason is that we are a unique network where each onsite Manager has a piece of the action. They work overtime to insures you'll have a good experience.
Q: Why are bookings usually non-cancelable.
A:
Unlike hotels, vacation homes are valuable assets held by private parties. To allow Guests to hold dates in advance only to cancel them later, means the owner would miss out on other prospective customers in the meantime. In addition, because most homes are booked in advance last-minute replacements are not always possible. We can, however, offer to re-sell dates for a Guest who made a prior purchase. In that case, some or all of the Guest's funds may be refunded if a replacement Guest is found.
Q: Are Guests allowed to check-in early?
A:
Cleaning rooms, condos, homes and resorts between Guests is a big job. It can take many hours to make a place spic and span. It isn't always possible to start the cleaning process on time, so housekeepers need every minute get a unit clean before its scheduled check-in time. Guests who arrive early disrupt the cleaning process. In fact, housekeepers are not allowed to continue cleaning if a Guest arrives early and enters the property.
Q: Are there Rules for Guests?
A:
Yes - to keep owners, neighbors and other guests happy there are guidelines to follow. In general we ask that Guests comport themselves in quiet, safe and unselfish manner and that they treat the property and the area with respect.
Click to See Rules
Q: Are vacation rentals timeshares?
A:
No. Properties in our network are primarily owned by private parties and families. We do not sell timeshares or promote timeshare presentations. No mandatory sales pitches.
Q: Do I get more room in a Vacation Rental?
A:
Yes of course - the average hotel room is small, but vacation rentals are larger, with kitchens and extra space where you can hang out with your family or friends. Sit in the living room instead of squeezing into the only chair in the room.
Q: Is it possible to arrange a late checkout?
A:
Yes, sometimes - Keep in mind housekeepers need all the time between Guests to prepare the property for arrivals. So late checkouts are not always available. Due to scheduling requirements, there is a charge for late checkouts and it is not possible to confirm this availability until 24 hours in advance of departure.
Q: Is it possible to arrange an early checkin?
A:
Usually housekeepers need all the time between Guests to prepare the property for arrivals. So early checkins are not always available. In the case where a room was not previously rented, and the cleaners have gotten the clean completed, it may be possible to arrange an early checkin. Because this requires rescheduling, staff time and coordination there is a charge for early checkins. Usually the charge is 1/4 of the daily rate for four hours early and 1/2 the daily rate for 8 hours early. And it is not possible to confirm availability of an early checkin until 24 hours in advance.
Q: Is there a website membership fee for using your website?
A:
Nope. Browsing properties and information is free. But we do ask you to register for certain information. It helps us help you.
Q: To make a booking must I deal with the Owner?
A:
Not at all. We'll take your order, send a confirmation and instructions for accessing and using the property. Our Owners rely on us to do all the work. And you can rely on us to make sure the property is ready for your arrival.
Q: Where does your company operate?
A:
Although we started small, our company is growing. We currently have network offices in Washington State, Idaho, Hawaii and Mexico. Coming on line are British Columbia, Oregon and other great destinations. Local Partners provide hands-on services to Owners and Guests making sure every home is exactly what it should be. Our central office does the marketing, advertising and administration to keep the lodging services first rate.
Q: Why is there a cleaning fee for Vacation Rentals?
A:
Vacation rentals are bigger than hotel rooms and require more effort to clean. Rather than increase the price of every day's rent there is usually an out-cleaning fee. It is also your way of knowing the place will be clean when you arrange.
Q: Why must I book a full week at some times of the year?
A:
During the busy seasons, it can become disruptive to have lots of guests coming and going every few days, so we do require you to book long stays at some times of the year. Plus Guests seem to enjoy staying longer and settling in.
Q: Why should I purchase travel insurance for my vacation?
A:
You've saved, you've waited, and now you're all set to go on vacation. Preparing for your trip includes covering yourself for unfortunate occurrences that threaten to interfere with even your best-laid plans. By purchasing travel insurance, you can insure yourself for covered cancellation penalties, medical costs, baggage delays, as well as gain access to a wide range of traveler's assistance services.
Q: Is there a deadline for checkout times?
A:
Yes - cleaning rooms, condos, homes and resorts is a big job. It can take hours to make a place spic and span. Housekeepers need to start immediately upon departure. Staying late disrupts the cleaning schedule. Sorry.
Q: When I book for a week, do I have to arrive on a certain day?
A:
To make sure we can thoroughly clean and prepare a property for arrival, we do ask that weekly bookings arrive on a certain day of the week. Usually it’s a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Q: Can we have a campfire at the property?
A:
If specifically noted on your guest instructions, campfires may be allow but only in existing fire-rings and only in cooler months when there is no pollution advisory in effect.
Telephone our office before proceeding. Use only provided or purchased firewood. Keep fires no higher than 24 inches and have a water source nearby before starting. Fires must be extinguished no later than 10PM.
In addition,. Campfires are never allowed in summer due to concerns about forest fires, range fires or house fires.
Q: How do I purchase a Travel Insurance Plan?
A:
You can purchase a Vacation Rental Insurance plan directly through your vacation rental company.
