Questions (FAQ's)

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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 housekeeper tips mandatory in Vacation Rentals?

A: Tips for housekeepers at lodging accommodations of all kinds have become the sign of considerate Guests and just plain good manners. Due to their square footage and amenities, housekeeping at Vacation Rentals is back-breaking work. Considerate Guests will leave a tip of five to ten percent of the total rent. Far less than at a restaurant, but housekeepers work far harder.

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 your units pet friendly?

A: Yes and no. Some of our room allow one or two dogs. But cats, pigs, birdies, iguanas, insects, snakes, elephants, zebras and any non-dog animals are not allowed. The number of dogs is limited as is their size. There is usually a fee per dog per night. You must ask permission at the time of booking.

Q: Do you take credit cards?

A: Yes. You can pay for all service by Visa, MasterCard or American express.

Q: How do I make a booking?

A: All quotes, bookings and reservations are made directly with and from the Owner or Manager. They set all rates, confirm dates and handle the paperwork.

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 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: What if I have a complaint about a property or Owner?

A: Just like dealing with anyone else, the best way to resolve problems is to contact the Manager or Owner directly. By phone is best or if you can't reach them, then an email might do. Keep all complaints civil. Follow the golden rule - treat others like you want to be treated. If that fails, you can file for arbitration or mediation through the Vacation Rental Association. Go to www.VRA.org for the details.

Q: What should I do if I have to cancel my trip?

A: First, you should notify your vacation rental company. Then call your insurer to request a claim form.

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: 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: 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: 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.