Questions (FAQ's)
These questions only relate to registered users. General questions are publicly visible from the home page. Here you can ask us anything. Use the search box above to find the question you need answers. Just click on the question and the answer will appear. Click again and it disappears. Or you can click on the "Show all" bar below to display all answers.Feel free to submit new topics using the Submit Question link.
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: 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: How & when are deep cleans done?
A:
Whether a unit receives daily cleaning or out cleans, it is necessary once or twice a year (Depending on occupancy) to perform a deep clean of the property. This includes tasks which are too time consuming to complete between Guests such as opening all light fixtures to be dusted, cleaning oven and range filters, washing walls, removing everything from cupboards to wash them thoroughly - and much more. Guests demand "Hospitality" level cleaning which is actually a higher standard than most of us maintain daily in our primary homes. Owners too appreciate visiting their second homes to find them in great condition and nicely clean.
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: 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: Can I donate rental dates to charity?
A:
If you do, we are happy to provide services just as if they are paying guests including sending of instructions and assistance while in residence. We will do this for no commission as our little way of supporting good works.
You can you elect to pay for the cleaning or have the charity to do so. And be sure to let us know so we can list your philanthropy on VacationRentalAngels.com.
Q: Can Owners earn a referral fee?
A:
Yes, Owners can earn a finder fee on rentals they refer for their properties. It is also payable if that owner refers in Guests who book most other properties (Not all participate). To qualify, it is necessary for the Owner to telephone in the Guest's name and information - before the Guest does so.
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: How do I purchase a Travel Insurance Plan?
A:
You can purchase a Vacation Rental Insurance plan directly through your vacation rental company.
Q: I've lost my logon or password. What do I do?
A:
No problem. Just go to the Login Page of our website. Look for the "Forgot your Password" link. Or you can call us during business hours.
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: Tell me about Sunspot Vacation Rentals?
A:
Sunspots is a network of trained and certified Vacation Rental management companies working together to grow and improve the industry and their own operations. Vacation Homes may be located in every communities including lake, mountain and river locations and even in urban and suburban communities. Each company is individually operated and strives to offer industry best practices for Guests and Property Owners. Services are provide by the Vortex Organization.
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: What happens if Guests are noisy?
A:
The Manager gives Guests very clear instructions about behavior before they book, during the confirmation process and just prior to arrival. Notices reminding about quiet hours are posted in units as 10PM to 10AM. But loud noise is always discouraged. If you note a Guest misbehaving or causing noise, please call the manager phone number who will notify the Guests. If it persists Guests can be instructed to vacate the premises.
Q: What determines the "Quality Level" of each property?
A:
Over time Owners remodeling units and make changes so the type, outfitting and amenities of units change. Our websites provide photos, floor plans other tools that allow Guests to examine and select properties as they see fit. The Manager organizes properties into groups mostly for rate purposes in its opinion as to what Guests will pay.
Q: What is a courtesy discount?
A:
If you have friends who want to rent your property, we are happy to offer them a discount on regular rents of up to 10%. If you want to do it please let us know prior to having the fiend call us for booking. The 10% is deducted from the gross rent so that it reduces your income and ours slightly but is certainly acceptable to everyone.
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