Q: What is a “flip” day?
We don’t use that term, but I would guess it is what we would call a “back-to-back” booking. That is when two reservations – a check-out and check-in – occur on the same day.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of guests per rental? Is there an extra charge for additional guests?
There is a maximum occupancy for each home based on the number of bedrooms they have. Unlike hotels, there isn’t a charge for an extra person; however, we do not allow more guests than what a home can occupy. Occupancy numbers include the sleeper sofa.
Q: Do you have any homes that allow pets? If so, is there a pet damage deposit and is it returnable?
Few companies allow pets. In fact, in our area, we know of no other company that allows pets. Having said that, we have select owners that permit pet stays. There is a $500 pet damage deposit – typically a credit card authorization upon check-in. If no damage occurs, no charges are assessed.
Q: Do you have any homes that allow smoking?
No. This is taboo, and smoking penalties/fines can be charged if a home has been smoked in.
Q: I see that arrangements can be made for cots, cribs, highchairs, playpens, barbecues, etc. What is the average charge for extra items, and would that charge be per day or stay?
They range from $7 to $10 per day and that rate includes free delivery and pick up.
Q: What is the check in process?
Currently, upon confirmation of your reservation, we email/fax instructions directly to you with home information (address, alarm codes, lockbox codes, etc.). The key to the home is in a lockbox at the home. We also provide instructions to our guests to stop into our office to arrange for a damage/security deposit (again, typically a credit card imprint).
We also require ID from the party checking in (similar to a hotel check-in). The nice thing is, you don’t have to check in the moment you arrive. You can go directly to the home, unpack, relax and then come to our office the next business day.
However, beginning October 1, 2006, we will have a lockbox located at our office. All guests will be directed to our office, given a code to access the lockbox and inside the lockbox will be the directions to the home and lockbox code.
Both methods are common in vacation home rentals.
Q: Are there just one set of towels per guest? Are you expected to wash those yourself, or are they changed every couple of days? Is made service available for extended stays?
All homes are completely self-contained with all appliances, washers/dryers, dishwashers, etc. Each bathroom is stocked with six sets of towels (with many homes having more in the closets). You could wash these yourself. If you prefer, we do it for you. Our cleaning service can accommodate that request, as well as clean your home mid-stay, but there are charges for that. A home cleaning charge can be $85 - $125 per clean.
Q: What about concierge services? Is there a charge? If so, what is the percentage?
Concierge services aren’t offered by all vacation home renters, so we’re quite proud and excited to be able to provide it. Our focus is “what can we do to make your stay better?” There is a small fee depending on what it is that we arrange for you. The most frequently used (and the one we think has the greatest value to travel weary guests) is a welcome pack, which allows us to have food and drink stocked in the home prior to your arrival. Imagine checking in after a long exhausting drive/flight and finding your favorite soft drink, bottled water, cheetos, and ho-ho’s or coffee/tea, bagels and cream cheese, etc. waiting for you. We have different packs -- $50, $75 or $100 – which can include an entire shopping list of goods.
If you need simple directions or information on how to get to the theme parks, we provide that free. Want to know where the local Chinese restaurant is? Free too. Want us to arrange for your tee time? That could be $10 to $20 to complete that for you.
Q: What about personal shopping services? What percentage will be added to the bill for the service?
Typically it is 20%; and again, it depends on what we do for you.
Are my personal belongings insured? Find the answer to that and more on page 3.
