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: How do I reserve a vacation rental?
A:
You can book online, fill out our web inquiry form, chat with us online here or telephone us at the phone number listed on the top or bottom of this website. We are ready to help.
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 choose a Vacation Rental over a hotel?
A:
Because it all adds up. You get more space for your family and friends, more rooms, a kitchen, privacy, easier parking and a lower cost per Guest. Why stay in a dinky little 300 square foot hotel room when you can have a much much larger home?
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 Vacation Rentals expensive?
A:
To the contrary. Some homes are smaller and very affordable. But even the largest villas prove to be a bargain when you calculate the per-person cost. Homes come in all shapes and sizes.
Q: Can I make reservations with this website?
A:
Our website is not a Manager, Owner or Agent. We don't arrange the actual bookings. We are an advertising listing service where members of the Vacation Rental Association (www.VRA.org) can list their homes. Those members take care of all the details and that is who you work with to reserve a home. All you have to do is use the inquiry form on the website or telephone the advertiser.
Q: Do you give recommendations?
A:
The only recommendation we give is to only rent homes from members of the Vacation Rental Association (www.VRA.org). These are the Managers and Owners who support the industry and can take training for certification and have their properties inspected by an expert. We can not tell you which of the listed properties is best for you. For that kind of information contact the Manager or Owner directly through our inquiry service or phone them.
Q: How do I know listings are legitimate?
A:
There is no way to know for sure. This website is sponsored by the Vacation Rental Association a not-for-profit trade association and members do pay a fee to join and participate. But like all online activities, it is important to check out the seller's credentials and ask for references.
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: What defines a Vacation Rental Home?
A:
There are more types of vacation rentals then you can imagine. Cabins, condos, houses, lodges and villas of course. But you might find a castle or a cottage. Bungalows, chalets, estates, mansions, yurts and yachts also qualify - providing they have a kitchen and bathroom as well as a place to sleep. That is what makes they different than just a hotel room.
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 is better, Managed Properties or Rent By Owner properties?
A:
There is no better. Not all Operators are the same. There are great Managers and great Owner rented homes. Both types of oversight have advantages. Individual Owners may be able to tell you the slightest detail of their personal home. Managers can provide alternate lodging if the one you start with has a problem.
Q: What kind of people rent Vacation Rentals?
A:
Smart ones, that's what we think. Vacation Rentals continue to grow in popularity because of all the features and amenities you just can't get in a hotel. Families love the extra bedrooms, bath rooms living areas, kitchen, privacy and easy access. Business travelers like them for extended stays and corporate housing. Whether for golf trips, wine tasting expeditions or the ever popular holiday, vacation rentals are the best choice.
Q: What much does it cost to advertise on this website?
A:
Because our website is powered by the world's first Multiple-Listing-Service (MLS) for Vacation Rentals at www.VRMLS.org we are able to keep our rates low. Www.VRMLS.org is owned by the Vacation Rental Association (www.VRA.org) as a service to members and Guests. To learn more click here.
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Q: When do I have to pay for reservations?
A:
Each Manager or Owner may have different payment terms and dates on which payment must be made. You should contact them directly to hear their policies. Most managers accept credit cards and some Owners do.
Q: Who do I contact about advertising my property?
A:
Most of what you want to know should be on the website but if you have questions please feel free to call us. Please remember we don't give recommendations or take questions or handle problems you may have with advertisers.
Q: How do I report abuse or fraud?
A:
If you get emails unrelated to properties or unsolicited commercial email through our inquiry system or from someone who got your name from our site please notify us by email. Should you be approached with fraudulent activity or be a victim of fraud it is best to report it to your local police. For abuse or fraud, should it involve a member of our website please notify also.
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: What is the benefit of a local vacation rental website?
A:
Because you'll be easy to find. Guests always say they start with the location they want to go to and on giant vacation rental websites, you are tossed in with tens of thousands of homes the Guest doesn't want to see. Local Websites get local Guests and lots of them.
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.
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