Questions (FAQ's)

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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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 we bring a trailer or camper to the property?

A: Unless otherwise specified in your booking confirmation, properties do not allow trailers or campers due to concerns with occupancy and neighbors.

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: 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 file a claim?

A: Call AIG Travel Guard, the plan administrator at 1-888-409-7749 and refer to product number 008085 or if you are out of the United States, call collect at 1-715-295-5452.

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: 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: 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: 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.

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