Frequently Asked Questions About
Renting a Vacation Home

I've never rented a vacation home before. How does the experience differ from renting a hotel or motel room for my vacation?

An individually owned home or condo is, first of all, more spacious and more private than a hotel or motel room. You will have the entire home, including fully-equipped kitchen and often more than one bath, at your disposal. You will not have, of course, room service or valet parking. But you can often arrange for daily maid service if you would like it. Just ask the reservation agent. In comparing cost, you will likely find that the cost per bedroom to rent a vacation home is significantly less than the same number of hotel rooms.

I'm a little apprehensive about renting a vacation home sight-unseen. How can I insure that I won't be disappointed?

Be as detailed as possible in telling the reservation agent what type home will meet your needs. Tell him/her what style home you prefer (contemporary, with very modern furniture and fixtures, or a Victorian filled with antiques, for example). Also, telling the reservation agent what you don't want is a help ("I don't really like a rustic cabin - I want to be pampered" or "It doesn't have to be modern - rustic is fine"). Ask the reservationist if there are written descriptions or photos available.

Can I pay for the accommodation with my credit card?

Most vacation rental agencies take Visa and Mastercard. A few take other credit cards, such as American Express.

What will I need to bring with me?

For many vacation rentals, you need only arrive with your clothes and your groceries. These units come complete with bed and bath linen and soap and paper products. For others, you may need to bring bed linens and cleaning supplies. Be sure to check with the agency to see what is included. Check out our inventory page to see how most vacation rentals are equipped (click to go there now!)

Is there a security deposit involved?

Most agencies require a security deposit of $200 to $500, possibly more for holidays and special events. You may also be asked to sign an agreement that authorizes excess cleaning charges or damages to be charged to your credit card.

Are all the utilities on in my vacation home when I arrive? What about telephone and cable TV?

Vacation homes have the utilities on when you arrive. For rentals of one month or longer, you may be asked to assume the cost of some utilities, such as gas or electricity. Telephones are provided in most units and local calls are usually free. You will need a calling card or a credit card to make long-distance calls. Most vacation homes have standard cable service for the area.

Am I expected to clean the vacation home before I depart?

Most vacation rental companies engage housekeepers to clean the unit after your departure and prepare it for the next guest. You will probably pay a separate cleaning fee for this service. However, you are usually expected to leave the home "broom clean" which means bagging your trash, cleaning your own dishes, and leaving no major messes for the housekeepers to clean up.

When is the most economical time to book a vacation rental home?

Most resort areas have high and low seasons. If you can book during non-peak times (low season) and avoid holiday times, you can obtain the best rates. You may also want to ask if a better rate is available for a longer stay. A monthly rate may be more economical than paying for 2 1/2 weeks at the weekly rate, for example.

Are there any tips for getting the best service from the reservationist who takes my call?

Yes! Try to call on Tuesday or Thursday. Those days are less busy in the vacation rental office. Also, try to call mid-morning or mid-afternoon. The telephones are less busy at those times, so you are likely to get the most attention from the reservationist. Finally, take notes on what the reservationist tells you about the available vacation rentals, so you don't have to ask him/her to repeat information.

Can I make reservations at the last minute?

Yes! Although it may be difficult during high season, it never hurts to call at the last minute. There may be a cancellation, and there may be vacancies available that the vacation rental manager will fill at a discount. Ask!