What happens after I book a home on line?
You will receive an email confirming the home selected, dates of stay, applicable charges, and rental policies.
When will I be charged for the rental?
It depends on how far in advance you are booking. The entire rental will be charged on booking if your arrival date is less than 45 days from the date you make the reservation. If you are booking more than 45 days in advance, you are charged one-half of the rental when you make the reservation, and the remaining one-half 45 days from the arrival date.
What credit cards do you accept?
Visa and Mastercard.
What if I want to pay by check?
We accept personal checks if the booking date is more than 45 days prior to the arrival date. We accept cashier’s checks if the arrival date is within 45 days of the arrival date. (You confirmation is subject to receipt of payment, so if you choose to pay by check, time is of the essence.)
Why do I have to pay in advance?
Unlike a hotel with lots of identical rooms to rent by the night, there is only one of a specific vacation home. Most guests book weekly stays far in advance to insure that their special home will not be reserved by another traveler. Consequently, a replacement booking for the same home for the same amount for the same dates may not occur on short notice. In exchange for committing their home to a specific date, the homeowner deserves the assurance of corresponding revenue.
What if there is an illness or family emergency?
We do understand that unexpected situations might curtail the best of plans. Should you be unable to continue with your rental, we will make a sincere effort to re-rent the home for the same time, for the same amount, and for the same dates. If we’re able to do this, we will refund 90% of what you have pre-paid. But, there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so, especially on short notice.
What about traveler’s insurance?
No one wants to pay for a vacation they can’t take. We encourage you to purchase a traveler’s insurance policy that will compensate you in the event an unpredictable circumstance prevents you from completing your reservation.
How do I do that?
There are numerous carriers. For your convenience, we have provided a link to CSA (see the
Policy Section.)
What does Travel Insurance cost?
The CSA policy is 6.5% of the total rent, tax, and Damage Waiver. If you wish to purchase the policy, it can be added to your booking, whether made on-line or on the telephone.
Are there other charges in addition to rent?
Local taxes, the booking fee, pet rent if applicable, and a non-refundable Damage Waiver
or a refundable $1,000 security deposit. (See the
Policy Section for a more information.)
What’s the difference?
The $75 Damage Waiver is added to the reservation when you book on-line. It’s non-refundable and covers any accidental damage up to $1,000.
We are very conscientious. We don’t want to pay for that.
If you wish to post a $1,000 Security Deposit instead, give us a call and we will reverse the Waiver charge and add the Security Deposit.
When do I have to post the Security Deposit?
45 days prior to the check in date. If your arrival date is within 45 days of booking, it is due on booking.
When do I get it back?
It will be returned to you within 14 days of checking-out, less the cost of any damage or loss that may have occurred during your stay.
What if my kid takes a magic marker to that $5,000 sofa?
The rental homes and their furnishings are valued from $250,000 to multi-millions. You are responsible for any and all damage done to the property and/or its contents from the time you check-in until the time you check out. The Damage Waiver and/or the Security Deposit applies only for the first $1,000 of damages.
Does the “sleeps” capacity apply to children and infants?
Yes. This is enforced by our county codes.
How do we get the keys and instructions to the home?
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If the home you rent is on San Juan Island, we email or mail you “Check-in Instructions.” When you arrive at the island, you’ll find a map to the home, useful info, and keys in a lock-box at the office.
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If the home you rent is on Orcas or Lopez Islands, we will email or mail you an “Arrival Packet.” This will include a map to the home, useful info, and a combination to a lock-box at the home. (Keys are in the lockbox.)
What happens if we lose the instructions or you forget to give them to us?
There is a 24 hour emergency cell phone number to call. We’ll be there to help you.
What happens if there is an emergency in the home?
Call our offices or the 24 hour emergency cell phone. You’ll also find extensive information about the home, operating instructions, a list of local services, and directions for “what to do ifs” in the home.
What do we need to bring?
Clothes and food items. You will find the home clean and fully stocked with linens, bedding, towels, cookware, paper products, & soap.
What do we do to when it’s time to leave?
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Start a load of laundry.
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Leave all dishes clean.
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Take out the trash.
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Return any moved furniture to its original location.
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Put the key back as directed.
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Tell your friends what a wonderful time you had.