FAQs

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Q: When is the latest Vacation Rental insurance can be purchased?

A: This insurance can be purchased up until the final trip payment is made or 30 days prior to arrival, whichever comes first.

Q: Why is there a deadline for checkout times?

A: Cleaning rooms, condos, homes and resorts between guests is a big job. It can take hours to make a place spic and span. Housekeepers need to know they can start immediately upon departure of a guest to a unit fully clean before the next guest arrives. Staying late disrupts the cleaning schedule. If the next guest is not scheduled for immediate arrival, a unit may be available for late checkouts for which charges usually apply.

Q: What is Sunspots?

A: Our network is unlike any other. Most lodging companies are either some big corporation a long way from their properties or very small operators without many resources. Sunspots, on the other hand, is a network of individually owned local managers who use the Sunspots Network to handle the 101 Marketing, Advertising and Administrative details so necessary to quality lodging.

Each Management Member is required to attain some pretty stiff requirements on cleaning, maintenance and guest services. Everyone in the group has your best interests at heart.

Q: Why should I Rent from Sunspots?

A: There are a bunch of good reason. We've been around a long time, have quality properties and work diligently to make guests happy. But the best reason is that we are a unique network where each onsite manager has a piece of the action. They work overtime to insures you'll have a good experience.

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: What is better Manged Properties or Rent By Owner homes?

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: 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: Do you give recommendations?

A: The only recommendation we give is to only rent homes from members of the Vacation Rental Industry Association (www.VRIA.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: What 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 Industry Association (www.VRIA.org) as a service to members and guests. To learn more click here.
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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 Industry Association (www.VRIA.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: What if I have a complaint about a property?

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 Industry Association. Go to www.VRIA.org for the details.

Q: Do some listing websites offer things others don't?

A: They will all tell you they do. But sites that utilize the VRMLS multiple-listing-service only include rentals from managers and owners who are members of the Vacation Rental Industry Association (www.VRIA.org). This is the only not-for-profit regulatory group in the industry. Members can take training to be come certified. They can submit their properties for inspection providing you an extra measure of verification. Look for the Blue Ribbon logo for inspected properties.

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: 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: Why Should I Advertise on This Website?

A: Specialization. You could get listed on the giant commercial sites which accept any and all kinds of vacation rentals and Holiday Let homes. But guests usually know what they are looking for before they start. A mountain place, a lake front house, a home at the beach or even in the city. That is why they find us and why they value our listings a bit more and a bit more often.

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: How do I know listings are legitimate?

A: There is no way to know for sure. This website is sponsored by the Vacation Rental Industry 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: 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 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: 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.