FAQs

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Q: Is it mandatory to leave housekeeping tips at Vacation Rentals?

A: Tips for housekeepers at lodging accommodations of all kinds have beomce 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.
VRIA.org

Q: Why aren't guest's 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: 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: 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 book long stays at some times of the year. Plus guests seem to enjoy staying longer and settling in.

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: To make a booking do I have to deal with the homeowner

A: Not at all. We'll take your order, send a confirmation and instructions for accessing and using the property. Our owners rely on us to do all the work. And you can rely on us to make sure the property is ready for your arrival.

Q: Is it possible to arrange a late checkout?

A: Usually housekeepers need all the time between guests to prepare the property for arrivals. So late checkouts are usually not available. In the case where new guests are not scheduled immediately after a departure, it may be possible to arrange an elate checkout. Because this requires rescheduling, staff time and coordination there is a charge for late checkouts. Usually the charge is 1/4 of the daily rate for four hours late and 1/2 the daily rate for 8 hours late. And it is not possible to confirm this availability until 24 hours in advance of departure.

Q: Is there a 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: Why is there a cleaning fee for Vacation Rentals?

A: Vacation rentals are bigger than hotel rooms and require more effort to clean. Rather than increase the price of every day's rent there is usually an out-cleaning fee. It is also your way of knowing the place will be clean when you arrange.

Q: Where does Sunspots operate?

A: Although we started small, our company is growing. We currently have network offices in Washington State, Idaho and Hawaii. Coming on line are British Columbia, Oregon and other great destinations. Local managers provide hands-on services to Owners and Guests making sure every home is exactly what it should be. Our central office does the marketing, advertising and administration to keep the lodging services first rate.

Q: Do I get more room in a Vacation Rental?

A: Well of course you do. The average hotel room is maybe 300 square feet but the usual vacation rental house is 2,000 square feet. Space to hang out with your family or friends. Sit in the living room instead of squeezing into the only chair in the room.

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 "For your Password" link.

Q: What are the Rules for Guests?

A: Click here to see our written terms and conditions of rental. There are some important rules of course, but 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 Sunspot vacation rental homes 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 sales pitches.

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: What support services can I expect to find?

A: Support services vary by the location you select. Most offer telephone services, high speed internet, photo copiers, postage, conference rooms & secretarial services. Be sure to ask about signage, furniture rental.

Q: What is Plumbob Publishing?

A: A plumbob is an old fashioned tool used by carpenters to determine straight up and down. It is a string and a weight which, when allowed to dangle free always reflects a straight line downward. Our company has chosen the word Plumbob to represent our quest to produce straight forward and accurate publications. Some of these are conventional print and other media. And some are websites in a variety of specialty industries and narrow interests. This website is just one.