Frequently Asked Questions About Vacations Made Simple

A: Our vacation rentals are vacation homes that are owned and operated independently. Most properties are managed by the owners of the home. Vacation homes are properties for rent that give you more bang for your buck than traditional hotel rooms. You will be able to enjoy an entire house, cabin, condo, cottage or home including space outside and all the amenities included with the property for the same or less than a hotel room. Many hotel rooms are limited by fire codes to the number you can sleep in each room - usually limited to four people. This makes it cost prohibitive to have a large family or group vacation together. Vacations Made Simple travel specialists have been to the destination and usually have seen the property and many times have stayed in the property and our familiar with its features to help guide you in selecting your vacation home. 

Q: What makes properties listed with Vacations Made Simple different than other vacation rentals?

A: Vacations Made Simple have worked with each owner to help them prepare for your arrival.We try to avoid many of the disappointing discoveries you make when you book a rent-by-owner property. We help you connect with the owners to make sure everything is just right for your stay. Vacations Made Simple helps take some of the risk out of renting by offering damage insurance and travel insurance - no more waiting for security deposits to be returned and your covered if by the travel insurance if you become sick or your car breaks down. Check the policy for exact terms. We offer quotes and booking online for many properties.

Q: What is your Best Rate Guarantee?

A: We will match your best price or give you a refund of the difference if you find a better rate somewhere else.  Available for our Premium Plus Members that display a graphic on their site.

A: We only list vacation rentals whose owners are committed to offering you the best customer experience possible and will do whatever is necessary to make sure your stay is satisfactory. We have direct contact with the owners so you don't have to. No more waiting for Emails and returned phone calls. We have trained vacation specialists who know the area and have visited the destination of each property. Our relationships with the vacation property owners have enabled us to secure the best rates for our customers. We have been booking vacation properties for over ten years and are veterans of the vacation rental industry, which means you can trust us to help you book your vacation home. 

Q: What is the availability of the properties?

A: Vacations Made Simple offers real-time availability on many of our vacation properties. Most properties you can book online or give us a call to check availability and make a reservation. 

Q: What is the difference between Basic and Premium Plus properties on Vacations Made Simple?

A: The Premium Plus properties have partnered with Vacations Made Simple to offer exclusive marketing and advertising assistance. These properties offer the highest level of customer service and we offer the Best Rate Guarantee on these properties and they can be booked direct with Vacations Made Simple online or over the phone. 

Q: What time is check-in?

A: Check-in starts at 5pm for most properties. Check the detail page to verify the start time for each property. 

Q: Can I arrive early?

In order to maintain a high level of quality, our maintenance and cleaning crews must have adequate time between guests to complete their tasks. In order to make sure there is time to turn the home over for the next guest, please be sure to adhere to the agreed upon check-out time.  

A: Most properties check out at 10am. Check on the property detail list to verify the check out time.

Q: Can I check-out late?

A: If late check out is available than it will be offered to you when making your reservation. There is an added cost for this service to allow us to plan on flipping the property later and still have enough staff on hand to flip the property for the next guest.  Otherwise you can not check out later. 

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: If you would like to cancel your reservations more than 90 days in advance, there is  a $100.00 fee. If the cancellation is within 90 days of your booking, there is no refund on bookings. We recommend travel insurance to help absorb your costs in case something occurs where you need to cancel the reservation. If we are able to book the property we will refund you up to half of the reservation.

Q: How do I make a reservation?

Q: What is required to secure my reservation?

A: If booking is made over 90 days of arrival date, reservation payment is 50% of the total cost, consent to rental terms and a copy of a current drivers license. If booking is made less than 90 days of arrival date, total payment is due in full, consent to rental terms and a copy of a current drivers license.

Q: What is the security deposit?

A: You can select to purchase damage insurance which covers up to $3,000 for $39. If security deposit option is available you can pay amount by check only within 30 days of arrival date. If your arrival date is within 30 days and you elect not to purchase the damage insurance you must pay security deposit by credit card and you will be charged a handling fee of $35 to cover our added costs.

Q: How long are the minimum stays?

A: Depending on the home and the season, minimum vacation rental stays range from 3 or 4 nights to one week. Vacation rentals on lake front or ocean front or on the bay, and during summer usually have 7 night minimums Saturday to Saturday. Each property is unique so please check listing details for more info. 

Q: What is supplied in the home?

A: Guests will arrive to find linens freshly laundered set on each bed ready for you to make the bed. Bath sets (which include bath towels and hand towels) are also provided. Beach towels are NOT provided, please remember to bring your own. All vacation rentals will have a fully stocked kitchen with pots, pans, bowls, dinner ware and flat ware. Our vacation rentals also include a starter kit of dish soap, dish washing detergent, paper towels and toilet paper. The starter kit is meant to get you by until you make it to the store. 

Q: What is Cleaning inspection and can I have cleaning service?

A: Cleaning inspection service is included in most of our properties. This is light cleaning only. It also includes vacuuming and mopping of all floors. You need to leave the property how you find it. Extra cleaning is available and needs to be scheduled prior to your check in date. Please see the property detail page for more information. Extra cleaning is available for additional charge.

Q: What is Trip Insurance and do I have to purchase it?

A: Trip insurance will cover your trip in case of emergency cancellation. This is highly recommended and will cover many of your expenses including rental charges that are not covered when you cancel. Trip insurance is not required and is optional.

Q: What is our responsibility when checking out?

A: Most properties do not have a telephone. Most cell phones offer reception in the area.

Q: Are the properties Non-Smoking?

A: Yes, all or the properties are Non-Smoking. Smoking is permitted outside of the property only. All cigarette butts must be picked up and disposed.

Q: How does Vacations Made Simple work?

We will be sending you links to help you follow the recommended steps to prepare your vacation property for being properly marketed and ready for your first guest. You can research  other vacation rental sites to begin working up a comparable study of other vacation properties for rent in your offer to be sure your price and amenities are what the guests are looking for. 

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