FAQs

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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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: What is the weather like at Lake Chelan?

A: The temperature changes but Lake Chelan is famous for 300 days of sunshine per year. Summers are warm and frequently hot but you can always jump in the lake to cool off. Winter is a white wonderland with big open skies but it can be deeply cold. Spring comes early with golf and other outdoor activities. Fall brings bright leaf turning colors and outdoor sports continue late into the season.

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: 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 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: What is a pre-existing medical condition?

A: A pre-existing medical condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 60-day period immediately prior to your effective date for which you, your traveling companion or family member scheduled or booked to travel with you; 1) Received, or received a recommendation for, a diagnostic test, examination, or medical treatment, or 2) Took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. Item 2 of this definition does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine, and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 60-day period before coverage is effective under this Policy.

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: What if my trip is delayed?

A: Travel Delay coverage will pay up to $600 for reasonable additional accommodation and traveling expenses due to a covered delay of 12 hours or more.

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: What should I do if I have to cancel my trip?

A: First, you should notify your vacation rental company. Then call your insurer to request a claim form.

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 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: 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: What is the maximum trip length I can insure?

A: 180 days.