What happens after I book on line?
You will receive an email confirming the home selected, dates of stay, applicable charges, and rental policies.
When will I be charged when renting one of the
Island Suites?
The first night rent is charged on the booking date. The balance of the booking due is charged three days prior to arrival.
When will I be charged when renting a
private vacation home?
Due to limited availability of Island vacation homes, the entire rental is charged on the booking date 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 and the booking fee when you make the reservation, and the remaining one-half 45 days from the arrival date.
What credit cards do you accept?
What if I want to pay by check?
We accept personal checks if the booking date is more than 60 days prior to the arrival date. We accept cashier’s checks if the arrival date is within 60 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 when renting a vacation home?
Unlike a hotel with identical rooms to rent by the night, there is only one of a specific vacation home. Most guests book their 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 I have booked one of the Island Suites and my plans change?
If you cancel a stay in one of the Island Suites prior to 15 days of arrival, your deposit will be refunded, less the booking fee.
If you cancel within 14 days of arrival, your deposit and booking fee will not be refunded.
What if I have booked a vacation home and my plans change? 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 when applicable. If you wish to purchase the policy, it can be added when you are booking, whether your reservation is made on-line or on the telephone.
Are there other charges in addition to rent?
Local taxes, check-out cleaning, the booking fee, pet rent if applicable, and, when renting a vacation home, there is also a non-refundable Damage Waiver
or a refundable security deposit requirement. (See the
Policy Section for a more information.)
What’s the difference?
The Damage Waiver is added to the reservation when you book on-line. It’s non-refundable and covers any accidental damage up to the amount of the Security Deposit you are otherwise required to provide.
We are very conscientious. We don’t want to pay for that.
If you wish to post a 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 you are coming to the Islands and 60 days prior to the check in date if you are coming to the San Diego area. If your arrival date is within the respective 45 or 60 days of booking, it is due on booking.
When do I get it back?
It will be returned to you within 10 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?
Our rental homes and their furnishings are valued from $250,000 to the 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. You are responsible for,
and will be charged for, any damage in excess of the Security Deposit or equivalent coverage limit of the Damage Waiver you may have purchased.
Does the “sleeps” capacity apply to children and infants?
Yes. This is strictly enforced by municipal codes and/or homeowner associations.
How do we get the keys and instructions to the home?
When final payment has been received, we will email or mail you driving directions, emergency phone humbers, and a combination to a lock-box at the home (keys are in the lockbox.) In the event that you have rented a home or condo not equipped with a lock-box,
alternative contact and arrival information will be provided.
What happens if we lose the instructions or you forget to give them to us?
There is a 24 hour emergency phone number to call. We’ll be there to help you.
What happens if there is an emergency in the home?
Depending on the situation, you will call either a local emergency responder, our offices, or the 24 hour emergency phone. A booklet of information about the home, operating instructions, a list of local services, and directions for “what to do ifs” is
in the home for your reference.
What do we need to bring?
Clothes and food items. You will find the home clean and stocked with linens, bedding, towels, cookware, and a starting supply of paper products & soap. Some homes are equipped with a starting supply of personal toiletries and coffee.
What do we do to when it’s time to leave?
- Leave all dishes clean.
- Take out the trash.
- When possible, start a load of dirty towels in the washer.
- Return any moved furniture to its original location.
- Put the key back as directed.
- Tell your friends what a wonderful time you had!