Questions (FAQ's)

These questions only relate to registered users. General questions are publicly visible from the home page. Here you can ask us anything. Use the search box above to find the question you need answers. Just click on the question and the answer will appear. Click again and it disappears. Or you can click on the "Show all" bar below to display all answers.Feel free to submit new topics using the Submit Question link.

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: How do I reserve a vacation rental?

A: You can book online, fill out our web inquiry form, chat with us online here or telephone us at the phone number listed on the top or bottom of this website. We are ready to help.

Q: Is there a website 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 should I Rent from You?

A: There are a bunch of good reasons. 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: Are housekeeper tips mandatory in Vacation Rentals?

A: Tips for housekeepers at lodging accommodations of all kinds have become 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.

Q: What is the Weather in Winthrop & Methow Valley?

A: We have all four seasons, boy do we. Winter is a wonder land in the mountains. Homes and recreational areas are covered with snow and sometimes decorated with holiday lights. Many days are surprisingly sunny but it can also be brutally cold. Spring can be glorious as the snow disappears, the flowers erupt and the valley fills with people. Summers are always warm and sometimes hot hot hot. But we have lots of places to swim and cool off. October is famous for fall colors.

Q: So what are Vacation Rentals?

A: That's an easy one. Any lodging unit that has a full kitchen & bath, is fully outfitted with linens and towels and usually detached bedrooms is a Vacation Rental Home. These may be apartments, cabins, condos, chalets, houses or villas. In some countries they are called Holiday-lets, Holiday homes, Holiday Villas or Gites (France.)

Q: To make a booking must I deal with the Owner?

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: Are there Rules for Guests?

A: Yes - to keep owners, neighbors and other guests happy there are guidelines to follow. 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: 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: 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: Is it possible to arrange a late checkout?

A: Yes, sometimes - Keep in mind housekeepers need all the time between Guests to prepare the property for arrivals. So late checkouts are not always available. Due to scheduling requirements, there is a charge for late checkouts and it is not possible to confirm this availability until 24 hours in advance of departure.

Q: Can we bring a trailer or camper to the property?

A: Unless otherwise specified in your booking confirmation, properties do not allow trailers or campers due to concerns with occupancy and neighbors.

Q: How do I purchase a Travel Insurance Plan?

A: You can purchase a Vacation Rental Insurance plan directly through your vacation rental company.

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 "Forgot your Password" link. Or you can call us during business hours.

Q: Tell me about Sunspot Vacation Rentals?

A: Sunspots is a network of trained and certified Vacation Rental management companies working together to grow and improve the industry and their own operations. Vacation Homes may be located in every communities including lake, mountain and river locations and even in urban and suburban communities. Each company is individually operated and strives to offer industry best practices for Guests and Property Owners. Services are provide by the Vortex Organization.

Q: What is Goldener Inns & Resorts?

A: Goldener is a network of unique Inns, Resorts and Vacation Rental complexes such as condominium buildings and housing developments. The properties band together for quality, efficiency and marketing. Services are provide by the Vortex Organization. Each company is individually operated and strives to offer industry best practices for Guests and Property Owners.

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.

Q: Why should I purchase travel insurance for my vacation?

A: You've saved, you've waited, and now you're all set to go on vacation. Preparing for your trip includes covering yourself for unfortunate occurrences that threaten to interfere with even your best-laid plans. By purchasing travel insurance, you can insure yourself for covered cancellation penalties, medical costs, baggage delays, as well as gain access to a wide range of traveler's assistance services.

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