Luxury Vacation Rental Home Stays Avoid These 3 Fatal Mistakes

Staying in a vacation rental home is very different from staying at a hotel

. Everything is well, more personal - from staff services to that vase in the corner the owner handpicked in Hong Kong. You're staying in someone's home not in a concrete and glass building owned by some anonymous corporation. The money you'll save and the great experiences you'll have will likely keep you coming back. Make sure you avoid these blunders and you'll be a guest everyone wants to see again and again.

Blunder #1 - Not Taking Responsibility for Damages you Incur

I'm not talking about normal wear and tear. Homeowners expect to replace worn linens and towels once a year. But did you accidentally break a vase or leave beach towels in a taxi? Did you throw your new red shirt in the washer with the house linens and turn them pink? If you damaged or lost something, pay for it graciously. Better yet, 'fess up about it before it's reported by the staff who takes inventory on a regular if not daily basis. Vacation homeowners will remember if you deny the damages or throw a fit and you won't be welcomed back. If by chance the loss is overlooked during check-out you can bet the staff will catch it soon thereafter. Homeowners must replace lost and damaged items in time for the arrival of the next guest. Depending on the location, the owner may have to drive for hours to the "big city" only to discover the item is out of stock or can never be replaced. Be a considerate guest and pay with a smile and an apology.

Blunder #2 - Running the A/C 24 Hours a Day

Yes, you're paying for luxury at your vacation rental home but leaving the air conditioners or lights on 24 hours a day is wasteful, abusive and can result in an astronomical electric bill of $1000 or more for the homeowner. If you're traveling outside the country you have no way of knowing what energy rates are. They can be quite expensive in some locations. Guests who leave on all day tours with the A/Cs on because they want the house to be cool when they return will be frowned upon by homeowners. Remember to be a considerate energy saver and turn off all the lights and A/C's in rooms you aren't using and whenever you leave the house.

Blunder #3 - Forgetting to Tip the Staff

Tips for the staff are not included in the rental fee. Unlike hotels whose staff can't afford to spend too much time on any one guest, luxury vacation homeowners have staff to personally serve you. Because you see the housekeeper everyday you may remember to tip her but what about others who may have worked hard behind the scenes? Did the maintenance man come over at 11:00 P.M. to fix a broken toilet? Was there a security guard who left his family alone to stay awake all night to keep you and your family safe?

Keep in mind that especially in foreign countries the staff may earn very little and a generous tip will make a significant difference in their lives. It will also make you a favored guest upon return. Everyone likes to be appreciated for their hard work. Depending on the length of your stay and the quality of the service $20-$50 per person may be about right. The concierge's tip will depend upon the services you received. When in doubt check the in-house Guide Book or ask the concierge.

The vacation home you rent may be the homeowner's second home - the one he brings his family to for vacations. He may have even poured his heart and soul into building it. Respect it as you would your own home and you'll be welcomed back with a smile.

Luxury Vacation Rental Home Stays Avoid These 3 Fatal Mistakes

By: Evelyn Gallardo

POST COMMENT

Selling Cars Auction Affordable Disney Holiday Via Orlando Hotel Package Deals Cheap Car rental Croatia Find The Perfect And Affordable Orlando Hotel For Your Vacation Orlando Vacation Rental: Why People Prefer Staying In Them? Plan Your Disney Adventure Right With Disney Vacation Homes The Convenience Of Staying At Kissimmee Vacation Homes Airport Car hire in Germany Las Motos Vespa Y Su Influencia En La Cultura Popular Great Rates In Car Title Loans Indianapolis Writing Articles as an Affordable Internet Marketing Method All About Teaching Abroad Watch Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics 2010 Live Online Broadcast