Frequently Asked Questions

Below are Frequently Asked Questions from other vacationers. We hope these help with your travel plans.

Q. Will we need pool heat?

A. It depends. During the hot summer months most people don't want pool heat. Even though the pool can feel a little cool when you first get in, it becomes very nice after a couple of minutes during June - August. Winter months from late October to late March you definitely will want pool heat. Just because our homes are in Florida, which is supposed to be warm, the water temperature can get frigid, NOT something you will want to swim in unless you're a polar bear. Even south facing pools will be too cold to enjoy during the winter months. During the months of fall and spring most people still want pool heat because the water can still be too cold. Paying the extra cost for pool heat is well worth it.

Q. Will pool heat be enough?

A. During winter months, pool heaters will generally heat the water temperature to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If the air temperature, however, drops to 55° degrees or less, even though the heaters operate for longer hours than in warmer weather, they will not be very effective and the water temperature will not reach a comfortable level. We regret that in these circumstances a refund of part or all of the pool heat charge is not possible and your understanding of this is important when ordering pool heat. Generally speaking pool heaters will only warm a pool about 15° - 20° degrees warmer than the ambiant air temperature, a little more if you use the pool blanket. This means that if the highest temperature during the day is 70° degrees then the pool should reach 85° degrees. This is not an exact science and should only be used as a guide. Be sure to use the pool blanket at night or you could loose a significant amount of pool warmth overnight. Using the pool blanket during the day, when you are not in the pool, will help keep the pool comfortable for swimming.

Q. What is the address of the home?

A. For security reasons we can not give out the exact address of our homes until your reservation is paid in full. Once we recieve your balance or full payment we will provide you with driving directions, a small map to find the home, management contact information, villa phone number, lock and alarm codes for your stay, etc.

Q. How do you handle the security deposit?

A. We require a valid credit card on file during your stay. We will "pre-authroize" your credit card for the security deposit amount just prior to your arrival. This is like a "hold" on your card for that amount. It is not a charge UNLESS intentional damage or abuse is determined or for damages or expense that is not covered by the accidental damage protection coverage. If no abuse or intentional damages is determined then this "hold" will simple fall off your credit card and be added back into your available credt after your departure. How long it takes for this to happen depends on your credit card company.

Q. What is damage protection coverage?

A. Accidents happen and we realize this. We charge a small fee to cover costs related to accidental damages. This protects you for up to $3,000 in accidental damages. For example: if you drop a glass on a ceramic tile floor and it cracks the tile then the cost to repair it could easily be $150 or more - you're covered. If you break a window blind costing $100 - you're covered. We don't like having to withhold security deposit monies from guests. It's unpleasant for both sides. Families with children know that accidents are practically a way of life, and they can happen, but this protects you, the guest, and the villa owner's property, to make sure that it's always in top shape. PLEASE NOTE: this coverage does not take the place of the security deposit or eliminate it. This coverage does not cover abuse or intentional damages, etc. Please see the question above for information on security deposits.

Q. Will we need to clean the villa?

A. It takes 4-6 hours to properly prepare a home for the next guest. It is very important that you leave the home on time. If you would like a late check out please call us and we will let you know if late check out is possible! We do not expect you to completely clean the home, but please leave it neat and tidy. Strip all used linens and please start a load of laundry for the housekeeper, it will be greatly appreciated! Please load and start the dishwasher with automatic dish washing soap, place all trash in the bins, shut off the lights, lock the doors and have a safe journey back home. We look forward to seeing you on your next Florida vacation. We also hope that you will tell your friends about us!

Q. When is the earliest I can check-in?

A. 4:00 PM. The homes are getting cleaned prior to that. If you want to check-in early you will need to contact our manager prior to your arrival to see if early check-in is possible. Your designated lock code will not function until your specified arrival time.

Q. When do I have to check-out?

A. 10:00 AM. To allow enough time for proper cleaning before the next guest arrives.

Q. What if I have to cancel?

A. Please see our Terms and Conditions Contract for our cancelation policy. We recommend that our guests obtain travel insurance which covers trip cancelation.

Q. What if you cancel on me?

A. For the past 9 years we have not had to cancel on anyone and we hope we never will. In the event that a hurricane or some other type of natural disaster distroys the house you reserved, we will find alternate accomodations or refund your money, if the destruction occurs prior to your arrival. If you are forced to evacuate or destruction occurs during your stay, you will need to contact your travel insurance company to recover your loss.

Q. How likely is it that a hurricane will hit Florida?

A. There are 3 main areas of concern for hurricane interuption. These are 1- the Gulf Coast states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, 2- Florida, including the Pan Handle, Keys and east and west coasts, 3- the East coast of the US, including Georgia, North and South Carolina, etc. Of these three areas of concern statistics have shown that Florida receives the least amount of hurricane interruption due to major hurricane impact. In other words, less major hurricanes hit Florida than the other two areas.

Q. What's the difference between a regular home and an executive home?

A. Generally speaking executive homes offer more amenities than regular homes. This can include upgraded furniture, nicer decor, gated communities, game rooms, spas, BBQ grills, broadband internet and more. An executive home does not have to have all of the above amenities and can also have others. The bottom line is that executive homes are noticably nicer and something you should consider to make your stay the most memorable possible. Some of our homes are borderline executive but still priced at a regular home rate. This makes them an even better deal.

Q. What do I do if I have a problem while I'm there?

A. Contact the property manager. You will have their contact information in your Final Confirmation documentation.

Q. What should my overall expectations be?

A. If you're expecting 5 star hotel quality pampering then you should stay at one of Disney's executive resorts. If you want executive quality at a bargain basement price then you will be disappointed. If you're expecting a comfortable, private home that is well maintained and clean, but not "sterile", then you will have a great vacation and enjoy the home you selected. We do our best to meet the highest expectations within the limits of vacation home rentals. Most of our homes have amenities that other "standard" homes don't. This makes them an exceptional value, but Reasonable Expectations will serve you well.

Q. Will my tax exempt organization have to pay tax?

A. The state of Florida only recognizes organizations that are currently registered with the state of Florida as tax exempt. If your organization is an out of state tax exempt organization then you will have to register with the state of Florida. Once you have done that you will need to provide us with a copy of your tax exempt certifcate as well as your documentation from the state of Florida.

Q. Where can I get a great website like this?

A. We are professional web developers and also work with the best in the business. For great hosting click the link to the left. If you're a property manager looking for a great system like we have please contact us directly. We would be happy to help you "get on the map".