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: 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 ach onsite manager has a piece of the action. They work overtime to insures you'll have a good experience.

Q: Why are vacation rental home bookings usually non-cancelable.
A: Unlike hotels, vacation homes are valuable assets held by private parties. To allow guests to hold dates in advance only to cancel them later, would means the owner would miss out on other prospective customers in the meantime. In addition, because most homes are booked in advance last-minute replacements are not always possible. We can, however, offer to re-sale dates for a guest who made a prior purchase. In that case, some or all of the guest's funds may be refunded if a replacement guest is found.

Q: Why aren't guest's allowed to check-in early?
A: Cleaning rooms, condos, homes and resorts between guests is a big job. It can take many hours to make a place spic and span. It isn't always possible to start the cleaning process on time, so housekeepers need every minute get a unit clean before its scheduled check-in time. Guests who arrive early disrupt the cleaning process. In fact, housekeepers are not allowed to continue cleaning if a guest arrives early and enters the property.

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 ealry checkin. Because this requries 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 avability of an early checkin until 24 hours in advance.

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: 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 ealry checkin. Because this requries 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 this availability until 24 hours in advance of departure.

Q: Is there a membership fee for using your website?
A: Nope. Browsing properites and information is free. But we do ask you to register for certain information. Also, once you stay with us you get a free membership in our nifty Sunspotter club.

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-cleaing fee. It is also your way of knowing the place will be clean when you arrange.

Q: Why is there a deadline for checkout times and why aren't guests allowed to stay longer?
A: Cleaning rooms, condos, homes and resorts between guests is a big job. It can take many 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. In fact, housekeepers are not allowed to commence cleaning if a guest is not fully out of the property. On occasion, however, when the next guest is not scheduled for immediate arrival, a unit may be availble for late checkouts for which there is a charge because staff time is required to coordinate the prior cleaning, confirm a unit is ready and to arrange for entry.

Q: Are Sunspot vacation rental homes timeshares?
A: No. Properties in our network are primarily owned by private parties and families. We do not sell timeshares or promote timeshare presentations. No sales pitches.