Vacation Rentals Accepting Various Payment Methods

Since you will be dealing with many different types of people, it is helpful to offer different ways of handling vacation rental payments. Finances can be scary to some rental home owners, but once everything is set up and put into place, you are ready for the fun part: sitting back and accepting the money!

Keep in mind that by the time a renter has decided to book your location, they have probably spent hours, if not days, researching different lodging options. Even though they are sure your home is the best, they may still be a bit hesitant about sending their hard earned money to a stranger. That’s why it is important to have very clear payment and money related policies are so important. They will limit the worry and frustration felt by your guests, and quite possibly, by you.

Be sure you inquirers have been sent all the important information concerning your vacation rentals. All documents need to be printed, signed, and returned, either before you accept any money or along with the initial deposit. You should highly suggest to your guests that they print a copy of the all rules and policies for themselves.

Once your potential renters have agreed to your terms by submitting the required paperwork, you may cover the methods of payment that are available to them. Accepting multiple forms of payment will make it easier on your guests, depending on how they like to pay for things. Below are the most common ways to receive payments for your booking.

• Credit Cards – Simply the safest and easiest way to accept and make payments in the world today. If you choose to only accept one payment method (which, in my opinion, would be crazy!), choose to accept credit cards. It will definitely hurt your business if you refuse their use. With credit cards, everything can be handled online, and you get the funds immediately. No more waiting for checks to reach your mailbox, or to clear the bank!

• Personal Check – This is the most convenient method for your guests, but it can present a risk for you. Make sure that once you receive the check, you cash it immediately. Wait for it to clear before moving further with the transaction.

• PayPal – This is similar to accepting credit cards, only it is taken one step further. Your guests can also link their PayPal account to their checking account, which enables them to pay for things online money straight from their bank accounts. As the receiver, you can also link your accounts so the money can be deposited into your checking account once you receive it.

• Money Orders and Cashier’s check – These are not very convenient for anyone. For the guests, these can only be obtained at certain locations (banks, post offices, etc.), which adds time and money into the equation of sending off their payment. Scammers use these forms of payment often to get money out of unknowing victims.

August 9th, 2008 Posted by admin | Vacation Rentals | 2 comments

Staying on Marina Cay – What You Should Know

Marina Cay has a beautiful and calm climate. In the peak season of the winter months, the temperatures are high 70’s during the day, and low 70’s in the evening. During the summer, the temperatures climb to the high 80’s with a wonderful tropical breeze. So, these wonderful temperatures make this one of the best places to stay no matter what time of year you vacation!

This is a small private island with no access except for the ferry that comes from Trellis Bay, which is adjacent to the airport. The ferry runs almost every hour until early evening, and takes about 15 minutes to get you to Marina Cay. Once you are there you can either walk or take a taxi into Road Town Tortola. Since the island is so small and private, it is easy to feel like a true castaway here.

The Marina Cay accepts credit cards or cash at their hotel. Cash is accepted at the Pusser’s store

and at the Marina Cay restaurant. ATMs can be located in Road Town in Tortola. They dispense only US Dollars, which is the currency here in Marina Cay. So, you should exchange any foreign currency before you get to Marina Cay so you are not caught without any cash. There is no phone or Internet service on Marina Cay. All your needs can be taken care of if you travel the hour or so walk into Tortola. They do this on purpose to preserve the innocence and quiet of the island.

Pusser’s Marina Cay is a beautiful resort of villas that have spectacular views of the reef and water, and excellent accommodations. They have private balconies, double beds, and a refrigerator to keep your drinks cold. There is no air conditioning in the rooms due to the tropical breeze that cools the evening down. The villas are on the south side of the island, within just a few feet of the stunning ocean. Marina Cay Accommodations include continental breakfast, and rates range from $120.00 to $225.00 per night depending on the season. The 2-bedroom villa they rent is a bit more expensive but can accommodate up to 4 people in a stunning villa on the hilltop that has 360-degree views of the ocean. There are also several vacation rentals that you can find through private owners, but they do go fast, so you should book them in advance.

They only thing you need to bring is your sense of adventure here. The beaches are perfect for families because of the sandy shores and low-lying water. The snorkeling is some of the best in the Islands, and the Marina Cay supplies all the snorkeling, fishing equipment, and water sports equipment that you need. You should bring your sunscreen and sunglasses for your many hours spent wandering the deserted beaches.

There is one restaurant on Marina Cay, award winning for its delectable food and variety. You will not be disappointed whether you try the burgers, the Caribbean food specific to the British Virgin Islands, or any of the fabulous seafood that they serve. The Robb White bar is where everyone meets up at night. The good music, great drinks, and excellent conversation bring people back night after night. The nightlife is a bit more active if you walk into Road Town in Tortola, where you can find numerous bars and restaurants to enjoy the Caribbean feeling of enjoyment and relaxation.

July 8th, 2008 Posted by admin | Caribic | no comments