Notes for Owners (new addtions 04/08/08)
Screens, Fans and BBQ's - Essentials for SUMMER Guest SATISFACTIION Summer guests have basic requirements just as our ski season friends - but instead of snow shovels, blankets and space heaters, they are looking for screens, fans and BBQ's. The secret behind developing a good return guest clientelle is to "sweat the small stuff". It is essential to try to make sure your property is equipped with everything a guest might need while on vacation. In the summer, there is nothing worse than having to keep your windows and doors closed because the mosquitos are invading! Likewise, just because air conditioning is a rare commodity in Tahoe does not mean that it doesn't get hot. Making sure your property is equipped with a few fans will ensure that your guests have a more pleasant vacation. There are many BBQ's out there that have seen better days - past their "use by" date! Please if you are the owner of one of these relics - REPLACE IT!!! It will not only provide a better guest experience, but will provide a safer solution at your home. Twice each year our staff does inventory at the various homes we manage. We check to ensure that mattress pads and blankets are still on the beds, there is an ample supply of glassware and cookware, as well as other items such as small appliances. While our guests tend to be very responsible, breakage sometimes occurs and non-stick surfaces get scratched. Teflon items are not meant to last forever and will need to occassionally be replaced. Having a fully stocked, functional kitchen goes a long way in ensuring guest satisfaction. While your house may sleep 6 persons - it is not practical to only have 6 plates and glasses. I don't know too many people who would want to wash dishes each time they planned to have a meal. It is not practical. In this case - more is better! Also, in visiting properties I have noticed that many of the comforters/bedding is the original bedding I remember when first starting with this company 8 years ago. Replacement of tired/worn items - especially comforters and pillows make a big difference in a guest stay. We have to think along the lines of a hotel experience. What would you think if the next Marriott you stayed in had 8 year old comforters and pillows on their beds? Iit really is no different for a vacation rental - we are held to the overall standards of the lodging industry. Please consider the age of your bedding. If you need for us to coordinate replacement of these items, we are happy to do so. BBQ Drip Pans and Cigarette Butt Containers TKR requires BBQ drip pans on all BBQ's that reside on wooden decks. We also require cigarette butt containers to be placed outside on all decks. Due to the increased fire danger in the Lake Tahoe region, we feel that the above steps are necessary in helping to ensure the safety of your property and neighborhood. We will not be calling for authorization of this minimal expense. If your property already has these safety features in place, please disregard this message. Service Animals An issue that has just recently been brought to our attention and one that we have researched as to its affect on our business, is that of the admittance of service animals in compliance with ADA lodging regulations. In the event that a person with a service animal requests lodging at one of our properties, we are required by law to comply. The service animal must be permittd to accompany the individual with a disability and not segregated to a "pet friendly" property. A service animal is not considered a pet. The ADA requires us to modify our "no pets" policy to allow this usage. It must be the exception to the rule. We can neither charge a deposit nor an extra cleaning fee for these customers, even though deposits are routinely required for pets. While this has never been an issue in the past, TKR intends to comply fully with the ADA guidelines. If any owner wishes further information on this subject, I encourage you to call or email Lisa Underwood - (800) 698-2463. Owner and Owner Guest Reservations If you are making a reservation for yourself or a guest and wanting to pick up a key at the check-in office, please note our office hours. Hours of Operation: April 1st - June 30th and Sept. 1st - Dec. 18th If you or your guest requires a late check-in after hours - please notify our office at least 24 hours in advance. We have moved to a lock box system to help facilitate guest after hours check in and boxes and codes are assigned as needed.
Tahoe Keys Homeowners - please note - if your property is sold with a boat dock it is essential that your guests have access to the dock. We are encountering numerous situations where owners are using or renting their boat docks to others. If this is the case, please notify us due to the fact that we may have to relocate guests if they are expecting boat dock access. Many of you who do have boat docks will notice that we have had to list it as "No Dock" on our website due to the water levels. Since we are beginning to get reservations for next summer - we cannot advertise boat docks at properties where the water levels are drastically low. Should winter eleviate this drought situation, the boat dock will be added back into your amenities. Owner Closets We have had a few recent incidents in regards to the security of owner closets. As a general rule, we do not have keys to these closets and it is essential that upon your departure that you properly secure it. Because we do not have access, we do not inventory items and we assume no responsibility for missing items. We would like to recommend the easiest and most effective way to secure them is by replacing the locking knob with a dead bolt. Another effective means is a latch and combination lock. No keys needed. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing solution but definitely puts off anyone that's nosey! It would also help eliminate lost keys. If you would like for us to examine your current set up and install a deadbolt or latch system, please give the Maintenance department a call.
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