Booking Notes (FAQ)
We Get
Questions.....
When do we book?
Is the Availability calendar
current?
Minimum Booking Durations?
How do we book a cottage?
Payments/Costs?
Holiday Cancellation
Insurance?
What if I don't take the insurance or
have to cancel for another reason?
What is a Security/Damage Deposit?
How do I get the keys and find the
cottage?
What time of day to we check in and
check out?
Do I have to clean the cottage?
What do I need to bring?
If you have pet allergies...
But why can't I bring FIDO?
Can I have guests?
Can I use my cell/mobile phone?
Can I hook up my laptop?
What about long distance telephone
charges?
How do I located a marina for boat
rentals and what about fishing?
Can I drink the water at the cottage?
What happens if the barbeque runs out
of gas?
What do we do about noisy neighbours?
What do we do with our garbage?
Firewood?
Safe boating regulations.
What do I do if I have a question
while I'm at the cottage?
Television reception.
Lake water levels.
What about cottage life of the
four-legged kind?
When do we book?
Summer rentals are booked starting in
January, with previous year's renters given first opportunity to
rebook cottages. Cottage availability is posted to the cottage
webpages as it is received from our cottage owners. New listings and availability are added
throughout the season however, so continue to check our site if
you don't find the right cottage when you first visit.
Is the Availability calendar up to date?
The on-line calendar is updated daily
but availability changes very quickly during the busy booking
season. We will confirm availability with you when you call to
reserve your cottage. Cottage availability calendars that are
'grayed' out (not showing any available weeks) are cottages that
are either fully booked for the current year or
we are waiting for the cottage owners to determine their rental
dates and they will posted when they become known. Please check
back frequently to check for updates.
Minimum Booking
Durations?
Each of our cottages has a Minimum
Booking Duration for both Low and High
Season periods. Most of our cottages are available for one week
rentals but some must be rented for a minimum of 2, 3 or even 4
consecutive weeks. Cottages that rent for longer periods
may become available for shorter, one or two week rentals in
late spring if there are any vacant periods remaining available.
Bookings at cottages that rent for longer periods must also be
rented back-to-back so that there are not any short, vacant periods
between bookings.
How do we book a cottage?
On each of the cottage webpages, there
are a series of tabs, the last of which is "Booking". Click on
that tab and follow the instructions. You'll be directed to
contact our office where we will begin by verifying availability and
rate for the cottage which you are applying
to rent. Then we'll take some personal information and provide
you with our Booking Application form and direction on payment,
etc.
Costs/Payments?
All cottage rates and prices are quoted
in Canadian dollars. Payment is in Canadian funds only. A deposit on the rental is due within
three business days of the date we
put the cottage on "hold" for you.
The total cost of the rental will
include the cost of the cottage accommodation for the time
period being rented plus our per booking, agency service charge of $90.00.
All taxes are included in the rates quoted. You will have the option of purchasing RBC Cancellation Insurance as well. Depending on the cottage,
there may be several other, optional charges for extra service.
Some cottage owners may be able to offer a full cleaning service and /or
linens service and in a few cases, there are some extra
facilities such as the use of an outboard motor, for which the
owner charges extra.
The initial deposit of
30% is charged to your credit card (Mastercard or Visa) with the
balance paid by cheque. A post-dated balance cheque (dated 6
weeks prior to occupancy) must be mailed to our office within 10
business days of the time of booking. All bookings made within 4 weeks of occupancy must be
paid in full by certified cheque or valid credit card.
What is Holiday Cancellation
Insurance?
As a registered travel agency, we are
able to offer holiday cancellation insurance with RBC
Insurance.
The cost is approximately 6% of the
booking cost. The insurance covers the cost of the vacation
accommodation, should you have to cancel for one of RBC's
"risks insured". Normally, that means accident, sickness, death
in the family, transfer out of province, call to jury duty, etc. For more details ask for a copy of the policy booklet.
What if I don't take the insurance or
have to cancel for another reason?
If you don't take the insurance, or
have to cancel for a reason RBC does not cover, our standard
cancellation policy takes effect. If you have to cancel under
these conditions, we would attempt to rebook the cottage on your
behalf. If we are successful in doing so, we will refund any
monies paid to us, less a non-refundable $200 cancellation fee. If we are not able to rebook the cottage, your deposit (or full
payment if within the forty-five days prior to occupancy) are
forfeit.
What is a Security/Damage Deposit?
The security/damage deposit (amount
varies - please check cottage description - General tab - for
the amount relevant to
the cottage you have selected) is taken to ensure that the
cottage is left in the same condition as found, including
cleanliness. The owners are responsible for checking the cottage
before and after each booking but renters are expected to leave
the cottage clean and undamaged. Renters are also expected to use a
credit card or their own mobile phone for any long distance
calls.
The security/damage deposit is provided
to the Company by way of credit card at the time of booking as
noted in the Booking Application form. The amount is not held
against your credit card and provided the cottage owner does not
make a claim and there are no outstanding long distance charges,
the credit card is not debited.
How do I get the keys and find the
cottage?
Once we have received and processed your
initial deposit and booking form, we forward a TRAVEL PACKAGE
which contains:
-
A Booking Confirmation,
showing balance owing, dates and time of check in and check
out.
-
A Cottage Information Sheet -
with bed sizes (bed & bath linen are not normally provided -
you must bring your own) and the other facilities provided.
-
A Map - showing the
route/directions from the nearest major community.
-
A set of Cottage Instructions -
these are the owners instructions and notes on using the
cottage including the cottage telephone number if there is
service. Please review carefully, prior to going to the
cottage and call if you have any questions. The owner's
name/telephone number and/or alternate contacts are noted
here as well.
PLEASE PUT THE TRAVEL PACKAGE IN A SAFE
PLACE - THIS IS THE ONLY TRAVEL PACKAGE/INFORMATION YOU RECEIVE
FOR YOUR BOOKING AND IT IS SENT OUT WITHIN TEN DAYS OF OUR
RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOKING FORM AND DEPOSIT.
Keys
Most cottages will have a lock box
beside the door at the cottage. You will receive the
combination for the lock box approximately one week prior to the
start of your holiday. If there are keys for the cottage, they
will be forwarded to your home address approximately four days
prior to the start of your booking.
What time of day to we check in and
check out?
Most of our "high season" i.e. summer
bookings, start and end on Saturdays - to allow the owner to
check the cottage between bookings.
Generally, the check in time is 2:00 pm
and the check out time is 11:00 am. But please check your
booking confirmation - some cottages have different times. The
owners need that three hours between bookings to cut grass, make
a security check etc.
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT - that you
leave by the check out time - and not arrive earlier than the
check in time. Failure to depart on time means the owners are
rushed in their work and the next people checking in are
delayed. We do thank you for your consideration.
Do I have to clean the cottage?
The short answer is YES! The cottages
we represent are all privately owned - and one of the owner's
primary concerns in renting out their vacation home is how the
cottage will be left by renters. In most areas of Cottage
Country, it is difficult to arrange cleaning services on a
consistent basis. Therefore, we have found the only system that
works consistently, is to require renters to clean the cottage
prior to leaving - basically leave the cottage in the same
condition as you found it - and everyone will be happy.
Cleaning supplies and equipment are always left at the cottage. As noted elsewhere, the owners will check the cottage between
rentals to ensure that the cottage is in appropriate condition
for your arrival but renters are responsible as noted above. Please refer to the
Cottage Instructions.
Cleaning and Linen service may be
available at some cottages at an additional cost. The
availability and cost for these additional services must be
confirmed with the cottage owner at the time of booking.
What do I need to bring?
Please check the cottage information
sheet provided to you at the time of booking for a list of
cottage facilities and amenities. Most cottages provide
pillows and blankets, but do not provide bed/bath linens, unless
otherwise noted.
If you have pet allergies...
Please do not assume that a property is
pet free just because the cottage is restricted re: pets and
smokers. Some owners have pets (or are smokers) but still
restrict renters from bringing pets. If you have allergies,
please check the Cottage Information Sheet - and ask us to
confirm for you.
But why can't I bring FIDO?
The dog/cat - not the phone... Some
owners have allergies themselves, or concerns about damages, or
their neighbour's peace of mind - so if the cottage is pet-restricted, please observe the restriction. Some cottage owners
are ok with dogs, but not cats, and vice versa. Please check
the Cottage Information Sheet Restrictions and please note - if
pets are permitted - this permission is for ONE PET ONLY. If
you expect to have more than one pet - please check with us to
make sure the owner is comfortable with that situation.
NO PETS - means no pets - inside or
outside the cottage - and ditto for guests who might have pets.
Thank you for your consideration.
Can I have guests?
For many families, entertaining is part
of cottage life. If that's the case for you, make sure the
cottage you rent will accommodate the TOTAL group - guests,
children, as well as your own family.
The MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY is clearly noted
on the Cottage Information Sheet. It is the number of people
the cottage can safely accommodate with respect to septic
system, pumps, etc. Owners are very concerned about the number
of people at a cottage with respect to the wear and tear on the
cottage systems, which are much more sensitive than our city
dwellings.
Can I use my cell/mobile phone?
You shouldn't assume that your cell phone will
work throughout Cottage Country. Many areas of the province have
little or no cellular service depending on the service provider.
Check with your service provider to determine whether a specific
area has service.
Can I hook up my laptop?
While most of our cottages have
telephone service, some do not have the necessary jack and
private, touch-tone line service that will permit you to hook up
your lap top, a fax machine - or even call home to check
messages. Please check the Cottage Information
Sheet for the status of your cottage - or ask us if it's not
clear.
What about long distance telephone
charges?
Renters are responsible for all long
distance telephone charges made from the cottage during their
occupancy. If a telephone is provided at the cottage, you are
welcome to use it for local calls - without charge. If you make
long distance calls, we would ask that you use a credit card.
If you cannot - we will rebill you, adding a $25.00 admin
charge, once the owner sends us the bill.
How do I locate a marina for boat
rentals and what about fishing?
First, check with us. We will probably
have the necessary information on file for marina/rental
facilities in the area of one of our cottages. You can also
check for a marina at
www.marinasontario.com . It's worth noting that some marinas
do not handle rentals at all while others are limited to certain
types of watercraft.
The nearest Ministry of Natural
Resources (Ontario Ministry
of Natural Resources) is your best source of information on fishing in the
lake you'll be on- you can check with the local Chamber of
Commerce or Tourist Information Center for their location.
Can I drink the water at the cottage?
Most cottages use the lake as the
primary source of water, including drinking water. We recommend
you bring in some bottled water or boil the water prior to
drinking, regardless of the water source, and whether or not it
is filtered. Most owners bring in drinking water and we
recommend that you do the same.
What happens if the barbeque runs out
of gas?
Most cottages have propane barbeques. We
ask owners to ensure that the tank is full at the beginning of
the season - and if possible that they have a second filled tank
available. However, we do ask renters to refill empty tanks
prior to leaving the cottage - there usually isn't time for the
owners to deal with refills when they check the cottage between
bookings.
What do we do about noisy neighbours?
Sometimes, but not very often, there
will be a noisy neighbour, or someone on the lake with noisy
watercraft - or an unexpected construction project nearby.
Unfortunately, there is little we or the owner can do in these
circumstances, which like the weather, bugs and lake levels, are
beyond the owner's control. (Please refer to the Booking Terms & Conditions.)
What do we do with our garbage?
Cottage Life is very different than life
in the city. Everything you bring up to the cottage has to be
disposed of, one way or another, including garbage.
At most cottages, you have to bring your
garbage to the local dump - and a dump pass may be
required. Some dumps have recycling facilities. Some dumps
have bag limits. All of them have odd hours of operation. A
few cottages have curb side (!) pick up. Check your Cottage Instructions for details.
The most important thing to remember is
NEVER leave garbage outside unless it's in a metal or wood
container. If you can't get to the dump on your last day -
please take your garbage with you.
Firewood
Most
cottages provide a limited supply of firewood for fireplaces and
campfire pits but please check your Travel Package to determine
it is supplied at your rental property.
Safe boating regulations.
The Federal government produces a "Safe
Boating Guide" we encourage all renters to read. It covers the
safety equipment required in ALL watercraft (including paddle
boats and canoes) and covers the new Operator Competency
Requirements that are being phased in over the next few years.
Since 2002, all operators of motorized watercraft under 4
meters have been required to have on board, proof of competency.
And there are age restrictions for youth in place now. Please
obtain a copy of this booklet - (call 1 800 267 6687 or visit
their web site at (Boating
Safety)... Safe Boating is
Everyone's Business...
What do I do if I have a question
while I'm at the cottage?
If you have a question or a problem
while you're at the cottage - by all means contact our office or
the owner or
the local/alternate contact noted on the Cottage Instructions.
Owners would much prefer to hear from you BEFORE a small problem
turns into a bigger one.
Television reception.
Television reception is almost non
existent in many parts of Cottage Country. If there is a
television - it is usually there for use with a VCR (you may
have to bring your own). If there is a satellite system - it
may have less channels than you are used to as well.
Lake water levels.
In Ontario, many of the lakes are
on controlled water systems such as the Trent Severn Waterway System - and
usually, the water levels will change during the course of the
year, sometimes dramatically. This will vary from lake to
lake and from year to year depending on precipitation levels and
waterway system requirements.
We try to advise you about particular
lakes - and if our video was taken at a particularly "high" or
"low" water level, we'll try and point that out too - but the
bottom line - if you'll pardon the pun - is that we don't know -
and cannot know or control the lake levels on your destination
lake.
What about cottage life of the
four-legged kind?
Or eight-legged for that matter - both
flying and crawling, and scurrying animal and bug life, are a
part of Cottage Country..... Life out there is usually pretty
different from life down here in the city - after all - that's
why you're going on vacation right? So relax - read a book -
maybe a book on cottage country wild life - and remember that
most critters are more frightened of you than you are of them.
Seriously, it is important to observe
some rules when vacationing up north....for example - don't
leave food out on the kitchen counters - or anywhere else - ants
and mice love your leftovers. Don't leave patio doors open -
chipmunks and squirrels are brazen little things - not to
mention mice - and will enter at the slightest
invitation. Lights at night will attract moths - and other types
of flying insects, some small enough to penetrate screens...
Mother nature, seasonal temperature
variations, life cycles etc., can all create unexpected
visitations...again, part of cottage life that we all have to
deal with. Check your Cottage Instructions for any notes the owner
may have made about visiting wildlife. If you have questions or
need help - by all means call the owner or local contact - and
have fun - it's all a part of Cottage Life. |