Dictionary
This Glossary is provided to help guests understand more about the rental of inns, resorts and vacation rentals. It is not comprehensive but serves as a primer for terms guests may encounter in renting specialty lodging. Not all terms apply to all properties or managers.
Guest Ranch
Usually working ranches that accept guests for lodging, food service, horse back riding and other ranch and farm activities.
See also: Dude Ranch, Farm Stay Origin: Wm. May Link: GuestRanchers.org
Guest Registration
The process during which a guest checks into a lodging unit and registers as being in occupancy. Also the form used during the registration process.
See also: Simple Registration, Complex Registration Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Guest Survey
A mailed, or in unit, email or online survey inviting guests to rate and comment on the property they have occupied. Questions include guest satisfaction on cleanliness, furnishings, customer service and other factors which reflect on the property.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Guesttimating
Attempt to project the number of guests, bookings or income that a lodging property will generate in the future.
See also: Guesstimating, projectiong, estimating Origin: Wm. May
High Rise Building
A building that may include various types of space, and often office space that is 12 or more floors in height.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Hold Over
When a guest stays longer than their pre-arranged booking or reservation period of time. If with approval of the owner or manager there is usually additional rent. If without approval a stay over usually results in penalties as well as rent for inconvenienced charged to other guests and employee. (Also known as a Stay Over)
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Holiday House
A fully furnished home offered for rent on a nightly, weekly or long basis but essentially for short-term use. The same as a Vacation Rental but used in parts of European, Australia and other parts of the world.
See also: Vacation Rental. Holiday Let Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Holiday Let
A house, condo or other living unit used for short-term rental, usually in a resort or recreational area and having sleeping quarters, bath and kitchen. Also known as a Vacation Rental.
See also: Vacation Rental Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Home
A person's primary or secondary residence.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Home Owners Association (HOA)
Association responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and financial management of common areas in certain complexes and neighborhoods.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Hospitality Industry
Another term for the travel industry.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Hostel
An establishment that provides inexpensive lodging often for students, workers or travelers, some in shared bed or bunk rooms, sometimes with modest individual rooms. Usually baths are across the hall. Many have bending machines and coffee service, but seldom sit down dining.
Origin: Wm. May
Hot Tub
A small pool often outdoors and accommodating 2 to 12 people who can sit in and enjoy the hot water usually 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Usually self contained including pumps, air jets, covered when not in use and treated with chlorine or similar chemical to keep the water sanitary. Also called a spa.
See also: Spa Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Hot Tub Cleaning Fee
A certain amount above and beyond the rental rate charged to renters wishing to use your hot tub.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Housekeepers
Those wonderful folks who clean lodging properties after guests and invitees depart. A thank less job for which gratitudes are not always given but always appreciated
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Housekeeping
The task of cleaning lodging properties after guests and invitees have departed. Includes washing linens, cleaning all rooms, vacuuming and return the property to its condition prior to the guests arrival.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Housekeeping Fee
A charge to guest's account for an Out, Interim or Excessive cleaning of a vacation rental or hotel unit. When quoted fees are usually a minimum meaning guests will be charged for cleaning that is beyond normal and usual usage.
See also: Interim Clean, Out Cleaning, Housekeeping Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Icon
A facility or landmark which is visually synonymous with a destination.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Incentive Travel
Travel offered as a reward for top performance and the business that develops, markets, and operates these programs.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Inclusive Tour
A tour program that includes a variety of features for a single rate (airfare, accommodations, sightseeing, performances, etc.)
Origin: Vacation Rental Association