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.
Security Deposit
A payment guests make to property owners or managers to pay for any damage or overage fees they may incur. Not common in hotels or motels but more common for vacation rental cabins, condos and homes. If a guest incurs such charges they are subtracted from the deposit prior to its return. Sometimes called a Damage Deposit.
See also: Damage Deposit, Deposit Waiver Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Self Catering
A term sometimes used for vacation rentals primarily in Europe, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Also applies to furnished apartments without an onsite cook.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Seniors
Travelers over a certain age, usually 55, who receive certain benefits not afforded to the general public, such as discounts, early entry or other privileges.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Service Order
When guests or owners request maintenance, additional housekeeping or other services from managers or other vendors. Owners may choose to purchase services using this system. If for essential services there is usually no charge to guests. But charges apply to non-essential services
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Setting
The type of area in which a property is located. Such as at the Beach, in the Mountains, part of a Resort or in the City.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Short-Term Rental
Synonymous with Vacation Rental, Holiday Let, Holiday Home. A cabin, condo, apartment, house or villa available for rent on a nightly, weekly usulaly for under 30 days, but occasionally longer. Usually fully furnished including a kitche, bath and sleeping area.
See also: short term, short term rental, Vacation Rental, Holiday Let, Holiday Home, mid-term rental, long-term rental Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Shoulder Season
The period between peak and low periods when business is stronger, but has room from growth.
See also: Travel Seasons, Peak Season, Low Season Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Ski-In Accommodations
Building, rooms or living units in a ski resort area where guests can ski to the building or reasonably close to it. Could require guests to remove skis to access the building or its grounds. Not necessarily down hill to the building but access would usually be without major obstacles between the slopes and the accommodations.
See also: Ski-Out Accommodations, Ski-In Ski-Out Accommodations Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Ski-In and Ski-Out Accommodations
Building, rooms or living units in a ski resort area where guests can get out to access the ski lifts and return from the ski lifts directly from the slopes. Could require guests to walk short distances to reach snow. Not necessarily down hill to and from building to the slopes but access would usually be without major obstacles between the slopes and the accommodations.
See also: Ski-In Accommodations, Ski-Out Accommodations Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Ski-Out Accommodations
Building, rooms or living units in a ski resort area where guests can get out to access the ski lifts. Could require guests to walk short distances to reach snow. Not necessarily down hill from building to the slopes but access would usually be without major obstacles between the slopes and the accommodations.
See also: Ski-In Accommodations, Ski-In and Ski-Out Accommodations Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Smoking Penalty
The fee charged to guests for smoking in a No Smoking lodging facility. Usually the fee is significant due to the costs associated with cleaning facilities sufficiently to return them to a no smoking condition; and to deter unauthorized smoking.
See also: No Smoking Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Spa
(1) A small pool usually indoors 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 hot tub. (2) A business which offers health and therapeutic treatments such as massage, facials and exercise.
See also: Hot Tub Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Spa Hot Tub Cleaning Fee
A certain amount above and beyond the rental rate charged to renters wishing to use a hot tub.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Spa/Pool Heating Fee
A certain amount above and beyond the rental rate charged to renters wishing to use the heater on your pool or hot tub.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Stay Over
See Hold Over.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Sundries
Incidental supplies provided along with rent of a lodging property such as paper goods, soaps, salt/pepper and other kitchen basics. Many managers provide a started supply of such things. Most do not provide an unlimited stash.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Termination
The basis on which a party to a contract - written or verbal - may terminate the contract.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Textiles
All bedding, towels and other fabric products used in a lodging facility to comfort to owners, family and guests.
See also: Bedding, towels, fleece, Linens Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Time-Shares
Homes divided in ownership or use on the basis of time periods, most often one or two week each year.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Tip Envelope
Housekeepers leave in rooms indicating their name and date cleaned. Usually includes subtle reminder that tips are not required but gratefully appreciated.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association