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.
Sunspots Network
A group of independent real estate agents and lodging managers who utilize the Sunspots central office for a variety of services that support the offering and delivery of quality vacation rentals. Members subscribe to the best practices of the lodging industry and are contractually obligated to provide a consistent quality guest and owner experience.
Origin: Vortex
Sunspots Vacation Rentals Network
Network of Vacation Rental Management Companies, each independtly owned and operated operated by trained and certified managers in various geographic areas.
See also: Sunspots Network Origin: Vortex Link: SunspotVacationRentals.com
Sunspotters
A program where guests who frequently rent from membes of the Sunspot Vacation Rentals Network and are given special priviledges for their loyalty. Also referred to as a "Frequent Stayer" club. There is no charge for joining Sunspotters
Origin: Sunspot Vacation Rentals
Unit
May refer to a room, suite or living area (such as a condo, cabin or home) which is offered to Guests for lodging use and rent. The unit includes all amenities described and associated with the unit including the grounds upon which it rests.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Vacation Rental Manager
A company that provides comrepehensive lodging management services to multiple second homes such as cabins, condos, cottages, houses, villas, etc. Such managars operate local offices, housekeepers, staff, marketing, advertising, accounting and reservattions. May also refer to a person at such firm who is in charge of properties.
See also: Property Manager, Absentee Vacation Rental Manager, Corporate Vacation Rental Manager Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Wholesaler Lodging
A lodging operator who sells occupancy through other parties called retailers
See also: Retailers Origin: Redstone Systems
Your Share
Rental program from Sunspot Vacation Rentals that provides advertising and bookings services to owners of timeshares who have dates avilable to rent.
Origin: May, William
24-Hour Assistance Services
These services offer on-the-spot and immediate assistance for unexpected problems that can arise during your trip. The hotline operates 24/7 for help anytime, any place while traveling.
Origin: CSA Travel Protection
Advance Payment
Payment by the renter to the owner equaling a portion of the total rental amount. The advance payment is applied to the total rent cost.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
After Hours
Managers and Owners provide service during long hours, but most are not open 24 hours a day. Calls, assistance and other services provided outside of normal business hours are referred to as after hours.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
After Hours Fees
Charges to Guests or Owners for services provided after hours. Essential services such as loss of water, power or heat are usually provided free of charge. After hours calls for non-essential services usually bear a fee.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
AHMA - American Hotel & Motel Association
A trade association that offers benefits and services to hospitality properties and suppliers. It propose legislation affecting hotels, sponsors seminars and group study programs, conducts research, and publishes Lodging magazine.
Origin: AHMA.org Link: AHMA.org
Amenities
The features and benefits associated with a property such as furniture, equipment, furnishings, resort priviledges and so forth. Amenities widely between types of accomodations such as hotels, motels, cabins, bed and breakfasts; and also between one unit and another.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Amenity Fee
A certain amount paid to an owner or property complex above and beyond the rental rate that allows the renter access to certain amenities (golf, tennis, beach chairs etc.)
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Arrival Date
The date at which a guest arrives or is allowed to arrive and use a property. In lodging this also usually includes a time before which the guest is not allowed access.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Attractions
General all-inclusive term travel industry marketers use to refer to products that have visitor appeal, like museums, historic sites, performing arts institutions, preservation districts, theme parks, entertainment and national sites.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Availability Calendar
An online calendar which can be updated to allow renters see the dates open for a certain property (Room, Suite or Home).
See also: Common Calendar Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Average Daily Rate (ADR)
The average price paid for nightly stays at a lodging establishment. Does not directly correspond to Rack Rates (retail asking price.)
See also: Scheduled Rack Rates Origin: William May
Back to Back
When one booking immediately follows another booking without a day between them, that is referred to as a back to back. In that case, cleaning must be done between when one guest checks out and the next checks in.
Origin: Redstone Systems
Beach Front Accommodations
Buildings or rooms and living units in a building which is along side a body of water and generally with a reasonably level geographically between the building and the water. Generally means there are no other buildings between the building and the water. Is more specific than Ocean Front Accommodations which may not be on a beach.
See also: Ocean Front Accommodations Origin: Vacation Rental Association