So, let’s assume for a moment that a traveler books a vacation rental for Christmas week in the middle of November. This amounts to one and a half months prior to their booked arrival date. Over the next forty five days inquires will no doubt come in for that same home (that is off the market) and other inquires for different rentals listed on the ReserveMyHome site. Many folks will still inquire about the unavailable home that has been booked. These travelers are turned away from the booked rental because it is simply unavailable. Some renters will move on to the next home or website to seek a similar home.

Unlike a hotel room, a vacation rental cannot be switched around to accommodate a renters request of an ocean view, a deluxe room with two king beds or perhaps a request for a higher floor.

The vacation rental is selected and booked ahead of time. Typically a renter will research and accept suggestions and agreements from family and friends, agree on a location and the amenities that come with the rental. After all this sharing and research is complete a decision is made. Friends and family are advised of their secured accommodations and other travel plans are made to complete the trip. Using this example above and can consider the rental booked. Then tragedy happens and the renter that booked the home or cabin months ago can no longer honor their agreement and requests a cancellation and refund.

They know the refund and cancellation policy, they know it’s a long shot, but what they may not know is how many bookings have been turned aside since their original booking. This is why ReserveMyHome has a refund and cancellation policy. It is used to protect the owner of the home from loss. It is used to clearly define the process if tragedy happens. It is upheld by our company to ensure the home is available. In a perfect world we could make everyone happy (and we try very hard to do just that).

ReserveMyHome is not in the business of giving out refunds or switching around rooms like a hotel. When a renter books it they can trust in it. The home will be there for them and their family and friends when they arrive on their confirmed dates.

Recently, a request for a refund came in. Tragedy had struck and they simply could not attend. In this case, a new renter wanted the same home which resulted in this email from the original renter…

‘To Reserve My Home,

I recently booked a house with ReserveMyHome. We had a serious family emergency that came up two weeks prior to my arrival date. I contacted Zoe Avery and advised her of my situation. Zoe informed me of the cancellation policy and notified me that it was not in the agreement to refund the payment of the house.

Despite the policy Zoe and ReserveMyHome went above and beyond to work with me in regards to the payment of the house. The compassion and excellent customer service your company has shown is greatly appreciated. I look forward to doing business in the future with you and would recommend this company to anyone I know. I appreciate all that help you have extended to me in this tough time. Thank you again Zoe and ReserveMyHome.’

Sincerely,

W. Padilla Jr.

I wish it was this easy all the time! But the fact is… It’s not.