Renters FAQ
Owners FAQ
Renters FAQ
Why a rental property instead of a hotel?
On initial inspection, you may be fooled
into thinking that a hotel is the cheapest and most appropriate option for your
Florida vacation, but once you begin to consider and see the rental properties
within the area, the disadvantages of a hotel becomes apparent.
Total privacy, no matter what type of
rental accommodation you choose, a detached villa, Townhouse, or an apartment,
the whole of the property is yours for the full duration of your vacation. This
ultimate flexibility and space, is unrivalled, and allows you to come and go as
you please no matter what time of day or night. Many rentals properties offer
flexible check in/out times to ensure that you get the very best value for
money.
Many hotels struggle to offer
accommodation for larger families and groups traveling together. This results
in the need for multiple rooms thereby increasing the cost of your
accommodation. Our rental properties can accommodate in excess of 16 people in
a single detached villa, and there is no need to worry about the number of
bathrooms, as many properties offer them in abundance, ensuring that everyone
is catered for. Many properties offer the luxury of having two master en suite
bedrooms, which is ideal when two families or groups travel together.
Location is always a major consideration
when booking your accommodation, and it is always close to the areas, which
interest you and your family and friends most. In renting your very own
property, this consideration does not change, as all of our featured
communities, are within easy reach of all the major attractions, shopping malls
and golf courses etc, as well as having a host of local shops and restaurants.
The facilities in our rental properties
ensure that everything you need to enjoy your vacation is provided, without any
extra cost to you. For those who prefer to travel light, almost all properties
have a fully functioning laundry room, complete with washing and drying
machines, so there is no need to take all those clothes, and unlike hotels,
there is no extra charge for the use of these appliances. Other popular
facilities include cable TV, games console(s), telephone, Internet PC and many
more. So if you would prefer a day at home with your family or friends, without
the noise and distraction of other tourists, no problem many properties include
your very own private swimming pool or games room. Or perhaps it's a quiet
family meal you prefer, simply buy your own produce from the local supermarket
before returning home to your very own fully equipped kitchen where you prepare
and enjoy your meal together in the privacy of your own home. This can be a
welcome change, and indeed a great deal cheaper than having to eat out each
night in restaurants. Then after diner and whilst the dishwasher is on, perhaps
you would like to relax outside, before taking a leisurely swim. Then it's back
inside to watch some cable TV before retiring to your very own separate
bedroom.
You may be asking "But what about the
cost?" This we feel is something, which you the renter need to decide upon and
research, as each property has a price specific them. As an illustration, the
following is the cost of two weeks accommodation in a popular hotel, which is
situated on the very busy International Drive in Kissimmee. The cost is based
upon two adults and two children, on a room only basis in high season.
Hotel. £100.12 per night / $181.22
(calculated June 2007 at $1.89 to £1)
(Room Type: Deluxe Room 1 King Bed or 2
Double Beds, Approx. 300 Sq. Ft., Feather Pillows, Shower Massage, Coffeemaker,
Hair Dryer, Iron and Ironing Board, Data port for Internet Dial Up Access,
Voicemail, On Demand Movies, 27 Inch Color TV w/ Remote, In Room Safe)
A comparative price for a detached villa
located close to Disney in Davenport, complete with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms,
private pool, cable TV, laundry, two living rooms, fully functioning kitchen,
double garage (great for keeping your hire car cool) in high season.
Villa. £64.28 per night / $111.42 (calculated
June 2007 at $1.89 to £1)
Each rental property has an individual
page which shows what features and facilities are on offer, if you have any
other questions about a specific property, then please do not hesitate to
contact the owner direct with the use of their personal contact details as also
shown on the property page.
What type of rental properties, are available?
Direct Villas Florida offers a variety of
accommodation to those looking to rent their very own property. The main types
of accommodation are villas, townhouses and apartments.
Villas quite simply are detached
properties, which come complete with everything you require, including that
all-important private pool. Many villas have adapted their spacious double
garages into games rooms. Villas come in a variety of sizes and floor plans,
and as such are suitable for all sizes of traveling parties. Both single storey
and two storey properties are available.
Townhouses offer terraced or semi detached
style accommodation, which is spacious and can accommodate large traveling
parties. Although some town homes have pools attached, many do not. To
compensate for this, many communities offering this style of accommodation also
feature extensive recreational features including large pools, which unlike
those in Europe are quiet. A cheaper option to that of renting a villa,
townhouses are growing in popularity.
Apartments are also growing in popularity,
and as expected this is mainly smaller style of accommodation are often found
within coastal resorts. Unlike hotel rooms however many offer spacious
accommodation, and are situated within a short distance of the beach.
What facilities are in each property?
Each property listing has comprehensive
details of all the facilities available at the property. These include such
items as a domestic telephone, Internet PC, spa, children's crib etc. In the
event of you requiring confirmation about anything specific, then you should
contact the owner direct via your preferred means.
How do I pay for my accommodation?
All property owners will confirm the ways
in which you can pay for the accommodation. This will appear on the individual
property-listing page.
Are pets/smoking allowed in the properties?
Many properties do not allow smoking within
them at any time, however smoking within the covered pool area where applicable
may be allowed. Confirmation of this can be obtained from each individual property
listing in the form of an icon. In comparison, many more owners do allow pets
to accompany visitors. Again this information is available from the respective
property listing in the form of an icon. Remember if you are unsure about any
aspect of a property and the terms and conditions associated to it, simply ask
the owner for confirmation.
Do I need a hire car?
The simple answer to this is yes. Without
the use of a vehicle, your stay will be inhibited. Public transport is not as
widely available as it is in countries such as the U.K, therefore to ensure you
get the most out of your Florida vacation, a hire car is a must. The most
popular and trusted hire companies are situated at the major airports, making
the whole process of picking up your rental vehicle so much easier.
Where is each villa loacated?
Our interactive mapping system identifies
the exact location of each community, both in the Orlando and Gulf Coast areas
relative to airports, theme parks and other areas of interest. Each community
page shows the distance to all major theme parks and airports within the area.
How can I confirm that a Property is suitable for disabled access/occupation?
Each villa listed in our Disabled Accessible directory indicates that the property has been designated by the owner as being
suitable for disabled visitors. To ensure that the property conforms to your
specific requirements, contact with the owner is advisable. In the unlikely
event of incorrect information being given, Direct Villas Florida requires
notification, so to allow us to amend the listing as required. Each disabled
friendly property can be identified directly from the search facility, which
allows a search to be made ensuring that disabled friendly properties are shown
in the results.
Are welcome packs available?
Many owners offer welcome packs that
include essential provisions to ensure that you have everything you require for
your first night. In addition to this specific items can also be requested.
This service is normally a payable extra, the cost of which should be confirmed
with the owner prior to departure.
Is there a house keeping service available?
Although each property should have a vacuum
cleaner, and other such items, some owners via their respective property
management companies offer interim cleaning services. It must be noted that
such services are a chargeable extra, the cost of which should be confirmed
with the owner prior to departure.
How do I get a disabled badge for a hire vehicle?
You simply need to contact the local tax
office for the area in which you intend to use and park your vehicle, as each
county has different rules in relation to the issuing of disabled badges to
international tourists. Kissimmee for example, where the likes of Disney is
located requires applicants to attend the local office(s), where upon producing
your home disabled badge and passport you will be issued with a local badge
which lasts for 90 days maximum. Although other areas do not require this, and
simply allow the use of your very own disabled badges as provided within your
own country, the safest option is to obtain a Floridian badge to ensure that
your parking is legal, no matter which area you are in.
Where can I get a hire car suitable for disabled drivers/usage?
Most of the major car hire companies offer
adapted vehicles for use by disabled visitors. To obtain a free no obligation
quote for your specific type of hire vehicle contact us.
How do I find a rental that is right for me?
Finding a rental property which provides you with everything you require during your vacation is one of the most important aspects of an independent holiday package.
Using our drill down search facility users can quickly identify rental properties within their chosen area(s) and which have all of the features required. Using the search facility could not be easier, simply choose your preferred location, then the facilities you require. Your search results will update each time a choice is made or reversed.
Once you have a definitive list of suitable properties, simply add each one to your shortlist, by clicking the ‘add to my shortlist’ button. From here you can carry out a comparison of up to three properties at any one time and email the owners simultaneously.
How do I get a quote?
Contact owners directly via the shortlist or a property listing with your holiday requirements. They will contact you by return with your holiday quotation.
Do I book my rental with Direct Villas U.K?
No. All bookings are made direct between you the renter and the property owner or management company on behalf of the owner. This ensures that the price which you receive as part of your quote is the lowest possible, as Direct Villas U.K neither takes part in nor receives any commission from any bookings made between you and the relevant owner / Property Management Company.
What is included in the rental price?
To confirm what services and facilities are included with the rental price, please contact the relevant owner or Property Management Company. They will confirm such things as the need to take towels or the cost of telephone calls made from the property etc.
How do I add a review to a property?
Upon your return simply login to the booking zone where you will be able to submit a review. Please make your review as constructive as possible, thereby providing valuable information to other potential guests. If you have any issues you wish to raise with the owner, then this should be done direct with them, and not via the review system.
Do you provide quotes for car hire and attraction tickets?
We can upon request provide competitive quotes for car hire and many other third party products. To receive a personal quote, please contact us at info@directvillasuk.com, outlining what products you are looking for and the full details of your requirements such as size of vehicle, and your preferred dates. We will email you a quotation ASAP.
Owners FAQ
How do I pay for my annual subscription?
Payment can be made using the following;
Can I use my virtual tour?
Yes, you can link to your Virtual Tour within the Links section of the Owners Area.. If you have a virtual tour, which requires
updating, or if you are yet to have a tour made, then contact us at info@directvillasflorida.com.
How many photographs can I upload, and how do I do it?
You can upload photos up to the maximum number permitted in your package. This is displayed within the Images section of your Property Manager. We have also removed the
time consuming and some times tedious task of having to resize each picture
before uploading it. You simply chose your photographs then submit them to your
page; our software will then automatically resize each one before it appears on
your property page.
How do I add my property to the Featured Property area on the home page?
Within the owners area you will notice the Upgrades section. Here you can gain exclusive positioning for your property on the home page featured area.
How far up the search results page will my property be?
Depending on the type of search undertaken
by each prospective renter, the results will be shown in a total random order.
This is to ensure that each property has the chance of catching the eye of the
renter conducting each search. In the event of a quite specific search criteria
being submitted, the list of results will be shorter and as such may not
require this process.
How do I advertise my rental property on a Direct Villas U.K website?
To advertise your rental property, you will need to create your listing. To do this simply complete the payment process after which you will be invited to enter the relevant details of your rental. Remember the more specific your listing is the more targeted enquiries you will receive. It really is as easy as that.
Is there any commission to pay on bookings made through Direct Villas UK?
No. Direct Villas UK charges an annual subscription, ensuring that all monies from bookings made goes direct to you.
What information must I provide?
When creating an account with us the personal details of the owner or Property Management Company must be provided in the appropriate fields as must the full details of the rental property. This data will be retained by us and will not be made available or disclosed to any third parties at any time. This information is required as part of the validation process; anyone failing to comply will have the relevant listing suspended until such time that the information is provided.
What other services do you provide?
There are a whole host of extra listing upgrades available, from the featured slots on our homepages, to our late deals and special offer facilities. Each upgrade has a cost associated with it. All of these prices are very competitive and are reflective of the extra exposure generated as a result of them. Full details of our upgrades are available upon the sign up process, however many can be activated at any time on a pro rata basis in conjunction with your active listing.
How often can I update my listing?
Updates to listings can be made as often as you require. We anticipate that the areas most likely to require regular updates are the calendar and rental rates.
Am I going to receive countless pointless enquiries?
No. The drill down search facility allows users to identify properties which match their personal preferences. This ensures that you will only receive enquiries which are relative to your rental property, saving you valuable time by only having to reply to enquiries which have been raised using the information contained on your listing. One thing to consider is that unless your calendar is regularly updated you may receive enquiries for dates for which you have no availability.
http://www.directvillasflorida.com/florida-blog/index.php/what-type-of-enquiries-will-i-receive-from-direct-villas-florida/
Who handles enquiries from & bookings made through the website?
All enquiries and bookings received or made via the website are managed by the property owner or the appointed Property Management Company. We take no role in nor do we influence this process.
Can I re-distribute enquiries received from the website?
No. Any owner or property Management Company who distributes any enquiries generated from the website to anyone without an active subscription will have their listing suspended. This will be done pending a decision as to whether to remove the owners or Property Management Company listings.
What do I do if I see anything inappropriate or incorrect on your site?
We aim to keep all our website up to date however in the event of you identifying something which requires alteration we would appreciate your advice. Alternatively if you are made aware of content which is offensive or inappropriate on our website, then again we request that you contact us at the earliest opportunity to report the issue.
What incentives do you provide for referring another owner?
Follow the banner to Refer a Friend within the Owners Area for details of our latest incentive.
How do I cancel my advertisement?
You can cancel your advertisement at any time by using the Contact Us form outlining your reason for cancellation, the property number to be cancelled and the date the cancellation is to be effective.
What listing upgrades do you offer?
Home Page Featured Property (Premium & Standard)
Increase exposure by featuring your property on the Home Page in one of only 8 featured zones.
Every time a visitor visits our website your property will be exclusively displayed in one of the standard Featured Property zones on our home page for the duration of this upgrade.
This upgrade ensures your exposure on the busiest page on our website
Search Result Highlight
Make your property stand out from the crowd on our search results pages!
Your property’s search result listing will be highlighted to differentiate it from the other properties on the page and will be given prioritised placement in some results lists to maximise your chances of getting noticed.
Multi Page Property Focus
Grab extra attention by appearing in our Property Focus zone which is visible on multiple pages across our website.
Perfect for getting noticed by visitors wanting to learn more, the Property Focus zone is shown on all of the location and attraction pages of our website. We’re putting your property in front of holiday makers without them having to even make a search!
Late Deals
Do you have a last minute vacancy you need to fill? Add a Late Deal and get noticed!
We’ll do everything we can to get your last minute vacancy filled by getting your late deal noticed by:-
Listing your vacancy in the Late Deals area on the home page (which is the most visited page on our website)
Adding a Late Deal flash on your property’s search result listing with details of your vacancy
Highlighting your Late Deal on your property listing page
Enabling the holiday makers to filter their property search results by Late Deals only!
Special Offers
Struggling to fill your vacancy calendar? Create a Special Offer and let the holiday makers know you offer something extra special!
We’ll help you shout about your Special Offer by:-
Listing your offer in the Offers area on the home page (which is the most visited page on our website)
Adding a Special Offer flash on your property’s search result listing with details of your offer
Highlighting your Special Offer on your property listing page
Enabling the holiday makers to filter their property search results by Special Offers only!
Dedicated Directories
Tell holiday makers that your property will meet their requirements by getting listed in one of our dedicated directories.
If your property has something worth shouting about, for example it’s Disabled Accessible or is near to a Beach or Theme Park then our dedicated directories are a must have!
Benefits:-
Exclusive links from our home page
Directory Icons to make your property stand out on the search pages and your property listing page.
Filtered search results by our dedicated directories only.