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.

Blue Ribbon Inspection

A lodging unit that has been inspected and meets the standards of the Vacation Rental Association (VRIA). Designated as "Blue Ribbon" and "Inspected Vacation Rental (IVR)" These include rules for outfitting, cleanliness, maintenance and truthful advertising, The terms Blue Ribbon and IVR are trademarks owned by the Vacation Rental Association.
See also: IVR, Inspected Vacation Rental, VVR, Verified Vacation Rental Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Buyer

Someone who has entered into a contract to purchase a vacation rental home, but has not yet closed the sale. Once purchased they become an "?Owner" or "Second Home Owner." Should not be used for a company, but rather for its owner or CEO.
See also: Direct Marketing terminology, Owner, Target, Lead, RBO, Complex, Hijack, Client Origin: William May Link: VortexMethod.com

Canceled Stays

The number of guest stays for check-ins during a given period that canceled prior to arrival.
Origin: William May

Cancellation Policy

The terms and basis on which a lodging property owner or manager will or will not accept cancellations. Also dependent on the terms on which the guest booked the property. Usually stated as a number o days prior to first date of occupancy on which a guest may request a cancellation. Fees may apply to cancellations or cancellations may be denied altogether.
See also: "Guarantee Reservation" and "Advance Lodging Reservation" Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Carpet Cleaning

Usually performed periodically by a vendor using specialized steam or other equipment to clean wall-to-wall carpeting.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Central Reservations

An office which receives phone calls, answers quest inquiries and arranges bookings of lodging facilities and other types of travel services
See also: Front Desk Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Certified Hearing Dog

A dog which has completed extensive training to alert its owner to a variety of sounds in different environments. These dogs are usually identified by a bright orange leash with black lettering.
Origin: Hearing Loss Association of Canada

Chargeback

When a customer requires their credit card company to reverse charges they have made with a merchant. This withdraws funds from the merchant's account without their prior permission. Customer must state a valid reason, but it is not evaluated prior to issuing the chargeback.
See also: Charge Back Reversal Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Chargeback Reversal

After a customer requires their credit card company to perform a chargeback or reverse charges they have made with a merchant, the merchant can request that his merchant account provider pursue having the chargeback reversed.
See also: Chargeback Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Check-In

The process by which guests arrive and check into a lodging property. Check In may be accomplished at a front-desk office, by meeting a representative at the property or by a telephone phone in requirement. These vary by the requirements of the owner or manager.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Check-Out

The process by which guests arrive and check out of a lodging property. Check Out may be accomplished at a front-desk office, by meeting a representative at the property or by a telephone phone in requirement. These vary by the requirements of the owner or manager.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

CHPA - Corporate Housing Providers Association

Industry trade association of businesses that provide corporate housing. They seek the growth, professionalism, excellence, customer service and profitability will improve each corporate housing company individually and the worldwide corporate housing industry collectively.
Origin: CHPA.org Link: CHPA.org

City View

When guests can see sections of a town or city from some area of the property, not necessarily from all area of the property.. May include Full, Partial or Peekaboo Views.
See also: View, Beach View, Mountain View, Resort View, Water View Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Cleaning

See Housekeeping
See also: Out Cleaning Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Cleaning Fee

See Housekeeping fee
See also: Cleaning, Housekeeping, Out Cleaning Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Client

Someone who has hired a professional service such as a property manager, advertising agency, attorney, accountant, etc. Should not be used for a company, but rather for its owner or CEO. Generally not for the sale of goods whose buyers are referred to as Customers.
See also: Direct Marketing terminology, Owner, Target, Lead, RBO, Complex, Hijack, Client Origin: William May Link: VortexMethod.com

Client Closet

A space with a lock in which a property owner stores assets not to be accessed by guests. Although the word closet is commonly used, the space may be closet, room or just a drawer.
See also: Client Lock off Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Client Lockoff

A locked closet that you set aside in your vacation rental property for your personal things. This is off limits to guests.
See also: Client Closet Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Collection

The process of securing payment from customers who owe you money. Includes contacting the customer by mail, email, fax or phone. Use of a collection agency. The filing of suit in court.
See also: Collection Agency Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Commissions

A percent of the total product cost paid to travel agents and other travel product distributors for selling the product to the consumer. May also refer to compensation paid employees inside an organization.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association