- How do I make an inquiry/reservation?
- Erehwon Retreat is a privately owned vacation property available for rent directly from the homeowners. Arrangements for rent are made directly with the owner. All inquiries should be sent by email. Provide as much detailed information as you possibly can, including the following: Are you interested in renting the cottage (sleeps 1-2) or the bungalow (sleeps 2-4)? The dates you are inquiring about. Are you flexible on these dates? How many adults will be staying at Erehwon Retreat (note: families with children under the age of 6 are not able to stay in the Bungalow)? If you have any special needs or questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We know the area very well and can be a very useful resource in helping you choose the right place for your next vacation. Please note, if you have a pet traveling with you, Erehwon Retreat does not accept pets.
- If I email, am I obliged to make a reservation?
- No, you are under no obligation. Please keep in mind, however, Erehwon Retreat only has two properties to rent. We are not travel agents, so we won’t know about other properties. Before you contact us, spend some time on this web site and/or VRBO and be sure that this home is a place you would like to stay.
- What if I prefer to make my inquiry by phone?
- After your initial inquiry by email, we will provide a phone number to call (we prefer not to list a phone number on the website), and understand that a conversation with the owner can answer specific questions and help you narrow down your choices. Please note that you will be calling our home number (not a business), so please avoid calling at dinnertime (6-7pm EST) or after 9pm EST. If you get the answering machine, please leave your name, a number where we can return your call, and an appropriate time to reach you. Please note that while the number you call is on our property (an 813 area code), the owner may return your call from his cell phone (a 617 area code).
- I have called, but have not heard back.
- We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
- So why shouldn’t I just contact a rental firm?
- You certainly have that option. Keep in mind, renting directly from an owner can afford you many things that maybe wouldn’t be available through an agency. The owners also use the properties for their personal guests and have a philanthropic program to make the Retreat Cottage available as a very private place for performing artist vacations. As a result, our properties are furnished to a higher level of quality, impeccably maintained, and are better equipped than many other locations.
- How do we know the properties really exist?
- Our recommendation would be for renters to do their homework and suggest asking for references or a list of past renters, as well as reading reviews posted on both Home Away.com & VBRO.com.
- Are the prices set or is there room for negotiation?
- Erehwon Retreat prices are revised twice a year (December 13 and May 1). If a discount is available, it is advertised or brought to your attention upon inquiry. During peak season (December 18 to April 24), prices are firm.
- How do we handle payments?
- Erehwon Retreat requires a refundable $200 reservation/damage deposit. The balance of your fee is to be paid in two payments (60 and 14 days prior to check in). We require full rent, plus the deposit, to be paid prior to the rental period. We accept payment by credit card (Visa and Mastercard); we do not accept personal checks. Before we ask for your credit card information, you are provided with a written confirmation and contract (which fully outlines our cancellation policies).
- Do you offer refunds due to weather?
- With the exception of hurricanes (see rental contract), we do not make provisions for the weather. If you choose not to stay at Erehwon Retreat or to checkout early due to the weather, you forfeit your rent.
- What if something goes wrong while I’m there? How will it get fixed if the owner lives miles away?
- We are very conscientious about maintenance and do a lot of preventive measure to ensure things will not go wrong. In the unlikely event that something does break while you’re with us, simply call the owner or the property assistant manager. We will get the problem resolved quickly and professionally, even on a Sunday.
- Do I have to clean the property before I leave?
- No, our cleaning staff will come in and clean after you leave. We simply ask you to remove all trash and place it in the large blue container at the back of the property. The cleaning staff generally does not do dishes or clean up excessive messes. In either event, keep in mind that this is someone’s home.
- Is daily cleaning service available?
- If you would like daily service, be sure to ask prior to check in. It can be arranged for an additional charge of $15/day, which can be deducted from your refundable reservation/damage deposit at check out.
- What should I pack?
- Elsewhere on the web site, we’ve provided the following info: details about the climate and recommendations about clothing for your staya listing of what goods and equipment you will find in the cottage kitchen.
- How do I provide feedback for the owner or leave a review for potential guests?
- We love feedback—and so do others looking for their perfect vacation rental. Whether you have a suggested item that you would have enjoyed or if something wasn’t working properly, please let us know. And, of course, if your accommodations were perfect, we love to hear and read that also. Our goal is making Erehwon Retreat the perfect Central Florida historic getaway.
