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.

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

Chambers of Commerce

Typically, a Chamber of Commerce will specialize in local economic development that can include tourism promotion.
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

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 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

Concierge

An person whose job is to serve as the guest's liaison with the owner or lodging manager and arranging activities, attractions, facilities and services. Services are sometimes performed via phone contact.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Conditions

See Terms & Conditions
See also: Terms & Conditions Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Configuration

The arrangement of furniture, equipment and other features of a property including the specific layout and location.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Confirmation

The document usually sent to guests confirming that they have entered into a contract for the occupancy of a lodging unit such as a hotel room, vacation rental home, condo or similar lodging.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Convention and Visitors Bureau

These organizations are local tourism marketing organizations specializing in developing conventions, meetings, conferences, and visitations to a city, county or region.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Cosmetics

Improvements to a home such as installing a new fireplace that are relatively inexpensive and make a big difference to the look of the home.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Cover

Each diner at a restaurant.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

CVRO - Certified Rental Owner

Owners of lodging who study for and pass a test about their competence to manage vacation rental lodging are awarded a CVRO - Certified Rental Owner designation. The course of study includes awareness and a pledge to maintain properties that are properly outfitted, clean, maintained and truthful in advertising. The term CVRO is a trademark owned by the Vacation Rental Association.
See also: CVRM, CVRI, VRIA Origin: Vacation Rental Association

CVRP - Certified Vacation Rental Profession

Managers of lodging who study for and pass a test about their competence to manage vacation rental lodging are awarded a CVRP - Certified Vacation Rental Professional designation. The course of study includes awareness and a pledge to maintain properties that are properly outfitted, clean, maintained and truthful in advertising. The term CVRP is a trademark owned by the Vacation Rental Association.
See also: CVRO, VRIA, IVVR, VVR Origin: Vacation Rental Association Link: VRIA.org

Damage Deposit

A payment customers make to property owners or managers to pay for any damage or overage fees they may incur. Not common in hotels or motels but very common for vacation rental cabins, condos and homes. If a guest incurs such charges they are subtracted from the deposit prior to its return. Sometimes called a Security Deposit.
See also: Security Deposit Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Damage Waiver

A fee paid by guests that covers a maximum amount of damages they may cause. It is paid in advance, is non-refundable and covers unintentional damage up to a certain threshold if reported to the owner or manager prior to departure. Does not cover intentional damage, excessive cleaning, charges due to guest failure to follow booking contract or amounts of the limit
Origin: Vacation Rental Association Link: VRIA.org

Day

In most lodging, guests do not rent "Days" but instead bookings are thought of as "Nights". The origin of this terminology comes from the traditional (Hotel, Motel) industry where guests frequently arrive in the afternoon and leave in the morning. Hence it is the night they are renting not the day.
See also: Night Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Deep Cleaning

Heavier than usual cleaning, usually done at least annually it is necessary to have housekeepers clean high spots, behind appliances, baseboards and hard to reach areas.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association