While you peruse all the web has to offer for planning your summer vacation at a cottage rental, remember to book direct. But, what exactly does this mean?
When you go to Google and type in “Cottage Rentals – Ontario” thousands of search results will be available at your fingertips, with the top several being paid advertisements for the big listing sites such as Airbnb, Expedia, VRBO, Home Away and Canada Stays. The problem with this is you’ll be viewing listings managed by large corporations, who have never been to the properties you’re looking at, while making hundreds of dollars in additional fees, from you!
No one likes hearing this, we get it! So now you’re wondering what you can do to save those hundreds of dollars in additional fees, right? Here’s what you need to know.
Just starting your cottage rental search?
Start your search, just as you always would, whether it be a search engine, listing site or a management agency you know and trust. Check out the availability calendars, pictures, and descriptions. Reach out and ask any questions you may want to know (ie: nearest laundromat, water/lake access, recommended local restaurants or shops nearby, etc.). In your email or phone call to the owner/agency, ask how you can book directly with them for the best rate.
Found a property you love, but it’s on a big listing site?
Go back to Google (or your favourite search engine) and simply search the property’s name. Yes, the big listing companies will show up, but, if you scroll down a little bit you’ll see everywhere else it’s listed, including the agency or owner’s own website, where you can, in all likelihood, book directly with them and save those additional fees.
Already booked from a big listing site?
Although there’s probably nothing that can be done this time around, keep this in mind next time you book a cottage. When you get a chance to talk to the owner or agency (usually after payment has been made, but sometimes not until arrival), find out how you can book directly with them next time to save those additional dollars.
Remember, when you Book Direct, our Agents and owners are always happy to make suggestions and ask you questions about what you’re looking for, to find your best match!
Want to find out How to Book Direct? Click here!
Book Direct Day 2020 – How to Get Your Amazon Giftcard:
Use code BOOKDIRECTDAY2020 in the additional comments section of your rental contract to receive your $25 Amazon Gift Card.
Amazon Gift Card Eligibility:
Book by 11:59:59PM on 7 February 2020 to be eligible. Reservations must be a minimum of 3-nights at any of our CLRM properties during the 2020 calendar year. Not to be combined with any other offer.
Gift card will be sent via email after receiving final payment for any minimum 3-night stay in 2020 if booked between 2 February 2020 at 12:01:00AM and 7 February 2020 at 11:59:59PM when using code BOOKDIRECTDAY2020 in the additional comments section of your rental application/contract. Book a 3-night stay in 2020 using code BOOKDIRECTDAY2020 are eligible. One gift card per reservation will be sent to the lead guest’s first email addresses provided.
