Whistler Rental by Owner Tips & Assistance

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Troy Assaly

Whistler Reception ServicesIf you do Whistler VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner), read this update from Cheryl at Whistler Reception Services for insight and tips…

Another busy Whistler Resort winter has come to an end, with the closing of the Ski and Snowboard Festival. Our central front desk at Whistler Town Plaza, Deer Lodge for short term vacation rentals is now getting ready to welcome our summer guests.

We found that occupancies were pretty much on par, if not slightly higher, with the previous period December through April.

We found this winter came with a higher guest expectation of private rental unit supplies and services provided. We suspect this is mostly due to a shift in the way guests are booking with private rentals rather than rental managed/hotel type properties.

While rental managed units have and continue to be supplied and serviced to hotel type standards, the private rental unit often doesn’t contain some of the essential supplies these guests have come to expect…

As a result of some frequent requests we received from guests for items provided in a fully equipped condominium or town home rental property we sent out a communication to owners, who have us provide service to their guests, a list of recommended items they should provide.

Things as common as WIFI and a broom or vacuum to keep the clean during their stay were on that list. Some other practical things not provided by many owners like light bulbs, batteries for TV remotes, hot pads and place mats to protect dining tables were also recommended.

We continue to try to balance and communicate guest expectations and what owners provide their short term vacation rentals.

We can’t imagine how many of the issues, which we dealt with this winter, were taken care of in unit without an in resort service representative to service their guests when their expectations were not met with the unit they rented for their vacation…

Whistler Reception ServicesGet Help with Your Whistler Rental Management…

Whistler Reception Services is in business to attend to guests in resort. Their central check in and contact for your guests will save your valuable time and keep your guests happier.

Whistler Reception Services central check in service costs as little as $25/month and they represent the property on your behalf. This keeps your guests loyal to YOU.

Find out more about Whistler Reception Services for vacation rental owners here.

Talk to Cheryl Waters to see which services will work best for your rentals by calling 604-966-0999.

Posted in Vacation Rental Management, Vacation Rental Website Marketing, Whistler Home Owners, Whistler Housekeeping, Whistler Property Management | Leave a comment

May Long Weekend in Whistler :: Video of Damages

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Troy Assaly

The 2013 May long weekend in Whistler will go down in our history books as ‘Undesirable’ for sure.

Rowdiness, vandalism, and a different class of guests arrived in Whistler Resort again this year, as reported by Global News… click the image below to see video of damages.

Whistler May Long Weekend 2013

“May long weekend always draws a different crowd,” Colleen Schwab with Inside Out Boutique tells Global News. “It is scary, violent and we don’t like it.”

The end of ski season is traditionally the start of a stretch of graduation parties, while others are taking advantage of cheaper off season room rates.

It’s a different crowd, but the result is always the same.

“As locals we kind of just come to expect that it is going to be coming. A lot of people like to skip town for the weekend or make other plans to stay indoors,” says Whistler resident Eric Smith.

Some won’t do business at all with the May long crowd.

“After many, many years of experience, I decided to just close them up and not rent on this weekend because the caliber of the guests over this weekend is unsuitable and unfit to live indoors,” says Whistler rental property owner Allan Landy.

This year a rash of vandalism has enraged residents after several businesses were damaged Friday night.

Hotels were left with boarded up broken windows, and a newspaper box was hurled through the front door of a coffee shop.

On Friday night, Whistler RCMP received 14 reports of mischief.

“The damage took place over a wide area. It went all the way from one end of the village to the other end and up into the Benchlands area,” says Sgt. Rob Knapton with Whistler RCMP. “We have not ruled out the idea that one group may be involved or responsible for all of it. But we don’t have any information to support that either.”

Source: Global

Posted in Vacation Rental Management, Whistler Activities, Whistler Craigslist, Whistler Events, Whistler Home Owners, Whistler Hotels, Whistler Housekeeping, Whistler Property Management, Whistler Videos | Leave a comment

Tourism Whistler Reports Bookings for 2012-13 Season

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Troy Assaly

Whistler Bookings & EventsWhistler Accommodations Room-night Bookings Only Slightly Behind Last Year, 10% Above 10 Year Average

Here’s a quick update from Tourism Whistler. According to Barret Fisher, Tourism Whistler President & CEO, you need to be a member in order to get the juicy details. If you are a TW member, you can access detailed booking numbers in the annual report.

Whistler’s 2012-13 winter season proved to be the second-busiest on record and ended on a positive note with business levels consistent to last year, say Tourism Whistler officials.

The record for Whistler’s busiest winter season in regards to room nights booked was 2011-12. The most recent winter was only slightly behind, by one per cent, but is still 10 per cent above the 10-year average.

“Given the extraordinary results of 2011/2012 season, the fact that we were able to maintain our business at those levels is really a strong results,” said Louise Walker, Tourism Whistler’s Vice President of Marketing Strategy. “The resort remains competitive, offering our guests excellent value for money.”

Winter 2012-13 had the second highest total of destination room nights of the last 10 years and hotel rates are seeing changes as well.

“Our rates are shifting in the right direction,” Walker said. “We are seeing some recovery. Although rates have not returned to pre-recession levels, there is some growth.”

Business levels are being driven by both the independent traveler and by conference bookings.

BY ALANNA KELLY at Whistler Question.

Posted in Tourism Whistler, Vacation Rental Management, Whistler Blackcomb Stocks, Whistler Hotels, Whistler Property Management | Leave a comment

Tourism Whistler Board of Directors Elected :: Sue Chappel Successful

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Troy Assaly

Tourism Whistler

Tourism Whistler’s new Board of Directors have been confirmed. Of note to Whistler vacation rental owners, Sue Chappel from AlluraDirect has been elected…

Tourism Whistler members have elected two incumbents and a newcomer to the organization’s board of directors.

Eight candidates were nominated for three positions on the Tourism Whistler Board of Directors this year, with voting taking place online and at yesterday’s annual general meeting. The results were announced at the AGM.

The positions available for election this year included: Multi-Managed Lodging – Benchlands, Single-Managed Lodging – Small, and Commercial.

In the category of Multi-managed Lodging – Benchlands, the candidates were incumbent Brenda Baker, of Stoney Creek Resort Properties, Sue Chappel, of Allura Direct and Mark Blasak, of Whistler Premier. In this category, Sue Chappel was the successful candidate…

Source: The Pique

Sue has been very vocal on behalf of Whistler home owners for over a decade. Allura has changed the face of the Whistler vacation rental scene, to say the least.

Sue was one of ResortAc.com‘s first customers back in the day. Sue and I used to spend time (too much time) at the Whistler Municipal Hall meetings back when Mr. Barrett was on his bylaw enforcement crusade.

If you have suggestions or useful info for Sue, please let her know. It is my feeling that Sue will push for some major changes in Whistler’s vacation rental landscape.

Good luck Sue!

Posted in Tourism Whistler, Vacation Rental Management, Whistler Accommodations, Whistler Home Owners, Whistler Vacation Rentals | Leave a comment

Whistler Olympic Legacy Costs

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Troy Assaly

Olympic Legacy Costs

For any Whistler home owners who were following the debate about the actual cost and revenue from the 2010 Olympic facilities, here are some updates:

Roger Sloane, chief executive officer of the WSL, said he is looking at opening up the facilities to things such as weddings and corporate events, an idea not supported by Wilhelm-Morden because it would compete with existing businesses.

Sloane said the two facilities had “excellent” seasons last year and were used for national training, world cup events and other competitions.

The bobsleigh and skeleton runs for the public were sold out last year, he said.

“Our goal is to create a business model that is sustainable in the future,” Sloane said. “Our goal is, at a point in time, to turn these into profit-making facilities.”

Sloane wasn’t aware of another Olympic winter facility that makes money.

He said he was planning a trip to Park City, Utah, site of the 2002 Winter Games, to learn from that model.

The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation’s 2012 annual report states its facilities lost $8.3 million, with revenue of $5.7 million.

Calgary’s 1988 Canada Olympic Park, which operates as a multi-purpose venue for competition, training and recreational use by athletes and the public, continues to rely on taxpayer funds to stay open, and recently needed more than $100 million to build and upgrade facilities.

Many of the venues Greece built for the 2004 Athens Games remain abandoned or barely used, the focus of public anger as the country struggles through years of recession and debt crisis. And Beijing’s architectural marvel, the Bird’s Nest from 2008, sits unused, except for the occasional tour group.

Chris Shaw, a UBC researcher from No Games 2010 who is working on a how-to website for opponents of future Games, said continuing costs were predictable.

“We were told to assume that this is a golden goose that will keep laying golden eggs, and now we’re shocked to find they’re lumps of coal,” Shaw said.

“We were largely told that these were one-cost things and won’t cost us anything in the future,” he said. “Now they’re desperately trying to find other uses for them.”

He said he doesn’t blame amateur sports for advocating for public spending, and said it may be important to fund amateur sports as much as the arts or culture.

Source: The Province

Posted in 2010 Olympics | Leave a comment

Whistler Lift Tickets 50% Off :: BC Residents Special

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Troy Assaly

Whistler Lift Ticket Discounts

Whistler Lift Ticket Discounts with Vacation Rentals

Whistler Blackcomb Offers Cheapest Whistler Lift Tickets for BC Family Day…

Whistler Blackcomb celebration for BC Residents to honour the very first BC Day Holiday.

Read all about it and see if you qualify for 50% off coupon here.

Posted in Uncategorized, Whistler Activities, Whistler Lift Tickets & Passes | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Craigslist Whistler Accommodation Scams :: RED ALERT

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Troy Assaly

Whistler Vacation Rental Scams

Whistler Vacation Rental Scams

Further to previous posts on my Whistler Blog, Craigslist Whistler accommodation scams are on the rise. I’ve personally had contact from 5 different Whistler guests who have been sucked into Craigslist rental scams.

My goal today is to share real live evidence with names and email addresses, in the hopes that we can stop the proliferation of Whistler Craigslist accommodation scams…

Scam #1 from December 2012

From: Holiday Rentals <hoolidayrentalhome@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, Dec 9, 2012 at 11:59 PM
Subject: Re: Interested in renting December 28-30
To: Craigslist Scam Victim

Hello,
Thanks for getting in touch, we would love to have you as our guest.

For immediate reservation,Kindly make payment directly to our bank

You are to make the full sum of $600

Below is Our Bank Account details.

Bank Name : Neigbors Credit Union Bank
Account Name : Robert Maixner
Account Number: 48598
Routing Number: 281082384
Bank Address: 11893 New Halls Ferry
City : Florissant State: MO  Zipcode: 63033

You can go to your bank to make a wire transfer from your bank to our bank.

We had an electronic code lock fitted so that you never get locked out and don’t have to worry about losing a key.We will send the guide through (and the door code to get in) to you before you leave. We’re sure you will have an amazing time. So much to do and see.. and of course very relaxing..

As soon as we confirm your payment, we will send you the receipt of payment

Attach is the booking form, kindly fill it, sign and return for our perusal.

Let us know once payment is made so as to block the dates for you.

We look forward to hearing back from you and reserving your stay at our beautiful home.

Regards
Frank and Robert.

— On Sun, 12/9/12, Craigslist Scam Victim wrote:

From: Craigslist Scam Victim
Subject: Re: Interested in renting December 28-30
To: “Holiday Rentals” <hoolidayrentalhome@yahoo.com>
Date: Sunday, December 9, 2012, 10:27 AM

Im willing to reserve it now. can you send me the form and more informstion please. is there a number i can reach you?

On 2012-12-09, at 4:12 AM, Holiday Rentals <hoolidayrentalhome@yahoo.com> wrote:

Hello,

Our home is currently available during the period you mentioned.The rate would be $400 for the 2 nights plus refundable security deposit $200, The total for everything would be $600. Rent includes all charges and no other extra to pay.

Our advice to you is to reserve the date if you are interested in it as we are having so much guest booking with us as the moment and we wouldn’t want you to loose your date with us.

Let us know if you are interested so as to proceed to reservation for us to send you the  booking form to fill and send back to us.

Once your payment is received, your booking will be confirmed and your date will be reserved so that no one else can book over your date.

Bank to bank transfer is accepted.

We would love to have you as our guest,let us know how we can help you.

We look forward to hearing back from you as and reserving your stay in our beautiful home.

Regards
Frank and Virginia.

From: Craigslist Scam Victim
To: Holiday Rentals <hoolidayrentalhome@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 8, 2012 8:14 PM
Subject: Re: Interested in renting December 28-30

Hi frank and virginia, im interested in securing the rental for Dec 28-30. can i get more information how? also can i get pictures of the property?

On 2012-12-04, at 1:03 PM, Holiday Rentals <hoolidayrentalhome@yahoo.com> wrote:

Okay, keep me posted

— On Tue, 12/4/12, Craigslist Scam Victim wrote:

From: Craigslist Scam Victim
Subject: Re: Interested in renting December 28-30
To: “Holiday Rentals” <hoolidayrentalhome@yahoo.com>
Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2012, 11:22 AM

hi thanks for getting back to me. i need to confirm with my friends, that place sounds good. ill get back to you ASAP.

On 2012-12-03, at 9:00 PM, Holiday Rentals <hoolidayrentalhome@yahoo.com> wrote:

Hello,

Our home is currently available during the period you mentioned.The rate would be $200 per nights plus refundable security deposit $200

This beautiful unit has it all: 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, with accommodations for up to 10 peoples in a private and quiet area. Best location at Whistler. Just 5 minutes walking distance from Marketplace Centre, Starbucks,restaurants and great shopping.

Address: Address 3125 Sundial Place Whistler, BC V0N1B4 Canada

We are private owners and not with any management company or other individual handling our property so no additional fees are added to your stay. We have only 1 cleaner and he is the same cleaner for every clean. Our unit is well maintained year round.
Rent includes all charges and no other extra to pay. Pin code door entry with no keys, so you can check in anytime of day or night.
In order to confirm this reservation, we require %50 rent plus a (fully refundable) security $300 deposit, then no one else can book over your dates.
Once payment has been received we shall confirm the dates are reserved  for you, send you through our local ‘guide for renters’
Please let us know how we can help. We would love to have you as our guests.(Interac E Tansfer required)
We look forward to hearing back from you and reserving your stay at our beautiful home.

Regards,
Frank & Virginia

From: Craigslist Scam Victim
To: f7hsj-3420504779@hous.craigslist.org
Sent: Monday, December 3, 2012 8:47 PM
Subject: Interested in renting December 28-30

Hi im interested in renting lodging for December 28-30. Do you have this available?

Original craigslist post:

http://whistler.en.craigslist.ca/vac/3420504779.html

If this email is a scam or spam please flag it now:

http://craigslist.org/mf/2296504169fc8419282845fd9c088722d2d56d61.1

Scam #2 from December 2012:

From: Vac Rentals <vac009@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, Dec 6, 2012 at 9:29 AM
Subject: Re: Rental for Dec 28-29
To: Craigslist Scam Victim

Hi
Ok. Look forward to read from you again
Sincerely yours
Steven & Susan

From: Craigslist Scam Victim
To: Vac Rentals <vac009@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 8:20 PM
Subject: Re: Rental for Dec 28-29

hi thanks for getting back to me. i need to confirm with my friends, that place sounds good. ill get back to you ASAP.

On 2012-12-04, at 12:53 AM, Vac Rentals <vac009@yahoo.com> wrote:

Hi ,
The rate for our home is $600 for 2 nights plus a refundable security deposit of $300.
The total for everything would be $900. Rent includes all charges/taxes and no other extra to pay.

For Immediate reservation, we require 50% rent plus a (fully refundable) security $300 deposit, then no one else can book over your dates.
50% of $600 is $300 plus $300 (fully refundable) Security deposit.
Henceforth for immediate reservation, You are required to make a payment of $600.

Payment is required via Bank Transfer
Name: Susan Hepner.
Bank: TCF National Bank.
Account: 7440992306
Routing: 271972572
Bank address: 555 E Butterfield Rd Lombard, IL 60148, US

Once payment has been received,we shall confirm the dates {Dec 28th and  29th 2012} and Complete the reservation for you
As soon as we confirm your payment, We would issue you a receipt of payment reservation.
Attached is our Vacation rental agreement. Kindly endorse your signature and send a copy to us.
We look forward to hearing back from you and reserving your stay at our beautiful home.
Sincerely yours’
Steven and Susan

From: Craigslist Scam Victim
To: Vac Rentals <vac009@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 3, 2012 10:35 PM
Subject: Re: Rental for Dec 28-29

Hi Steven and Susan!

Thanks for getting back to me at once. Im interested in the rental and i’ll show my family the pictures at once. Please tell me how we can go about the reservation deposit if we are renting the place. Thanks!

On Mon, Dec 3, 2012 at 1:12 PM, Vac Rentals <vac009@yahoo.com> wrote:

Hi ,

Our home is available for Dec 28th and 29th. Our rate is $300 per night plus a refundable security deposit of $300. 2 nights is $600.Hence, the total would be $900. Rent includes all charges. No extra to pay.

This luxury, three bedroom plus den townhome is conveniently located on the mountainside between Whistler and Blackcomb. The prime ski-in, ski-out location offers easy access to Skier’s Plaza and both mountain Gondolas via the Village Run ski trail, as well as direct access to Blackcomb Mountain and the Upper Village. The property boasts spectacular mountain views from several private decks around the home, two living areas for greater flexibility with your family and a modern, fully equipped kitchen. After a hard day’s riding, return to this home away from home to relax in front of the wood burning fireplace or enjoy breathtaking scenery and a leisurely soak in your private hot tub.

Address: 8-4701 Glacier Drive, Whistler, British Columbia V0N 1B4

We are private owners and not with any management company or other individual handling our property so no additional fees are added to your stay.
We have only 1 cleaner who cleans properly and thoroughly. Our unit is well maintained year round.
Rent includes all charges and no other extra to pay. Pin code door entry with no keys, so you can check in anytime of day or night.
In order to confirm this reservation, we require %50 rent plus a (fully refundable) security $300 deposit, then no one else can book over your dates.
Once payment has been received we shall confirm the dates are reserved  for you, send you through our local ‘guide for renters’
Please let us know how we can help. We would love to have you as our guests.
We look forward to hearing back from you and reserving your stay at our beautiful home.
Sincerely yours’
Steven and Susan

<Agreement. Glacier2.pdf>

Please contact the Whistler RCMP or Troy Assaly if you have any information about Whistler Craigslist scams of any kind.

Posted in Vacation Rental Management, Vacation Rental Scams, Whistler Craigslist, Whistler Home Owners, Whistler Vacation Rentals | 15 Comments

Tourism Whistler Instagram Campaign 5000 Photos Strong

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Troy Assaly

Whistler Photos on InstagramWhistler website marketing has been my life for over a decade. Back in the 90′s I used to curse and swear at Tourism Whistler (then the WRA) and Blackcomb (my employer at the time) a lot. The reason for my cursing and swearing was because these bureaucrats just didn’t get the Internet.

Well folks, times have changed. The Whistler marketing powerhouses are now embracing the Internet whole heatedly. Here’s a great example of how to do Internet marketing in the age of social media, smart phones, and helmet cams…

[Instagram] The free photo-sharing and social network, which is owned by Facebook, is being used by Tourism Whistler with the aim of creating a collection of unofficial, uncensored, candid shots of Whistler in all its snowy glory through the lives of real people. They are uploaded to micro-website http://unfiltered.whistler.com/

For the whole story, visit The Pique.

Posted in Tourism Whistler, Vacation Rental Website Marketing, Whistler Arts & Culture, Whistler Reviews | Leave a comment

How Negative Whistler Vacation Rental Reviews Bring Positive Results

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Troy Assaly

Trending recently, the blackmail review is a shocker to any vacation rental owner or manager. Sadly, I’m hearing stories about guests threatening to post bad reviews unless refunds are given.

Negative Whistler Vacation Rental ReviewsNegative vacation rental reviews in Whistler are few and far between, but I’ve heard of a couple edgy scenarios already this season.

Here’s a negative review story worth reading…

…So, three days before Christmas, a group of seven adults checked into the cottage. We don’t normally accept all-adult groups in party season, but these checked out on all our screening processes…

On Christmas morning at 12.15am – yes folks that is quarter after midnight – I heard the phone ring. Thinking it was Santa stuck down my chimney and calling for assistance I raced to the phone to find a plaintive guest telling me there was no water and she could not clean her teeth, wash her face, or do the dishes. She demanded…

Read the whole story at Cottage Blogger.

Posted in Vacation Rental Management, Vacation Rental Scams, Vacation Rental Website Marketing, Whistler Reviews | Leave a comment

Whistler is Canada’s Top Destination for Sugar Daddies:: Video ::Global News BC

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Troy Assaly

Sorry, but I couldn’t resist sharing this human interest story with you Whistler vacation rental owners…

As one of the world’s top ski resorts, Whistler has become accustomed to making all kinds of “best of” lists.

But you probably won’t find the latest accolade on its tourism brochures.

An American website says whistler is the top destination for women who are looking for a “certain kind” of relationship.

The world renown ski resort that has another accolade. It’s the top destination for, sugar daddies.

Some hang at this chic hotel in town. The staff at the hotel cater to a small clientele of high rollers.

The ski village made the top of a survey done by seekingarrangement.com

According to the mutually beneficial relationship site it can help wealthy gentlemen hook up with ‘sugar babies,’ young women who want to be pampered and adored.

Read the whole story on Global News: Global BC.

Posted in Whistler Awards | Leave a comment