FAQs

FAQs

Reservations

What Time is Check-In and Check-Out?

Check-In is 3:00pm.

Check-Out is 10:00am.

May I request an early Check-In or a late Check-Out?

As much as we would like to accommodate early Check-Ins and/or late Check-Outs, we have many departments (and individuals) within our company who need the time between reservations to perform essential duties. This includes our Property Services Department, Service Technicians, Housekeepers, Property Administration Department, Property Owners, Property Inspectors, and others. All those individuals schedule their days knowing that Guests will arrive and depart at our standard times.

Altering these known times invariably leads to mix-ups or an embarrassing crossover with unexpected persons at the property. Thought you’d show up early and enjoy a long soak in the bathtub? Oops! Someone is here to change the light bulbs!

The Cleaning Fee seems high, why is that?

The cleaning fee represents more than just the cost of the housekeeping service (which is performed by a team of professionals who completely clean a home, and do all the linens, in 4 hours or less).

The cleaning fee also covers the cost and re-stocking of over 45 consumable items provided at the home that ensure convenience for our Guests (ex. cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, fabric softener, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, zip-lock bags, foil, cling wrap, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, etc.).

In addition, it covers the cost of our professional Property Inspection staff that performs quality control on our housekeeping, and ensures that the home is in excellent condition for the next Guest's arrival.

Is the Cleaning Fee negotiable? We are really clean people.

The cleaning fee is not negotiable. We have professional cleaners, who are required to clean after every guest. This ensures that every guest arrives to a professionally cleaned home.

What is the Damage Waiver?

Each reservation requires the purchase of an Accidental Property Damage Waiver.

The Damage Waiver is a required fee, and is not refundable. The Damage Waiver, which is not insurance, covers qualified damages to the rental Premises, provided the damage was not intentional, and was not the result of any illegal or prohibited use of the rental Premises.

There are 3 levels of Damage Waivers. The cost and coverage of a Damage Waiver is a fixed amount for each property, and is based on each property’s value and furnishings.

$100 Damage Waiver covers up to $2,000 in accidental property damages

$200 Damage Waiver covers up to $4,000 in accidental property damages

$300 Damage Waiver covers up to $6,000 in accidental property damages

Please CLICK HERE to view the details of our Property Damage Waiver Contract.

What is your booking process?

1) Guest clicks the "Book Now" button on an Email Quote or on the Property Listing on a website. Guest may also call our office to book a reservation (805-275-1851 Ext. 1). Payment information is provided by the Guest at the time of booking.

2) A Reservation Agreement is automatically sent to Guest upon receipt of the booking.

3) Guest electronically signs and submits the Reservation Agreement.

4) Paradise Retreats reviews the completed Reservation Agreement, and if necessary, contacts the Guest for further information.

5) Paradise Retreats approves the Reservation Agreement, then processes the 25% Reservation Fee. Reservation & payment confirmation is emailed to the Guest.

6) 60 days prior to Check-In, Guest pays the remaining 75% Balance Due.

7) Approximately 7 days prior to Check-In, the address of the property, driving directions, and property access instructions are emailed to the Guest.

What is your cancellation policy?

Reservations may be cancelled within 48 hours of booking, and any payments will be refunded.

If your Check-In Date is more than 60 days out and the 25% Reservation Fee has been paid, then your Reservation Fee of 25% will be refunded.

If your Check-In Date is more than 60 days out, and the reservation is Paid In Full, then all payments will be refunded.

If your Check-In Date is less than 60 days out and the reservation is Paid In Full, then cancellation of your reservation will result in the loss of all reservation payments.

RECOMMENDATION: Paradise Retreats recommends the purchase of Travel Insurance to mitigate unforeseen cancellation and loss of payments.

What is the Reservation Services Fee?

The Reservation Services Fee is a required fee which helps us cover the cost of processing your reservation payments, and also covers the cost of our Reservation Specialist team who are available 7-days a week to assist our valued Guests.

 

Properties

Can I bring my pet?

Unfortunately, we do not allow pets at our properties. This is to prevent health issues for guests (and owners) who may have allergies to pet fur & dander.

If you are staying for a month or more, some homeowners may consider a pet with an extra cleaning fee, but it is on a case-by-case basis.

Please note that there is financial consequence for violating the "No Pets" paragraph of the Paradise Retreats Reservation Agreement.

My pet is a certified Therapy Pet – ADA requires you to accept it.

These are private homes and not public areas.

Private homeowners are not required by the ADA to allow pets.

Is the spa heated?

Yes, the spa is heated. There is no additional charge for spa heating.

To what temperature is the pool heated?

Pools with heaters are heated to approximately 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is there a fee to heat the pool?

Yes, the fee for heating the pool is $50/ day.

Do your properties have air conditioning?

Each property’s Amenities page will indicate if a property has air conditioning.

Most homes in the Santa Barbara area do not have air conditioning. The year-round temperate climate and cool ocean breezes generally keep everyone comfortable. Electric fans are provided at our properties and, along with open windows, are usually sufficient to cool a house.

However, we have times each year when air-conditioning is a welcome amenity. For Summer & Early Fall reservations, if you are concerned about it being uncomfortably hot, we recommend choosing a property with A/C.

Paradise Retreats cannot be responsible if a Guest decides to commit to a property with no A/C, and then, due to extreme weather, needs A/C during their stay.

Is there WiFi at the house?

Yes, each home has WiFi Internet available.

Wired connections are also available if listed on the Amenities list for a property.

Can I preview the home?

It is not our policy to show properties to prospective Guests.

Our website provides extensive information for each of our homes. Please be sure to carefully read each of the detailed property pages; those pages should answer any questions. If the website does not provide adequate information, please call us and we will give honest & informed responses to any questions (or concerns) about a property.

Although not guaranteed to be available, Guests staying a month or more may request a preview. For those Guests, we can arrange a showing based on vacancy of the home, and availability of staff.

Can you give me the address of the home?

For the security of the homes and our Guests, we do not give out the address until you have booked and paid for your reservation. You will receive the address as part of your booking confirmation information.

One week prior to your arrival, we will email you the property address, along with detailed directions & property access instructions.

Can I drive by the home?

Although you may have received the property address as part of your reservation confirmation, you are requested to not drive by the home prior to your stay.

The reason for this is current Guests (and property owners) have been disturbed by “drive-by” guests who loiter on the street and analyze the home. We have even had situations where prospective Guests have parked their car and knocked on the door of the property asking to have a look around!

For these reasons, we request that Guests never do “drive-bys” at our properties.

Do children count towards the maximum number of overnight guests? Can children sleep on the floor on blow up mattresses & sleeping bags?

Children over the age of 1-year count towards the maximum number of overnight guests allowed on your Reservation Agreement.

We discourage the use of portable beds and sleeping bags.

Why can’t I invite more people if the house has beds to sleep more people?

Although a property may have rooms to accommodate more overnight guests than advertised, our Property Owners have the right to limit the maximum number of Overnight Guests allowed at the property.

We are contractually obliged to honor the limits set by our Property Owners.

Can I have a wedding/event at the property?

We do not currently have any properties that are available for events.

Why can’t I talk outside after 9:00pm?

An important part of our business model is respecting our neighbors’ right to privacy, and the quiet enjoyment of their own home.

For this reason, we ask that you limit noise outside after 9:00pm. This includes amplified music, loud talking/conversations, etc.

Can you recommend a restaurant?

Each home has a Guest Information Guide with a list of favorite local and nearby spots.

Feel free to call us, too, to get ideas of local cuisine, shopping, and other fun activities! We are local, located in downtown Santa Barbara, so we definitely know the area and are happy to suggest our favorite eateries, shops, etc.

Can you recommend a chef?

We have excellent private chefs whom we recommend.

Please use the “Guest Resources” tab on our website, and review the “Private Chef / Catering” section. Each chef is vetted and will provide an excellent experience. Click the link for each service, and contact them directly to set up your personal dining experience.

Where is the nearest grocery store?

Each home has a Guest Information Book with a list of nearby grocery stores and other local shops, etc.