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.

Algorithm Lock (Algo Lock)

A digital button lock that uses pre-determined codes known by reservation software and the lock to allow access

- Has no need to be re-programmed manually at the door
.- Can not be programmed over Wi-Fi
- Is not a mechanical keysafe or lock box
- Work similarly to hotel type card locks
- Usually also has a physical key to use.
See also: Wi-Fi Lock, Algorithmic lock, Keysafe, Algo Lock, Card lock Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Card Lock

A lock that accepts a plastic card to allow access, usually to a hotel room. Uses pre-determined codes known by reservation software and the lock to allow access

- Has no need to be re-programmed manually at the door
- Can not be programmed over Wi-Fi
- Is not a mechanical keysafe or lock box
- Usually also has a physical key to use.
See also: Wi-Fi Lock, Algorithmic lock, Keysafe, Algo Lock Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Advance Payment

Payment by the renter to the owner equaling a portion of the total rental amount. The advance payment is applied to the total rent cost.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

After Hours

Managers and Owners provide service during long hours, but most are not open 24 hours a day. Calls, assistance and other services provided outside of normal business hours are referred to as after hours.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

After Hours Fees

Charges to Guests or Owners for services provided after hours. Essential services such as loss of water, power or heat are usually provided free of charge. After hours calls for non-essential services usually bear a fee.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

AHMA - American Hotel & Motel Association

A trade association that offers benefits and services to hospitality properties and suppliers. It propose legislation affecting hotels, sponsors seminars and group study programs, conducts research, and publishes Lodging magazine.
Origin: AHMA.org Link: AHMA.org

Arrival Date

The date at which a guest arrives or is allowed to arrive and use a property. In lodging this also usually includes a time before which the guest is not allowed access.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Attractions

General all-inclusive term travel industry marketers use to refer to products that have visitor appeal, like museums, historic sites, performing arts institutions, preservation districts, theme parks, entertainment and national sites.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Availability Calendar

An online calendar which can be updated to allow renters see the dates open for a certain property (Room, Suite or Home).
See also: Common Calendar Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Canceled Stays

The number of guest stays for check-ins during a given period that canceled prior to arrival.
Origin: William May

Dude Ranch

Usually working ranches that accept guests for lodging, food service, horse back riding and other ranch and farm activities.
See also: Guest Ranch, Farm Stay Origin: Wm. May Link: GuestRanchers.org

Family Member

Includes Traveling Companion's dependent, spouse, child, spouse's child, son/daughter-in-law, parent(s), sibling(s), brother/sister, grandparent(s), grandchild, step-brother/sister, step-parent(s), parent(s)-in-law, brother/sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, guardian, Domestic Partner, foster child, or ward.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association

Farm Stay

Usually operating farms that accept guests for lodging, food service, horse back riding and other farm life activities and experiences.
See also: Guest Ranch, Due ranch Origin: Wm. May Link: GuestRanchers.org

Fleece

Another word for towels, wash cloths and math mats
See also: Textiles, linens, towels Origin: May, William

Guest Ranch

Usually working ranches that accept guests for lodging, food service, horse back riding and other ranch and farm activities.
See also: Dude Ranch, Farm Stay Origin: Wm. May Link: GuestRanchers.org

Hostel

An establishment that provides inexpensive lodging often for students, workers or travelers, some in shared bed or bunk rooms, sometimes with modest individual rooms. Usually baths are across the hall. Many have bending machines and coffee service, but seldom sit down dining.
Origin: Wm. May

Linens

Usually cotton materials used for sheets, pillow cases and other bedding
See also: Bedding, Textiles, towels, fleece Origin: May, William

Name Your Price

An offer to guests to specify the price they want to pay per night for lodging, and the manager then looks for lodging to meet their criteria
Origin: William May Link: VRIA.org

Rustication

Vacation in a rustic, rural or remote Inn, Lodge or Resort
Origin: William May Link: Rustications.com

Termination

The basis on which a party to a contract - written or verbal - may terminate the contract.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association