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| FAQ and Directions |
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Please tell me how to avoid costly mistakes
OK so I put this question in here, but seriously there are some things to be aware of to avoid disasters:
1) Glass in the pool area: plastic cups only: years ago a guest broke a glass in the pool. The local pool maintenance came out with full diving gear to remove all glass. This was while my home here was managed and I do not even know what it cost that guest but I am sure it was expensive. Please use plastic cups always. There are more plastic glasses hanging where the log bar is. No glass=no worries
2) Do not leave pool or spa cover off when not in use: leaving either off for extended times will cause massive evaporation of water. In the pool area this will accumulate on walls and ceiling and quickly cause mold. If the spa cover is left off the motor will try to keep the water at 100 degrees or more and simply cannot do so for long periods while the temperature drops. It will fail and either shut down or burn out. Also leaves, bugs and even animals can get trapped in there. Very simple solution, please always cover it and be sure it is on correctly and covers completely as it should.
3) Noise: Too much noise and neighbors may complain and police may come and may ask you to leave. A vacation rental is like a hotel, and they may send you packing right away. Everyone will be very disappointed. Please be respectful to the neighborhood.
4) Trash: Please fill the bear proof container with your garbage on Wednesday nights (or whatever day you check out) as the truck comes around 5 AM Thursdays. Excess bottles and cardboard will not attract animals so can leave near the bear box Wednesday nights, or leave in garage if leaving before then. There is no limit to the amount of trash they will pick up. Also never leave garage open and trash inside or animals will come in.
5) CHILDREN and ELDERLY: Always control or assist your kids and any elderly guests especially when icy conditions. There is snow melt and shovels provided but also give a hand everywhere you go in Tahoe. Also no diving or running in pool or spa and please never allow them alone in the steam or sauna rooms. I honestly want all to have a safe and fun stay in Tahoe as I am certain you do also.
How can I save money or stay less days than required?
Easy, and more than one way. If whenever you see dates on the calendar that are not booked, and confirm this with me and act quickly enough I will always try to give a better rate depending on how long a stay etc. Typically I may
drop 20% off and ALSO allow a shorter stay if that is what you need.
Another way to stay for a shorter time is to find days between two reservations on the calendar and just ask!
Sometimes I even discount some if your stay borders neatly next to another reservation so I do not lose any rental days. Just ask. I am always reasonable and fair and will always try to make you a good deal.
Mind you my rates compare to many homes of similar size but without anything as near as the luxury amenities and my overhead is unbelievable here so please do not expect Motel 6 rates :)
Where is the home located?
The address for Google or Yahoo maps is 1643 Hekpa Drive, South Lake Tahoe CA 96150
From the Bay Area is about a 3.5 hour drive or from Reno airport is about 60 miles to get here or 1 to 1.5 hours drive. The home is only about 5 miles to Casinos, Heavenly Ski Resort, or the Lake on a very quiet cul-de-sac with empty wooded lots on either side.
What about parking?
The garage will fit two vehicles and up to 2 more may fit in the driveway. When there is snow, all streets must be free for snowplows to clear, otherwise there is plenty of on street parking available. Please note I highly recommend anyone traveling to the Tahoe area to have or to rent a four wheel drive vehicle during all snow season months. Even if the weather is clear, things may change rather quickly.
What are the sleeping accommodations?
The Master bedroom has a king size bed, and the other two bedrooms each have a queen size bed. The Loft area has two separate full size beds and a pullout couch I believe is a queen size. The loft is recognized as a sleeping area and therefore according to my permit the home can sleep up to 12. The living room has a couch and love seat if someone wanted to sleep there as well.
How does Late Notice discounting work
If you see on my calendar an opening less than 7 days beforehand I will offer a discount rate that will vary depending on how many nights you want. Each offer may vary so best to contact me as soon as you see such a opening. ALSO: If you are not too far and willing to be flexible I will try to email you if I know you are seeking such a deal if you request this. I cannot guarantee I will follow up in time but I will try.
Typically I offer about 20% off.
What about Christmas and New Year rates?
I will ALWAYS get 100-200 emails about these dates, so glad you asked and checked here first. This year in 2010-2011 Holiday season, the dates from December 21st through Jan 3rd the rates are $800 per night and although I seek a 7 night minimum, I will consider 5 or more nights. These weeks you will find are the most expensive anywhere in Tahoe due to extreme demand. This home always books far in advance for these dates so plan ahead, do not wait until snow. The experience here at this home during the holidays I would describe as magical for guests of any age.
What about Pets?
Pets may be considered if agreed to in advance and clearly stated in our contract only. It is recomended you make arrangements for your pet (s) so you can enjoy all Tahoe has to offer without any restrictions. You must discuss pets with me before you make your reservation. If owner agrees, than pets may come along and a $50 fee per pet is charged which goes to housecleaning who will double vacuum etc after a pet stay. I need to add a clause to the contract regarding your pet liability, for instance if it should bite anyone. Also I ask PLEASE bring along a per carrier to keep your pet in at night or if you are away. Do not lock them in a room and expect they will not scratch my doors up. Pets will not act the same in a strange place as they do at home.
How deep is the pool and how warm?
The pool measures about 12 feet wide and 24 feet long and slopes from either shorter side (about 3 feet deep) towards the deepest point in the center at just under one fathom (a fathom is 6 feet). Curved steps on one end make it easy to walk in. We try to keep the surface temperature at about 85 degrees. Keeping about 10,000 gallons of water that warm is one of many thing you do not have to worry about, you are on vacation!
The doors to enter the pool are all alarmed and will chime so that adults may hear children entering. All doors are also lockable for safety. No safety measures provided are made to replace adult supervision at ALL times. Always keep the door closed because of separate climate controls in that room and keep the pool cover on for humidity and warmth.
How deep is Lake Tahoe?
Well it is a bit deeper than the pool, the maximum depth of Lake tahoe is 1,645 feet, but the average depth of the lake is 1,000 feet.
Can you tell me more about the house architecture?
The home was built in 2000 and was designed as a vacation rental. In fact, it has always been a vacation rental since then. We owners hardly ever get to stay there! The house is about 3500 square feet and if not for all the pool and loft it could easily be the same size as a six or seven bedroom home. But you need a pool! The log siding is from real pine logs and the stone turrent is real stone, or half stones. There is a lot of space in the ceilings and beneath the house running all sorts of extra ductwork, electrical, and pool equipment to make your stay comfortable. The house is very well insulated and has double pane glass throughout which keeps it both warm and cozy and very quiet.
What the heck does the name Hekpa mean?
Funny you should ask. The names of the neighboring streets all have been given Native American names and most are obvious and well known tribes etc. The owner has taken on the task of figuring out this question with a mild obsession. Searched the National Archives, the City planning, posted Google rewards to researchers, and searched and searched and....no one knows! So....each guest has every right to assign the name as they feel fit....and who could argue? If nothing else....YOUR group is the Hekpa tribe!
How clear and clean is Lake Tahoe?
The water in Lake Tahoe is incredible clear and it is 99.9% pure. The clarity is legendary. If you are on the surface of the water you can usually see up to 75 feet below!
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