Valuable information you need to be aware of, before you book any accommodation in B.C. !
As of 1st October 2018, the Provincial Government of British Columbia will be introducing additional tax required, payable on all short-term accommodation bookings (under 28 nights). So, whether you are booking a rental home, vacation rental, cabin, hostel, Airbnb, bed and breakfast, yurt, yacht, boat, hotel, motel or any type of short-term accommodation; this tax will be applied to ALL accommodation across B.C
This will affect You!
The Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) up to 3%, and Provincial Sales Tax (PST) 8% will be added to all bookings (under 28 days ) after 1st October 2018. For detailed information see Provincial Sales Tax Bulletin.
Lakeview Homes is a verified rental home and trusted accommodation provider!
Lakeview Homes has been providing quality accommodation for over 15 years in Nanaimo, the Gateway to Vancouver Island!
In addition, some important changes to Online Travel Agencies (OTA)’s as below:
Since 2000, we have seen a massive rise in Online Travel Agencies (OTA) providers all competing for guests and accommodation providers to use their online platforms such as VRBO, Homeaway, Airbnb, Booking.com and many more. Are you aware, that over the last few years they have slowly changed how they operate, most likely due to the increased stiff competition?
Below are a few important changes that you may want to know!
1. Closed Communication
Many of the OTA’s insist that all communication is carried out within their “secure platform” and is strictly closed, so no personal direct contact whatsoever; emails exchanged only through this closed platform, all phone numbers, email addresses are blocked out.
2. Security and peace of mind
Are they really providing the security and peace of mind they are claiming to offer?
With many of these providers and their cancellation policies, could mean that you are without the verified confirmed accommodation you believe you have rented. As quite often, with very short notice, multiple sites are used by accommodation providers; their online calendars are not necessarily synced together with confirmed bookings and many instances of double bookings booked in the same unit.
3. How can a guest actually verify a rental?
The cardinal rule for booking any accommodation is to always pick up the phone and call the number listed on their website. We, at Lakeview Homes recommends you have the option to speak directly to owners/managers prior to renting; verifying them as a trusted source, ensuring a brick-and-mortar location. With the prevalence of phishing in online industries today, it is always best to verify a trusted source. However, we understand in todays busy world the convenience of booking online, so there are many possible ways to verify the legitimacy of accommodations, see below.
Look before you book!
A few suggestions to verify accommodation is legitimate:
- Visit their website
- Verify guest reviews
- Use reviews outside of OTA’s including; Google Reviews, TripAdvisor Reviews, Facebook, Yellow Pages or Yelp
- Verify an office location using Google Maps
- Confirm at business license through the city office
For more great tips to find verified and trusted rentals click here
Why would you book directly with the owner of your rental property at Lakeview Homes?
- Karin and team have been providing holiday accommodation and rentals on Vancouver Island for over 20 yrs in both short term accommodation, as well as, bed and breakfast
- Honest, Open and Transparent communication from start to finish
- Booking with us directly, you can ensure you are booking with a trusted and verified accommodation provider
- Direct personal contact via telephone or business email address
- A validated rental website with an SSL certificate for security ( https) S= Secure Socket Layer which secures and protects client data
- Booking direct provides the best pricing listed directly on our website
See clearly for yourself what others have said about their experiences and the level of service we provide! Book with us directly and you will have an honest, open and transparent journey from start to finish.
Great reviews are received from exceeded expectations!
DO YOU KNOW?
Company brands such as Lakeview Homes, are built on trust, loyalty and customer confidence!
Many OTA’s strip branding out of all their listings, preventing open communication between guest and accommodation provider!
Booking directly may be the best solution for finding your next verified vacation rental or trusted accommodation provider!
Many OTA’s have substantially increased their fees, some even double-dipping, charging both potential guests upwards of 15%, as well as, owners for their listing on these sites.
Lakeview Homes is very proud to be a reputable, trustworthy rental homes agency that has provided memorable, amazing experiences to travelers and locals alike!
We take great pride in providing very clean, well maintained rental properties in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, with all the luxuries of a hotel stay, but in the comfort of a beautifully appointed private home with many extra amenities. We at Lakeview Homes, are happy to provide any required information to verify your rental to ensure you are 100% comfortable with your reservation.
An interesting article sharing information and suggesting guests call directly to accommodation providers rather than rely on booking sites for cheaper rates!