BajaNomad

Cleaning fees on rentals...normal???

shari - 5-18-2007 at 08:06 AM

On a post on this board I see the rental fee was $45 with a $25 cleaning fee:?: We are new at this accomodation world and would like some input from you wise Nomads. My business consultant Iflyfishwhennotconsulting told me a cleaning fee was normal and a good idea...and I would like to know what others think. thanks for ;your input.

Bajagypsy - 5-18-2007 at 08:07 AM

I totaly would charge a cleaning fee. How many times have people left your place in a mess? Your time is worth money honey!!

Paula - 5-18-2007 at 08:10 AM

Shari, are you talking about a long term rental or by the day or week? And are you thinking of a cleaning fee or a cleaning deposit?

Hard to say.....

neilmac - 5-18-2007 at 08:11 AM

I really think that's just a way to say they rent for $45, instead of $70... problem is, I think people are more likely to leave the place dirty if they figure they've already paid to have it cleaned up.

Not ME, of course! <G>

Neil

shari - 5-18-2007 at 08:15 AM

Uh huh...good point. You have to clean anyway even if they leave it fairly clean...I'm impressed with how clean folks DO leave our rooms but it's a chinga to clean the whole place especially if guests only stay a couple of nights. Maybe a low fee like $15 would be a good compromise.

bajajudy - 5-18-2007 at 08:22 AM

Personally, I would think that if you need to charge for cleaning, you should add it into the price of the place. What will you do if someone says....oh dont worry I will clean it myself. Over the long run it will probably balance out between the people who leave it clean and the ones who dont.

toneart - 5-18-2007 at 08:26 AM

Shari,

How about a cleaning deposit? That would give guests an incentive to clean it themselves before they leave. Some will like the opportunity to save some money and some will not want to bother and consequently, forfeit the deposit. You could discuss the options as they check in so that there are no misunderstandings.

I think $25.00 is a hefty % in relation the the $45.00 room rate.
You might want to build in your actual cost, which is probably less than $25.00. Of course, if they are staying a week, then the $25.00 charge makes sense. I realize you are using figures you saw on another post and perhaps your rates would be different, perhaps making the cleaning fee more in line with the cost of the room.

Hey, my avatar seems to have slipped off.

[Edited on 5-18-2007 by toneart]

bajalou - 5-18-2007 at 08:32 AM

I would think twice about staying anywhere that charged a cleaning fee in addition to the room rate for a 1 or 2 night stay. Cleaning should be part of the daily rate. Now a week or more stay is a different story. If you have weekly rates, then some cleaning fee might be in order. I would pay cleaning fees for apartments, not motels.

vandenberg - 5-18-2007 at 08:45 AM

Shari,
Bad idea, smells like greediness. Will put off many potential customers. Cleaning the place is a part of doing business.

fdt - 5-18-2007 at 09:01 AM

Having managed several properties, from hotels and condos, in México and the US, the cleaning is part of the rate. Guests expect a clean room, house, condo, etc. upon arrival. Some properties might not provide daily maid service, clean linens or even a bar of soap as would probably be the case with vacation rentals, so you can offer it at an additional cost along with other services such as in your case probably full maid service that would include dish washing or laundry for extended stays. I don't know what your particular case is so you might want to figure out how much you want to pay some of the ladies in town to provide this service for your guests if you were to be asked for it. What I do suggest you do is charge a cleaning or security and key deposit for cases when the just trash the place, break a window, tear up furniture or just happen to pack your coffe maker or blender or even television set along with their belongings at time of departure or just forget to return the key (everything is of cost to you) believe me, I've seen it all. This deposit of course would be fully refundable if everything is left satisfactory and only the normal cleaning has to be done and that I strongly believe should be incorporated into your rate.

[Edited on 5-18-2007 by fdt]

roundtuit - 5-18-2007 at 09:07 AM

"Any excessive cleaning required after your departure of pet hair, urine etc. will be charged to your credit card at the rate of $25.00/ hr. Any damaged items will be charged at replacement costs."
Shari I live near a large lake in Ca .Our main revenue is tourism, there are many rental cabins here. This is the only referance to cleaning I could find on any of the sites
http://www.shastalake.com/cabins/index.html
I agree with Vandenberg

Fees versus Deposits

MrBillM - 5-18-2007 at 09:14 AM

Wherever I've travelled, the usual standard has been that NO Cleaning fees or deposits are charged on daily rentals. On longer term rentals, the standard has usually been a Refundable Deposit which I have always gotten back.

The problem with a Fee is that the renter feels justified in leaving the place filthy. A Deposit is more likely to encourage better behavior on the part of the renters.

When chartering a sailboat in the Caribbean more than once I encountered both schemes and one charter company I leased from went from a deposit to a fee and then back to a deposit when the boats were coming back a mess.

burro bob - 5-18-2007 at 09:35 AM

Shari
A cleaning deposit is appropriate for a long term rental. A cleaning fee for a nightly /weekly rental is not. A damage/cleaning deposit for groups or family reunions is normal. If there is no damage and only a normal mess then the deposit is returned.
I think a cleaning fee would encourage more people to leave your property trashed. They will think "I am paying extra for cleanup so lets party and to hell with the mess."
If the renters are leaving that big a mess for you to clean then that is a form of vandalism, big messes are not normal.
My family used to own a small motel in Colorado. Many of the units had hot tubs. We had to post written rules for each hot tub and remind younger renters and those in large groups about unacceptable behavior. And yes on a couple of occasions we had to threaten to call the police and have vandalism charges filed before the bums payed up.
Unfortunately many people think they are renting the right to trash your property (they have watched too many movies with Sean Penn). I have seen the aftermath of spring break at hotels in San Felipe. Many people come to Baja to let it all hang out so perhaps you are experiencing more trashing than normal.
I am sure that most of your renters do not cause you any problems but the few that do cause real headaches. I would try a soulution that targets the problem renters rather than everybody. Use a damage deposit.
burro bob

Diver - 5-18-2007 at 09:43 AM

If you are talking rental houses like your beach house(s), it is typical to add a separate cleaning fee. We rent a large house on the beach in Oregon for $120 per night and a $50 cleaning fee - no matter how long you stay. In the US and Candia, this is the acceptible norm for rental homes.

You need to decide if you are running a hotel, a B&B or renting resort homes.

If you want to try a hybrid, maybe consider a 3 or 4-night fixed rate with an additional fee for additional days and a one-time cleaning fee.
For those staying less than the minimum 3 or 4 days, you would have a daily "hotel" rate which would have cleaning built-in.

For example;
If a 4 night package was $160 plus a $25 cleaning fee (or stated as $175 with cleaning built-in) and additional nights at $40 -$45 per night.
The hotel rate might be $60 per night with cleaning built-in.
Rates for B&B services would be more or a-la-carte.

Gotta cover your costs, one way or another.
Better get Lupita and her daughter to do the cleaning !
They must be the fastest/best cleaners in Baja !!
Do they do campers !! :lol:
(Please tell them Zack says, Hi !)

.

Cleaning deposit

zforbes - 5-18-2007 at 09:51 AM

I used to work as a property manager for Coldwell Banker in Bodega Bay. Their standard policy was to charge a cleaning deposit which was refunded if the place was reasonably clean and the trash was stashed where it belonged. Standard wear & tear, cleaning & linen laundry were considered to be part of the rental price. The deposit was credited to the customers charge acct, usually on the day of departure after the cleaning crew had inspected the property.

Diver - 5-18-2007 at 09:58 AM

I think Zoe's idea might be the easiest for you/your situation.
Just build the cleaning costs into the nightly price and require a cleaning deposit besides - for damages and excess cleaning.
Then you can discount the rooms for multiple nights if you want (when you save on the cleaning costs).
Has a much better marketing appeal to me. "Discounts" :biggrin:

.

David K - 5-18-2007 at 10:25 AM

Shari, there is plenty of good advice above...

Think like one of your clients... how would you feel about extra charges when you stay at places?

You want to build your business, and that means turning on the smiles, word of mouth advertising... have fun with life, etc..

Has anyone trashed your places yet? I would think as far out as you are, that wouldn't happen like in a city resort such as San Felipe, where I would expect it.

Charge what you wish, so the business is pleasurable, not a chore to maintain. Not too much $ so everyone decides to camp instead of stay in one of your rooms... and not too little so you and Juan are unhappy for the return on your investment and labor.

IF you find you need to add a charge in case of costly damage or messes then a 'refundable security/ cleaning deposit' instead of a 'cleaning fee added on' seems more friendly to me.

fishbuck - 5-18-2007 at 11:11 AM

Hey Shari, check out this webpage. My friends in SQ have been renting their guest house for a couple of years. It's always booked so they seem to know what their doing. If you email Susie she may be able to answer some question too.

Vacation Rental, Bay Front, Baja, Mexico
Address:http://www.billgrandstaff.com/getaway/

[Edited on 5-18-2007 by fishbuck]

oladulce - 5-18-2007 at 06:59 PM

I have no professional experience but here's my dos pesos:

Having to pay a separate "Cleaning Fee" for a daily rental would bug me a little. If you increased your daily rate and it seemed reasonable for the level of accommodations, I wouldn't know the difference and would be happy !

But as DK mentioned, if you raise your daily rate too high, many visitors such as ourselves who travel around Baja in our own comfortable abode (Camper) and most other Baja explorers who are fully outfitted, would keep on going to the nearest beach and be perfectly happy for a short stay (until they run out of water of course, and come straggling back to town).

If there aren't any camping beaches near-by, then I'd say you have a niche and could charge a little more for your daily rates and figure in even more for your cleaning time and effort.

Even for longer-term rentals it would irk me a little to pay a separate cleaning fee, because of course, we're not messy. If it was already factored in to the rate and was reasonable, we'd be como así :biggrin:

Bedman - 5-19-2007 at 12:56 AM

An interesting assortment of ideas and experiences.

I'll add my .02 cents.

Ferna (FDT) hit the nail on the head.

"What I do suggest you do is charge a cleaning or security and key deposit for cases when they just trash the place, break a window, tear up furniture or just happen to pack your coffee maker or blender or even television set along with their belongings at time of departure or just forget to return the key (everything is of cost to you) believe me, I've seen it all. This deposit of course would be fully refundable if everything is left satisfactory and only the normal cleaning has to be done and that I strongly believe should be incorporated into your rate."

If I remember correctly (Ferna correct me if I'm wrong) FDT has managed a major hotel in Ensenada and knows what he's talking about.

I would not be put off by a refundable cleaning deposit in any way at all. I would expect it.

Bedman

baja829 - 5-19-2007 at 01:36 AM

Shari, we have a beach front rental, South of San Felipe. It's a fairly new, extremely clean, fully furnished, "just bring your food & clothes" 1 bedroom apartment with palapa & large sleeping deck. Rental is $85 per night with a ----$30 cleaning fee---, regardless of number of persons or number of nights. I've had no problem renting it this way, nor complaints about the fee and many of our guests are regulars.

Many others charge a fee and not a deposit. Not one person has ever broken or trashed anything. Most just don't clean kitchen on last day - stove dishes, food in frig. etc., and of course, it's not expected. As someone said, it must be cleaned whether someone stays a day or a month. Incidentally, $30 doesn't cover the cost of cleaning if I have someone else do it -- that runs about $45+ in our area. If I do it, and sometimes I do on a quick turnaround, there's still sheets, blankets, lots of towels etc. to wash and dry (water is trucked in and $25 for each load -- generator runs for washing machine and dryer, as we are all solar.

I started out without the fee, but when I started renting it 2 and 3 times a week, it became more costly. I didn't think it fair to raise the rates for everyone, so I started the fee. You just need to work out what is best for your situation. We only have 1 rental unit, it's not like checking into a hotel or condo, where they have service staff. Good luck in your "new business" and expect to meet lots of great and interesting people, but most of all, have fun!

Bob and Susan - 5-19-2007 at 06:23 AM

shari

NO cleaning fee for vacationers...that IS greed:(
only "LOW END" "NO class" places charge for little items like cleaning

make the vacationer feel comfortable...and
you have obviously done that in the past....

rentals are a BUSUINESS and you MUST build in normal wear and tear and minor damage AND cleaning into the price.

renters DO NOT treat rentals like they would their own property (no matter what thet tell you) and you need to expect some damage and CLEANING...

major damage can be charged as needed:O

raise the price!!!:light:
it's ALL about the BUSINESS!!!

cleaning deposits are taked in the USA on month to month rentals...
make sure the deposit is not EXACTLY the same as the rent so the renter cannot come back and say the money was for the last months rent...
-----
that's my 2 cents and i'm prepared for punishment:lol:

shari - 5-19-2007 at 08:00 PM

Wow, quite a range of comments...hmmm..lots to think about. Muchas gracias todos for your valuable input. I had never heard of a cleaning fee before so I was just curious. I'm thinking a key/damage deposit is a good plan. Problem is we don't take credit cards here so cant charge them on those. But boy it sure takes a long time to wash all that bedding and towels etc. as well as clean the house whether they stay a night or a week. Probably raising the price would be a good plan too...I'll meditate on it a bit......thanks again everyone.

fdt - 5-19-2007 at 08:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bedman
If I remember correctly (Ferna correct me if I'm wrong) FDT has managed a major hotel in Ensenada and knows what he's talking about.

I would not be put off by a refundable cleaning deposit in any way at all. I would expect it.

Bedman

It was Rosarito that you remember.

SiReNiTa - 5-21-2007 at 08:01 PM

mamma...a cleaning deposit scares of a bunc hof people...here at the hotel we ask fo ra 10 dll. deposit for remote, keys and any other stuf that can be taken even though the guests get it bakc the next day or when they leave they always seem to be bothered by such a thing and it seems to offend them and make them do the "oh i am not going to take anything" even if it's just the rules...we don't like asking for it but it's necesary here at least because people have taken towels, blankets, pillows, even light bulbs!!!!!!!!!!!! so...if you want to make friends as well as buisness i'd say no to the cleaning fee...and just try to make it clear in a.....nice way that it's hard work for you alone to clean it if they make it really dirty...if you throw that point out there alot of people i'm sure would respect that!!.... but that's just me...what do you think nomads....????????

David K - 5-21-2007 at 08:25 PM

Want to see a class act business in Baja? Go stay at Baja Cactus... no key deposit, no security deposit, etc. Just a nice big room, great shower, friendly staff... Now, if they don't know you are a Nomad, then I think they hold onto your ID until you check out or pay any phone bill.

However, a bed and breakfast is not a motel... it should be more like a place for friends... ??

Bajaboy - 5-21-2007 at 09:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by shari
Wow, quite a range of comments...hmmm..lots to think about. Muchas gracias todos for your valuable input. I had never heard of a cleaning fee before so I was just curious. I'm thinking a key/damage deposit is a good plan. Problem is we don't take credit cards here so cant charge them on those. But boy it sure takes a long time to wash all that bedding and towels etc. as well as clean the house whether they stay a night or a week. Probably raising the price would be a good plan too...I'll meditate on it a bit......thanks again everyone.


Shari-

I am against the cleaning deposit. Cleaning is a cost of business and should be incorporated into the price. If you find that your margins are too slim with one night rentals, require a minimum X night's stay. Or charge less per day for longer stays. A refundable cleaning/damage deposit is okay but not a cleaning fee.

Can you imagine paying a cleaning fee at a restaurant....? I mean it costs the same amount of money to clean up after a table of one as it does for a table of four....


Zac

Bedman - 5-22-2007 at 01:37 AM

Hmmmm....?? Cleaning fee at a restaurant? Ohh......You mean like the 20% gratuity that some restaurants charge without your permission when you have a party? Or the standard 15% to 20% tip you leave?

Just pokin at you Zac

Bedman

Capt. George - 5-22-2007 at 03:39 AM

Cleaning fee? I would not stay....add it to the price of rental and go with the flow. Have you had any real problems yet? Refundable security deposit from people you don't know? No problem there

Laundry, part of the gig, unless you want people to bring their own towels and linen? Not a good idea when you're that far off the grid.

Cleaning fee in Ascuncion, not a good idea Shari. cap'n g

Iflyfish - 5-22-2007 at 03:59 AM

Shari,

Do a Google Search:

Mexican Beach Rentals Cleaning Fees

Or:

Oregon Beach Rentals Cleaning Fees

Iflyfish

Bob and Susan - 5-22-2007 at 06:13 AM

SiReNiTa...
you are "in the business" and see the reactions...

this job is grooming you for the future...excellent:light:

David
We stayed at the Catus in El Rosario....

they took my license...
no problem but...
I leave kinda early and ...
it was fr--kin cold

but...
to get my license back the office guy had to "check" the room
6 minutes...i timed him

i felt "offended" at first because i thought i was targeted
(i am kinda ULGY):biggrin:
as other places there don't do that...

but I accept it as their policy...now
i wish they had told me what they do when i checked in
then... i would have been prepared

i wouldn't know how to explaine that diplomaticly
to someone renting a motel room
"we check ALL rooms before you leave because you renters STEAL"???:?:

i do relize their spot ...
tough business...overnite rentals on the hwy

next time i will know

just wait until the FIRST person STEALS their bathrobe from ME!!!:O
i'll probably drive up the coast "looking for them"!!!:lol:

shari - 5-22-2007 at 07:46 AM

Thanks again for all your responses...I really appreciate the input...OK...no cleaning fee....just nice fluffy towels, good shampoo, comp ear plugs in case the waves bother you...candles, beer in the fridge...no wait a minute...maybe I'll have to raise the price then....:o

Pstreet1 - 5-22-2007 at 09:51 AM

Hi, Shari. We have a rental in Rosarito Beach, and there it's normal to charge a separate cleaning fee for a condo rental, and normally there is a two or three night minimum. For those who rent only a bedroom with bath, the cleaning fee is included in the way they price the rental and not mentioned separately.

(By the way, we still smile a lot when we think of Guerro Negro.)

Pat

DENNIS - 5-22-2007 at 11:03 AM

Shari -----

What you should do to maximise good will is to give away the rooms, no rent, and charge a big cleaning deposit. If guests think they're getting something for nothing, they're yours forever.

rhintransit - 5-22-2007 at 12:14 PM

hi, Shari, I found the thread, see your u2u for my full message.

glad you've decided against cleaning fees. or published ones. build it in, have value for rates, and they will come. me, too. hope to check in with you some day. of course, like everyone else who thinks they will make a little money doing a little business on the side, it's a heck of a lot of work. me, I prefer to simply live on less. early retirement is tough enough.
bueno suerte.

Wingnut - 5-22-2007 at 02:31 PM

Shari, I am a Controller for a hotel company and have over 35 years experience in the Hotel industry. You should sit down and calculate what goals financially you want from renting your rooms. Get estimates if you have no history of the major costs such as electricity and other overhead expenses. A good rule of thumb on linen replacement for a busy place would be twice a year and you should have enough linen to change 3 times. One on the bed, on in storage, and one in the laundry. Consider the cost of hard good replacement on a ten year basis, seven for mattresses. Then calculate the daily cost of cleaning, if done daily. If not then calculate the cost per hour of the cleanup after the rental and spread it over the total rental. If you provide amenities such as soap, TP, etc, factor the cost in on a daily usage for the max number of occupants. Then add all this up and divide it by the revenue you get for the rental period. If you factor this down to a daily cost, it will tell you how much you need to charge and how much profit you will make. Always err on the high side and you will do alright without gouging anyone or going bankrupt. You can add a deposit if you wish, but I would make that on long rentals, advance rentals and large groups or specialty rentals (ie kids on spring break, etc.). Charge a pet fee if you wish and only if it becomes a problem. But don't charge a cleaning fee, it only makes people think they do not have to take care of things. Good luck and plan ahead for all emergencies.

David K - 5-22-2007 at 08:55 PM

Great advice from Wingnut!!

Iflyfish - 5-22-2007 at 11:22 PM

Sounds like Wingnut knows what he is talking about.

Iflyfish

Bob and Susan - 5-23-2007 at 06:08 AM

wingnut...i copied this and put it in my file...OUTSTANDING!!!:light:
it great to have so many people who know so much stuff:tumble:

_______________________
calculate what goals financially you want from renting your rooms.

linen replacement for a busy place would be twice a year

you should have enough linen to change 3 times.
1 on the bed,
1 in storage,
1 in the laundry.

hard good replacement ...10 year basis,
7 (years) for mattresses.

calculate the daily cost of cleaning, if done daily.
If not then calculate the cost per hour of the cleanup after the rental and spread it over the total rental.

factor the cost (of amenities) in daily usage for the maximun number of occupants.

add all and divide it by the revenue you get for the rental period.

If you factor this down to a daily cost, it will tell you how much you need to charge and how much profit.

Always error on the high side and you will do alright without gouging anyone or going bankrupt.

You can add a deposit if you wish,
but make that on long (term) rentals,
advance rentals
large groups or
specialty rentals (ie kids on spring break, etc.).

Charge a pet fee if you wish and only if it becomes a problem.

But don't charge a cleaning fee,
it only makes people think they do not have to take care of things.

plan ahead for all emergencies.
_____________________________

Al G - 5-23-2007 at 07:42 AM

Shari...I would be put off with a cleaning fee, but not so much a damage deposit if I was not blind sided after I arrived. Plus a damage deposit should not be used for minor things of wear and tear.
Your place is out there (the main reason I want to go) so I would make sure all was up front.
Sorry I did not visit this year....Had to make Mulege before Christmas and on the way back had worries about my Motorhome. Should be able to see you in a few months...
Albert

DianaT - 5-23-2007 at 08:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan

You can add a deposit if you wish, .....
specialty rentals (ie kids on spring break, etc.).


All of it was great information from a person who obviously knows his business.

But for kids on spring break, I would charge the cost of the building. :lol::lol:

Diane

Offroad - 5-23-2007 at 09:14 AM

www.ignaciosprings.com
Gary and Terry have the best run, nicest place I have experienced in Baja for the price. Shari, book a Yurt here and see how it is done. Guests love it and return! Lots of touches inside the rooms to make us travelers say WOW!
Absolutely NO on a cleaning deposit or fee for any duration of stay. Animals allowed to stay in a room will require heavy cleaning, as the next guest in does not want dog hair or smell on anything, so you may want to discuss that if you allow dogs. Hotel Oasis in Loreto charged me a deposit for a TV remote that did not work.
One owner of 3 small guest Casitas wanted to keep my passport! Not a chance, and when I refused he looked inside my Jeep and said it would be OK. His place was dirty with old food in the fridge, bugs everywhere. He gets only that one visit from me.
As a traveler I want value. I stay in a variety of places in all price ranges. Some things that I liked;
Bottled water in the room, no additional charge.
Binoculars in each room for guests use.
Plush towels, with 2 or 3 for each guest.
Shampoo.
Photo Albums of the area and history of hotel.
Hot breakfast included at no extra charge.
Kayaks at no extra charge.
Beach and pool chairs that are not falling apart. Outdoor table and chairs are great.
Shari, I will visit your place later this year I hope. Your location is one that appeals a great deal to me. Some of the things I have mentioned may not apply to your B&B or area. It's lots of hard work, and ask each of your customers what improvements they might like to see, and if they would be agreeable to pay a slightly higher price.
Good Luck!

DonBaja - 5-23-2007 at 09:19 AM

I would agree with not charging a seperate cleaning fee. Try to factor that into the rental rate.

Side note: I stayed at the Baja Cactus and I mentioned David K and Baja Nomad and the lady at the front desk looked at me funny and still wanted my ID :?: I spoke better spanish then she did english :wow:

Diver - 5-23-2007 at 09:50 AM

We asked if Senior Antonio was aqui ? and we were treated very well.
No offense DK ! :biggrin:

.

shari - 5-23-2007 at 09:53 AM

I agree with your Ignacio Springs assessment...Gary & Terry are a great inspiration to us and we have stayed there before. Our beach guest house is not a B&B but a full on house and I tried to think of lots of nice details like fluffy towels, shampoo, even ear plugs, candles, a garafon of drinking water, nice art, quality bedding, beautiful dishes, handblown glasses etc etc...so I worry a bit about damage but so far we've had excellent clients but we do accept pets but I provide "pet blankets" for the furniture. We have three different places...the luxury beach house, a rustic beach house in San Roque for the camping folks, and our B&B for our buddies and those that like to hang out with us...plus tent and RV camping....something for everybody we hope to fit every budget and lifestyle.

Offroad - 5-23-2007 at 10:45 AM

Shari,
All your accomodations sound great.

Bob and Susan - 5-23-2007 at 11:07 AM

ok off-road...Binoculars are in at our place...ebay here i come;D

Offroad - 5-23-2007 at 12:15 PM

Bob and Susan,
I have watched the progress of your paradise (via this forum), and will be visiting when you open.
Also, your sharing of building experiences is nice and informs us dreamers of why it might be easier to stay in YOUR place, instead of building one of our own.
A Hobie pedal kayak equiped with rod holders would be a nice touch for your guests. Have you considered a pillow menu?

Bob and Susan - 5-23-2007 at 02:04 PM

Hobie pedal kayak....forget it... too expensive
i looked awhile back$$$$

susan did get a hobie cat and she'd LOVE to take someone sailing...
she just spent 3k on parts and sails...the stuff is "in the mail":yes:

[Edited on 5-23-2007 by Bob and Susan]

jimgrms - 5-23-2007 at 02:16 PM

Shari you guys have worked hard to build a buisness, ,Make sure you charge enough to make a decent return on you investment plus a little for your labor, Remember its not a hobby, you have a nice place and a lot to offer don't sell it cheap, Jim

shari - 5-24-2007 at 08:52 AM

You are right about that and I KNOW the luxury beach house price is low and will certainly go up soon...when we have all the bells and whistles functioning and the rock patio done. But I'm very happy to provide alternate accomodation for low income folks (like us!) ...It is hard to find a nice rental place for reasonable...lots of high end stuff but not much in the economy line except slimy hotel rooms. We made a place that we would like to rent ourselves someplace. Oh by the way, we've started another new place...a simple wood guest house near ours that hopefully will be ready in a few months...maybe for summer and will rent for around $350 a week.

Diver - 5-24-2007 at 03:18 PM

So where is the new place ?? At your house or on another lot ?? How big ? How many rooms ? Bathroom ? Kitchen ? Got any pictures ? I love pictures. They make me feel like I could be there for just a minute ! I wanna be there; any way I can !!!

Hope to see ya soon !!

.

CaboRon - 6-6-2007 at 08:57 AM

Quote:
Quote:



But for kids on spring break, I would charge the cost of the building. :lol::lol:

Diane
You may be on the right track here. CaboRon :cool:

David K - 6-6-2007 at 08:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonBaja
I would agree with not charging a seperate cleaning fee. Try to factor that into the rental rate.

Side note: I stayed at the Baja Cactus and I mentioned David K and Baja Nomad and the lady at the front desk looked at me funny and still wanted my ID :?: I spoke better spanish then she did english :wow:


I don't have any financial interest in the place, I am a friend of the owner, Antonio Muñoz... mention HIS name... But, thanks anyway! I will alert Antonio to have the staff 'recognize' the term "Baja Nomad" as V.I.P. status... You know that Discover Baja members get a discount at Baja Cactus... I think Vags members do too... if you think $35 even needs one!

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marla - 6-7-2007 at 10:56 AM

Shari, as a person who regularly rents houses and apartments all over the place, cleaning fees absolutely infuriate me. Cleaning fees should be built into the cost of the rental. I just rented an apartment in Venice, Italy and I chose the one that did NOT have a cleaning fee among a bunch of them. And it was an awesome place! When I rent cabins up at Big Bear, I rent the ones that DON'T have a cleaning fee. I look for the words NO CLEANING FEE when I search for rentals. I return the homes I rent in reasonably clean condition, with the dishes washed and the floors swept, and I expect additional housekeeping after I leave to be part of the deal. i hope you decide against this. Problem clients are a different story, then stick it to them!