frequently Asked Questions
what booking software do you use? why?
Key Destinations looked long and hard to find the best platform for booking the cottages at Boucherie Beach. Our biggest concern was protecting our owners and our guests and, for that reason, we have chosen to take bookings solely through Airbnb.
“Airbnb’s system is designed to give you peace of mind.”
Here are some reasons why we love it and why you should too:
Easy to use interface with clear availability of properties.
Secure payment system.
Damage deposit pre-authorizations cancelled within 48 hours of checkout.
Guest and host* verification: social media accounts and valid photo identification.
Public feedback system breeds accountability.
$900,000 Host Guarantee in Canada.
Airbnb’s features work to serve both the guest and the owner. We hope this gives you confidence that your booking is secure, well-managed, and that you're well protected.
*When we refer to the “host”, we are referring to Key Destinations.
When is payment taken?
Airbnb’s policy is to take payment at the time of booking. They release the payment to key destinations 24-hours after guest check-in. This allows Airbnb to honour their Guest Refund Policy or Host Cancellation Policy.
we apologize for any inconvenience caused, in our request for payment upfront. unfortunately, airbnb does not allow another option and we have been unable to find a system that does without compromising the owner/guest protection policies airbnb has in place. rest assured, we are investigating alternatives for our summer 2016 reservations. thank you for your understanding.
What is your cancellation policy?
We have set our cancellation policy to be “strict” which means guests can receive a 50% refund, except fees (charged by Airbnb), up until 1 week prior to travel.
The reason we have chosen the strict refund policy is to be fair to our owners, as our inventory is low and demand is high for the cottages at Boucherie Beach - we don’t want owners to miss out on rental revenue due to last minute cancellations.
However, Airbnb also offers refunds in the case of extenuating circumstances, via their Guest Refund Policy.
Do you charge extra for each guest?
Our pricing is not on a per guest basis so there is no additional charge for extra guests at present. However, we would appreciate knowing the number of guests you expect so we can prepare items such as shampoos, soaps, laundry detergent for the appropriate number of people.
what does the "cleaning fee" charge cover?
each cottage is professionally cleaned and replenished following each stay. the cleaning fee is a standard fee charged for vacation rentals to help cover that cost.
when is check-in/check-out?
our standard check-in time is 4pm and check-out time is 10AM. we ask all guests to inform us of their intended check-in and check-out times prior to their stay and if we can easily accommodate earlier/later check-ins or check-outs, we will always do our best to help!
When is my security deposit returned?
Security deposits are held as pre-authorizations by Airbnb. If there are no claims, from the “host”, the pre-authorization will be cancelled 48 hours after your checkout.
Do you offer any discounts?
From time-to-time we may have promotions that supersede our standard discounts. For more information on our standard discounts, which are related to the duration of booking, please contact Krystal at [email protected].
Why are prices more expensive in the summer?
Vacation rentals at Boucherie Beach are seasonal. The twelve weeks in the summer between June and August are considered the Peak Season as it is when West Kelowna’s weather is at it’s best and the majority of families find time to vacation, with kids being off-school for summer. Our Shoulder Season months are April, May, and September and the rest of the year is our Off Season which is why you will see substantially lower rates during these months.
What insurance do you have?
Booking with Airbnb allows for $900,000 as a Host Guarantee, however, this does not act in place of homeowner’s insurance and we require all our homeowners to have insurance policies specific to short-term rentals.
We also recommend that guests have their own travel insurance.
Do you pay taxes?
Yes, we collect and remit 15% (PST, GST, MRDT) taxes as required by the government. These taxes are integrated into our pricing on Airbnb and will not be charged in addition to the prices listed.
Are you licensed?
Yes, the Boucherie Beach Vacation Rentals program operates through Key Destinations which is a licensed member of the BC Consumer Protection Agency.
Who should I call in case of an emergency?
You should call the Key Destinations line: 1-888-407-5759.
If you are unable to reach anyone at this line, try our Head Office: 604-688-5566.
What if I break something?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you break something, even if it seems insubstantial - like a glass. That way, we aren’t going into the property inspection blind and will do our very best to find a cost-effective solution.
What are the operating hours for the pool?
The operating hours for the pool are to be determined by the Strata Management Council. At present, they have yet to specify the operating hours. We will update this FAQ as soon as they have made a decision.
How do I book a boat slip at the dock?
When booking via Airbnb, please let Krystal know that you would like to book a boat slip and she will incorporate it into your price. We charge a weekly rate of $100/slip.
If you would like to book a boat slip retroactively, we would be happy to offer you one given there is availability.
I have a question not listed here, who do i ask?
key destinations coordinator krystal would be happy to help. simply send her an email at [email protected] with the subject "new faq". thanks in advance for your inquiry.
