DRASTIC LAST MINUTE DISCOUNTS:
As vacation dates are approaching, owners may offer some very good last minute discounts.
These prices are for your rental for that date only, and do not apply to other weeks or to future years.
Almost every one of our cottage and summer ome owners is willing to negotiate a rent reduction.
There are several ways to maximize the discount.
1) Some owners feel that less people means less use of utilities and less wear and
tear. If a 3-bedroom cottage allows six people, and there are less of you, we'll see if the owner will adjust
the price.
2) Some owners insist on having their places cleaned professionally to maximize your
comfort from the minute you arrive. Others are willing to allow you to arrive, mop and broom in hand, and prepare the
place for your own use. They do expect that you'll do the work, and not just leave the last week's sand on the
floor or that dab of toothpaste on the edge of the bathroom sink. But not only are you swapping elbow grease for a discount,
but you can also check in up to 2 hours early.
3) If you're calling about the coming Saturday, you might get the best discount of
all. Some owners feel that "anything is better than nothing"...to a point. You probably will NOT get the
cottage for less than the off-season rate.
4)Another good date to ask for is the last week of the season. Some places are rarely
booked that last week, especially if they're not on or very close to the water, and discounts approach the off-season
rate in some cottages.
This year has been tumultuous. Many owners were vacant for the first several
weeks of the season and are looking to make up what they need for taxes and other fixed expenses. The economy is hurting
them too, and there's a fine line between giving a discount and taking a loss. But it's worth asking. The worst
someone can say is "No", and if they do, there's probably someone else waiting who will rent in the price range you're looking
for. There's only one way to find out. Call or email. Ask. Make yourself known. We are not publishing
discounts because they sometimes are lower than the owner intended to go.
