Vacation Rentals - Costs Beyond Rental Fees
Vacation rentals come with costs outside of just the base rental fees. While most of these costs are also incurred when staying in a hotel, as they are included in the fees, Exotic Estates sets a different standard and lists these fees separately to eliminate confusing cost breakdowns that make it difficult to compare quotes.
Take the time to review the short list of the main fees encountered at Hawaii vacation rentals below, and please reach out to your Villa Specialist for further details.
1. Propane Gas Use Overages
Minimal or regular use of propane won't incur additional costs. However, the overuse of tiki torches, fire pits, and pool heating will often incur fees. It's good to be aware of your resource usage, and a Property Manager can help you determine your status during your stay.
Winter Pool Heat
Even in Hawaii, though the days are warm, wintertime means cool nights and some guests prefer pool heating for comfortable swimming. Some vacation rentals come with heating, and others don't. Usually, pools are heated using propane, costing roughly $200 per day, depending on the size of the pool.
The average temperature of a pool in Hawaii is usually slightly below the temperature of the air, ranging from the high 70s to the low 80s. During the winter months, this can drop to the low 70s, which is generally when guests choose to heat the pool. Although Exotic Estates always discloses the cost of pool heating before signing a rental agreement, not all companies are transparent. Be sure to have a clear understanding of what the pool heating will cost if it's not explicitly stated.
2. Cleaning Fees
Cleaning fees are standard and, in most hotels, hidden in the rates. When renting a vacation home in Hawaii, the cleaning fee costs are made clear up front and are dependent on the size of the home, group, and length of stay. Some homes require an additional mid-stay cleaning fee. A standard cleaning fee for a luxury home in Hawaii will run between $450-$1500.
3. Security Deposit
Some vacation rentals will collect a credit card at check-in in lieu of a cash security deposit. However, many high-end luxury vacation rentals still require a refundable security deposit to ensure owner protection against potential expensive damages. These fees are collected in advance and returned after check-out when the home is inspected and any damage assessed. Due to the costly nature of elite luxury-category homes, security deposits will range from $3,000 and upwards of $20,000.
4. Hawaii Accommodations Taxes – TAT & GET
Hawaii occupancy tax consists of two taxes, which you will find on your rental agreement. These taxes include the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) and General Excise Tax (GET). TAT is calculated based on the nightly rate of your vacation rental and is 10.25% as of January 1, 2018.
GET is collected from every consumer purchase in Hawaii, including accommodations. This rate varies by island.
TET and GET taxes will be around 19% of your total nightly vacation rental rate.
5. Resort Use Fees
Many of our vacation homes are located in resort areas and allow access to resort facilities for a fee. These fees are usually due to the resort at the time of check-in and are not included in the original payment. For example, our Hualalai homes, located in the Hualalai Four Seasons Resort, have a daily resort guest fee that ranges from $65-$250 per person per day, plus tax.
Most fees allow guests to enjoy access to amenities like sports clubs and spas, beach and pool services, exclusive restaurants, concierge services, and golf courses. However, a perk is that sometimes our guests will enjoy reduced-price access to exclusive resort services, like The Club at Mauna Kea, which offers beach service on one of the Big Island's best swimming beaches.
Still the Best Value
Vacation Rentals are still the best value for your trip to Hawaii. Vacation rental fees will vary depending on the island, the style of home, and whether or not you choose to stay within a resort. When shopping for your rental, we encourage you to compare costs, especially those that might be hidden. Be sure to review any of these costs with your vacation rental agency before you sign your agreement.
At Exotic Estates, we pride ourselves on providing a clear and transparent breakdown of costs at the outset.
Our Exotic Estates Villa Specialists are available to answer any question you might have about a home in our collection. Guests have access to our knowledgeable Villa Specialists and our first-class Guest Services Department, which is there to support you before, during, and after your visit and answer any questions on the usage fees front.
#forewarnedisforearmed
Happy Travels!
