Q: What does it mean to 'rent from the owner'?

A: Each property in Keystone resort is individually owned by someone as a 2nd home for their personal use that they also rent out. Usually, the condos are represented by a full service property management company like www.skyrun.com who rents the unit, provides a check-in center and services to guests while there. Due to the internet and rent-from-owner web sites like www.vrbo.com, a growing number of owners and guests are going direct without using an on-site property management company. In this case, the renter rents the unit directly from the owner and the owner is responsible for providing a key by mail to the unit and for all the cleaning and maintenance and support of you during your stay.

Owner's Guest is a consortium of owners and provides a website with online reservations and access to group discounts for owners who would like to self manage their units. Many of the condos that are available on OwnersGuest.com are also represented by a management company on behalf of the owner.  On these units, your confirmation, reservation and check-in and service while you are here are all handled by the management company.  (skyrun condos represents many units on ownersguest.com for example).

For the guest, the chance to talk directly with the owner or the owners representative means that you know what you're getting and usually lower prices!

Q: If the owner is 1,000 miles away, what if something happens when I'm there?

A: Each owner handles that differently. Typically, the owner gives you their direct phone number in case there is something that needs attention. Owners contract with on-site services for cleaning and maintenance that can come onsite in case anything is needed. That can sometimes take awhile though, so you may be more on your own with rent-from-owner as if the unit was yours. If you lock your keys in your condo for example, help will come, but it may take awhile to contact the owner and for the owner to get someone there to assist you. Or if the toilet clogs, you may have to unstop it yourself, or make arrangements to have it done and meet the plumber there.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

When you reserve, you will be charged a $300 deposit which is non-refundable.  At least 30 days before your arrival date, you must pay the remainder of the balance to complete your reservation, and if you cancel less than 30 days before your arrival, the entire amount is non-refundable.

Some owners have additional terms and damage deposits that will be clearly posted on their condo info page. 

Q: How do I know I'm getting a good unit?

You also can talk to the owner of the condo to make sure you know exactly what's there.

Q: What's included?

A: Our condos come fully furnished with everything from a Microwave, 2 or more TV's, a VCR, a DVD player, linens and towels, dishes, pots and pans (right down to the corkscrew). Our TV's are on the resort cable system and have over 20 channels including HBO and Disney Channel. Local and 1-800 number calls are free and there is free high speed internet (wired and wireless) in MOST units. Units also come with free parking for one vehicle close to your condo and free parking for additional vehicles in other lots within the resort.

Most units also include a ski locker (usually on the ground floor) so you don't need to take up condo space with all your heavy, bulky and wet skis, boards etc.

Many Owner's Guest units also contain upgrades like Video Games, home theaters, CD stereos, etc. One unit even has a full electronic keyboard! See individual listings for the upgrades that are included.

Q: Am I going to get a good deal?

A: Our rates are generally 10-15% lower than the web price for a similar unit available from others. In addition, we also give you locals-only tips on where to get a great deal on lift tickets and rentals that save a typical guest hundreds or even thousands of $'s on their total vacation.

Q: How do I check in?

A: Each owner handles the reservation confirmation and check-in process differently.

Typically, the owner emails you a confirmation of your reservation within 24 hours and attaches directions to the unit. Then they mail you keys so that you can go DIRECTLY to the unit without having to stand in line at a checkin center. There is NO on-site checkin center or services, but owners contract with maintenance and cleaning personnel that work for the owner if there are issues that need handling while you're there.

Many owners hire on-site management companies to handle the checkin process for them.  SkyRun condos is a frequent choice.  If the condo you rent is managed by SkyRun, your confirmation and checkin instructions will come from SkyRun instead of from the owner.

Q: How many people can stay in a unit?

A: Each unit will sleep 2 in each bedroom and 2 on a sleeper-sofa in the living room. Many units also have extra beds (trudle, extra double beds, murphy beds, etc). Check each unit for details.

Q: What are the rules?

A: No smoking and no pets are allowed in any of our units, including on the balconies. This is STRICTLY ENFORCED. Quiet time starts at 10:00pm (resort rule). We also require a $300 deposit OR your credit card number on file on each room which will be refunded 2 wks after you leave when we confirm there is no damage.

Q: How is renting from Owner's Guest different?

A: One main difference is the cost. We try to be about 10-15% less than renting the same unit directly from the resort on their web site.

Other differences are:

• Our owners don't make money on your phone calls. Our phone is hooked directly to the phone company, not the resort switchboard. This means that you don't pay for local and 1-800 calls. Long distance is through your credit card or collect. By contrast, every local or 1-800 number call from a resort unit costs you $.75. Long distance is $4.71 for the first MINUTE for long distance and $.86 PER MINUTE after that!
• Our owners don't provide daily maid service during your visit. Our units do include cleaning supplies and vacuum cleaners if you feel the need to tidy up. All buildings have laundry facilities and several units include washers and dryers in the units.
• You don't check in at the resort check-in, you get keys mailed from the owner prior to your arrival (don't forget them!)
• We also include extras in most rooms (Wireless Internet, DVD players, Home Theaters, Game Consoles). Check the individual rooms for details on what's in the room you're renting.

Q: Is Owner's Guest Condos related to Keystone Resort or Vail Resorts, Inc.?

A: Owner's Guest is not affiliated with Keystone or Vail Resorts Inc., but the resort work together with property owners in the resort to make sure our mutual guests are happy and come back year after year.