Save on service fees by booking direct on Houfy.

These directions are for planning purposes only. You may find that construction projects, traffic, weather, or other events may cause conditions to differ from the map results, and you should plan your route accordingly. You must obey all signs or notices regarding your route.

As a security deposit alternative, houfyProtect, an upfront nonrefundable low cost property damage protection policy for just $5 per night, is taken at time of booking.

This host has not verified their email and or phone number on Houfy.

This host has verified their email and or phone number on Houfy.

This host verified their email and phone number on Houfy.

Houfy lets you contact and book direct with hosts. The host has provided the following links to give you more information.

This host responds to {response_rate}% of inquiries {response_time}.

A professional captain will navigate the boat for you.

Wonderful Houfy hosts are recognized as the best hosts in hospitality. The wonderful Houfy program rewards Houfy's top-rated and most experienced hosts.

Just because a place sleeps 10, doesn't mean it comfortably sleeps 

group of 10. If children are asleep on pull out sofa beds, then adults can't hang out in the iving room after 8 p.m. Early risers up for coffee and breakfast won't appreciate tiptoeing around teens sprawled on the couch. Not to mention the hassle of putting away sofa beds every morning. 

Kids will love having their own space while on vacation. And the adults get to enjoy all the common spaces. 

Whether typing the city directly into Google, or searching through an online marketplace, your search results may be a combination of properties both near and far from your destination. So how do you avoid booking a place on the 

Sometimes photos can be unintentionally misleading. An inexperienced photographer with a wide angle camera lens can make furniture and rooms appear stretched out. While the intent was to capture the area in a single snapshot, travelers can feel duped if things are smaller than expected. Verify actual bed sizes against the information in the property's listing description. This section usually lists the home's square footage, as well as summarizes the bedroom/bathroom layout in the home. 

Even the most seasoned travelers can be guilty of this one. While most vacation rentals (in the U.S.) do provide linens and towels, in 

 it's customary for guests to bring their own. Especially in 

 where the clientele has practiced this for generations. Some places might provide bed sheets, but not the towels, and vice versa. So how can you tell?

 to see what is checked off. A tell tale sign is if you see an "optional linen fee" during checkout. Owners/managers in 

 often carry existing relationships with linen delivery services: arranging for delivery prior to check-in, and pick-up after departure. 

If you have an unexpected emergency, hurricane, etc., trip cancellation/interruption insurance may reimburse you for travel expenses. Policies and definitions will vary with each company. For example, "death of a family member" may exclude certain relatives and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Certain COVID-19 related issues may only be covered under CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) insurance. Check to see if your credit card offers minimal coverage as well.

6) Skimming Cancellation Policies and Rules

Vacation rental cancellation policies are often stricter than those of a hotel. This is because other travelers are turned away once one group reserves the dates. Carefully read any exclusions of "flexible" cancellation policies through 3rd party platforms. Your accommodation cost may be fully refundable, but not the service fees charged by the site.  

 booking. Be upfront if planning to host a special dinner or invite other families to swim in the pool. Some owners disallow this due to liability and insurance reasons. Others may allow with approval first. If you don't know the total guest count yet, confirm you'll be able to add guests to the reservation later. Owners accept reservations based on what it is disclosed at the time of booking. 

7) Taking Best Price Guarantees at Face Value

Carefully read the fine print and restrictions of any "best price guarantees" from online travel agencies. Because owners typically pay them a 15% commission, rates can be the most expensive on these 3rd party sites. Plus, the guarantees can be difficult to qualify for. Just compare prices across multiple sites and book on the site with the overall TOTAL best price instead. 

Before making plans to binge-watch your favorite Netflix series, first make sure you'll actually be able to stream it. Your dream log home in the mountains might have snail speed internet, or even none at all. Fiber and cable internet are commonly not available in rural areas; slow DSL or satellite internet might be the only options. 

If working remotely, attending online school, or video conferencing, be sure to bring a strong mobile hotspot to meet school/work deadlines. And always have a plan B just in case the internet does go out. Owners with internet speed limitations, usually mention this in their listing.  

For some travelers their must-haves are deal breakers. For example, if you're anxious sleeping next to cemeteries, are sensitive to scented laundry detergent, or can't sleep without 65 degree ice box temps–ask about these kinds of things 

Not every property has air conditioning, and for those that do, the thermostat might have a comfortable preset range (like hotels) that suits most travelers. Some owners cannot fulfill special laundry requests, while others will have no problem doing so. If a request is important, do not book the property until you 

 receive confirmation the request can be accommodated.   

You may have had access to the storage room at your last vacation rental, but not all owners share this same policy. The majority provide what is called a "starter pack," with the general expectation guests will purchase their own toiletries/kitchen supplies while grocery shopping. 

If driving to your destination, check the listing to see what is supplied, and pack a few items from home instead of purchasing full size boxes upon arrival. Some vacation rentals are stocked with kitchen staples at the beginning of each season, and guests continue with a "pay it forward" policy.

Some platforms charge up to 20% extra, adding hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars to the cost of your stay. Travelers often message hosts through these platforms asking if they have a book direct site. The major platforms don't allow the owner to tell you how to book them direct. So how do you 

find the best rate for your vacation rental

 if you aren't already shopping on a book direct site like 

Google search the property. Enter the property name along with city. Copy and paste portions of the description text. Search the property images. Owners typically use the same photos everywhere. Don't forget to enter the property name into Houfy, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

Join Houfy's free book direct market network

. Owners never pay commissions. And travelers never pay service 

The 11 Worst Mistakes Travelers Make When Booking a Vacation Rental

Vacations rentals are a great way to save money when traveling. The whole group gets to kick back and relax under the same roof. Read on to avoid making some of these common mistakes the next time you book a vacation rental. 

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Convenient location: 7 miles from Chimney Rock State Park, 16 miles from Tryon Intl. Equestrian Center. 1.5 miles from Lake Lure Ingles grocery.

 Book Direct and Save! A Touch of Luxury-Lake Lure

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Lake Lure cabin retreat. Perfect for a budget honeymoon or last minute anniversary getaway! 

 Book Direct and Save! A Touch of Whimsy-Lake Lure

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I have lived in the Lake Lure/Mill Spring area for more than 20 years, and now call the mountains my home. A Touch of Luxury Cabin and A Touch of Whimsy are both the perfect home base for travelers wanting to explore all our area has to offer:

  -  Hidden  miles (4 minute drive) to the only major grocery store in the Lake Lure area  

  - 5 miles (11 minute drive) to the Lake Lure Beach/kid water park

  -  Hidden  miles (14 minute drive) to Chimney Rock State Park

  - 16 miles (20 minute drive) to Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring

  - 55 minute to 1 hour to Biltmore Estate in Asheville

  - Close to ziplining, hiking, water activities, wineries, and much more

  - Easy access for day trips to Saluda, Tryon, Columbus, Flat Rock, Hendersonville, 

      Black Mountain, Asheville, Blowing Rock, and much more. 

  



The 11 Worst Mistakes Travelers Make When Booking a Vacation Rental

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