Question 1

What is your check-in and check-out time?

Accepted Answer

Standard check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available on request — call the office the day before to confirm. Fees of $25–$50/hour apply when granted.

Question 2

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

Many of our homes are pet-friendly. Dogs are charged $35/night per dog at pet-friendly properties (one dog included in the base fee). Cats require special approval and a $250–$500 flat fee. All pets must be disclosed at booking — undisclosed pets can incur penalties up to $1,000.

Question 3

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

60+ days before check-in: full refund minus a $150 admin fee. 59–31 days before: 50% refund plus the $150 fee. 30 days or less: non-refundable. Holiday-season bookings (November, December, January) are non-cancellable. We highly recommend purchasing CSA travel insurance within 24 hours of booking to protect your trip.

Question 4

Where are the properties located?

Accepted Answer

We manage 55+ homes across Idyllwild, Palm Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, and Temecula Wine Country in Southern California. Idyllwild is a mountain town in the San Jacinto range about 2 hours from LA, San Diego, or Palm Springs.

Question 5

Do I need to bring linens or towels?

Accepted Answer

No — every home is professionally cleaned with fresh linens, towels in every bath, and kitchen linens already in place when you arrive. Just bring yourself.

Question 6

Are the homes good for big groups, weddings, or events?

Accepted Answer

Most of our homes are residential-vacation only — no parties or ticketed events. Some larger homes can accommodate small family gatherings with prior approval. Reach out before booking and we'll match you with a property that fits your group and any plans.

Question 7

What about Wi-Fi and remote work?

Accepted Answer

Every home has Wi-Fi. Palm Springs and desert homes are on cable and reliably support video calls; Idyllwild mountain homes are on DSL/fixed-wireless and are great for streaming and email but may struggle with 4K video calls. Tell us if you're planning to work from the rental and we'll point you to the homes known to handle heavy remote-work loads.

Question 8

Do you charge resort or hidden fees?

Accepted Answer

No resort fees and no separate OTA service fee. The all-in price you see at checkout includes nightly rate, cleaning, reservation fee, applicable Riverside County taxes, and any pet fee — itemized line-by-line so there are no surprises. Travel insurance and damage protection are optional add-ons.

Question 9

Is smoking allowed?

Accepted Answer

No — every property is strictly non-smoking inside and outside. Evidence of smoking triggers a $250 cleaning charge plus any cost to remediate damage. Many properties are also in or near National Forest, where guests can be liable for fire damage.

Question 10

Can I bring my own BBQ or use the fire pit?

Accepted Answer

Idyllwild Fire Protection District requires a permit for any BBQ use within district boundaries — and only ELECTRIC or GAS/PROPANE grills are permitted. No charcoal, wood, or open-flame BBQs. Our homes with grills come set up and ready to use within these rules.

Question 11

How do I contact you after hours?

Accepted Answer

Our 24-hour emergency line is the same as the office: (951) 659-3100 or (909) 910-5005. Outside office hours (after 8 PM Sunday–Thursday, 9 PM Friday–Saturday), the on-call team responds to property emergencies. Email info@newspiritvacationhomes.com for non-urgent questions.

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