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We’re delighted to introduce you to our newest team member, Nikki. Nikki has been working with us on a variety of projects over the last year and has recently made the sidestep into our reservations team.

Hi Nikki! Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in South Carolina in a little coastal town close to Hilton Head Island. It’s not too far from Orlando – about a four-and-a-half-hour drive away. My husband, Mike, and I have two kids – a daughter (8) and a little boy (5) so we love spending time in Orlando and the amusement parks.

How did you become part of the White Rose Villas team?

I’ve always worked in customer service roles. Lately, I’ve been working online as a personal assistant for a variety of businesspeople, including in real estate. This led me undertaking some project work for White Rose Villas.

Which projects have you worked on for White Rose Villas?

I started off about a year ago, compiling the welcome books and content for the Your Welcome tablets. It was really interesting and I spoke with some of the homeowners as part of this work. It was a great way to understand more about the vacation homes we have on the books. Then, earlier this year, I began lending support to reservations.

How have you found the move to working in reservations?

I absolutely love it! I love talking to the guests. I really am a people person and I can’t wait to start talking to more homeowners too. I haven’t worked in reservations before, but I absolutely have a passion for it. I feel like I have found my niche! Not many people can say they love their job, but I do!

What is your own favourite vacation destination?

I love Florida! I was in Orlando last month with my family. I love the hot weather in the summertime and my kids love the pool. SeaWorld and Legoland are our favourite parks from our last trip. And Jurassic Park at Universal is another favourite of ours.

Every Fourth of July the family goes camping to a lovely campground at Myrtle Beach. We love that; we go every year. And I love the Tennessee Mountains. We live in a beautiful part of the world.

Have you got plans to develop the reservations role at White Rose Villas?

I have already spoken to a few homeowners and I am looking forward to getting to know more homeowners. I want to really work together with them to help fill their homes and increase occupancy rates. I have started by working on updates to the listing sites. We’re already seeing results from that work; our bookings and ratings have gone up across Airbnb lately.

Now, I want to increase direct bookings. We’re now beginning to look at different promotions we can run during the slow seasons to fill calendars. It’s really exciting to be strengthening the relationships with our homeowners so we can work better together. That can only benefit White Rose Villas and our homeowners.

Have you got any tips about how to succeed in reservations?

Every day is different. I’m kind of used to that, being the mom of two young kids. I thrive on the chaos! My youngest is going to school this year, so this move to reservations at White Rose Villas has come at the perfect time for me. I’m going to have more time to spend on the job and I’m really looking forward to it!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Nikki!

What next?

If you’d like to make a reservation with us, view our homes:

For booking or any other enquiries, please contact us:

We’re delighted to share that our ratings across all Airbnb categories stand at 100 percent across all categories as of July 2024.

It is a wonderful indication of how hard our team has been working and the fantastic collaboration we’ve enjoyed with our homeowners.

We’d like to take the opportunity to thank every member of our team and every homeowner we work with. This wouldn’t be possible without your time and effort, so thank you.

A clean sweep across all categories

Our record over time for all ratings now stands at 100 percent.

This includes the following categories:

Accuracy                         5-star ratings                100 percent

Quality                              5-star ratings                 100 percent

Cleanliness                    5-star ratings                 100 percent

Communication          5-star ratings                 100 percent

Value                                 5-star ratings                 100 percent

Overall                              5-star ratings                 100 percent

This is an amazing achievement. Our ratings are always high, but to return to 100 percent across the board – in accuracy, quality, cleanliness, communication and value – is especially rewarding.

Of course, we recognise that ratings fluctuate over time. It only takes one bad review to affect the 100 percent satisfaction rating. This means we can’t guarantee that these 100 percent ratings will always continue across all categories. Customer reviews are something beyond our control!

We do, however, continually work to deliver the very best service we can for our homeowners and your guests.

Thank you for your support

Ratings like these are only possible with everyone pulling together.

We’d like to thank all of our team for the hard work they contribute, their time effort and attention to detail.

We are also grateful to all our homeowners for your flexible and unwavering support. Great collaboration with you makes achieving 5-star ratings so much easier – and enjoyable!

Got feedback of your own?

Reach out to our team: admin@whiterosevillas.com

Like many vacation rental owners and businesses, we have been tracking the progress of Florida Senate Bill 280 over the past few weeks.

We’re delighted to be able to report that Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed the bill.

The implications of Florida SB-280

The bill would have had implications for the vacation rental industry which would have impacted the financial viability of many vacation homes for homeowners.

It sought to establish statewide maximum overnight occupancy limits, limit the number of inspections at each property and to allow local governments to charge a “reasonable fee” from homeowners to register a property. Violations could result in fines of up to $500.

SB-280 passed through the State Senate in February 2024. Sponsored by Pinellas County Republican Nick DiCeglie, it passed 23-16 in the Senate but only narrowly in the House. At 60-51, it had one of the closest margins of any measure introduced in that chamber this legislative session.

Following its passing in the chambers, a campaign was launched to ask the State Governor not to ratify the bill and to use his power to veto the legislation to prevent the bill passing into State law. Many vacation rental companies, including White Rose Villas and many of our homeowners, leant their voice to the campaign.

DeSantis vetoes SB-280

We’re delighted to report that this widespread campaign was successful. On June 27, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed SB-280.

In doing so, DeSantis said, “Beyond creating new bureaucratic red tape that locals must comply with, CS /SB 280 prevents local governments from enforcing existing ordinances or passing any new local measure which would exclusively apply to vacation rentals. Under the bill, any such measure must apply to all residential properties. The effect of this provision will prevent virtually all local regulation of vacation rentals even though the vacation rental markets are far from uniform across the state. Going forward, I encourage the Florida Legislature and all key stakeholders to work together, with the understanding that vacation rentals should not be approached as a one-size-fits-all issue. For these reasons, I withhold my approval of CS /SB 280 and do hereby veto the same.”

This is great news for vacation rental homeowners. It means that the proposed changes won’t be brought in under this bill.

Of course, going forward, we will keep you updated about subsequent attempts by the state and local legislatures to regulate our sector.

Thank you to everyone who added their voice

Thank you for much for your support in campaigning against this bill. Your voice has been heard.

Browse our latest posts

We’ve got exciting news and we need your support!

White Rose Villas has been nominated for the Best of Florida

The Best of Florida is an annual list of the best-loved businesses in Florida. It includes bars and restaurants, small businesses, shops and services, including travel companies.

As well as potentially winning recognition, the Best of Florida list will be published online and in a Best of Florida directory, helping the included nominees to reach a wider audience.

This is a great marketing opportunity for all of our homeowners. A listing will help direct visitors to our site and help us to fill your calendars.

We need your help!

The winners are decided by pubic vote. So we need your help! Please vote for us.

You can vote here: https://guidetoflorida.com/kissimmee/hotel-travel/white-rose-villas

You can vote every day until July 31st when this year’s competition closes.

So please bookmark the page above and vote for us every day this month!

This might seem last minute, but the organisers tell us 90 percent of voting happens in the last month of voting! So your vote will make a difference!

Spread the word: Vote for us every day until July 31

Please return to the page https://guidetoflorida.com/kissimmee/hotel-travel/white-rose-villas and add your vote to the White Rose Villas total.

Please share with your contacts and ask them to vote too!

The more recognition we receive, the better placed we are to market your property, so please do join the effort to get White Rose Villas and all of our homes rated as the Best of Florida!

Results are published online at the end of August and the print directory is published in October. We will keep you informed of the result.

Your support is appreciated. Thank you.

Universal Studios Florida Halloween Horror Nights 2024

We might be enjoying the height of summer right now but the most ardent fans are already looking ahead to the fall, when one of the Orlando theme parks’ most popular events of the year is staged.

As the leaves begin to turn and the nights grow longer, thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts know it’s time for one of the most anticipated events of the year: Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN).

In 2024, this iconic event promises to be more terrifying and exhilarating than ever before! Here’s what you can expect from this year’s fright fest.

Event Dates

Halloween Horror Nights 2024 will run on select nights from September 6th through November 2nd.

Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare for nights filled with frights and fun!

Unveiling the horrors: New mazes and scare zones

Halloween Horror Nights 2024 will feature an array of brand-new mazes and scare zones, each designed to immerse guests in their worst nightmares.

This year, Universal Studios has collaborated with top horror filmmakers and studios to create some of the most innovative and spine-tingling attractions to date.

2024 Halloween Horror Nights haunting mazes

Get ready to navigate through meticulously designed mazes that bring popular horror films and original stories to life.

The House of Shadows

Enter a Victorian mansion where the shadows themselves come alive, preying on the unsuspecting.

Zombie Apocalypse

A gritty, post-apocalyptic world overrun by the undead, where survival is the only option.

Carnival of Carnage

A twisted carnival where the clowns are anything but funny, and every turn could be your last.

Legends Collide

Face off against classic horror icons in a maze where Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, and the Wolfman battle it out.

Wicked Growth

Realm of the Pumpkin Lord! Venture into the domain of the Pumpkin Lord, where evil pumpkins grow and terrorize the land.

2024 Halloween Horror Nights scare zones

The streets of Universal Studios Florida will transform into eerie landscapes filled with roaming monsters and sinister scenes.

The Cursed Forest

Wander through a dark, enchanted forest where malevolent spirits and mystical creatures lurk.

Urban Legends

Encounter the terrifying tales you’ve heard around the campfire, from the Hookman to Bloody Mary.

Alien Invasion

An extraterrestrial takeover where the invaders aren’t just looking to abduct—they’re looking to annihilate.

Vampire’s Lair

Enter a gothic vampire den where bloodthirsty creatures of the night await their next victims.

2024 Halloween Horror Nights Live Entertainment and Immersive Experiences

Beyond the mazes and scare zones, Halloween Horror Nights 2024 will feature an array of live entertainment and immersive experiences that push the boundaries of horror.

Stage Shows

Enjoy high-energy performances that combine horror with theatrical artistry. The Freak Show will dazzle and terrify with its blend of acrobatics and macabre acts.

Interactive Experiences

Participate in interactive horror adventures that put you at the centre of the story. Whether you’re solving puzzles to escape a haunted house or surviving a live-action role-playing scenario, these experiences are designed to keep your adrenaline pumping.

Exclusive HHN merchandise

No Halloween Horror Nights experience is complete without some exclusive memorabilia. This year’s event features limited-edition merchandise, including t-shirts, posters, and collectibles inspired by the 2024 themes.

Themed food and drink

Additionally, food and beverage offerings will be tailored to the spooky atmosphere. Sink your teeth into devilishly delicious treats like the “Vampire’s Blood Sundae” or enjoy a “Witch’s Brew” cocktail as you explore the park.

Tips for making the most of HHN 2024

Here are a few ideas for getting more from your 2024 Halloween Horror Nights experience.

Plan ahead

HHN is a popular event, so purchasing tickets and booking accommodations early is essential.

Arrive early

Beat the crowds and maximize your time by arriving before the event starts.

Stay hydrated and comfortable

Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated throughout the night to keep up with the scares.

Use Express Passes

For an additional fee, Express Passes allow you to skip the regular lines, giving you more time to experience the attractions.

See you there!

Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween Horror Nights 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event filled with new thrills, chills, and heart-pounding excitement. For older audiences, it’s a seriously spooky thrill.

Why not share this preview with your guests to promote your home for the event run? It’s a great way to boost bookings from September 6th through November 2nd.

Whether your guests are horror aficionados or just looking for a night of fun, HHN 2024 promises to deliver an unparalleled Halloween experience. Guests can expect to make spine-tingling memories that will haunt them for years to come!

Fancy going?

Browse our homes

 As many of you are no doubt aware, earlier this spring, the Florida legislature passed SB 280 which will affect vacation homeowners throughout Florida.

We wrote a blog about this in March, when we asked you to take action to register your dislike of the bill.

What is SB 280?

The legislation is due to come into effect on July 1, 2024.

The legislation could:

You can find more information here: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/280

Airbnb is asking you to take action!

We’ve received an email today from Airbnb asking us to register our discontent about the legislation and its likely effects going forward.

As homeowners, this legislation will affect you. 

That’s why we’re sharing the information we received from Airbnb with you, our homeowners. We invite you to also register your thoughts about the legislation.

What is Airbnb asking homeowners to do?

Airbnb is asking you to make your voice heard. It says: it’s vital that Governor DeSantis hears from you today.

Let the Governor know:

You can use the following link to send an email to the Governor via the Airbnb website: https://actnow.airbnbcitizen.com/vpDiPIi

Airbnb has created this process to make it as simple as possible for you, as a homeowner, to register your unhappiness about the legislation with Governor DeSantis.

After filling in your information, the next page will have a question with space to write three or more sentences and then it will insert your message into a longer email which you can edit on the following page.

Airbnb says: thank you again for taking action as part of the vibrant host community across the Sunshine state.

Questions?

Please feel free to reach out to our team if you have questions about this issue. We are always on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Email us: admin@whiterosevillas.com

As vacation rental home owners, we all know first-hand that the travel landscape has undergone significant changes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guests now prioritise flexibility and reassurance when making travel plans.

This shift in consumer behaviour has led to an increased demand for vacation rentals with relaxed cancellation policies.

The three types of cancellation policy

Three types of cancellation policy are commonly used. These are:

Offers guests a full refund if the reservation is cancelled at least 14 days before check-in.

Provides a full refund if the reservation is cancelled at least 30 days before check-in.

Allows for a refund if the reservation is cancelled at least 60 days before check-in

To maintain competitiveness and enhance guest satisfaction, we strongly recommend selecting the “Relaxed” cancellation policy for your property. This policy offers guests the flexibility they desire while providing you with a competitive edge in the market.

Let’s consider why it’s a good idea to offer a relaxed cancellation policy for your vacation home bookings.

Meeting changing guest expectations

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in guest preferences towards flexibility when it comes to booking accommodations. With uncertainties such as travel restrictions, unforeseen emergencies, and changing personal circumstances, guests are increasingly seeking out properties with lenient cancellation policies. By offering a flexible cancellation policy, owners can cater to these changing expectations and attract more bookings from discerning guests.

Standing out in a crowded market

The vacation rental market is becoming increasingly saturated, with countless properties vying for the attention of potential guests. In such a competitive landscape, it’s essential for owners to differentiate their property from the rest. A flexible cancellation policy can be a powerful selling point that sets a property apart from competitors. Guests are more likely to choose a property that offers them peace of mind and flexibility in case their plans change, giving properties with flexible cancellation policies a distinct advantage.

Building trust and loyalty

A flexible cancellation policy not only attracts guests but also helps build trust and loyalty. Guests appreciate the transparency and reassurance that comes with knowing they can cancel or modify their reservation without penalty if needed. By prioritising guest satisfaction and demonstrating flexibility, owners can foster positive relationships with guests, leading to repeat bookings and positive reviews.

Ensure a consistent cancellation policy across platforms

We recommend that you offer a relaxed cancellation policy across all the platforms on which you market your vacation rental home.

This includes:

This way, you simplify policy enforcement, booking administration and the guest experience.

Why a flexible cancellation policy is important for vacation rental owners

Offering a flexible cancellation policy is essential for vacation rental owners looking to stay ahead of the competition.

You can:

Embracing flexibility is not just a competitive advantage—it’s a key ingredient for success in today’s dynamic marketplace.

What should owners do next?

To facilitate the process of selecting a cancellation policy, we will be emailing all owners a document to complete. This document will allow owners to choose their preferred cancellation policy from the options provided: relaxed, moderate, or strict. We believe that empowering owners to select their own cancellation policy ensures that it aligns with their preferences and business goals.

Questions? Get in touch

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

US: 407-605-5865

UK: 0333 332 1411

Our new coffee stations have proved a big hit with guests. We’ve added them to many of our homes over the last six months and have been monitoring the results. This is what we’ve discovered.

The coffee stations have been used in all properties by almost all of our guests. Some use more than others, of course, but overall the feedback has been very positive.

What is a coffee station?

The coffee stations include everything a guest might need to make their morning beverage.

This includes:

Why have we added the new coffee stations?

We’re always looking for ways in which we can enhance the guest experience.

We’d much rather that our homeowners can compete on experience and quality stay than to compete on price. We don’t think it’s in anyone’s interest to get into a race to the bottom. Not ours, not our homeowners and not the guests’.

No other property managers in the area offer this service right now. Stocked coffee stations are therefore a great way to set our properties apart.

How they are going to make a cup of coffee in the morning is a surprisingly important factor in guest choice. Our top three enquiries are: pool; distance from Disney, type of coffee maker!

As an aside: It’s worth noting that guests prefer a Keurig coffee maker, so if you don’t have one of these in your property already, please get in touch with our team. We can purchase and install a Keurig machine in the home on your behalf if you wish.

What do guests love about the coffee stations?

Guest feedback tells us that they love the coffee station concept. It is particularly appreciated when a welcome basket isn’t included with the booking.

The convenience of being able to make a coffee or herbal tea on arrival is really welcomed, especially after a long journey.

Guests also love the disposable coffee cups. This surprised us at first, since all the homes have fully equipped kitchens. However, it seems that many guests like to make a coffee and take it to the park in a disposable cup. This way, they don’t have to carry an empty refillable coffee cup around the park all day.

Overall, we’ve had a great response from guests. Now, we’d like to hear your thoughts!

What do you think about the new coffee stations?

We’d love to hear from owners who have had a coffee station installed in your home to hear your thoughts about how successful the new coffee stations have been.

Have guests responded to you about them? Has the feedback been positive or negative?

Would you like to see the coffee stations continue? Do you think they add useful value to the guest experience?

How would you like to see this amenity develop in the future?

Share your thoughts

Please get in touch with our team to let us know your thoughts.

Email us: admin@whiterosevillas.com

Call in the UK: 0333 332 1411

Exceptional guest stays are created through unique and exciting experiences layered on top of getting all the essentials right.

One of the additional services many guests request is for outside catering services. We’re really delighted to recommend Spice House Catering for this type of guest request.

We are delighted to recommend Spice House

Why do we recommend Spice House? Because of the quality of the food and the exceptional service, of course.

We can testify to the great-tasting food and exceptional service because our team recently enjoyed Spice House Catering’s services for themselves. We hosted a staff event at one of the properties we manage. And, because we’re big believers in practicing what we preach, it was a no brainer to use Spice House to cater for the event.

About Spice House Catering

Born in Montego Bay Jamaica, Spice House chef Dameon grew up in a culture where foods are grown naturally and harvested nearby. Organic has always been a way of life, not a grocery store label. With an extensive background working in some of the finest luxury hotels and cruise ships for over 20 years, chef Dameon has developed a diverse culinary background.

He strives to bring that same level of attention to detail, culinary creativity and high-class service to every catering client. If our team’s reviews are anything to go by, he certainly succeeds!

Spice House cuisine

Spice House specialities include: Jamaican jerk chicken; escovitch snapper filet; rice and peas and pineapple upside-down cake.

The menu is diverse, with plenty of cuisines and influences evident in the catering menu. Choose from Italian favourites such as caprese salad and chocolate cannoli. Or opt for a Southern Menu featuring hickory smoke BBQ chicken, honey BBQ pork ribs, grilled salmon with a dill beurre blanc, sauteed collard greens and a red velvet cake for dessert.

There are traditional Mexican options from which to choose as well as all American favourites like cobb salad and key lime pie. Or you can opt to build your own buffet. This way, you can pick all your favourites from the wide range of delicious options.

We opted to build our own buffet and the team loved the results.

You can review the menu in full here: https://spicehousecatering.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Spice-House-Catering-Menu.pdf

Would you like to book Spice House to cater for you or your guests?

If you or any of your guests would like to book catering or private chef services, please get in touch with our team.

We are always happy to help put itineraries and extra services packages together for you and your guests to make sure you get the most from your stay.

Call our team on: 407 605 5865.

Vacation Rentals are under attack in Florida from Senate Bill 280 (SB280) that recently passed the Florida state legislature. We have only days remaining to make an impact!

Your voice is needed.

What is SB280?

The Florida Senate and House of Representatives recently passed Senate Bill 280, which, if signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, will significantly impact vacation rentals, tourism, and property rights across the state. Let’s work together to stop this overreach.

This bill opens PMCs, property managers and guests to increased restrictions, such as:

Key Data estimates this could impact upwards of 40% of vacation rentals in the state of Florida and reduce associated revenue in communities by 30% or more.

We need your help to stop the overreach.

We believe in fair thoughtful regulation but Florida SB280 is a jobs killer and will impact the rights of businesses, property owners and guests alike.

How Can We Stop This?

We need Gov. DeSantis to Veto SB280. All voices are important but especially those of you based in Florida.

Take action yourself. Reach out by email and by phone:

  1. Email the Governor directly: GovernorRon.DeSantis2023@eog.myflorida.com
  2. Click Here to Sign
  3. Click Here for Information on How to Contact the Governor’s Office and see Our Call and Email Scripts

We’re doing our best to share the news and urge our homeowners to take action. Please share this blog with other Florida vacation rental homeowners you know. This will impact them directly.

Please also share with your employees, partners and vendors in the Florida market. These changes will have a negative impact on them and their businesses as well.

You can find more details about SB280 and efforts to stop it here: https://www.streamlinevrs.com/sb280/

If you have additional requests or need more information, please reach out to Scott Leggat, Inhabit’s Director of Government Affairs at: scott.leggat@inhabit.com.

Comments?

As always, we are on hand to answer your questions. If you have any comments or queries, please reach out to our team.

US – 407-605-58650

UK – 0333 332 1411