FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BOOKING & RESERVATIONS

• Can I book online?

  Well, sort of.
  
  You can search for and request a reservation and even securely provide your payment information. But as a private residential community of luxury homes, Windcliff personally vets 100% of all reservations before any reservation is accepted. So here’s how it works:

  1. Search and find the home you wish to rent and submit your Request to Book along with payment information *** NOTE – your card is NOT yet charged at this point and you do not have a confirmed reservation ***
  2. Within 48 hours, you MUST speak with a member of Windcliff staff to confirm your knowledge and understanding of the reservation agreement (generic pdf copy found at the bottom of every page of the Windcliff website)
  3. Once the Windcliff staff member verbally confirms the reservation with you,
  1. Your reservation dates are confirmed as being received in our system
  2. Your card will then be charged the down payment (or total amount if within 60 days of arrival)
  3. You will be emailed a personal copy of the Rental Agreement that you will digitally “sign” and submit
  4. Once Windcliff receives your digitally signed Rental Agreement, and down payment (or full payment), you will be emailed a Reservation Confirmation and you are ALL SET!

• How are total charges computed?

  • For each home there is a base rate that covers the first two people; this rate varies by season date ranges.
  • $25 for each additional person over age 2 per night up to the maximum occupancy for the home.

  
  Taxes = 5.7%
  
  

  • 3.7% State sales tax
  • 2% Local Marketing District tax
  • Taxes and fees are computed in addition to the base rate.

  
  
  Fees:
  
  

  • Damage Protection Fee – flat rate of $150. See the "Is there a security deposit?" section for details
  • Cleaning Fee – varies depending on home selected – between $200-$700

  
  
  Please see our Rental Agreement for more detail.

• When is my reservation guaranteed?

  Reservations are not considered “guaranteed” until Windcliff receives 3 things from you:

  1. Your Reservation Request (Home/Dates – and those are confirmed by Windcliff)
  2. The required down payment and full payment
  3. Your digitally signed Rental Agreement

  Failure to provide full payment to Windcliff 60 days prior to arrival will automatically cancel your reservation and any payments received to that date will be forfeited.

• Will I receive a reservation confirmation?

  Confirmation of your reservation will be emailed to you. Please read the confirmation for accuracy of dates, mailing address, number of adults and/or children and accommodations. Notify Windcliff of any errors within one business day.

• Is there a reservation deposit?

  Sort of. A down payment of 30% of rent charges and 100% of add-on charges is due at the time of booking if your arrival date is more than 60 days away.

• Is there a security deposit?

  No security deposit is taken or refunded. Vacation Rental Damage Insurance is added to your reservation which covers you for up to $10,000 in accidental damages to the home during your stay.

• Do you charge for additional guests?

  Yes, $25.00 for each approved additional guest over 2 guests (over 2 years of age), charged per night per guest. An expected total guest count per night is required at the time of reservation and must be pre-approved by Windcliff. You will be charged without notice for additional guests not disclosed to Windcliff. If you bring in extra guests without prior approval and payment, you may be asked to vacate the rental property and forfeit all rent paid.

• What is your Refund/Cancellation Policy?

  • $299 of your down payment is non-refundable and is applied to the cost of your vacation rental.
  • Subject to following the Rental Agreement, the remainder of your down payment is refundable provided you cancel your reservation at least 90 days prior to your arrival date.
  • Between 60 and 90 days prior to arrival, the entire down payment amount will be forfeited if cancelled.
  • Starting 60 days prior to arrival, full payment is due and paid. There are no refunds of any kind in the event of cancellation within 60 days of arrival.

• When are check-in and check-out?

  • Check-in time is after 3:00 p.m. No exceptions are offered.
  • Check-out time is by 10:00 a.m. No exceptions are offered.
  • Departing from your rental home late will incur a fine in accordance with our rental agreement.

• Is there a minimum stay length?

  • Depending on the season your reservation must be for a minimum number of nights.
  • For Prime Season the minimum stay is 5 nights.
  • For Fall and Special Seasons the minimum stay is 3 nights, except for Christmas/New Year's which has a minimum stay of 5 nights.
  • For the Value Season the minimum stay is 2 nights.

• Does Windcliff provide support after check-in?

  If you encounter a problem or have an emergency after hours you can always reach us 24 hours a day. The owner of Windcliff Vacation Rentals lives in the neighborhood and previously was a Windcliff vacation rental guest just like you. We care, we are aware, and we want your vacation experience to be special and worry-free.

• Can I check-in outside of business hours?

  Yes. Your Rental Agreement and Check-In Instructions email specifically describes how to check-in outside of Windcliff Office hours.

• Can I bring my pet?

  We have a small selection of dog-friendly rentals in our program! These properties allow you to bring a maximum of two dogs with an additional fee. To see these properties please click here.

• What standard amenities does every property include?

  All vacation rental homes include:
  
  

  • Kitchen
  • Washer/dryer
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • TV with cable or satellite
  • Local telephone
  • Wood burning or gas fireplace
  • WiFi

• Does my vacation rental have air conditioning?

  Ours is a cool, low-humidity, sub-alpine climate and homes are not built with air conditioning because it is simply not needed.
  
  Yes, for a few weeks each year, temperatures even here at 8,000-9,000 ft. in elevation, can reach 80 degrees. The interior temperature of some homes – especially those with a lot of large windows – can get warm. During those times, the living temperature of our homes in Windcliff are moderated by simply opening windows to facilitate cross-ventilation from the cool mountain breezes. As soon as the sun sets, temperatures rapidly dip back into the 50’s or lower.
  
  That said, this is also bear country. So it is imperative to never leave a home unattended with open windows. When departing for the day, leave bear-accessible windows closed and put all window blinds down to minimize the house from warming in the afternoon sun.
  
  When returning from the day’s activities, open the blinds to cross-ventilate the home.
  
  Remember, thermostats control heating only, turning them down during warm temperatures has no “cooling” effect.
  
  Windcliff homes that do offer some air conditioning include:
  
  

  • Hyler Mountain Lodge (partial)
  • Mapes (partial)
  • Panorama (partial>
  • Reverie (whole home)
  • Snowdrift Lodge (partial)
  • Sponsel (partial)

• Do you have meeting spaces, playgrounds, food services, etc.

  No. Windcliff is a tranquil, private community in a rural setting, and does not provide these facilities. The nearby YMCA of the Rockies is a terrific destination for groups in need of these amenities.

• Will my property be stocked with supplies when I arrive?

  For your convenience, you will find a starter supply of:
  
  

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Laundry detergent
  • Paper towels
  • Tissues
  • Toilet paper
  • Dish soap
  • Detergent

  
  
  Our goal is just to “get you started” – tide you over from your late arrival until you can get to the grocery store the next day. Not all kitchens are stocked with staples or spices.

• Can Windcliff supply high chairs or Pack N' Plays?

  • Pack N’ Plays and Highchairs are available for all homes by advance request.
  • These items may be provided subject to prior availability.
  • You accept all liability for the use of Pack N’ Plays or Highchairs.

• Do your houses have WIFI Internet?

  All Windcliff homes offer WiFi/Internet. Most properties come equipped with gigabit fiber internet, and we'd be impressed if it wasn't fast enough for your needs during your stay!

• Do you provide mid-day cleaning services?

  No. Mid-day or Mid-Stay cleaning services are not offered in Windcliff. While Windcliff cleaning staff ensures all homes are fantastically clean and sanitized prior to each guest arrival, mid-stay cleaning is the responsibility of the guest.

• Do you provide linens?

  Yes. All linens for all beds (and sleeper sofas) are provided by Windcliff for every stay.

• Can I bring my own grill, firearm, or fireworks?

  • You are not allowed to provide your own grill under any circumstances, but all of our vacation rental homes provide propane grills (check each house’s individual page for details).
  • Use of barbecue grills is limited to propane (gas) grills located in some vacation rentals.
  • Discharge of firearms or weapons of any kind including paint ball guns, pellet guns, BB guns, pistols or rifles is strictly prohibited everywhere at Windcliff. No fireworks are permitted in or around the rental property or anywhere in Windcliff.

• Can I smoke?

  No. Smoking of any kind is not permitted in any rental home, around any rental home or anywhere else within Windcliff, no exceptions. If you, your guests or your visitors desire to smoke anything, please do not book a home at Windcliff. Evidence of smoking in any rental home will result in immediate expulsion from the home, a $500 fine and no refunds for the unsued portion of the rental. We take smoking offenses very seriously at Windcliff.

• What about Marijuana?

  Estes Park does not permit the sale of marijuana products. Thanks to these measures, Estes Park remains a fully family-friendly destination and community, upholding our traditions of physical & spiritual wellness, outdoor recreation, meaningful connections with nature & each other, and timeless family fun.
  
  The homes in Windcliff’s vacation rental program are not your home and they are not Windcliff’s home. They are the homes of the owners. Our owners do not want their guests utilizing any form of marijuana in their homes. Therefore, Windcliff does not permit edible, spreadable, smokable or vapable THC products anywhere at any time. Evidence (empty containers in trash, etc.) will incur a $500 violation fee.
  
  If your full enjoyment of this incredible place is dependent on your use of marijuana or other drugs, please consider vacationing elsewhere – Windcliff and Estes Park are not for you.

TRAVEL QUESTIONS

• What are the roads like?

  Windcliff is on a mountainside. Part of having great views is the scenic drive it takes to get you there.
  
  Our HOA-maintained, chip & seal and gravel roads gently and safely traverse from the base roads to the high elevations where the best views await. There are few guard-rails though, so take care at night and during inclement weather. Share the road and bring a vehicle that’s ready for the climb. For a taste of a climb from the gatehouse (bottom of the hill) to the top of Windcliff (Cedar condominiums) in some rather spotty weather, click here. And the descent of the hill (in far nicer weather) here.
  
  If you’re visiting in the winter or spring, see the question “Getting to my vacation rental in snowy weather?” below.

• Where can I park?

  Each rental property provides parking for the maximum number of cars indicated on that vacation rental home’s page. Parking is not permitted on the Windcliff roads.

• Getting to my vacation rental in snowy weather?

  While Windcliff is highly proactive about plowing and maintaining our roads, you are responsible for your own transit. Please do not attempt to access the Windcliff roads during snowy weather without four-wheel or all-wheel drive.

• Can I bring a motorcycle, trailer, trike, or RV?

  No. Windcliff forbids all motorcycles, ATVs, trailers, or RVs for rental guests. Our roads and community are not compatible with motorcycle, ATV, trailer, and RV traffic. If you ride a GS, please call the office and speak to Rich to make acceptable arrangements for storage of your bike during your stay.

OTHER QUESTIONS

• May I bring visitors to Windcliff?

  Yes. Visitors of guests are permitted up to 50% of the maximum guest occupancy of the rental home.
  
  

  • A visitor is an occupant in the rental property that is not staying overnight.
  • The total number of persons permitted in a rental property including visitors is 150% of the maximum occupancy for the property.
  • Any visitor staying overnight is considered a guest and subject to additional charges.
  • Any occupancy for daily use in excess of the maximum is a violation of the Rental Agreement and subjects the guest(s) to eviction.
  • The maximum number of vehicles that can be parked outside any home at any time is 3. Parking more than this number for any length of time is a violation of the Rental Agreement and subjects the guest(s) to eviction.

• Who do I call if something in my rental home is not working?

  If anything in your home is not working, call the Windcliff office at (970) 586-2181 during regular office hours (8:30a-4:30p Monday-Friday).
  
  

  • Windcliff does not guarantee against mechanical failure of electrical service, stopped plumbing, water supply, heating, hot tubs, audio visual equipment, computers or internet access, television or appliances.
  • Please report any inoperative equipment to Windcliff immediately. Windcliff will make every reasonable effort to have repairs done quickly and efficiently.
  • No refunds or rent reductions will be made due to failure of such items.

• Do you have meeting spaces, playgrounds, food services, etc?

  No. Windcliff is a tranquil, private community in a rural setting, and does not provide these facilities. The nearby YMCA of the Rockies is a terrific destination for groups in need of these amenities.

• Can I hike on the Windcliff roads?

  Yes, you may walk on Windcliff roads.
  
  

  • Please stay on the Windcliff roads when hiking.
  • Do not cut across private property which causes erosion of the fragile mountain landscape.
  • No hiking across private property.

• Is Windcliff right for my wedding, party, team?

  Vacation rentals are not for everyone, and neither is Windcliff. We insist that our guests respect our policies and the quiet residential nature of Windcliff. Large groups, parties, weddings, sports teams etc. are not compatible with our family-oriented vaction rental home atmosphere.
  
  Maximum permissible occupancy of guests & their visitors cannot exceed 150% of the home’s published maximum occupancy. In most of our homes that means no more than 12 people are permitted to be in the home at any time and no more than 8 are permitted to sleep overnight (or fewer for some of our smaller homes – see the home’s published maximum occupancy). No more than 3 vehicles are permitted to be parked at any of our homes for any length of time. Violation of either of these terms of use will result in eviction without refund. Therefore, if a family reunion, wedding, anniversary or group event is bringing you to the mountains, please consider renting somewhere other than in Windcliff.

• How are we handling cleanliness in light of COVID-19?

  Cleanliness and safety for our guests is paramount. Our long-standing housekeeping staff is second to none in Estes Park, and we're spending an additional 3-5 man hours at each and every property for each and every clean between guests.
  
  CDC approved disinfectants and procedures are being utilized to ensure your safety and that all surfaces (even ones you may not see or touch) are properly sanitized.