Mt Hood Vacation Rental Homeowners are Choosing Professional Property Management

MT HOOD VACATION RENTALS MAKES OWNING A VACATION RENTAL EASY FOR HOMEOWNERS!  HERE’S HOW:

24/7:  Mt Hood Vacation Rentals manages vacation rentals 24/7 – we respond quickly and professionally to guest inquiries, vacationing guests and homeowners. Also, we respond to emergencies 24 hours a day. We provide all guests with our after-hours emergency number and we post important information in all vacation rentals.

Guest Services:  From reservation inquiries to secure, online booking; from check-in to repair calls; from concierge services to housekeeping, home and grounds maintenance and inspections; Mt Hood Vacation Rentals takes care of guests and vacation homes 24 hours a day.

Marketing:  Who knows better how to market your vacation home than a professional manager? We live here, we participate in our communities, and we are involved in tourism efforts to promote the region. Local events, holidays and seasonal opportunities are promoted to guests year-round. We maintain and market to an established customer base of thousands of guests who often return year after year as repeat customers as well as referring their friends and family to Mt Hood Vacation Rentals.

Internet Marketing:  We know Internet marketing including Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Management. Our websites are attractive, easy to navigate and up-to-date using real-time web-based technology on our reservation availability and booking calendar. We know how to help guests find your vacation home online easily when they are planning a vacation in the area. We manage email marketing to past guests, utilize social media marketing, listing sites like Flipkey and TripAdvisor and a variety of other internet marketing strategies that will lead browsers to our website, mthoodrentals.com and to guests booking our vacation rentals.

Promotion:  Print, Internet, travel writer tours, email blasts, Facebook & Twitter, pre-arrival and post-vacation emails and direct mail, guest surveys, contests, television shows (the Mt Hood episode of Getting Away Together on PBS was filmed at one of our vacation rentals), promotional trade outs, quiet season promotions, brochures and rack cards…as professional managers we are hospitality experts who promote the Mt Hood area and your vacation home.

Reservations Made Easy:  In person, over the phone, via email or online – whether paying by check or credit card – Mt Hood Vacation Rentals makes it easy for guests to book your vacation rental in a secure, professional environment. Rental and refund policies are clear and professional. Guests receive detailed confirmation emails upon booking your vacation home.

Additional Services:  Travel insurance, security deposit protection, additional housekeeping services, discounted lift tickets, Sno-park permits and NW Forest Passes, Pack'n'Play and  booster chair rentals and much more…Mt Hood Vacation Rentals offers guests everything they need for a great vacation.

Housekeeping & Inspections:  We employ trained, skilled housekeepers who keep your vacation rental home cleaned to hospitality industry standards. Inspectors as well as housekeepers, maintenance technicians and office staff are in your vacation home before and after every guest, ensuring consistency and quality and keeping everything in order.

Maintenance:  We make sure all vacation homes are in great shape at all times – safe, clean and in good repair. We offer professional in-house maintenance services with a timely response to maintenance problems and after-hours requests for emergency services 7 days a week. We use reliable vendors (electricians, plumbers, appliance repairs, HVAC specialists and so on) who are qualified, trained and licensed to handle practically any situation, even on weekends and holidays, at fair prices, when the job goes beyond the scope of our in-house staff. The security deposit protection plan purchased by guests covers the cost of accidental damages during a guest’s visit.

Money:  As professionals, we maximize the return on your investment property, earning you money when you aren’t using your vacation home. Professional marketing and excellent guest services earn guests’ loyalty and repeat visits.

Records:  We keep the records – from revenues to repairs, from lodging tax to 1099s – you’ll receive professional, monthly accounting of what is happening at your property along with copies of vendor invoices and a monthly owner newsletter. We offer online owner access so information is available anytime, from any computer. Homeowners can review account information, rentals and revenues, make owner reservations and more.

Communication:  We let you know what’s happening – from property repairs and marketing initiatives to local issues and industry standards. We know the vacation rental industry locally, nationally and internationally and we’ll keep you informed.

Security:  As professional property managers, we are the constant “eyes and ears” for your vacation home. Instead of sitting empty, vacation homes are lived in, checked and maintained continuously. We meet your guests at arrival in our office and we communicate with them throughout their visit as needed to assist with travel plans, recreation, where to eat and if a problem arises.

Accountability:  As your agent, we are primarily accountable to you, the property owner. All guests are required to sign a detailed rental agreement, and review the policies. We primarily rent to families and adult groups over the age of 25. We do everything we can to protect your home and your investment.

Local Connections:  We maintain relationships with local officials and agencies – from tourism boards to the Mt Hood Area Chamber of Commerce, from the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association to Travel Oregon, the state’s tourism department. We are constantly making sure our homeowners and guests are top of mind in our community. Betsy LaBarge, the owner of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, serves on the Boards for the Clackamas County Tourism Development Council (local destination marketing organization) and the Vacation Rental Managers Association (international trade association).

Good Neighbors:  Professional property managers understand the importance of being good neighbors. We maintain connections to property owners associations and your neighbors; we keep guests informed about neighborhood rules as well as local laws. We patrol our vacation homes in order to enforce policies that do not allow overcrowding of your home, house parties, parking violations or similar concerns.

Local Advocacy:  Mt Hood Vacation Rentals keeps homeowners’ best interests in mind at all times. We advocate for clean, attractive rivers, lakes and trails and we participate in our Chambers, Tourism Boards, Planning Commissions and other local & tourism related organizations. We sponsor and volunteer for local events and initiatives that have a positive impact on tourism.

Consumer Confidence:  Booking a professionally managed vacation rental through a member of the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) is a seamless process, as nearly all members offer secure phone and Internet reservations systems, and members have made a commitment to quality hospitality, professionalism and industry excellence.

Time:  Mt Hood Vacation Rentals saves homeowners time. We do it all so you can enjoy your vacation home when you visit!

For more information, please contact:

Betsy LaBarge
866.794.6813
betsy@mthoodrentals.com

Mountain Bike Vacation Rentals at Mt Hood

Do you love riding your mountain bike at Mt Hood?  If so, you have probably discovered the Sandy Ridge Trails in Brightwood, Oregon. The newly developed flow trails have become super popular in short period of time. And new trails are continually being built.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals offers 5 rental cabins less than 2 miles from the trailheads, so you can turn your mountain bike trip into a vacation. After your ride, head back to the vacation rental for some R & R. Grill dinner on the gas BBQ, hang out by the firepit and tell stories about the day's adventures, then soak in the private, outdoor hot tub.

AUGUST MOUNTAIN BIKERS' SPECIAL: Stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental in August and receive a 10% discount.  Just tell us about your favorite section of the Sandy Ridge Trails.

On day two, head back to the Sandy Ridge Trails or try a new trail in the Mt Hood National Forest or head up to the Mt Hood Skibowl Mountain Bike Park in Government Camp.



Looking for a bike shop, good place to eat or other information for during your visit?

Bike Shops: Sales, Rentals, Repairs
Otto's Ski & Bike Shop, 503-668-5947
Sandy Bike Shop, 503-826-1070
Mountain Sports, 503-622-3120
Hurricane Racing, 503-272-0240

Mountain Bike Trails
Sandy Ridge Trails
Forest Service Trails
Mt Hood Skibowl Mountain Bike Park

Good Food & Bev for After the Ride
Wraptitude, 503-622-0893
El Burro Loco, 503-622-6780
Cafe Aria, 503-564-9333
Zigzag Inn, 503-622-4779

Local Stores for Drinks & Snacks
Brightwood Country Store, 503-622-4771
Thriftway Grocery Store, 503-622-3244
Mt Hood Foods, 503-622-4652
Govy General, 503-272-3107

Bike Tours & Other Information
Mt Hood Adventure, 503-715-2175
Mt Hood Territory, 800-424-3002
Mt Hood National Forest. 503-622-3191

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Reservations & Information
866-761-8029   Email   Book Online   Live Chat   Push to Talk

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals' "Creating Memories That Matter" Contest Winners

Thank you to all of our 20th Anniversary "Creating Memories That Matter" Contest Entrants.  We had dozens of entrants through November reservations and online sign-ups.  The winner of a 2-night stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental from a random drawing of all entrants is Jeannie Lihs of Scappoose, Oregon

The 2nd winner of the 5-night stay was awarded for telling us about a "Favorite Memory that Matters" that was created while on vacation. We received over 30 stories which were all wonderful to read, but a few really stood out.  We received the best story from Brenda Harkabus of Lakehead, California.

Here is her story!

"'Memories that Matter' In March of 2010 my beautiful, vivacious, 26 year old daughter died. I thought I was going to die from the horrible grief and pain. If there is anything more difficult than losing a child, I hope I never know what it is. My best friend of 20 years, who lives 9 hours away was my lifeline. She called me EVERY DAY for 6 months. Not many people are willing to enter into another persons grief like that. There are no answers or things you can say to make it better, but making the commitment to be on the phone every day to listen kept me from sinking. I wanted to do something to show her how much that meant to me and to spend some time with her. So, I made reservations for the Hidden Creek Log Cabin at the end of September 2010. She lives on the Oregon Coast and I in Northern California. I was so emotionally exhausted I had to take 2 days to drive to Welches. We met up at the office and proceeded to the cabin. From the moment we walked in the door I knew it was going to be a great experience. We enjoyed everything about the cabin and the area. We shed tears together and for the first time in 6 months I laughed again. I will never forget how that felt. My healing began there. She still calls all the time and we talk often about our stay there and how nice it would be to go back sometime."

Brenda will have the opportunity to re-visit the Hidden Creek Log Cabin because she won the 2-night stay at a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for her great story!

We had a tie for the 2nd place story, both of which we thought were good enough to share, too. The first story is from Carol Hoecker of Portland.

"We are 3 couples that share an annual weekend trip in January. This particular year there was a lot of snow and we barely made it to the cabin in Zig Zag. While hot tubbing one night we heard a creek, a crack and then a rumbling noise and the next thing we knew our quite, tranquil and relaxing time in the hot tub was shattered by most of the snow falling off the roof and into the tub. Once we found out that no one was hurt, we started laughing so hard we could barely get out of the tub. I think the temputure went down to 80 after the snow hit. That happened about 8-10 years ago and we still talk (and laugh a lot) about that story."

The other 2nd place story was submitted by Kim Marshel of Vancouver, Washington.

"I had seen the email promoting this contest once before and had dismissed it thinking that I didn't have a sound argument for "Creating Memories that Matter". We have never had any holiday celebrations there, or been there for a significant event, so I think my thoughts went directly to what fun times we may have had while spending time at one of the cabins we have rented. There were quite a few to choose from! But unless you were there-they may not be that funny! So I dismissed it. Until I looked at the calendar the other day and realized that it had been almost 2 years since we lost Denny. Denny was our cocker spaniel and he was considered the baby of the family. We contributed to that completely on our own by always giving him whatever he wanted! He always knew we would take care of him. And that always included carry him when he didn't want to get his feet wet. I'd never had a dog that didn't like the water or the dampness of the pavement, but rather than drag him everywhere we would pick him up on occasion. So when we booked a cabin during the winter we knew we were taking a chance. The winter meant snow, which also meant we'd be carrying Denny. To our surprise Denny never looked at the snow with fear in his eyes. He walked in it, rolled in it and (of course) ate it like he had been doing it all his life. It was the most remarkable thing I had ever seen. Stunned actually but it made for one of those unbelievable happy stories that-you wouldn't get unless you were there. I honestly couldn't believe my eyes. Denny is no longer with us, but if that's the last thing I could ever remember about him I will take it."

Five runners-up each won one adult lift ticket for their choice of Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline or Mt Hood SkiBowl Adult lift tickets to be used between January 1 - March 31, 2012 in conjunction with a paid reservation in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental.  Our lift ticket winners are: Michael Dado, Cara Barstad, Maria Moiel, Jenna Gribbin and Michelle Plotner.

Congratulations to everyone!

Why Not Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental

To our surprise and excitement, the holidays are nearly upon us! With reports of snowfall already hitting the airwaves and real sightings of snow at the ski areas, Thanksgiving Weekend is bound to be fun for families visiting Mt Hood. If you’re planning on spending your Thanksgiving vacation in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental, you can certainly expect to have a seamless and relaxing weekend because our cabins, lodges and homes are perfectly equipped for the holidays.

For our guests who will be preparing a traditional turkey dinner in their Mt Hood Vacation Rental, we have made it easy for you with kitchens that are completely stocked with all the pots, pans, dishes and utensils you need to make a big family dinner. From casserole dishes to pie pans, blenders to platters, wine glasses to bread baskets, the only additional items you might want to consider bringing is a roasting pan and thermometer for your turkey. Also, if you’ve forgotten a food item (or just don’t want to haul all those groceries with you), both the Hoodland Thriftway and Mt Hood Foods in Rhododendron will be open on Thanksgiving Day.

If you’re more inclined to sit back and let someone else do the cooking, there are lots of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day. Drive up to Timberline Lodge for an intimate and delectable dining experience while you watch the snow flurry outside, and enjoy Chef Jason Stoller Smith’s root beer brined natural turkey. The Resort at the Mountain will be hosting an extravagant Thanksgiving Buffet from 11 am to 7 pm featuring turkey with apricot-pistachio stuffing among many other delicious items. Later in the weekend, visit the Rendezvous Grill for their 2nd annual Holiday Open House and Wine Tasting from noon to 5.

From our kitchens to yours, here is some our favorite Thanksgiving recipes that are easy to make and pleasing to everyone’s palate…

Spaghetti Squash Gratin

1 to 2 1/2 pound spaghetti squash
9 fresh sage leaves, 6 of the leaves finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced and crushed to a paste
2 1/2 cups (about 8 ounces) grated Swiss Gruyere cheese
3/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Butter

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and place halves, flesh side down, in a baking dish with enough hot water to come 1/4-inch up the sides of the squash. (The water prevents burning and helps steam the squash so it cooks more evenly.) Cover with aluminum foil and bake until the squash is soft when poked with a knife, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Discard the seeds. Scrape along the pulp with a fork and pull out and reserve shreds. Rub the bottom of a medium (8-cup or slightly larger) gratin or baking dish with butter.

Toss the "spaghetti" with the chopped sage, garlic, 2 cups of the cheese, cream, salt and pepper. Spread mixture in gratin dish (the squash layer should be about 1 inch thick). Sprinkle the remaining cheese over "spaghetti." Arrange the 3 remaining sage leaves on top of the gratin. Bake for about 45 minutes. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over gratin and serve.

Note: The squash can be baked a day ahead, following the above directions. If the top of the gratin doesn't turn golden brown, place it under the broiler for about 1 minute.

Yield: 6 side-dish servings.

Sausage Cornbread Stuffing
 

2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 pound spicy sausage, broken into bite-size pieces
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
10 sage leaves, finely chopped
10 cups cornbread, crumbled into bite-size pieces
2 cups dried cranberries
2 cups pecans, chopped
3 to 4 cups chicken stock
Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Add olive oil to a large saute pan, add the onions and celery and saute over medium heat until soft.  Add the sausage and cook until the sausage begins to brown. Stir in the garlic and saute for another 1 to 2 minutes. Add the pecans, sage and rosemary and cook for another minute, then remove from heat.

In a large bowl mix together the cornbread, cranberries, and the sausage mixture. Add chicken stock and stir until well mixed and corn bread is moist. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Transfer to a casserole dish.

Bake the stuffing until it is hot all the way through and is crusty on top, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Serves 12.

Martha Stewart’s Mile-High Apple Pie – Makes one 9-inch pie
Note: Bake this pie at least 24 hours in advance to allow the filling to set.

Crust: Deep Dish Pate Brisee
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp sugar
1 ½ cups (3 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
½ - ¾ cups ice water

Make your pie dough in two batches, dividing ingredients approx 60/40.

1. Place flour, sugar and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade; process until combined. Add the butter pieces; process until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds.
2. Add the ice water in a slow, steady stream through the feed tube with the machine running, just until dough holds together. Do not process more than 30 seconds. Test by squeezing dough; if it is still crumbly, add a bit more water.
3. Turn the dough out onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Grasping the ends of the plastic wrap with your hands, press dough into a flat circle with your fists. This makes rolling easier than if the pastry is chilled as a ball. Wrap the dough in the plastic and chill for at least one hour.

Apple Pie Filling
½ cup all purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
Deep-dish pate brisee
8 medium sized Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into ¼ inch slices
Juice of 2 lemons
1 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 large egg yolk

1. Preheat oven to 450º. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the smaller piece of pate brisee into a 15 inch round about 1/8 inch thick, dusting surface with flour to prevent sticking, as needed. Brush off excess flour. Roll dough around rolling pin, and place over a deep dish 9 inch pie plate. Line plate with dough, pressing it into the corners. Trim dough to within 1 inch of the pie plate. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate.
2. Roll out remaining piece of dough into an 18-inch round. Transfer round to a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
3. Place apple slices in a large bowl; sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent discoloration. In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar and cinnamon; toss with apple slices.
4. Place apple mixture into pie dough in pie pan, mounding into a tall pile. Dot filling with butter. Place dough round over the apples. Tuck edge of top dough between edge of bottom dough and rim of pan. Using your fingers, gently press both layers of dough along the edge to seal, and crimp as desired.
5. Using a paring knife, cut several vents in top dough to allow steam to escape. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and 2 tbsp water to make a glaze. Brush surface with egg glaze; sprinkle with sugar. Place on a baking sheet to catch overflow juices. Bake until crust is golden, about 15 minutes.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 350º and continue baking until crust is golden brown and juices are bubbling, 60-75 minutes. Tent with foil during baking time if crust is getting too brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Fall Foliage on Mt Hood

Mt Hood is renowned for year-round skiing and snowboarding, and countless miles of hiking and biking trails. Most people visit during the winter and summer months to enjoy these activities. What these folks are missing out on only happens in the fall, and it is such a spectacular occurrence we want to share it with Mt Hood Vacation Rental guests…the brilliant fall foliage! As the seasons transition from summer to autumn, the days get shorter and leaves change from green to the many colors of fall—gold, amber, red, orange and even pink. Once winter is in full swing, there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis, and the leaves dry up and fall to the ground. The trees will rest, and live off the food they stored during the summer.

Besides evergreens, the Mt Hood National Forest is full of vine maples, oak, huckleberry and Oregon grapes shrubs with colors that strike a remarkable contrast to the dark greens of Douglas fir and hemlock in the fall. Vine maples, in particular, show off the brightest and most diverse color spectrum, from deep dark red to the most vivid yellow.

Photo courtesy of Gary Randall Photography

For a magnificent, sweeping view of the Welches Valley and the abundant autumn colors of the Mt Hood National Forest, hike up Hunchback Mountain, accessible from the Zigzag Ranger Station. While it is a somewhat strenuous hike up (an hour each way), you will be well-rewarded with sweeping views of the colorful valley and the Salmon River below once you reach the top. For a more relaxed experience, meander along the Old Salmon River Trail and watch as the fall leaves float peacefully into and down the Salmon River while the salmon are spawning.

To experience Mt Hood’s fall foliage from the comforts of your car, cruise along the Mt Hood Scenic Byway and the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway, which join to create a breathtaking loop around Mt Hood. Fall colors are particularly glorious through Hood River Valley, on Highway 35 between Government Camp and Hood River as you drive from forest to field. Take breaks along the Hood River County Fruit Loop at the many orchards and wineries that dot the beautiful landscape, and watch apple, pear and grape harvest in full swing before tasting the fruits of the farms’ labors. Apples, pears, cider and other fall harvest fruits and vegetables are available for sale at many locations.

Photo courtesy of Gary Randall Photography

If curling up in the front of a blazing fire with a good book and gazing out the window at the leaves falling is more your style, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals’ fall special continues until Thanksgiving! Stay in one of our warm and inviting homes for 4 nights and you will get your 3rd night half off and 4th night free.

Also in November, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is Celebrating 20 Years of Creating Memories That Matter. Stay with us in November and you will automatically be entered to win a 2-night stay at one of our welcoming vacation homes for each paid night of your visit. Share with us your Favorite Memorable Story that was created while on vacation, and the best storyteller will also win a 2-night stay. Plus 5 runner-ups will win an adult lift ticket for the 2011/2012 ski and snowboard season.