FAQs  

          

Book Online
Availability
Rates and Deals
Unit Information
Contact Us
PLI Links

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I check availability of your unit?
  2. How many people can your unit sleep?
  3. Will you hold dates pending deposit?
  4. What types of payments do you accept?
  5. Do you charge a cleaning fee?
  6. What are the check in and check out time?
  7. What do I need to do to get a late checkout?
  8. What are your web specials?
  9. Is there a minimum number of nights I need to book?
  10. What is your cancellation policy?
  11. What are your bed arrangements for the unit?
  12. Are linen and towels provided?
  13. What is included with the unit?
  14. Do you allow pets or smoking in your unit?
  15. Where is your condo located on Mt Hood?
  16. What services are available in Government Camp?
  17. Are you within walking distance of ski lifts?
  18. Do you sell discounted lift tickets?
  19. What amenities does the condo building have?
  20. Why do I need a parking permit for the basement garage?
  21. What is the clearance on the garage vehicle entrance?
  22. How many cars can I park in the basement?
  23. Why do I need a card key to operate the elevator?
  24. Where do I get a grocery cart to haul my stuff to the unit?
  25. What are the hours for the pool, sauna, and laundry facilities?
  26. How old do my kids need to be to swim in the pool without an adult?
  27. Can I rent additional condos in the same building?
  28. Do I need a snow park permit to park on the street in front of the building?
  29. When do I get the keys to the place?
  30. What if I have problems with the unit or building while up there?
  31. Can my kids play around the building?
  32. Mt Hood is a volcano and has an eruptive history doesn't it?
  33. What kind of internet connection do you have and how do I connect to it?
  34. What phones and jacks do you have in the unit?
  35. Has all the snow this year caused any problems with the building?

 

How do I check the availability of your unit?

If you're interested in renting from us please first check availability up on our booking site at VRConnection. Make sure and note our rates and maximum occupancy. To check bed/bedroom arrangements view our layout page.

Back to Top

How many people can your unit sleep?

Our unit can sleep a maximum of 10 non-related or 13 related people per fire codes and the Golden Poles Homeowners Association rules.

Back to Top

Will you hold dates pending receipt of my deposit?

You may book online or by phone at 503.614.1983. We'll verbally hold your dates for 7 days pending receipt of your refundable security deposit for reservation 60 days or more out. Dates inside of 60 days will require partial or complete payment with payment of a security deposit. 

Back to Top

What types of payments do you accept?

Payments can be in the form of a personal check sent through US Mail or we can charge your credit card online through PayPal. Please choose the PayPal payment option to pay using any of the cards they accept. Once we receive your deposit we'll send you an email confirmation. At final payment time we send a link to the condo and building rules, Government Camp area map and checkout checklist. The map can be printed so that you can provide copies to others who are staying with you.

Back to Top

Do you charge a cleaning fee?

At this time we do not charge any cleaning fee and instead ask all renters and their guests to perform a simple checkout checklist that we provide asking you to remember all personal items, haul all garbage or recyclables to the basement and set the heat to the proper unoccupied setting that are on each heater or thermostat. Any cleaning or repairs required to return the unit to arrival condition will be charged to the renter.

Back to Top

What are the check in and check out times?

Check in time is 4pm on the day you arrive and check out time is 11am the day you're leaving. These times are often flexible if arrangements are made in advance depending on cleaning and occupancy schedules.

Back to Top

What do I need to do to get a late checkout?

Contact us at least the week prior to your arrival date. At that time we should know the cleaning and occupancy schedule which should allow the best opportunity to be flexible on the time you leave. If you're at the unit on the day you leave and can't be out at the scheduled checkout time we need to know this as this could interfere with the cleaning schedule. Occupancy sensors in the unit will track your arrival and departure by time.

Back to Top

What are your special deals?

We always offer a number of specials that can be viewed on our deals page. Read the terms of the specials and their conditions. Specials must be requested, when available, at reservation time so that we can make sure your rental contract has the correct cost and the taxes are accurately calculated.

Back to Top

Is there a minimum number of nights I need to book?

Two days on any non-holiday day week
Three days on Monday holiday weekends
Four days over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years
Back to Top

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations within the 60-30 day windows forfeit one nights lodging (the highest nightly rate) unless a replacement renter is booked and your security deposit will be refunded. 

Cancellations inside of 30 days lose their full rental fee unless a replacement renter is booked. Security deposit will still be refunded. 

All refunds are at sole the discretion of the owner operator and no refunds will be made due to inclement weather, road conditions or family feuds.

Please read our terms and conditions before booking.

Back to Top

What are your bed arrangements for the unit?

Our layout page shows the unit's floor plan along with current bed arrangements. 

Back to Top

Are linen and towels provided?

Yes, normally linen and towels are provided based on the number of people in your party. The day of check-out we ask that you remove the linens from the beds (part of the checkout checklist) that were used to help facilitate the cleaning of the unit after you leave. For a complete list of what all is provided see the faq below.

Back to Top

What is included with the unit?

Completely furnished kitchen with microwave and dishwasher
Smooth glass top range with oven
27" Stereo TV with VCR/DVD Home Theater
20" TV/DVD in both downstairs bedrooms
26" TV in loft connected to Gamecube
DISH Satellite with 15 HBO/Showtime movie channels
Satellite is modulated onto channel 18 on all TVs
Home Theater plays CDs, no audio cassette tape player
Telephone with local Portland calling
Wood Stove (wood provided)
Linen and towels provided
Gas Barbecue Grill on outdoor covered deck
Ski Storage room
Portable crib and a high chair
Wireless 802.11b and g Internet access (WEP encoding required)
Ski/Board and bike storage room off main entry.
Telephone with local Portland calling access
Back to Top

Do you allow pets or smoking in your unit?

Our unit is a NO SMOKING unit. Smoking is allowed on the outside decks only which are covered and as ash tray is provided. 

Small dogs under 35lbs are permitted with a $50 pet fee per rental period. The pet fee is non-refundable. Sorry, please leave your cats and other pets at home..

Back to Top

Where is your condo located on Mt Hood?

Our unit is located in the Golden Poles Chalet Condominiums. These condos are located on the south side of Hwy 26 in Government Camp just outside the parking area for Ski Bowl East (Multorpor Lodge side). Government Camp is located 45 minutes east of Portland. For a printable Government Camp Map click here.

Map.jpg (72167 bytes) Click to see large map image.

Back to Top

What services are available in Government Camp?

Two grocery stores, one with movie rentals
State Liquor Store in the Govy General store.
Ski Bowl Ski Resort known as America's Largest Night Ski Area
Ski Bowl Snow Tube & Adventure Park
Summit Ski Area with Red Devil Tube Hill
Huckleberry Inn, 24 hour restaurant
Rat Skeller Pub and restaurant
Charlie's Tavern and restaurant
Post Office
Chevron Gas Station
Timberline Brew Pub
Several Tube/Skis/Snowboard/Snowshoe Rental Facilities
Mountain Bike rentals with lift access in the summer.
Back to Top

Are you within walking distance of ski lifts and Adventure Park attractions?

Our unit is located just outside the parking area for Ski Bowl East. In the winter if Ski Bowl has their East base open (check Ski Bowl's operating schedule) then it's a short walk to Multorpor Lodge. Lift and tubing tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth in that parking lot. In the summer tickets for all of Ski Bowl Adventure Park's attractions can be purchase at the ticket booth in the Ski Bowl East Parking lot or at the booth up by Multorpor Lodge.

Back to Top

Do you sell discounted lift tickets?

We do not sell discounted lift tickets simply because there are so many ski resorts nearby that you can ski and weather can be a factor. Most people prefer to not purchase in advance and lock themselves into a particular resort. By not purchasing lift tickets in advance you preserve the option to choose where to ski depending on the weather or even just skip skiing and stay in Government Camp and go tubing, snow shoeing or hiking instead.

Back to Top

What amenities does the condo building have?

Heated outdoor pool (open only on weekend in winter, summer every day)
Indoor sauna and changing rooms (open daily)
Basement coin operated laundry facilities
Underground parking available with access through remote garage door
Elevator with carts to haul stuff up to the unit from the basement parking
Common stairs right out the front door
Basement ski wax room

Occasionally some of the common facilities may not be available. Usually this is related to unplanned repair and/or maintenance. Ask to confirm for your particular stay. We can't guarantee that all facilities will always be available.

Back to Top

Why do I need a parking permit for the basement garage?

The on site building manager requires each car in the basement have a parking permit. This helps him manage the number of cars each unit has there to prevent the garage area from becoming over crowded. Additionally, it helps find vehicle owners in the event a car needs to be moved or relocated for some reason. 

Back to Top

What is the clearance on the garage vehicle entrance?

The underground parking can take most normal size vehicles that don't have roof racks. The height limit is approximately 6 feet 6 inches. Vehicles that may have problems include ones with lift kits, full sized extended vans and sport utility vehicles with cargo or roof racks. If you are unsure please pull slowly into the garage and make sure your vehicle will fit. Beware that the garage door is on a timer and will automatically close in three minutes of opening so watch for surprise closings.

How many cars can I park in the basement?

Each unit may park only two cars in the basement garage area. Other cars must park in front of the building and have a valid SnoPark Permit during the period when they're required. 

Back to Top

Do I need a card key to operate the elevator?

You need a card key in the elevator only to reach the basement. All other floors can be accessed through the normal floor buttons. This is for security of the cars and the basement area.

Back to Top

Where do I get a grocery cart to haul my stuff to the unit?

Grocery carts are located in the basement and must be returned to the basement immediately upon unloading. Please help keep these available for others to use and prevent the manager from having to come to your unit to locate and return them. 

Back to Top

What are the hours for the pool, sauna, and laundry facilities?

The sauna is available every day until 10pm. During slow periods the pool may be open by request only. You will find the official pool schedule on display in the elevator. Generally it's hours are:

Winter: 

Open weekends on request (to conserve heat) and holiday periods
Normal hours when open are 9am-10pm and 6pm on Sunday
Temperature: 90-92 degrees

Summer:

Open daily
Hours are 9am-10pm
Temperature: 82-88 degrees

There are two coin operated washers and dryers in the basement. Generally they are available during the same hours the sauna is open. Cost is $1 to wash and $1 to dry and you must bring your own soap as there is no coin-op soap is available.

Back to Top

How old do my kids need to be to use the pool without an adult?

Children must be accompanied to the pool by a responsible adult ( ) if under the age of 14 years. The on-site Golden Poles Manager has authority to revoke pool and sauna privileges for any person or unit. 

Back to Top

Can I rent more units in the same building?

All units in our building are rented through private owners. If you require more then one unit we'd be happy to refer you to other owners who rent so you can check their unit's availability. 

Back to Top

 

Do I need a snow park permit to park on the street in front of the building?

SnoPark Permits are required on all cars parked on the street in front of the building. You must have a valid Sno-Park permit displayed in the windshield of your vehicle if you park in designated winter recreation parking areas (Sno-Parks) between November 15 and April 30. Each of these areas are posted with signs identifying them as a WINTER RECREATION AREA. You will find Sno-Parks in all mountain passes of the state as well as most recognized ski, snowmobile, and snow play areas. In Government Camp you can purchase these at the Village Store in Government Camp or at any Ski Area. 

There are three types of permits: an annual permit which costs $15, a 3-day permit which costs $7, and a daily permit which costs $3.

For more information see: http://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/SPpermits.asp

Back to Top

How do I get the keys and entry to the unit?

Our normal procedures are to send you an email, a day or so before your first night, that contains access instructions including a lock box combination. It's an easy push button box that contains a key to gain initial access to the unit. The rental key, card keys and garage door opener can then be found on the kitchen counter. In some cases we deliver the key to the renter just prior to your first night either through hand delivery or US Mail if requested or email isn't available.

Back to Top

What if I have problems with the unit or building while up there?

There is an on site manager to consult with if you have problems with the unit or building during your stay. His number is listed on the phone in the unit or he can be found on the first floor in unit #104 noted by a manager sign.

Back to Top

Are there places for my kids play around the building?

There are plenty of snow play areas just outside the condo down near the garage entrance. The only location off limits is in the front and back of the building in the winter due to safety concerns from snow coming off the roof of the building. Occasionally vehicles parked in the street can be hit by this same snow coming off the roof. During heavy snow periods it's best to park toward the ends of the building where parking is further from fall zone. 

Back to Top

Mt Hood is a volcano and has an eruptive history doesn't it?

Mt Hood still has active steam and sulfur vents near Crater Rock above Timberline Lodge but is categorized as a dormant volcano. Government Camp is built on lava flows from past eruptions. It's always important to be aware of any hazards in the area you're visiting. To find out more about Mt Hood's volcanic history visit this USGS website

Here is the USGS Hazards Zone Map for Mt Hood. Click here for larger version.

Back to Top

What kind of internet connection do you have and how do I connect to it?

We have 1.5mb asynchronous DSL connection hooked to a Linksys WRT54G wireless router that supports 802.11g or 802.11b connections. The network's SSID is MECO and this is broadcasted but for security purposes it requires a 128 bits, 26 hex digit WEP key to connect to it. The encryption key is changed often and the current key will be available in the unit when you arrive. At this time we don't have a RG-45 wired network connection but hope to add this in the future near the desk.

Apple iBooks sometimes have problems connecting to our access point. If you use Apple products please be aware this could be an issue. 

Back to Top

What phones and jacks do you have in the unit?

The phone in the living room is on the wall and is a speaker phone. The local phone company is CenturyTel and it's connected to the local extended service for Portland so all calls to Portland are local. There are additional phone jacks. One near the living room wall phone at the desk for a modem or additional phone connection, another on the wall near the wood stove behind the couch and then they are jacks in both downstairs bedrooms with a cordless phone in the master bedroom. There are no phone jacks in the loft.

Back to Top

Has all the snow this year caused any problems with the building?

It has been a remarkable snow year. The front decks on south end of the building (where our unit is located) escaped many problems that occurred on the north end of the building. You may have seen the news reports on some of these incidents. In one the back deck on one unit collapsed due to the weight of firewood and the snow not being removed. This prompted the association to put restrictions on use of the back decks out of concerns for their liability. Most decks have been marked with warning tapes and signs to limit their use in the short term. Our unit has always had the snow removed and despite this the association remains concerned for their liability since these decks are considered common area. You may see signs requesting limited use during your stay and we ask that you just make reasonable choices on their usage until spring when replacement is planned. 

Another casualty of the snow was the elevator. Snow build up on the top of the tower caused it to be separated from the building. Until repairs are made the elevator will not available and you will have to use the stairs. You're still welcome to park in the garage but you'll need to access via the side stair and door.


Copyright © 1991-2008  Powder Lodging, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised: June 19, 2008 .