guests
Below we will try to answer the basic questions guests may have about using the JT-BNB community based vacation rental list-
Why should you find your next vacation rental through the Joshua Tree Local List?
You love Joshua Tree because it is unique. It won’t be that way much longer if it keeps getting drained by remote corporate investors. The Local List gives you access to enjoy, experience and support the real community of Joshua Tree. We do not list remote real estate holding businesses who present fake desert-style vacation rental properties as a disconnected investment without adding anything to our local culture and community. There is a real Joshua Tree… and you can engage and help create it . . .rather than just consume it.
Where does the money go?
The first question for us is “where does the money NOT go”. The money does not go to a $100billion corporation, or their offshore bank accounts. We connect you directly to property owners and managers without taking a 15% service charge. We simply do not take the money- so it can stay in the local economy. We encourage guests and hosts to be conscious of the local culture and further support local restaurants, shops and services so the money we don’t charge filters into the local community.
I am afraid to talk to real people- do I have to actually introduce myself?
Please give us a try. Corporate website profiles and avatars were invented to give the illusion of personal interaction but they really just create disconnection and distrust. Opening up a casual conversation with your host allows us to understand some basics of who you are, what you are looking for, and if the house is a good fit for you. . . it also lets you connect with a real person in your host who ultimately wants you to have a great vacation. It doesn’t have to be super detailed, we just want the chance to treat you like a real person and this starts the conversation. Here are some examples-
“Hi my name is Dave Smith, I am visiting from NYC. This is my first trip to Joshua Tree and my plans include a trip to Noah Purifoy’s place, and some hikes in the National Park. You can see my work profile on this law firm website www.lawfirmname.com/staff and my instagram @DDSmith makes it look like all I ever do is hike. I also like to cook on my vacations so please tell me what cookware is available.
“Hi my name is Jocelynn Cho. I am planning a silent retreat for two days with three friends. We are visiting from LA and SF. I work for a non-profit providing micro-loans in South America. I work downtown and am surrounded by mass produced places, ideas, and things. . . Joshua Tree is my escape from that world and lets me get a fresh view on life once or twice each year. I love the style of your place and your handmade tile work looks fantastic. Please tell me if your property is close to the highway and away from night lighting- we want silence and stars.”
Why are there no ratings?
Because ratings are fake and we are real. Hosts on the corporate sites are afraid to leave low ratings for fear of unfair ratings in retaliation. Guests do the same. It all works out for the corporate platform because they can show a lot of five-star guests and hosts and the rental fees keep rolling in regardless. It has nothing to do with reality or connecting you with the right place for your vacation. We encourage guests to actually talk to hosts, ask questions about their properties and policies, and about the amenities offered. A casual description of your plans (i.e.- “I’m bringing mountain bikes” or “I love camping but need a roof” or “I want to be in open desert” can really help your host. . . help you.
