Montana Vacation Rentals
 
     

Are you really that different from other rental companies?
Run-of-the-mill rental companies and most real estate agencies are all about listing as many houses as possible. We turn down many more properties than we accept, because when you spend your valuable time and money on the perfect vacation, you shouldn't have to stay in a second-rate accommodation. Each property has to meet our strict standards for prime location, proximity to activities, attractive decor, western charm, and real character. Not only that, but offering exclusive rentals is all that we do - it's not a side business. With MOUNTAIN HOME, you get professional service and exclusive deals on airfares. Our expertise and attention to detail bring you a better view, a quieter setting, a nicer home - in the end, a more satisfying vacation.

Can you help us with info on what to do and where to go?
Again, we do the extra things to ensure that your trip is a huge success. With MOUNTAIN HOME, you'll receive a personalized Arrival Packet that includes dozens of tips - what we'd do if we were vacationing here, so that you'll enjoy Montana as much as we do. You'll find out how to contact the top fly fishing outfitter in your area, which restaurants are best, our favorite hikes, where to find the nearest grocery stores, ideas for fun day trips, and where and when to catch that local rodeo or farmers' market. Your Arrival Packet is custom-built for the location of your home, and contains helpful info on fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and more. And we're available to answer your questions from the day you make your reservation to the day you head for home.

Rentals never seem to have what I need - Will I have to bring a lot of household basics?

Not at all. We know what you'll need, and we've got it covered. Our homes are thoughtfully stocked with good quality bed linens, towels, kitchen basics (like spices and dish soap and paper towels), internet-friendly telephone service, and even sundry items such as hand soap and laundry detergent. You just bring your clothes, pick up a few groceries, and make yourself right at home.

A rental house means I have to clean, right?
Actually, professional cleanings both before and after your stay are included in your rental rate. It is your vacation after all - you deserve to enjoy it. For extended stays, we even provide periodic housekeeping so your memories will be of Montana, not of a mop.

What if I want to make my life really easy?
If you want it done, we can find someone who will take care of it. We can arrange for daily maid service, first-class in-home catering, and even someone to do your grocery shopping. When you're coming from miles away, it's important to know that you can rely on a local resource who knows all the best people and services in the area. That's why we're here.

Do we have to check in and check out on a certain day?
Not at all! Just let us know your ideal travel dates and we'll do our best to accommodate you. As for time of day, typically you can check in anytime after 5pm, and check out by 10am (so our cleaning crew can come in and do a thorough job). If you have special time or travel constraints, let us know, and we'll try to come up with a schedule that works for everyone.

What about the length of our stay? Is there a minimum?
A handful of homes do have one-week minimums, but most can accommodate shorter stays. Let us know what you have in mind, and we'll see what's available.

Kids and pets - any restrictions?
Bring the whole crew - to most of our homes anyway! There are just a few properties that aren't really appropriate for kids, and a few more that can't accommodate pets. Give us a call or email, and we'll help steer you to the rental home that's best suited for your gang.

When should we start planning our trip to Montana?
It's always best to book as early as possible, to ensure that you'll have all the preferred options. Summer trips are usually planned and reserved six months to a year in advance. And remember, our local airports are small - flights fill up, and rental cars sell out. Frequent flyer seats are in high demand. Veteran travelers to the Rockies plan early, so they aren't disappointed with a lack of choices. A little advance planning will get you the flights you want, the right getaway home, and the pleasure of counting the days until you wake up in Montana.

Do you offer special discounts?
You bet. Through the region's top travel agency, Montana Travel. As a MOUNTAIN HOME guest, you're eligible for exclusive savings on airfare and car rentals. With the special confirmation code we give you upon making your rental reservation, you can work with Montana Travel to find the absolute best prices on travel to and from the region. It's another way we can make your vacation to the West that much easier.

How do we get there from here?
Most of our guests fly into Bozeman's Gallatin Field, which is served by Delta, Northwest, United and Horizon Air. Just three gates, no crowds, and great mountain views make this the nicest airport anywhere! Direct non-stop flights come from Salt Lake, Minneapolis, Denver, and Seattle (and there's seasonal service from Atlanta and Chicago), so Bozeman is just one connection for most folks. Depending on the home you select, Billings or Butte may also be convenient destinations. We're happy to answer your questions about which airport is best for you.

What's the best time of year to visit Montana?
Summer and winter are when we see the most visitors, and there's no doubt - they are both incredible seasons.

Fall is our "secret season", and if you ask the locals, they will probably tell you it's their favorite time of year. The weather's great, the aspens are turning yellow, there's fabulous hiking and excellent fishing (some say the best of the year), and you'll feel like you have the entire state to yourself. Fall's also a great time to visit Yellowstone Park - the elk are back down from the high country, and the bears are out and active, getting ready for winter. There aren't as many tourists, either, so you can enjoy this one-of-a-kind ecosystem in its most natural state.

Early Summer is another incredible time to visit, especially if you enjoy wildlife. Great photography opportunities are everywhere, and again, few people. Newborn bison and elk babies romp through the lush meadows along the Firehole River in Yellowstone, and dazzling fields of wildflowers make for perfect picnic settings.

Can you give me an idea of the prices?
If you're on a budget, we've got some nice choices for you, and if you want luxury, well, we can do that too! Prices range from under $1000 per week to over $5000. Typically Spring and Fall offer the best rates, and we can offer better deals for longer stays. If your pricing questions aren't answered after viewing the homes on this Web site, just give us a call or fill out our information request form, and we'll get back to you with some options that will work for you.

How do I make a reservation?
Once you've decided on a home, just let us know and we'll get you on the calendar. At that point, half of the total rental rate is due to secure your reservation. The balance, plus tax, is typically due 30 days prior to your arrival.

But what if I have to cancel?
We know that plans sometimes change. That's okay. Our standard policy is that we'll offer a full refund of your deposit, less a $200 fee, if you cancel more than 60 days prior to arrival. Within 60 days, we'll refund the deposit if we're able to re-book the dates you reserved. The policies are different for a few of our homes, and also for longer stays - feel free to inquire about the policy of any specific home.

So who exactly is Mountain Home?
As founder of MOUNTAIN HOME in 1995, Suzy Hall brings a strong background in adventure travel and environmental science, as well as a love for the Montana outdoors. In addition to Mountain Home, Suzy serves on the board of The Kind Acts Foundation (www.KindActs.org). When Suzy's not in the office, she's out exploring with her 2 five year old kiddos, and her husband, ski & natural history guide Kim Hoberecht.

Our General Manager, who joined us in 1998, is the lovely and talented Chanelle Zimmer. Before settling in Bozeman, Chanelle took her business background to Botswana to work in the Peace Corps. Chanelle is seriously horsey, spending much of her free time honing her skills and showing her two quarter horses. On the side, she's a licensed realtor who focuses on assisting Mountain Home guests find their own little slice of Montana heaven.

Reservations Manager, Lisa Orr was named by Conde Nast Traveler magazine in both 2006 & 2007 as one of the world's best villa rental agents. She's only been helping people plan Montana vacations for three years now, but obviously Lisa rocks!

Our newest addition is Office Manager & Bookkeeper Allison Konkel, a real live rodeo gal. A Colorado native, Allison came to Bozeman to join the Montana State women's rodeo team (oh...and to study accounting, too). She roped and barrel raced her way through college, and though she's a certified grown up & graduate now, she's still enjoying the rodeo circuit on summer weekends. What does she do in the winter? She's looking forward to her first sport fishing tournament in Mexico!

As a business, MOUNTAIN HOME is committed to sustainable communities and the nurturing of Montana wildlands. We're a member of One Percent For The Planet, tithing at least 1% of our annual sales as a donation to local conservation groups. We are also participating in the two-year training, UnCommon Sense: Business Leadership for a Sustainable Future. We are proud supporters of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust and other local organizations. Please visit our Giving Back page for more information on these groups.

 




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Mountain Home - Montana Vacation Rentals  *  P.O. Box 1204  *  Bozeman, Montana  *  59771
800-550-4589  &  406-586-4589    info@mountain-home.com
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