Getting Connected

As a rental cabin owner, it is important to offer as many amenities and enticements to renters as you can. If your cabin does not have internet access, it should be made a priority. Guests often need to stay connected even when they take a vacation in the Smokies? Many people work on their computers and others even if they are on vacation they still need to have internet access to get their email, browse pages on the internet or to post pictures of the great getaway they are having in Facebook or Twitter.

Internet access is becoming an important criteria in vacation rental selection. It can mean the difference between a guest booking your cabin or a cabin of your more switched-on competitor.

Also, offering internet access can definitely increase the potential for off-season rentals so it is worthwhile to check it out.

Halloween Pet Hazards

Halloween is just around the corner and people are starting to get ready for the “haunting season” with frightfully festive decorations and foods.

Here are some safety issues revolving around your pets during the Halloween celebrations:

1. Stress: Continual doorbell ringing, loud voices, unfamiliar costumes, scary sounds and large numbers of strangers can cause your pet to become stressed and aggressive. This can lead to unexpected situations that could potentially lead to injuries or other unpleasnt occurences. As much as possible, keep your pets safely at home in a quiet place.

2. Poisoning: Many Halloween candies contain chocolate. Don’t let your dog eat any chocolate as it contains substances that are toxic and can be deadly to dogs.

3. Burns: Tails and whiskers can be easily singed or burned by Halloween candles and Jack-o-lanterns. Also, make sure you keep all electical cords out of your pets chewing range to prevent serious injury or death by electrocution.

4. Ingestion: During this time there are so many small items from pieces of costumes, to candy, to decorations to become lodged in a curious pet’s mouth, throat or stomach, causing possible irritation, obstruction or perforation.

Removing Halloween hazards from your pet’s environment will go a long way to keep your pet safe, avoid costly vet bills and enhance your enjoyment of this fun-loved holiday.

Pet Disaster Preparedness

Hurricane Season is here! Disaster can strike anywhere…anytime. It doesn’t matter where you live. We can all be affected by disasters – whether it’s a natural disaster, wildfire, terrorist attack, or hazardous spill. Such emergencies may require a brief or permanent evacuation from your home. If you must evacuate, always bring your pets with you. If it’s not safe for you to be in your home, then it’s not safe for your pets. The best thing you can do to ensure the safety and well being of your pets is to be prepared.

Disaster Preparedness Checklist:

1. Find a Safe Place to Stay. This could be the home of a friend or family member, a shelter, or pet friendly lodging outside your immediate area.

A. Search for pet friendly lodging outside of your area ahead of time. Be sure to print out the list of accommodations in various nearby cities and keep it with your pet disaster preparedness kit.

B. Cotact local shelters to determine policies regarding pets. Most shelters do not accept family pets, and those that do have limits on the number of pets permitted.

C. Compile a list of animal shelters, animal boarding facilities and veterinarians that may provide safe shelter for your pets in an emergency.

2. Identify Your Evacuation Zone and Route. Determine the evacuation zone you are in so you’ll know when you have to evacuate and the recommended route. Evacuate to the safest location that’s as close to your home as possible. Traveling with a pet can sometimes cause slowdowns, so be sure to leave early enough to give yourself extra travel time.

3. Pet Identification (ID) Tags. In addition to your pet’s permanent ID tag, attach a temporary ID tag to your pet’s collar and include the address and phone number of your temporary shelter. If your pets are traveling in a carrier, be sure to secure identification to the travel carrier.

4. Line-up a Pet Sitter/Caregiver in your Absence. In the event a disaster strikes while you’re away from home, line-up a trusted person to look after your pets. Consider someone who lives or works close to your home. Be sure the caregiver is comfortable with your pets, knows the location of your pet disaster preparedness kit, and has access to your house.

5. Pet Rescue Alert Window Decal. Every home should be equipped with an emergency window decal at all times. It is a safety measure for everyday emergencies as well as disasters. If a disaster strikes when you’re not home and your caregiver is unable to reach your pets, this decal will alert rescue workers that pets are inside your home. If you and your pets must evacuate (and time permits) write “Evacuated” across the decal. Be sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes the types and number of pets in your household.

6. Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit. Your pet’s disaster kit should contain everything your pets needs to survive and be as comfortable as possible until the danger passes. All of the items in the kit should be stored in a sturdy, waterproof carrier, that’s easy to carry. Keep your kit readily available so that it can be accessed quickly.

A. Your kit should include:

* Listing of pet friendly lodging

* Listing of shelters, pet boarding facilities and vets that may provide safe shelter for your pets.

* Food for a minimum of three days for each pet – kept in an airtight container. If you have canned food, include a manual can opener. Check expiration dates on canned and dry food and replenish as necessary.

* Bottled water for a minimum of seven days for each pet.

* Pet food and water travel bowls.

* Pet First Aid Kit

* A two week supply of medications that your pets require. Check dates on medications and replenish as necessary.

* Photocopies of medical records inside a waterproof container (zip lock baggie).

* Kitty litter box and litter.

* Disposable bags for pet waste.

* Extra collar, harness and leash as well as a pet transport carrier. Check that the carrier is secure so that your pets are safe and can not escape.

* Recent photos and description of your pets. If you become separated from your pets, this will help others identify them. Note if the pet(s) have a micro chip.

* Up-to-date pet information sheet. This document should include the name and address of your pet’s owner, vet, information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, and behavioral issues. Ensure your pet’s shots are current.

* Other items that might be helpful are: flashlight, blanket, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, household bleach, outdoor yard stake and a long leash.

Remember, don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. Many disasters come without warning.

Hidden Springs Property Rentals Office Moved!

We are delighted to announce that today Hidden Springs Property Rentals officially moved into their new office location at 2740 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863.
Our new location is centrally located in Pigeon Forge and easy to locate. We are across Teaster Lane from the Belz Mall in the last unit next to Angel’s Toys, Dolls and Gifts.
Our web address, email, phones and fax numbers are the same. Our office hours are 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
It will be our pleasure to continue to serve our guests at our new location with the same quality and service they have come to expect of us. Visit us at: Hidden Springs Resort

Vacation Cabin Rentals Offer More Value than Motels

Taking a vacation can be an expensive proposition. Gas, car rental, airfare, food, and lodging expenses all add up quickly, even before you begin to enjoy your vacation! Add on the price of amusement tickets, souvenirs, and shopping, and pretty soon you’ll be looking for ways to cut your spending and minimize expenses.

The first thing people usually think of when booking an affordable vacation is the motel. Lodging is expensive but necessary. It makes sense that you would look for low-cost alternatives. Many people mistakenly believe that a cabin rental is more expensive than a cheap motel, so often they are overlooked as a viable, affordable option. However, the truth is, cabin rentals offer an reasonable alternative to pricey motel rooms.

It’s extremely rare to find motel rooms that offer the amenities you’ll find in vacation rental cabins. Amenities like kitchens, multiple bedrooms and baths, hot tubs on the porch, private yards, game tables, and the quiet ambience that comes with a stand-alone cabin are just not available in a traditional motel room.

Cabins provide privacy both inside and out. Since they’re separate buildings, you won’t hear your neighbor’s late-night television
watching. Instead you’ll enjoy the peaceful sleep that only nature can provide. No traffic, no loud music, no running feet in the hallway. Vacation cabins offer the luxury of completely separate bedrooms for you and your children, without the additional cost of a second adjoining motel room.

Cabins become a part of your vacation, not just a place to sleep. They provide a friendly place to unwind, surrounded by scenic, natural beauty. Rather than looking for ways to get out of your cramped and crowded room, you’ll enjoy spending part of your vacation relaxing in your cabin, playing games with the kids, or soaking your cares away in your own hottub.

The comforts and enjoyment of a cabin will tempt you not to go out and play tourist. However, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Townsend an amazing array of things to do. Take in the sights, do some shopping, and see a show all without having to sacrifice the beauty and serenity that brought you to the Great Smoky Mountains. After the day’s tourist activities are over, you’ll head back to your own private cabin instead of retreating to a crowded and impersonal motel room.

When you want a truly affordable family vacation, elevate your lodging experience in the smokies and stay with Hidden Springs Resort in a vacation rental cabin.

Vacation rentals are now available. Visit http://www.hiddenspringsresort.com today for a complete listing of cabin rentals. © 2011, All Rights Reserved

Summer Fun in the Smokies!

Summer is the time to come to the Smokies! Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville offer excellent summer vacation activities. Hidden Springs Property Rentals is your home away from home as you enjoy the area’s amusements, dining, shopping and adventures.

One of the best things to do in the summer in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood’s Kidsfest. Completely family-friendly and full of performances and all kinds of fun stuff, Dollywood has been doing Kidsfest for years and each year it gets better! This year we have Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 4D, The Gazillion Bubble Show, Penguin Group USA and much more in addition to the list of rides and interactive items Dollywood already has. Great for the young’uns! June 17th through August 8th, 2011.

Pigeon Forge has the wonderful Fourth of July Patriot Festival on July 4, 2011 at Patriot Park. Celebrate our nation’s independence during the Patriot Festival of Pigeon Forge. This event is a family friendly explosion of entertainment, food, fun and games, with fireworks! All of this will be presented against the backdrop of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. Get set for an outstanding lineup of entertainment, a free Kids’ Karnival area and a tasty selection of foods.

All this can be yours and as easily as humanly possible with a summer reservation at Hidden Springs Resort. We also have great summer special deals!

Visit our web site at Hidden Springs Resort or call us toll free at 1-888-477-8366.

Super Summer Special!

We’ve got a great summer special going on until July 5th! Don’t miss this one!

* Stay two (2) nights, save 25%

* Stay three (3) to six (6) nights, get one (1) night FREE!

* Stay seven (7) or more nights, get two (2) nights FREE!

Visit our website and see all our cabins, check availability and book online 24/7 or call us toll free at: 1.888.477.8366

Hidden Springs Specials

New FREE Giveaway!

Giveaway! Pigeon Forge Cabins. Follow us on Twitter (@hidden_springs). When we receive email confirmation you will be entered into a drawing for a FREE two (2) night stay in a one or two bedroom cabin. All entries must be received by midnight June 30th, 2011.

Hidden Springs Office Moving to Pigeon Forge!

Hidden Springs Property Rentals new office.

Hidden Springs Property Rentals is moving its administrative office to 2740 Teaster Lane, across from Belz Mall.

We feel strongly that this new location will allow us to be better responsive to our guests’ needs.

This new location will allow us to be more centrally located to all our cabins and provide enhanced visibility to local and tourist traffic. We will also be easier to find and drive to.

All our phone numbers will remain the same and our staff is dedicated to providing the same excellent service to our guests. Our expected transfer date to the new office is currently June 22nd.

Stop by and see our new facilities or call us with your questions: 1.888.477.8366. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to providing a higher level of services. Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.

Last Minute Specials!

Now until May 26th…2 nights 35% off, 3 nights or more 50% off. Call now and make your reservation!