Vacation Rental Frequently Asked Questions

Vacation Rental Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that you may have questions about the vacation rental process. Therefore, we’ve put together our top 17 FAQs (frequently asked questions) to help give you some guidance.  Of course, if you have questions that aren’t covered here, we encourage you to reach out to us and give us a call! 

1. What is a “Hold” Online? 

Our “Hold It” option when booking a reservation online allows you to hold your desired vacation rental property without submitting a deposit. During those 24 hours, one of our certified vacation planners will contact you to address any questions and help you complete the booking process. If you wish to release your 24-hour hold, you may contact our team of certified vacation planners by email or phone to cancel your tentative booking at any time.

2. Do You Offer Advanced Reservations?

Yes! Bluewater Vacation Rentals strives to have you return year after year. To enjoy your home the same week next year, take advantage of our advance reservations feature for a nominal Advance Hold Fee of $50 plus tax. As a current-year guest, we offer you the first opportunity to book your vacation home again for the following year up until 10:00 AM on your check-out day. Thereafter, these dates are released to the general public for advance reservation availability. Please contact our office for further details.

3. Do You Offer a Military Discount?

Yes. Our Military Discount is available to you if you or a member of your vacationing party is an active or retired military service member. You can save up to 10% on a reservation with a base rental rate of $4,999.00 or less. If the base rental rate is $5,000.00 or more, the Military Discount will reflect a total discount of $750.00. Please Note: This discount is only available for participating properties.

4. Can I Rent on a Nightly Basis? 

Yes – Some of our vacation rental properties offer nightly rentals with a 2-or 3-night minimum stay. Nightly rentals are only available to be booked off-season or last-minute, except for a few properties that offer year-round, nightly stays. Approval for a nightly stay must be granted by one of our certified vacation planners, and in some cases by the homeowner, before confirming your partial-week stay. 

5. Will my Rental Property Have Air Conditioning? 

Yes. All of our vacation rental properties are equipped with heating and cooling systems. Please Note: Air conditioning is provided at all properties but may be delivered using various equipment (i.e., central air, window units, etc.). Please refer to the property’s detailed description on our website for more information specific to your vacation rental property.

6. Do You Have a Waitlist for Cancellations? 

Unfortunately, we do not keep a running waitlist for cancellations. However, our website is updated every hour, and any cancellations and openings will be posted back online for the public.

7. If a Property is Not Pet-Friendly, Can a Property Owner Make an Exception? 

Non-pet-friendly properties are non-negotiable due to the possibility of homeowners and other vacationing guests having severe pet allergies. No exceptions will be made.

8. Will my Property Have Beach Equipment?

Most of our vacation rental properties do not provide beach equipment for guests. However, if you would like to rent beach gear, our friends on the island can help! Visit IslandEssentials.com or BeachButlerRentals.com for more information.

9. Is There a Beach Equipment Set-Up Service Available?

Unfortunately, there is no beach equipment setup service available on the island to set up beach chairs, umbrellas, etc., each morning during your stay. We suggest renting or buying a beach cart to help tote your gear to the beach. We recommend EJW Outdoors for purchasing your beach tote gear.

10. Will my Rental Have Linens and Towels?

Please refer to your Vacation Rental Agreement for information specific to your rental property regarding linens and towels available in your email. If your vacation rental property does not offer linens and towels, you may contact our team of certified vacation planners by phone or email to add a linen package to your reservation.

11. What is Included in a Linen Package?

Each linen package is packed according to the specific configuration of your property to include bed linens, 1 bath mat per full bath, 2 bath towels per occupant (based on max occupancy of the property, not the size of your vacationing party), as well as kitchen towels.

12. May I Bring My Golf Cart?

Golf carts are highly utilized as a method of transportation on our island; however, there are rules and regulations to be followed should you choose to bring your own golf cart. Some complexes, communities, and rental properties prohibit using and parking golf carts on the premises. This information can be found in your Vacation Rental Agreement or in the detailed property description on our website. For more information on the local rules and regulations on golf carts, please reach out to the Town you’ll be staying in.

13. Are Pets Allowed on the Beach?

Yes – Pets are allowed on our beaches year-round. Please Note: Pets must always be on a leash, and be sure to clean up after your pets.

14. What Amenities are Standard in Every Kitchen?

All kitchens should be stocked with your standard cooking and kitchen needs, such as pots, pans, baking sheets, plates, utensils, glasses, etc.

15. Do Properties Come Equipped with Paper Products?

Unfortunately, our rental properties are not stocked with paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels, toiletries, etc. Please remember to bring your own paper and soap products or purchase them when you arrive.

16. Will I be able to Check-In Early or Check-Out Late?

Our apologies – Due to staff shortages, we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-outs for the current rental season.

17. Can I Park at the Property Before the Scheduled Check-in Time to Visit the Beach?

Unfortunately, we cannot allow you to park at your vacation rental property before the designated check-in time. This is to ensure easy accessibility to and from the property for our housekeeping, maintenance, and linen teams working hard to ensure all is in order for your stay.

18. If an Additional Parking Pass is Needed, Can I Get One?

We cannot guarantee additional parking passes as they are issued by complex and community associations. However, you are always more than welcome to park an extra vehicle at one of our office parking lots if needed.

ALSO SEE: Grab Our Simple Vacation Checklist

Do you still have questions about planning your vacation?

If you have additional questions we haven’t covered here, please reach out to our team of certified vacation planners so they may be of assistance.