Beach House Vacation Rentals

10 Questions to Ask Before You Book

#1. What’s the purpose of your trip?

Planning a family vacation? A casual reunion of friends? A romantic proposal? A wedding? Family holiday? A "make-like-a-couch-potato and veg" weekend?

Your answer is the beginning of a wish list with specific "must-have" features and amenities you'll look for beach house vacation rentals reviewed on this site. Such as:

-A big kitchen for "Big Chill" meals
-A secluded setting
-A Jacuzzi on the deck
-A kid-friendly rec room

...you get picture.


#2. How many will be in your party?

As you shop for beach house vacation rentals, keep in mind that “maximum” occupancy often includes at least one foldout sofa or futon.

Sometimes that’s okay.

My brother loved sleeping on the futon in the sun room at a house we rented on the California coast. He fell asleep under the stars to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks -- a better deal than the rest of us had in standard bedrooms. (Okay, I was a little bit jealous.)

Also, be sure to confirm the sizes of standard beds.

My advice: take your pets with you on your family beach vacations. Taking pets to the kennel is one less "To Do" on your checklist. Plus, you’ll save money on a kennel and add the joy of watching your “best friends” discover the beach to your vacation memories.

Most pet-friendly beach house vacation rentals have rules, of course. For example, dogs are typically not allowed on the furniture, unless you cover it with a blanket you bring with you. In some cases, dogs must be left in a crate when you leave the house. Some homes permit dogs, but not cats. Make sure you're clear on the do's and don'ts of all the beach houses for rent you're considering upfront.

For more information about traveling with your pet(s), go to Pet Friendly Vacations

Forget Priceline. Budget is a built-in benefit of beach houses for rent. Often you'll much more renting a home than a couple of hotel rooms.

Your budget may be strongly influenced by how many people will be contributing. Divvying up the weekly rent can be a pleasant surprise.

Something else to think about: Will this beach house be your primary destination or do you expect to be out going and doing most of the time?

If the home you're renting is your destination, consider splurging on luxe amenities such as a heated pool, a hot tub, perhaps a gourmet kitchen-because cooking and dining in—on local produce or the catch-of-the-day—can be fun (as well as economical).

The three-bedroom home my family rented in South Lake Tahoe was $25 a day per person in early June, the week before the summer “High Season” began. The week after we left, the price increased to $50 per person per night.

Weekday rates are often lower, as well.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, holiday rates are typically higher more -- sometimes substantially higher -- than peak season rates.

Almost all beach house vacation rentals include the basics such as linens and towels and extras such as soap and a blow drier. But not always. So your beach vacation checklist should include any personal items you can't live without.

I forgot my blow drier during a mid-winter visit to an vacation rental home in northern California. The night I arrived I frantically searched every cabinet and drawer in the place. Twice. Finally, I got up extra early to wash my hair so it would air dry inside before I ventured out.

Most of the rentals reviewed on this site include high-quality linens and plush towels. But if you're planning to search beyond this site, make sure to read the fine print. Don’t assume anything. Ask.

If you fall in love with a home that doesn't provide towels or bed lines, arrange for a linen service, so that you don’t feel like a slave during your precious time off.

Here are some other items you might want to add to your beach vacation checklist:

Cooking: If you plan to cook Thanksgiving dinner and need a turkey baster or gravy boat. If your house has a charcoal barbecue grill, you may need to bring (or buy) briquettes and starter fluid. Some, but not all, houses provide firewood kindling and starters.

Luxury extras: I’ve been pleasantly surprised by scented soaps, bathrobes and gourmet coffee beans, but I never depend on them.

Technology: Your cell phone may not work in some locations. I recommend bringing a calling card to avoid surcharges. More and more vacation rentals include free wireless and/or high-speed Internet connections. Again, the best policy is to ask in advance.


#5. What are your housekeeping responsibilities?

This is where renting a vacation home differs from checking into a hotel room, making it an important component of your own beach vacation checklist.

Typically, you’ll be expected to wash any dishes you’ve used, remove linens from the beds and return furniture you’ve moved to its original location.

I always seem to arrive the night before trash day. You may also have to schlep garbage cans to the curb during your stay.

And that’s about it.

The rest is covered in the rental price or by a separate, non-refundable, cleaning fee that can range from $50 to $250.

Every owner or vacation rental property manager will have slightly different policies and procedures for the beach house vacation rentals they represent. So, be sure to read and understand the rental agreement before you send any money.

Typically, you’ll need to secure your reservation with a deposit —- payable by check or credit card —- ranging from $100 to 60% of the of the full rent.

Expect to pay a separate deposit or non-refundable fee for pets. Some companies charge an additional refundable security deposit or damage waiver.

One of the beauties of beach house vacation rentals -- over hotel rooms -- is that you can entertain friends for dinner, even overnight, if you don’t exceed the maximum occupancy.

You will probably be required to provide proof of liability coverage or a rider on your homeowner’s insurance to cover personal injury to your guests during the event.

Check with vacation rental property manager as to maximum number of guests, including those sleeping at the house, as well as parking arrangements.

Full refunds are rare -- no matter what your reason for canceling -- so be prepared to sacrifice at least a portion of your deposit.

With advance warning -- which can be as little as 72 hours prior to your planned arrival -- an owner or rental company should be able to rebook your rental. If so, you may receive a full refund.

Worst case: you’ll be out a small cancellation fee. Keep in mind that you could lose your entire deposit if you cancel your reservation for a major holiday.


#10. Who do you call in case there is a problem during our stay?

You can't just call down to the front desk when you're staying in a vacation rental, so plan to review the house guidelines and rules while you're settling in. Then cross this final item off your beach vacation checklist -- and get busy enjoying your vacation!

Of course, if you have a bona fide emergency, dial 911.

What's much more likely? You'll enjoy your stay so thoroughly you won't want to leave.

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