Q: What is the minimum stay?
A: During our peak season (typically the last week of June through the first week of September), owners generally require a 7-night minimum stay with arrivals scheduled for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, depending on the property. We do have some flexibility, so please inquire if you are looking for a shorter peak-season stay. Outside of peak season, almost all of our properties have shorter minimum stay requirements.
Q: How do I make a reservation, and what are the payment methods?
A: To reserve a property, simply complete the booking request form on the specific property listing page and select "Request to Book." Your credit card will not be charged until your reservation is confirmed. We accept debit and credit cards, as well as ACH (electronic checks) payments. We do not accept PayPal.
Q: Do you require a security deposit?
A: Policies vary by property. Some homes require a refundable security deposit, while others include a damage protection fee. The damage protection fee covers accidental damage to the property and its contents during your stay (e.g., spills, broken items, accidental pet damage in pet-friendly units). It does not cover gross negligence, willful destruction, damage by unauthorized persons/pets, or damage outside the rental period. Guests will be invoiced for any damage not covered by the protection plan.
Q: Do you offer trip cancellation insurance?
A: Yes. We partner with InsureStays and strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment from unforeseen circumstances.
Q: Why book directly with Blue Hill Bay Property Rentals instead of an OTA (like Airbnb or VRBO)?
A: Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) offer convenience and search advantages, but they charge travelers a guest service fee that can be up to 20% of the total rental cost (before tax). When you book directly with us, you avoid this fee, guaranteeing you the best possible rate for the property.
Q: What if we arrive late in the evening or after dark?
A: Your check-in time, no earlier than 4:00 PM, is flexible, as you will drive directly to your rental. If you notify us of a late arrival, we'll be happy to leave lights on for you. Since many of our properties are rural, a strong flashlight is a good idea if arriving after dark.
Q: Can we arrive early?
A: Generally, early arrival is not possible, especially if the property was occupied the morning of your arrival. We are happy to text you if the property is ready before 4:00 PM. Please do not go to the property early—even just to drop off bags—as it can slow down our cleaning crew!
Q: When will we receive pre-arrival information?
A: We email specific property access and entry details about one week before your arrival, after we have received full payment and the signed rental agreement (and dog agreement, if applicable). The person making the reservation is responsible for providing us with an up-to-date and complete list of all guests (full name and age) and pets (if applicable).
Q: What if we have to cancel our trip?
A: Vacation rental homes, especially in seasonal areas like ours, have strict cancellation policies because one cancellation represents a significant loss of income for the owner. We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance.
If you must cancel, BHBPR will make reasonable efforts to find a replacement renter for the same time period at a comparable rate.
Q: Do you supply linens?
A: Yes. All beds will be made with clean bedding. We also provide bath towels, hand towels, face cloths, bath mats, and kitchen towels. If you prefer to bring your own bedding, just let us know and we will leave the bed(s) unmade.
Q: Do you supply toilet paper, paper towels, and soaps?
A: Yes. We provide a supply of toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, dish soap, laundry soap, dishwasher soap (if applicable), and cleaning supplies. We do not guarantee that there will be enough to last your entire stay. If you run out, please purchase more supplies. Please remember to bring your preferred shampoo, body wash, and other personal items.
Q: Will we have Wi-Fi and cable/satellite/streaming TV?
A: All of our properties have Wi-Fi, and many have Smart TVs. Please remember you are visiting a rural area, and these services may occasionally be affected by weather, location, or terrain. If you require consistent internet access to work remotely or need specific TV channels, please let us know when booking so we can help you find the most suitable property.
Q: We’d like to bring our dog. What do we need to know?
A: Properties that allow dogs are indicated using the "Pets Welcome" filter on our "Search All Properties" page. If you wish to bring your dog to a dog-friendly property, you must review and agree to the Dog Addendum and pay the dog fee (for up to two dogs) plus the 9% Maine Lodging Tax. This is a non-refundable fee paid to the owners for the additional risk and not a refundable deposit.
Q: Why can't we bring our cat or other types of animals?
A: We love all animals, but unfortunately, we can only accommodate dogs at our rental properties.
Q: I have a service dog. Can I bring him/her to a property that doesn’t allow dogs?
A: Yes, in accordance with federal law (ADA). Please visit our Pets & Service Animals page to learn more about the required information for booking. Please note: Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and therapy dogs are not defined as Service Animals under the ADA.
Q: Where can we rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards?
A: We recommend renting equipment through The Activity Shop located in Blue Hill. They handle delivery to, and pick-up from, your rental property (reserve by mid-September) and are happy to answer all your questions. Please contact them directly to book your reservation.