A1: From the last week in June, through the first week in September, owners prefer 7 night minimum stays (for Friday, Saturday or Sunday arrivals, depending on the property). Some of our properties have less than 7 nights minimums during peak season, so please ask if you are looking for a shorter stay. Almost all of our properties have shorter minimum stays outside of peak season.
A2: To reserve a property, complete the booking request form on the specific property listing page and choose “Request to Book”. Your credit card will not be charged until your reservation is confirmed. We accept debit and credit cards, and ACH (electronic checks) payments. We don't accept Paypal.
A3: Yes, we require a security deposit (also referred to as “damage deposit”) and will pre-authorize your credit card used to book your reservation on the day before your arrival and release it within seven days and once the departure inspection and cleaning is completed. Examples of reasons a charge may be incurred include missing items, permanently stained/damaged bedding and towels, the need for extra cleaning due to excessive dirtiness, dog hair on furniture or bedding causing additional labor cost, and other issues that cause us excessive additional time. If we have to take extra time to address these unanticipated issues, we will charge $50 per hour per person and withhold the amount from the damage deposit.
A4: Yes. We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance for unforeseen circumstances and offer it throught InsureStays. Here is the link for more information and to purchase: https://bluehillbay.rentalguar...
A5: Online travel agents are third-party booking websites offering travelers an easy-to-search database of travel providers, offering the opportunity to book travel arrangements directly from their sites. OTAs invest heavily in advertising, offer reward incentives and gain top slots in search engines, providing a one-stop-shop for comparative shopping. Customers are charged a guest service fee (depending on the site) for this convenience, up to 20% of total cost of rental (less tax). They are convenient and often preferred to booking direct.
A5: You will be driving directly to your rental and arrival time, after 4:00 PM, is flexible. If you let us know you'll be arriving late, we will turn on inside and outside lights. It's a good idea to have a good strong flashlight if arriving after dark.
A6: We email the specific property and entry information about a week before arrival and after payment in full and the signed rental agreement has been received. The person making the reservation is responsible for providing us with an up-to-date complete list of guests including full name and age (and pets if applicable). Some properties require vehicle information as well.
A7: Vacation rental homes are not like hotels, especially in seasonal locations such as ours. One cancellation can be a 10% or more loss of income to the owner. Because of this we have a strict cancellation policy and we strongly suggest the purchase of trip insurance.
If the Renter desires to cancel their reservation at any time prior to the arrival date, BHBPR will make reasonable efforts to find a replacement Renter for the same time period at comparable rental rates. If no replacement Renter is found, the entire invoiced amount for the reservation will be due as scheduled, and all deposits paid shall be forfeited to BHBPR. If the reservation period is re-rented, BHBPR will credit the rental amount received to the Renter, less a $200 cancellation fee to cover our expenses.
We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance and offer it through InsureStays, underwritten by Nationwide: https://bluehillbay.rentalguar...
A8: In general, early arrival isn’t possible, especially if the property has been vacated that morning. However, we're happy to text you if the property is ready before 4:00 pm. Otherwise, please do not go to the property early, even if just to drop off luggage and groceries (as it just slows us down!).
A9: Properties that allow dogs are indicated within the individual listings. Go to "Search All Properties", and then use the "Pets Welcome" filter. If you’d like to bring your dog to a dog-friendly property please review the Pet Addendum. If we can approve we’ll collect the $200 dog fee (for up to two dogs) plus 9% Maine Lodging Tax. This fee is not a deposit, it is a fee paid to owners for the additional risk to the property and is not refundable. It is imperative and appreciated that you abide by our dog policy to ensure that our owners will continue to allow dogs at their property in the future.
A10: We love all animals however unfortunately we can only accommodate dogs at the rental properties.
A11: Of course. Please visit our Pets & Service Dogs page to learn more. If there will be a Service Dog with you please provide requested information. Please note: Emotional support and therapy dogs are not Service Dogs as defined by the ADA.
A12: We recommend renting kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards through The Activity Shop located in Blue Hill. The Activity Shop handles delivery to, and pick-up from, your rental property (reserve by mid-September), and are happy to answer all of your questions about their equipment. Contact them directly to book a reservation.
A14: Yes. All beds will be made with clean bedding and you can expect to have 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'll remove our bedding and towels.
A15. All of the properties have Wi-fi and some have TVs. Please remember that you are visiting a rural area and these services will occasionally be affected by weather, location, and terrain. If you absolutely require internet access to work remotely or have to watch your favorite channels, let us know. We hate to disappoint, or worse, anger, our guests because these services are not working or are absent all-together, especially when there isn't anything we can do about it except to request over-the-phone troubleshooting or a service call.
A16: Yes. We provide adequate toilet paper and paper towels, however don't guarantee there will be enough to get you through your stay. We also provide hand soap, dish soap, laundry soap, dishwasher soap (if applicable) and cleaning supplies. Please bring your preferred shampoo, body wash, and other personal items.