Guest FAQs
1) How do I know I’m getting a good deal with Coastal Maine Vacations?
At Coastal Maine Vacations, we believe your trip should start with peace of mind—long before you arrive. We aim to offer a vacation experience as refreshing and authentic as Maine itself.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing: When you book directly with us, what you see is what you pay—no hidden charges and no extra booking fees like you may find on larger sites.
- Locally owned & operated: We’re Mainers—living, working, and exploring right here. Need a quick tip or a helping hand? We’re just a text away.
- No surprises—only joy: Our listings are detailed and our photos are true to life, so you can expect what you see.
- Personalized recommendations: Want the best lobster roll or a lesser-known hike? We’re happy to share local favorites.
2) What is your cancellation policy?
Plans change—we get it.
If Coastal Maine Vacations cancels your reservation (through no fault of yours), you’re covered.
If you cancel:
- 30+ days before arrival: Full refund for unused nights, minus certain booking fees
- 29–14 days before arrival: 50% refund of your total rent, minus booking fees
- Less than 14 days before arrival: Reservations are non-refundable
Important notes:
- Only the person who made the reservation can request a cancellation.
- If you booked through a third-party site (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com), you must cancel through that site—we can’t process those cancellations directly.
- Third-party sites may have their own fees and refund rules. Please contact them directly with questions.
- We strongly recommend traveler’s insurance—flights get delayed, plans change, and accidents happen.
3) Why do I need to complete the Safely screening/background check?
To meet requirements from our insurance company, we partner with Safely, which provides guest screening services that help protect guests, homeowners, and the community.
What the process includes:
- Uploading a valid ID
- Taking/submitting a selfie so Safely can confirm the ID and guest match
- This is the only biometric component
How your information is handled:
- Used only for screening purposes
- Not sold or used for other purposes
- Purged periodically
4) What’s included in my vacation home?
We make arrival easy with a starter kit of essentials designed to cover your first couple of nights, such as:
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Paper towels
- Dishwasher detergent
- Soap
- Trash bags
- And more
Kitchen & amenities:
- A drip coffee maker
- Pots, pans, dishes, and cooking basics for making meals
- A smart TV (please bring your streaming logins/passwords)
Linens & towels:
- All linens, bedding, and bath towels are provided.
- You’ll receive one towel set per guest (e.g., a home that sleeps 6 will have 6 towel sets).
- Need fresh towels? Use the washer and dryer anytime during your stay.
5) Do I need to sign a rental contract?
Yes. A signed rental agreement is required.
- After booking, you’ll receive a link to sign electronically within 24 hours.
- The agreement protects both you and Coastal Maine Vacations.
- Your reservation is not confirmed until the agreement is signed.
6) What is your pet policy?
We love pups. Many of our homes are dog-friendly—please check the specific listing details.
- Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome
- $250 pet fee
- Want to bring more than two dogs? Please contact us first.
- Sorry—no cats.
7) Is there air conditioning (AC)?
AC varies by home.
- Some homes have air conditioning
- Others rely on ocean breezes—open the windows and enjoy the sea air
- Please check your property description to confirm whether AC is included
8) Is there a fire pit?
Many of our homes do have fire pits—please check your listing to confirm.
- Please bring your own firewood
- You can often find firewood at roadside stands or grocery stores so you can enjoy a cozy fire your first night
9) How is the WiFi?
All our homes have WiFi with speeds of 50 Mbps or higher.
If you need more specific details for a particular property, please contact us.
10) Can I get an early check-in or late check-out?
At this time, we do not offer early check-ins or late check-outs.
Our housekeepers need the full turnover window to ensure your home is cleaned thoroughly and prepared to the same standard for every guest—we don’t rush the process.
Arriving early? Most homes are within about 20 minutes of a grocery store, so we suggest picking up supplies on your way. Then you can relax the moment check-in begins.
11) What do I do if I’ve forgotten something at the home?
We’ll do our best to locate and return lost items.
- If the housekeeper doesn’t find the item right away, the home may already have new guests, which can delay access.
- Some properties are in remote areas, so retrieval may take extra time.
12) Is there anything else I should know before arrival?
Yes! Eight days before arrival, you’ll receive a helpful information link with:
- Driving directions
- Your home’s lock code
- WiFi password
- And other key stay details
We’ll resend it three more times so it’s always easy to find when you need it.
