Planning a Cape Ann getaway? This guide covers everything you need to know about booking, paying for, and preparing for your stay with Atlantic Vacation Homes, your locally-owned vacation rental team on Boston’s North Shore. If you don’t see your question answered here, our Guest Experience team is always happy to help. Contact us or call (978) 290-4331.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Reservation
How do I book a Cape Ann vacation rental with Atlantic Vacation Homes?
Visit atlanticvacationhomes.com or call (978) 290-4331 to book directly. Booking direct means you deal with our local Guest Experience team from start to finish, and you get the best price. Most third-party sites (Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com) add a traveler or service fee of up to 15% of your total rental. When you book direct, that fee stays in your pocket, and our team works with you one-on-one to match you with the right home for your group, location, and budget.
How do payments work?
Online reservations require a credit card, debit card, or E-check.
Atlantic Vacation Homes charges half of the booking total when your reservation is confirmed. You’ll receive an electronic Rental Agreement, which must be signed and returned within 48 hours. The remaining balance is due 60 days before arrival.
You can make payments anytime through our secure Guest Payment Portal. You’ll need your Reservation ID and Check-In Date to log in.
Optional Generali Vacation Rental Insurance is offered during checkout. See the Cancelation Policy section below for details.
What if I need to change my reservation?
Contact our office and we will help you with any changes. Our Guest Experience team is happy to work with you on adjustments whenever possible.
Is a security deposit required?
For most rentals under 90 days, Atlantic Vacation Homes does not collect a traditional security deposit.
What is the Damage Fee?
A non-refundable damage fee covers up to 10 times its value in accidental damage. For example, a $100 fee covers up to $1,000 in accidental damage. Guests are responsible for damage beyond that amount. The exact fee for your property is listed in your Booking Charges summary.
Are taxes and fees included in the rate shown?
Massachusetts state and local room occupancy taxes, along with any applicable fees (damage fee, trip insurance, etc.), are itemized separately in your Rental Agreement and final checkout total. The nightly or weekly rate shown during search does not include these.
How are we different from Airbnb and Vrbo?
Atlantic Vacation Homes is a locally owned company based on the North Shore and part of the community. When you book with us you get:
- Direct access to a real local Guest Experience team
- The best price by booking direct (no third-party service fees of up to 15%)
- Professionally cleaned, fully equipped homes with hospitality-quality linens and a Welcome Kit
- Clear arrival information, including your digital boarding pass with lock code and all check-in details
- Local recommendations and the ability to add experiences such as kayaks or whale watches
You’re booking with people who care about your vacation, not a global platform.
Can I bring a pet?
Pets may ONLY be accommodated in a designated Pet-Friendly property. For the comfort, health and safety of all of our guests and homeowners, there are certain restrictions that apply to our Pet-Friendly Properties. Learn more.
What if I am allergic to pets?
If anyone in your group has any sensitivity to pets, general allergies or special needs of any kind, please contact a Guest Experience Specialist before reserving a property, so we may help you find the most comfortable property for you.
Can I bring extra people?
The occupancy limit stated on the Rental Agreement may not be exceeded for overnight stays without express written permission of Atlantic Vacation Homes. Children are counted in total occupancy unless they are under the age of two. Sleeping bags or air mattresses may not be brought in and NO campers or motor homes will be allowed to park on the rental property for the purpose of adding extra sleeping space.
Large gatherings, rehearsal dinners, weddings, graduation parties, cocktail parties, wedding preparation groups, breakfasts or brunches, showers, celebrations, barbecues, catered meals, or any occasion that brings extra guests and/or cars onto the property is considered to be a “party” or an “event”. Events are not allowed in Gloucester vacation rentals, per city ordinance.
Cancelation Policy
What is the cancelation policy?
Please note that policies differ based on the date the reservation was made. All 2026 bookings are covered under the updated policy below.
For all current bookings:
- 14+ days before arrival: 100% refund
- 7–14 days before arrival: 50% refund
- Less than 7 days before arrival: Non-refundable
- Within 24 hours of booking (if arrival is 14+ days away): Full refund, no questions asked
What is Vacation Rental (Trip) Insurance, and should I buy it?
Trip insurance protects your vacation investment against covered reasons for cancellation or interruption such as illness, injury, and other unforeseen events. We offer Generali Vacation Rental Insurance at 6.95% of your total rent. We strongly recommend it. If you decline coverage and later need to cancel outside the refund window above, your payment is not refundable. Learn more about trip insurance or call Generali directly at 866-999-4018.
If you have purchased trip insurance and wish to submit a claim, please refer to the links below.
eClaims Portal: https://vacationrental-us.eclaims.csaclaims.com/
Download Claim Forms: https://www.generalipartner.com/claim-forms
Noise, Construction, Traffic, or Other Inconveniences
Cape Ann is a growing community and there is a chance that your property may be near some construction. Noise or altered views due to construction or road works are beyond our control. Refunds, discounts, substitutions, or cancellations cannot be made due to nearby construction projects, traffic, neighboring properties, insects, or any other circumstances beyond our control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Ann & Boston’s North Shore
Where are Atlantic Vacation Homes’ properties located?
All of Atlantic Vacation Homes’ vacation rental properties are located on Boston’s North Shore, including Gloucester and Rockport in Cape Ann. Search our inventory of available vacation rentals to find your perfect home away from home.
What beaches can be found on or near Cape Ann?
Cape Ann offers a wide variety of beautiful beaches to explore and enjoy throughout the year.
- In Gloucester: Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, Half Moon Beach, Long Beach (straddles Gloucester and Rockport), Niles Beach, Pavilion Beach, Cressy Beach, and Plum Cove Beach.
- In Rockport: Long Beach, Back Beach, Cape Hedge Beach, Folly Cove, Front Beach, Old Garden Beach, and Pebble Beach.
- In Manchester-by-the-Sea: Black Beach, Singing Beach, West Manchester Beach, and White Beach.
- Other notable North Shore Beaches include: Crane Beach (Ipswich, MA), Brackenbury Beach (Beverly, MA), Dane Street Beach (Beverly, MA), Devereux Beach (Marblehead MA).
How far is Cape Ann from Boston?
Cape Ann is just 35 miles north of Boston, less than an hour’s drive. The MBTA commuter train from North Station also goes straight up to Rockport (via Salem and Beverly), making Cape Ann much easily accessible to the metro Boston area.
What is the difference between Cape Ann and Cape Cod?
While both areas are known for amazing beaches, whale watching, great seafood, and quaint villages, Cape Ann is less crowded and more affordable. Located less than an hour’s drive from Boston and its international airport, Cape Ann is extremely accessible.
In addition to fishing (Gloucester is the home of the hit TV show “Wicked Tuna” and the Oscar-award winning movie “CODA”), Cape Ann offers many stunning beaches and miles of gorgeous coastlines, artist colonies, live theatre and music, exciting local festivals, great shopping and fine restaurants, and much more.
