As a guide to help you plan your Cape Ann vacation, our Vacation Rental FAQ will help you understand the booking process. If you need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Making a Reservation
- Cancelation Policies & Travel Insurance
- About Atlantic Vacation Homes and Cape Ann
Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Reservation
What is the process for making payments on my reservation?
Payments for offline reservations can be made by check, E-check, cash, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover accepted). Online reservations require a credit card, debit card or E-check.
- Atlantic Vacation Homes charges half of the booking total at the time the reservation is confirmed.
- Atlantic Vacation Homes will send you an electronic Rental Agreement, which must be signed and returned to Atlantic Vacation Homes within 48 hours of receipt.
- Optional Generali Vacation Rental Insurance is offered to you during the booking process. Trip cancellation insurance keeps you from losing your vacation rental investment if you need to cancel for a covered reason, such as injury or illness. Guests opting not to purchase travel Insurance should be aware that refunds may not be available; therefore we strongly encourage all renters to purchase trip cancellation insurance. Learn more about trip cancellation insurance.
- The balance of the rent must be paid 60 days prior to occupancy. The Rental Agreement will specify all due dates and amounts.
What if I need to change my reservation?
If a reservation is changed at the guest’s request, AVH will charge an additional $100 Change Fee.
Do you collect a security deposit?
In most circumstances, Atlantic Vacation Homes does not collect a security deposit on rentals less than ninety days.
What is the Damage Fee?
AVH charges a non-refundable damage fee. The damage fee covers a maximum of 10 times the amount of the fee (for example, a damage fee of $100 covers up to a total of $1,000 of accidental damage per rental). The guest shall be responsible for damage exceeding the covered total. Depending on the property, the damage fee ranges from $100 to $300 and is listed in your Booking Charges summary in the Rental Agreement.
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.
Occupancy and Guest Limits
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 MUST be disclosed to and approved by Atlantic Vacation Homes in advance and is subject to Event Fees.
Cancelation Policy
What is the cancelation policy?
Cancelations may be made up to 60 days before the first day of your reservation with a refund of 75% of the pre-tax reservation total. Cancelations made with less than 60 days’ notice are not refundable. Loss of rental funds can be avoided if Generali Travel Protection Insurance was purchased and the reason for cancelation is covered under the travel insurance policy. All reservation changes must be acknowledged in writing. Changes to any reservation after 72 hours from booking will be subject to a $100 Change Fee. There is no refund for early departure at any property. Learn more about trip cancelation insurance.
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
What is Vacation Rental Insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance can protect you and your family from expenses you may incur due to illness, injuries, weather, and other unforeseen circumstances. For your convenience and protection, we are able to include the cost of Vacation Rental Insurance, at 6.95% of the total rent. Details of the plan are available by calling Generali at 866-999-4018 or by visiting the Generali website: http://www.csatravelprotection.com/certpolicy.do (group plan code G-330CSA) for additional information.
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 Atlantic Vacation Homes and Cape Ann
What is a vacation rental?
Vacation rentals are fast becoming one of the most popular types of accommodations. They provide an alternative to hotel rooms and inns, allowing vacationers to stay in a privately owned home that is fully and comfortably furnished. By renting an entire home, travelers generally have more space and amenities than found in hotels. Vacation rentals are ideal for groups and families, allowing them to stay together under one roof, for one price as opposed to having to reserve multiple hotel rooms.
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 makes the Atlantic Vacation Homes vacation rental experience different from others in the area?
- Atlantic Vacation Homes is locally-owned and our team is 100% local. Every member of the Atlantic Vacation Homes team lives, works, and plays on Cape Ann, so we know these communities inside and out and we are there for you when you have questions or concerns.
- Atlantic Vacation Homes properties are always well-equipped and professionally cleaned. Your stay includes hospitality-quality bed, bath, and kitchen linens, complimentary Wi-Fi, a and a “Welcome Kit” with a starter supply of supplies.
- Seamless and efficient guest communication is a priority for us, from booking confirmations, check-in and check-out instructions, house rules, and more.
- We offer packages and experiences (such as kayak rentals and whale watch tickets) that you can add to your vacation to make your stay even more enjoyable.
How do I reserve an Atlantic Vacation Homes vacation rental property?
Visit our website at atlanticvacationhomes.com or call us at (855) 853-9143 to book your desired vacation rental property. We encourage you to always book directly with Atlantic Vacation Homes to get the best price. Most 3rd party listing sites (like Vrbo, Airbnb, and Booking.com) charge a traveler fee (often referred to as a “service fee”) of up to 15% of the total rental amount. Guests who book a vacation rental stay directly with Atlantic Vacation Homes benefit from our Best Price Guarantee.
When you book your stay directly with a local rental agency like Atlantic Vacation Homes, you are partnering with Our Guest Experience team works with you to find the vacation rental property that is the best match for your preferred location, amenities, and price point.
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”), 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.
What are the vacation rental seasons on Cape Ann?
High Season / Summer is runs between Memorial Day in May and Labor Day in September.
Off-Season / Fall, Winter & Spring is mid-September through to mid-May. Many of our properties rent for longer periods (i.e. minimum of one month) in the off-season, although some homes are available to rent by the week or by the night (3 night minimum). Higher rates may prevail for shorter term and winter holiday rentals. For more information contact an Atlantic Vacation Homes Guest Experience Specialist.
