Thank you for choosing an ESVR home for your upcoming vacation. Below is some information we hope will help in planning your stay. If you have any further questions, we are happy to help. You can reach us via e-mail at guestservices@easternshorevacations.com or call our office at 866-398-2722.
Planning Your Stay
Who owns the property I have rented?
ESVR properties are owned by private individuals, just like you, who have made their properties available to Vacationers through an Agent, like us. When you reserve your property, the property owner takes the property off of the market for your dates of stay, and cannot rent it to anyone else for those dates, even though the next customer may desire the same property and dates. Many property owners rent their properties short term during the spring, summer, and fall; and long term during the winter months.
If I don't like the property when I get there, will you move me to a different one?
We want you to enjoy your stay as much as possible; however we are not able to move you to another property, or make any refunds or discounts, if you are dissatisfied due to your contract with that particular property. Again, please try to review the property online before entering into the contract. Driving by the property is acceptable to get a feel for the location and the homes’ orientation towards to the water.
What is the optional travel insurance you offer?
A pamphlet was included with your contract fully explaining the terms of this insurance and what it covers. This insurance is provided by CSA, please call them with any questions. Please be sure to carefully consider this insurance in order to prevent loss of any payments for an event that may have been covered by this policy. Please note that insurance cannot be purchased after you have paid the reservation in full and is not refundable once accepted. Click here for more information regarding CSA Travel Insurance or see our website.
What do you mean by maximum occupancy?
This is the maximum number of people that can be on the property at any given time. The occupancy listed on our website is the strict maximum occupancy of the home. Only infants sleeping in a crib are not counted toward maximum occupancy. This has become a very important point in recent years for several reasons. Local, State, and National health regulations, building codes, and other laws are becoming stricter. Furthermore the property owners are very concerned about wear and tear in their properties and do not look favorably upon extra bodies bouncing around. Unfortunately, exceeding the Maximum Occupancy at any time, with either overnight guests or day guests will result in eviction without refund. Plan a large enough (occupancy) property for all guests. Please also be aware that most properties are on septic systems, which simply cannot handle more guests than the system was designed to accommodate. With a few exceptions of homes in Dorchester County, the maximum occupancy of any ESVR home is 12 guests. Please adhere to the occupancy listed on our website.
Can you bend your policies for my reservation?
Your reservation is a binding legal document. ESVR is also bound by state and local laws, our contracts with the property owners, and our lease with you. As much as we might like to bend the rules, we cannot for these reasons. When comparing a vacation rental to a hotel or motel, you get a lot more for your money with a vacation rental, but there are unbreakable rules and policies that come with it. For these reasons, please be sure to fully read, and understand this brochure and your contract.
How can I find specific information about the property I have rented?
Our main website, www.easternshorevacations.com, has a property page for each of our homes, featuring a list of amenities, floor plans, virtual tours, mapping, property address and more. Please refer to this when planning your stay. Please note we are not responsible for misinformation that may be contained in third party sites, such as VRBO. Please use our main site when planning your stay.
Our property inspectors have taken copious notes about each property and we have noted specific information to help in planning your stay on our interactive floor plans. Here you will find the floor plan with pictures of the home (you can decide bedrooms before you arrive!), location of televisions and other entertainment, dock specifics, and other facts about your property.
Because these are privately owned homes, amenities will change from time to time. We will notify you of any major changes to the home via e-mail, however, be sure to double check our site prior to arrival
How can I get information about the local area?
ESVR has an extensive vendor network standing by to make your vacation a memorable one. You can find all our vendors, from outdoor recreation to restaurants and other activities in the Virtual Concierge section of the website. ESVR will also be sending guest service newsletters as your vacation draws near on dining, outdoor recreation and more. You will also receive a newsletter with things to do while you are here for last minute ideas and tips. If there are additional members in your group that would like our newsletters prior to your stay please let us know their email address. If you still need assistance, call our office, we are happy to help.
What do I need to bring?
It is ESVR policy that all personal items are removed from the home prior to the arrival of the next guest. You will need paper products (toilet paper, napkins, garbage bags, dish towels, paper towels, etc.), soaps and detergents, minimal cleaning supplies, and any specialty items you may desire during your stay.
What is provided?
Each of our properties are individually furnished and equipped by the property owner. However, all of our properties feature standard items: color TV’s, pillows, comforters or bedspreads, microwaves, coffee makers, pots and pans, dishes, utensils, and glassware. Air Conditioning, extra TV’s, VCR’s, telephones, porch and deck furniture, grills, games, and other equipment are furnished as a courtesy by each property owner and are not guaranteed to be at a property or functioning. Refunds will not be given due to breakdown of these courtesy items. Most properties have telephones that allow free local calling.
Linens and Towels:
All properties except those in our Budget program include linens, bath towels and bedmaking service. If you are renting a budget property, linens and towels can be rented from ESVR for $25.00/bed or you can simply bring your own. Refer to our website for a list of Budget homes. Please note if you have a crib rental, sheets are not provided, you must bring your own.
Do I need to bring pool towels?
Pool towels are not included, however, a bag of (8) pool towels can be rented from ESVR and left for you for an additional $50.00. Contact guest services to rent pool towels.
What type of items is the kitchen equipped with?
While ESVR makes recommendations to all
property owners about what to outfit a kitchen with, it is up to the individual homeowner to stock the kitchen. While it is safe to assume most basic items will be there (coffee pot, toaster, etc.) if there is something special you need to prepare a family recipe or a meal you are counting on, better be safe and bring it.
Grills:
All ESVR properties are required to have a grill. Please check the property page on our site for the type of grill your home is equipped with. Propane grills include fuel, however, if you run out during your stay, please contact us for replacement instructions. Charcoal grills do not include charcoal, please add this to your grocery list. Grills are not guaranteed in the winter months
Dock and Water Depth:
Specific dock information, including water depth, body of water and nearest landing are located at the property page on our website. We note the MLW for each dock. Mean Low Water means the average height of the water at low tide over a long period of time. This amount can vary significantly due to tides, the moon and other variables. Please refer to the local tide tables for the tide table during your specific vacation period for the most accurate tide predictions. ESVR is not responsible if your boat cannot be docked at the property due to water depth issues. If you plan to bring a boat, please notify guest services so we can give you special check in instructions.
Can we swim in the river?
You may swim in the river, however, please be aware that it is very different than swimming in a lake or ocean. Because the water is tidal, the depths are unpredictable, and there are oyster and crab shells at the bottom, which may cut your feet. Feet should be protected. Also, in mid to late summer the sea nettles come in, and they do sting. Please use caution when swimming in the river.
Fireplace/Firepit:
If the home has a woodburning fireplace or outdoor firepit, wood is not included, however, ESVR will gladly deliver firewood; contact guest services for pricing and information.
Internet Access:
All but a very few of our homes have internet access. Specific information is on the property page of your website and any pertinent login instructions will be at the property.
I have special needs or a medical condition.
We will be glad to help you with any special needs you may require during your stay, but we urge you to plan ahead and keep the following in mind. We cannot guarantee telephone use, number of stairs at a property, air conditioning, or other representations. Again, please plan for any situation.
Pet-friendly homes:
Many ESVR properties are pet friendly for dogs. There is a two dog limit and a fee of $75/pet applies. Please be sure to adhere to the pet rules as outlined in your lease agreement. Please note that a home advertised as non pet friendly is an owner preference and does not necessarily mean a pet has not been in the home. If you have pet allergies, speak to a reservationist. ESVR cannot guarantee any home to be allergen free.
Will the property have window screens?
It may or may not. Some property owners have intentionally taken the screens off the windows and doors because they want them left shut for one or more reasons; some renters tend to leave the windows open and run the air conditioning at the same time, and because they have been damaged and are continually damaged due to the weather on the coast. Also note some of our homes are older and the windows may be painted shut or simply not have screens available any longer. For the reasons above we cannot guarantee that your property will have functioning screens on the windows and doors. Thank you for your understanding
Are there bugs on the Eastern Shore?
Bugs are a common occurrence in any rural waterfront community. Our properties have exterminating contracts, but the bugs don’t know that and they will still come into the property from time to time. Please keep the following in mind;
1. It is not unusual to see bugs in properties in a rural water oriented environment,
2. Dead bugs mean that the extermination is working and nothing further can be done,
3. Bugs may take from 1 minute to 12 hours to die after they have entered an exterminated property.
4. In some instances, it can be difficult or impossible to completely eradicate the problem. Please call us if you have an on-going problem and we will send an exterminator out as soon as they can get there.
Neighborhoods are typically sprayed on a weekly basis for mosquito control, however, you may also find it helpful to pack a DEET containing product or other bug repellent. Ticks are also a concern on the Eastern Shore and you should take steps to prevent. You should inspect your pet and your person for ticks after being outdoors.
Checking in and Arrival Information
What time can I check-in?
Standard Check-In time is 3:00 pm or later on the day of your arrival. Due to the complexity, size, and locations of our properties, our staff needs every minute to prepare the property for your stay. Please do not interfere with their work or pressure our staff to allow you entry before your check-in time. Please do not go onto the property until you have received your check-in packet. Please do not do any grocery shopping until you have received your keys to avoid spoiled food. Rarely, check-in time may need to be extended beyond 3:00 for repairs, damages, or extra cleaning from the previous tenant. If you desire to check-in before this time, we offer Early Check in for some properties. With this service you can get a guaranteed check-in at 1:00 pm. The cost for this service is $50.00 plus tax and is non-refundable after it is paid. Only a limited number of early check-ins are available and are given out on a first come, first serve basis.
In the off-season (after Labor Day and prior to Memorial Day) check in times are more flexible.
What if I can't check-in until after your offices close?
If you can't get here before our offices close, late check-in, be sure to notify us ahead of time so we make other arrangements. If you are not paid in full, a late check-in will not be possible. If you do check in after hours, it may be necessary to visit our office the next day to complete paperwork.
What time is check-out?
The standard check-out time is 10:00 am promptly, on the day of your departure. We’re sorry, but we cannot offer late check-out in the summer months. In the off-season (after Labor Day and prior to Memorial Day), check out times are more flexible.
Where do I pick up my keys?
Your check-in package is available at the Eastern Shore Vacation
Rentals office on 28282 St. Michaels Road, Easton, MD 21601. Directions are available on our website. Please note that our office is in Easton, at the beginning of St. Michaels Road, not in St. Michaels. You will see our sign approximately 1 mile down Rt. 33. This is actually on the way to the majority of our homes. If you have passed the Town and Country Liquor Store you have gone too far.
Is there traffic I should be concerned about?
Yes, East bound traffic on Friday afternoon and
Saturday morning can be quite heavy at the Bay Bridge. West bound traffic on Sunday is heavy returning over the Bay Bridge.
You can get up to the minute information about the Bay Bridge at www.baybridge.com.
How do I get directions to the property?
Directions to the property will be in your check in package. For those using a navigation system or on line mapping, you can also obtain directions to the property via the interactive floor plan on the property page on our website. Please call us with any questions.
What are your office hours?
ESVR office hours are 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily. If you are running late, we will leave your package in our night drop box, assuming your lease agreement is signed, your balance paid, and all the proper paperwork is on file. If you plan to run late please note we need a copy of your driver’s license and credit card, you may want to fax that to our office prior. The drop box is next to the front door. Your name and property name will be on the envelope, and directions and keys will be inside.
During Your Stay
What should I do upon arriving at the property?
After picking up your check-in package and arriving at the property, take a moment to read the information in your check in-package. Then make an inspection of the property and note any damages, needed repairs, etc. to our office within 24 hours. If the property has not been cleaned properly call our offices immediately upon checking in. We will send a housekeeper as soon as possible to remedy the situation.
We just arrived at the property and the home is not what we expected.
ESVR takes a lot of measures to provide our guests with accurate and detailed information pertaining to the property so our guests are not unpleasantly surprised. Please be sure you review the virtual tour, floor plans, interactive map and descriptions prior to arrival. ESVR properties are individually owned, and as per our owner contracts and your lease agreement, refunds cannot be given and we cannot transfer guests to other properties.
If there is a property emergency after hours, who do I call?
Should a maintenance
emergency (i.e. no water, locked out of property) occur at after hours, please call 1-866-398-2722 and select the appropriate option. Other calls will be returned during office hours.
Will I be disturbed during my stay?
During your stay it may be necessary for repairs, exterminating, or other service providers to enter the property. We will attempt to notify you ahead of time. Entry is required for property preservation for you, future tenants, and the owner, and cannot be held off, denied, or rescheduled. We regret any inconveniences this may cause but we promise to keep them to a minimum. Rental properties will sometimes be listed for sale throughout the year. Please be aware that it may be necessary for agents to arrange showings for qualified buyers during your stay. We appreciate your cooperation.
My water has an odor
Please note that all ESVR properties have their water tested yearly as a condition of their vacation rental license and before entering the rental program. Most of our properties are on well water, and it has a different smell than town/city sewer systems. Sometimes if the property has been vacant for long periods, the smell can build up, simply run the water a few minutes and this should help.
Please remember that most of our homes are on well and septic.
DO NOT flush anything other than toilet paper, including paper towels, napkins and feminine hygiene products. This could cause a failure in the septic system and disrupt your stay.
Checking Out
What time is check out?
Check out is at 10:00am. Please adhere to the
check out times, as our housekeepers need to ready the property for the next guest. Your
check in package will have a detailed list of check out procedures inside. Check out times during the off season are more flexible. Please contact our office.
What do I need to do upon checkout?
Your checkin package will have a list of check out procedures.
Do you have late check out available?
Due to the size of our properties and the geographical distance between our homes, we are unable to accommodate late check outs in the summer months. Please plan accordingly.
What if your office is closed when we are checking out?
Simply leave the keys in our after hours box located next to the front door.
There are aspects of my stay, good or bad, that I would like to let you know about:
ESVR is eager to hear all comments, as they help us to improve our property management and guest services. You may miss a manager upon checkout or check out before the office opens. We will be sending you a survey regarding you stay and would appreciate your comments greatly.
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