The Rental Process
Bookings are accepted on a Saturday-to-Saturday basis in the June-Sept high season. Please don't ask for split-weeks or partial weeks, as we cannot accommodate such requests. This has proved to be the most efficient and manageable way to handle the calendar, and the vast majority of owners prefer this protocol.
Requesting a booking: When your questions have been answered and are ready to book the cottage of your choice, we'll need some basic information:
- Name of person(s) entering into the Rental Agreement
- Mailing address (for return of your security deposit)
- Phone numbers (including cell phones you use while visiting)
- A description of your party--number of adults, number of children (with ages) and specific info on pets
Confirmation: We'll confirm your requested week(s) with the owners and email a customized Rental Agreement to you for review; please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Completion of Rental Agreement: A signed copy of the Agreement will be due for return to ACR by any convenient means--email (acr@roadrunner..com), mail (POB 949, Bar Harbor, ME 04609) or fax (888-668-7710).
Initial Payment: 50% of the rent is due within 10 days of your receipt of the Agreement, payable to Acadia Cottage Rentals--we accept personal or company checks, money orders, wire transfers (with $20 fee) and by credit card through PayPal (with their 3.1% US, and 4.1% non-US fee added). If you'd like to pay with a credit card, let us know and we'll send a PayPal email invoice to which you can reply and pay securely. If this first payment is not received by the due date noted on the Rental Agreement, the booking may be cancelled.
We'll confirm by email our receipt of the Agreement and payment, obtain the owners' signatures and return to you by email a completed copy of the Agreement for your records.
Final Payment: A final payment that includes the remaining balance of rent, ME Sales Tax (7% on rent and any fees) and the refundable Security Deposit (usually $300-500, depending on the particular cottage) is due at least three weeks prior to your arrival; the due date is noted on your Rental Agreement. If payment is not received by that date your booking may be cancelled without refund of any prior payment and the cottage rented to another party.
Direcctions & Keys: Once full payment has been received, we'll email a Google Map link with directions, key pickup, emergency contact and other information, including the GPS coordinates of your cottage.
Cancellations: After a Rental Agreement is completed and any payment(s) due are received, requests for cancellation--for any reason--will be accepted but are not refunded unless we are able to re-rent the cottage for the week of the Agreement. Every effort will be made to re-rent the week, but we cannot guarantee success.
Arrival: When your week arrives, we'll check that the cottage is ready for you and notify you of any sepecial information you'll need to enjoy it fully. Most cottages have a 3 PM Check-In time, which allows the cottage to be cleaned and prepped for your visit. (A few cottages use a 4 PM Check-In time, which will be noted on your Rental Agreement); please don't ask to arrive early or store belongings prior to Check-In time
During your visit: If any problems arise with your cottage, contact us by phone at the office during the day (866-288-3636) or by email to acr@roadrunner.com; our cell phone number will be provided for use if your call is urgent. Most cottages will have lots of information on the Mt. Desert Island area, restaurants and Acadia National Park itself; if you have specific questions and can't find the information you need, give us a call and we'll try to provide it (or point you in the right direction). QUIET HOURS are 10 PM to 8 AM; tenants will please maintain peace and quiet suitable to the location of the premises at all times.
Departure: For most cottages, Check-Out time is 10 AM; your reponsibilites at departure are noted in detail on your Rental Agreement, and include the following:
- The premises should be left in a CLEAN & ORDERLY CONDITION.
- Used dishes, cookware and equipment should be washed and stored and counters and tables wiped clean.
- Trash and recyclable bottles & cans should be bagged separately and placed in designated containers.
- Floors should be free of debris, and furniture carefully put back in place, taking care not to scratch floors.
- Used bed linens should be stripped and piled in the bedrooms and used towels/mats piled in the bathrooms/tubs; if washer/dryer are provided, it is requested that a load of used linens be started (according to cottage instructions and unless posted otherwise).
- Return all keys to their original location and leave entry doors as they were on arrival.
- Please report unsafe or deficient conditions and any other comments to Agent promptly.
Security Deposit Refunds: After your departure, the cottage will be inspected and any damages or other notable conditions discovered will be reported to the owners, who will consult with ACR to determine any charges to be applied against the Security Deposit held on the booking. Charges will be explained in writing; if charges are applied and you have questions, contact ACR by email or phone for further information.
When the Security Deposit is released by the owners, it is refunded by mailed check 10 days after the end of the booking term. Receipt is usually within 7 days of that mailing.
We invite your comments and suggestions, and look forward to serving as your Agent in Acadia for future visits. If you wish to visit the same cottage again next season, please let us know as soon as possible so we can book it and secure your preferred week(s). Many cottages fill the peak season weeks a year in advance, so don't delay.
Vacations are important, and our goal is to make every visit to this beautiful area as enjoyable and carefree as possible for our clients. We love being your contact in Accadia.