The Rental Process
Bookings are accepted on a Saturday-to-Saturday basis in the June-Sept high season. We cannot accommodate nightly, partial or split weeks (except in special cases at the last minute if specific dates are unbooked).
Request 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 (especially cell phones you may use while visiting)
- A description of your party--number of adults, number of children (with ages) and specific info on pets
Confirmation of Reservation: We'll confirm your requested week(s) with the owners and email confirmation to you and a link to your customized Rental Agreement (via our online signature service, EchoSign); please contact us with any questions or concerns. You can eSign it online with a few clicks of your mouse, and when the owners have signed, you will receive a completed copy by email from EchoSign. If you are unable to complete the agreement online, you can print and sign it and forward a copy to us by email, (ACR, 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 our receipt of the Agreement and payment by email.
Final Payment due thirty days prior to arrival: The final payment includes the remaining balance of rent, ME Lodging Tax (7% on rent and fees) and the refundable Security Deposit and is due at least 30 days prior to your arrival; the due date is noted on your Rental Agreement and our confirmation posts. 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 location, emergency contact and other information.
Cancellations: When you book a cottage, it is marked unavailable on our booking calendars, removed from the rental market and subsequent requests to book it are refused. For that reason, cancellations for any reason are not refunded unless we can subsequently re-book the cottage. After a Rental Agreement is completed, requests for cancellation will be accepted but are not refunded unless we are able to re-rent the cottage for the same term. Every effort will be made to do so, but we cannot guarantee success. If you cancel after the sending the initial payment but before making the final payment, the full amount of the Rental Agreement remains due and payable unless the week is re-rented. If we are able to re-book your term, a full refund of payments is sent when that new booking is paid in full.
Arrival: We'll check that the cottage is ready for you and notify you of any special information you'll need to enjoy it fully. Most cottages have a 3 PM Check-In time, which is noted on your rental agreement and which allows time for cleaning after the previous guests' departure. A few cottages apply a 4 PM Check-In time. Please don't ask to arrive or store belongings early, as it disrupts the cleaning schedule.
During your visit: No smoking is permitted in any cottage. Pets, where approved, must be under control at all times, crated when left alone, and yard & grounds must be cleaned of pet debris promptly. Further restrictions may be posted in the cottage. Please do not bring pets that are unfriendly to people or other pets or which have a hostory of excessive barking, disruption or damage (carpets, screens, doors, furniture, bedding, etc.).
If any problems arise with your cottage, contact us by phone at the office during the day at 866-288-3636 or by email to acr@roadrunner.com; our cell phone number will be provided for urgent or emergency calls. Most cottages will have lots of printed information available 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, and please maintain peace and quiet suitable to the location of the premises at all times.
Please report unsafe or deficient conditions and any other comments to Agent promptly.
Departure: 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 ("broom clean") and furniture carefully put back in place, taking care not to damage wood floors.
- Used bed linens should be stripped and piled unfolded in the bedrooms and used towels/bath 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.
Security Deposit Refunds: After your departure, the cottage will be inspected by cleaners, owners or agents and any damages or other notable conditions discovered will be reported to the owners, who will consult with ACR to determine charges to be applied against the Security Deposit. Charges will be deducted prior to refund of any balance remaining and will itemized. When the Security Deposit is released by the owners, it is refunded by check, mailed 10 days after the end of the booking term to the address of the Lessees. Let us know if other arrangements are required.
If you wish to visit the same cottage again next season, please let us know as soon as possible so we can process the booking and secure your preferred week(s)--we can carry your released Security Deposit for use as the initial Rent Deposit for your next season's booking. Many cottages fill the peak season months in advance--if you don't let us know you want to return next season we can't promise availability, even if you are a repeat guest, so let us know in a timely way of your desire to return and your preferred week(s).
We invite your comments and suggestions, and look forward to serving as your agent for future visits. Our goal is to make every visit to this beautiful area as enjoyable and carefree as possible for our clients. We want to be your contact in Acadia--thanks for your business!
