Rental Guidelines & FAQ

 

For our most recent update on the developing Covid-19 situation, click here.

GUIDE TO RENTING A “COTTAGE CONNECTION” VACATION HOME

I. BEFORE YOU BOOK

Feel Free to Give Us A Call (1-207-633-6545). Cottage Connection of Maine, Inc. (CCM) is a Maine-based, family-run and locally owned and operated vacation rental marketing and Property Management Company. Our team has been passionate about vacation homes and guests making great memories since 1993. We provide “Special Places” (privately-owned homes) throughout Maine's Mid-Coast and Central Maine as well. We also have a log cabin in Vermont. With thousands of happy customers and hundreds of happy owners, we want you, your family, and friends to become a part of our family. Give us a call, and ask our advice; we are a wealth of information! We care about helping you find your “Special Maine Place”.

What is a “Special Maine Place”? All of our private homes are individually owned and furnished to each owner’s taste. We then add our unique and caring servicing of the property, and you, the guest. This is what makes our places perfect for a true Maine Vacation Experience. Some cottages were built in the early 1800s and others just a year or so ago. The style, furnishings, and amenities are dictated somewhat by when the cottage was built and its location. While all have basic life safety items (smoke detectors, CO detectors, Fire Extinguishers, and the like), some do not or cannot have clothes washers or dishwashers because they are on well water or are in close proximity to the water. We know that this doesn't matter when you wake up next to the ocean, river, or lake to relax for a week.

Many of our cottages have been passed down from generation to generation (Generational Cottages) and therefore only rent for a few weeks to help offset the costs of keeping a treasured vacation spot in the family. The Generational Cottages are full of treasured photos evoking memories and mementos left by each generation. You will find photos of the family enjoying a day in the yard, a meal around the table, or perhaps some shells or rocks collected at the beach.

Other cottages have been built as a summer home for several years before becoming a year-round homes for retirement (Retirement Cottages). These new and remodeled cottages have been comfortably furnished and tastefully decorated throughout. Their themes reflect what the owner appreciates about our part of the world. We encourage you to share your experiences with us in our Reviews, and take good care of these “Special Maine Places.”

Maine is a very special place that has hosted vacationers for hundreds of years. We have been sharing our homes, our cottages, and our “special Maine places” with people from all over the world, for generations. Maine, known as Vacationland, is just that- a place to vacation in either a small cabin in the woods or a large estate on the ocean. We have something for everyone and in almost every price range. Come see why Maine’s slogan is “the way life should be”.
 

A Note about Special Needs In Your Group

Our cottages are all privately-owned homes. These are not hotel rooms but unique and special places. We are here to help make sure you are connected with the cottage that fits you and your traveling companions, so please be sure to tell us about your group allergies, mobility, and accessibility issues.
 

II. HOW TO BOOK

There are several ways to book a cottage with Cottage Connection of Maine (CCM)...

You can peruse this website, www.cottageconnection.com. Keep in mind that in Prime Season all properties are rented on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis (7 nights) and Off-Season arrival and departure dates may be flexible. To search by date, enter your desired dates into the search bar and choose a property category based on where you want to be or what you want to do on vacation. If you don't have set vacation dates, simply hover over the “Vacation Rentals” drop-down list at the top of the homepage for a list of property categories. Choose from viewing all of our properties or select from Lakefront, Oceanfront, Pet-Friendly, Small Groups, Family Reunions, and more! If you find a cottage you like, simply click the “Estimate” or “Book It” button and follow the prompts to complete your online request.

The best way to book quickly is to call our office at 1-207-633-6545 and speak with one of our Vacation Rental Specialists. Our staff has been in each of our properties and knows them well enough to answer most of your questions. Mobility issues, pets, allergies, and activities should all be discussed.

Another option is to send us an email: [email protected] with your requirements and we’ll be happy to send you some suggestions. You can share any of our cottages with friends directly from our website, making it easy to plan your trip with all members of your group.

We work hard to provide quality photos and detailed write-ups which properly represent our properties to better assist you with the decision-making process. We are always happy to answer questions by phone or email. Our phone lines are always open!

In July and August, our homes are in high demand, so all reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. The first person to reserve and provide a deposit will get the cottage. Don’t be left out, book early for the best choices.
 

Some FAQs about Booking Your Vacation Home

Our cottages are assigned to specific check-in days during Prime Season, for a 7-night minimum with arrivals and departures on either Friday or Saturday (see property description). If you need to arrive or depart on a different day of the week, please call Cottage Connection 1-207-633-6545 and we will try to accommodate you.

Prime Season is the first weekend in June thru Labor Day
The Fall Season is Labor Day thru the second week in October.
 

II-1. How Much Does The Cottage Cost?

We constantly compare our services and our houses to others in the area and we feel our prices are competitive and that our service and our properties are an outstanding value for the money. The price of each cottage includes everything except for Maine Lodging Tax, a Required Processing Fee, and Cleaning Fee. There are no hidden fees. We do offer some Optional Items such as Pet Fees and Departure Cleanings. Note: We also provide boat rentals, concierge services, and provisioning as desired. Please inquire for more information.

We take great pride in not “nickel-and-diming” our property owners or our guests. Here is a breakdown of our fees: Pricing on our official website www.cottageconnection.com is the pricing authority.
 

• The 9% Maine State Lodging Tax is for anyone coming to visit except for those coming to work or for education. 

• The 11% Required Processing Fee – Cottage Connection of Maine, Inc. offers exceptional service to both Property Owners and vacationing Guests. To offer the high level of service that we do at a reasonable cost for all, we charge an additional fee. We have been in business since 1993. Everything has gone up including the price of fuel for our cars. We have a short season here on the Coast of Maine. We want to be able to provide great service and this fee allows us to do so. This fee is non-refundable, no matter if or when the reservation may be canceled.

• Service Fee may also be added. Some cottages include them and some do not. When you reserve the cottage, the booking page will indicate if these fees are necessary. Otherwise, they are included in the rental rate.
  
  Prices are subject to change without notice. You will be charged the rate in effect at the time of your booking. Our cottages appear on several websites which may or may not have the most up-to-date pricing. We only honor the pricing on our website. See below.

• Official Listing On The Web. We advertise our properties on many other websites, such as VRBO, and Airbnb. Because these sites do not always update information in real-time, guests should always review our Official Listing on our website: www.cottageconnection.com. This website will have the most up-to-date information. We will always honor the pricing on our website, but not on others.
   

II-2. Why Do I Have To Pay The Full Amount So Far In Advance?

When we take your reservation, we are guaranteeing the property owner full payment for the reserved period. Our season is very short, less than 12 weeks, compared to other parts of Maine and the United States. The owners count on this income to assist with paying for property upkeep and taxes.

II-3. Do You Offer Discounts On Cottages?

We DO NOT offer discounts on our properties. In the Off-Seasons (Spring & Autumn) shorter stays are permitted. Please keep in mind that expenses remain the same or go up with larger heating bills during colder months. Prime-Season rentals require a 7-night minimum with rates that are competitive and of great value.

II-4. Am I Charged A Security Deposit or A Damage Waiver?

Guests are charged only one or the other, not both. Part of the Required Fee includes our Damage Waiver protection plan. This covers up to $500 of accidental damages to the property. This is in lieu of a traditional “security deposit”. However, some properties do require a traditional security deposit in lieu of a Damage Waiver.

Although we do not put a "hold" on your credit card, a valid credit card is kept on file as a guarantee for negligent damages to the property since, except in a small number of cases, no security deposit is required. We do require you to sign a Short-Term Rental Agreement. By signing this contract you further accept our terms to take proper care of the property while you are renting it. Your card on file will be used for any additional services you request or any charges that appear for long-distance phone calls, pay-per-view movies, and damage beyond normal wear and tear during your rental period. We never charge your credit card without a conversation with you first. Damage not reported will be billed to you as stated in our Rental Agreement.

The Accidental Damage Coverage does not cover pet-related damage. Renter must notify Cottage Connection immediately of any damage during occupancy and submit a written report or else the Accidental Damage Coverage is null and void.

II-5. What Method of Payment Is Accepted?

We prefer checks, however, we do accept major credit and debit cards: Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, as well as personal checks, cashiers/bank checks, and money orders. Reservations made within 120 days of arrival require payment in full by credit card or certified funds. If PayPal or another payment method would be better for you, please tell us and we may add it to this list in the future.  

How About a Gift Certificate?
Looking for a gift to give someone you love who has everything? How about a gift certificate to put toward a vacation in Maine? It is a lovely gift!
 

II-7. What If I Have To Cancel? Do You Offer Travel Insurance?

Our owners depend on their income from rentals and since our Prime Season is so short, we are unable to offer refunds for canceled reservations. It can be difficult for us as human beings to hold our ground when a guest is suffering a family loss or dealing with a difficult situation. At the same time, however, our business' health and our owners depend on this income.

If Guest cancels this Occupancy Agreement after it has been signed by Guest, CCM will terminate this reservation and attempt to re-book this period of time. CCM will not refund any part of the total balance due unless we are able to re-book this period of time. If we are able to re-book all of this time and receive full payment including all taxes and fees, we will refund Guest’s payment less a cancellation fee of 25% of the total due. If we are able to re-book a portion of Guest’s time, we will refund that portion less a cancellation fee of 25% of the original total. No refunds will be given unless the total balance due is paid in full. No refunds will be honored until after the departure date of the original reservation. This policy is strictly adhered to. We encourage you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Covid Exception: In the event of a government-mandated shutdown or other catastrophic events that prevent guests from entering the State, there will be a cancellation fee of 25% of the total booking.

CCM strictly enforces this policy and will make no exceptions whatsoever. CCM strongly advises Guests to purchase Vacation Rental Insurance either from us, through Red Sky Insurance, or from the carrier of your choice. 

III. AFTER YOU BOOK - WHAT'S NEXT?

After booking, you will receive a Reservation Confirmation receipt email with a link to your customized e-Signature Rental Agreement. All guests are required to complete and sign this contract; it includes a Guest List for all those accompanying you at the property, our Boat Policy, and our Pet Policy sections. If you are bringing a pet to a Pet-Friendly cottage, you will need to complete this section as well as provide certain documentation from the veterinarian's office. You have 5 days to complete the Rental Agreement. Your reservation is not final until we receive your Rental Agreement. Our Rental Agreements are between you and the Property Owner with Cottage Connection as the Agency Representative.

Please forward the details of the rental agreement that outlines expectations to your travel companions.

You will receive email updates periodically, with payment reminders, final instructions for Check-In, and driving directions.

III.1- Can We Switch To Another Property If Our Plans Change?

Switching properties can happen, but it is a complicated process. Each property is individually owned and the commitments we make to property owners must be honored as they count on us to market their property for results. In order to switch you to another property, we must first cancel your existing rental, which is subject to our Cancelation Policy in our Rental Agreement. At that point, you will be hoping that someone else wants to rent your time in your first property so you can get your money back (minus the 25% Cancelation Fee). Until the original property is re-rented and paid for in full, you will not get your money back. If you switch to another property, you will be obligated to rent both properties at full price. 
 

COTTAGE FOR SALE
We do try not to rent cottages that are For Sale. If we do we make every effort to give you 24 hours’ notice before a real estate broker wants to show the cottage to avoid interrupting your vacation. We identify cottages for sale in the write-ups on our website.  If you do not wish to have a broker show the property during your stay,
we suggest you pick a cottage that is Not for sale.
 

III-2. Can We Arrive a Day Early or Stay a Day Late?

This is not possible during Prime Season unless the cottage is not rented just prior to your arrival. If the cottage is not rented we will be happy to add extra days to your stay based on the rate at the time.

III-3. Am I Permitted to Have Overnight Guests?

Yes, as long as the occupancy limit is not exceeded at any time and all overnight guests' names are listed on your Rental Agreement Guest List. If parking space is a problem at your cottage, call us to arrange the use of our parking lot for overnight guests.
 

IV. BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

You will receive an email from us two weeks prior to arrival with Arrival News, Check-In instructions, and driving directions. Please be sure to bring this with you as it will also contain directions to take you directly to your vacation home. We strongly advise against using your GPS in this area as it is often incorrect or misleading. We feel bad when a guest drives all the way to Boothbay when they could have gone straight to their cottage...If you are on the road and forget what to do, call us and we'll gladly help!

 

IV-1. When Is Check-In / Check-Out?

We ask that guests not arrive earlier than 4:00 pm on Check-In day. Check-Out is no later than 10:00 am to ensure all the changeover cottages are ready for arriving guests. We ask for your cooperation with this by Checking-In and Out at the appropriate times. All properties are cleaned and inspected prior to Check-In. If you encounter any problems after Checking-In, please contact our office and one of our team members will assist you.

IV-2. What is The Check-In Process For Cottages Outside Of Boothbay?

Part of your Arrival News and a Final Confirmation email will contain your specific Check-In instructions. Everything you need for Check-In (as well as some other goodies) will be waiting for you at the cottage. You will be asked to call our office upon arrival so we know you have made it to the cottage and all is well.

IV-3. What if I am arriving after hours?

Since Covid we allow you to go directly to the cottage.  For those of you who want to come to our office: If you expect to arrive after 7:00 pm for Check-In at our office, you must notify us in advance so that arrangements can be made to accommodate you. Our office staff works very hard and they deserve to enjoy their evening too, so please be sure to call us if you cannot get here for Check-In by 7:00 pm.

IV-4. How Can I Get To Your Area?

Maine is the northeasternmost state, a place you have to want to come to. Very seldom do folks pass through Maine on their way to another destination. Most people come to Maine by car. Traveling from most parts of the United States you have to cross into Maine from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. There are other options to get here, including the Amtrak “Down Easter” which travels between Brunswick and Boston. Concord Coach Bus Lines (1-800-639-3317) offers an easy ride to and from Boston Logan Airport. And the closest airport is Portland Jetport.

HOW FAR IS THE NEAREST AIRPORT?
Portland Jetport is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from our Boothbay office. Bangor International Airport is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from our office. Manchester (NH) Airport is approximately 3 hours from our office. Logan International Airport (Boston, MA) is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes from our office. We recommend the Portland International Jetport as it is served by many major airlines. Car rentals are available at the airport. You will need a vehicle to get around the area. Public transportation is not easy to find or use in most parts of Maine.

IV-5. I Am Bringing My Pet(s). What Is Expected of Me?

We have hosted over 300 dogs a year since 1993. We are pet owners ourselves. We want to remain a pet-friendly company and that requires your help. Bringing your dog requires you and your veterinarian to complete a simple form proving that your dog is up to date on all immunizations and is currently and has been (for at least 2 months prior to your visit) on a flea control program.

We only permit DOGS at our Pet-Friendly Properties for insurance reasons.  We do not allow cats, monkeys, snakes, birds, mice, gerbils, etc.

There is a nonrefundable Pet Fee of $150 (plus tax) per dog. Some homes allow up to two dogs per reservation.  This pet fee is not a “cleaning charge” and is not designed to cover the cost of extra cleaning.  This is an “entry” fee.  You must be able to control your dog at all times either by voice or leash. Our area does not have deadly animals but we do have skunks, porcupines, and raccoons that can be problematic.

At no time should you leave your dog unattended at the property. There are doggie daycare services in our area, and we are happy to help you find one if need be. Should we receive complaints about your dog misbehaving or barking, you and your dog may be required to leave and all monies paid will be forfeited.   

Please don’t be offended if we have to tell you your dog cannot accompany you. Insurance companies have rules about the breeds and types of dogs that can be at a rental property.

Dog breeds generally NOT permitted in our homes include but are not limited to Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, Akita, Chow, German Shepherds and some other shepherd breeds, Bull Mastiff, Stafford Bull Terriers,(or any mix containing these breeds), or any type of wild breed (pure wolf or a wolf mix).

We do have concerns about Black Labs Golden Retrievers and all breeds that shed heavily.  In the past, we have seen Guests bring these dog breeds to stay in our rental properties and leave us with a lot of pet hair to clean up.  Should that happen you will be assessed an additional cleaning fee beginning at $60 per hour.

You will be responsible for everything your dog does at the cottage.  You may want to contact your insurance company to inquire about “extended liability coverage” for your dog while traveling.  Dogs under 2 may not be permitted.

Picking up after your dog is important.  Make sure that you toss the waste deep into the woods or bushes surrounding the property or tie in bags securely if you deposit them in the trash cans. If you miss picking up, a $200 fee may be charged.  We really don’t want to have to clean up after your pet.

If you are thinking of getting a new dog before your rental begins, do not assume we will allow it in your rental property.  To review the Pet Addendum to our Rental Agreement, please click HERE. 

IV-6 Does this cottage have a kitchen?

We are not a motor court. Our “cottages” are individual homes scattered all over the Mid-coast. Almost all of our cottages have full kitchens with dishes, glassware, silverware, pots, and pans.  Because they are all individually owned some are better equipped than others. If you know you are going to do a lot of cooking and require special size pans or need special utensils for cooking you may want to bring them as we cannot guarantee your cottage will have them. All cottages will have a pot for cooking lobsters. Most cottages have a grill, either charcoal or gas. Ask our Reservation Specialist which yours has if it is not listed on the website. All cottages will have a coffee maker. Please refer to the amenities list for that cottage on our website.

IV-7 Do I need to bring linen?

All cottages will have blankets and pillows as well as quilts/bedspreads. Some cottages provide the sheets and towels, others require you to bring your own or rent them through our linen service. None of the cottages provide beach towels. You should plan to bring those. Kitchen sponges and dish towels are supplied.

The Linen Service provides a set of sheets and one bath, one hand, one face cloth per person as well as a bath mat for each bathroom, a bath mat for tubs and showers, and kitchen towels. Linens must be ordered 2 weeks in advance. Please be sure to check with your Reservationist about linens for your cottage.

IV-8 What else do I need to bring?

Part of the joy of staying in a vacation rental is the comforts of home! Here are some things to add to your packing list that you may not have thought of:

• Reusable Grocery bags -- Maine has banned single-use plastic shopping bags (they're also great for the beach!)
• Paper Towels & Toilet Paper -- there will be a starter set at the house for you
• Toiletries
• Sunscreen, Bathing Suit, Sunglasses
• An extra layer for cooler evenings (or being out on a boat)
• Raincoats, Hats, and Umbrellas
• Camera & extra memory card
• Fishing Equipment
• Binoculars -- we have lots of birds and wildlife to spot!
• Bluetooth Speaker
• Good walking shoes, with good tread -- especially if you're going boating!
• Good hiking shoes -- Maine has lots of amazing hiking trails for all ages and abilities
• A Leash and poo bags if you're bringing your furry friends
• Your own life jackets. Even if a homeowner is supplying the kayak, please bring or rent Personal Flotation Devices that are fitted to you.
• Linens (sheets and towels) if not provided (the amenities list of each home will tell you if you need them)
• Beach towels and beach chairs
• Milfoil Sticker (if you're going to launch a boat on freshwater)

IV-9 What Not To Bring

• Fireworks

• Firewood from outside of Maine (Illegal to bring in)

• Pets to a non-pet house

• Tents (not allowed as they damage the lawns), Travel Trailers, RVs (these last two can be parked at our office, but, not at the cottage)

• Friends who are not listed on your Rental Agreement

IV-10 Be prepared for anything from rain or fog to sun and high temperatures, including insects and animals.

Because of the unexpected changes in weather, we ask you to leave windows closed at the cottage when going off for the day to minimize damage from wind or rain. Rest assured, no matter what the weather, it will surely change from day to day. In the spring and fall, you can expect warm days and cool evenings. In the summer you should expect hot days and warm to cool evenings. We are famous for our summer thunderstorms which can be quick and torrential, so be prepared. Most cottages have flashlights or lanterns, but it never hurts to bring your own as well.

A Brief Word About Bugs and Creatures of the Wild!
We know that many people are not aware that in addition to Mosquitoes, Black Flies, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Flying Ants, etc.  Maine also has Wood Roaches.  These Roaches look like miniature cockroaches.  These Roaches are NOT spreaders of disease, they do not survive in homes and do not constitute a threat to homeowners or an infestation problem, and do not indicate "dirty" homes.  They frequently enter homes that are built in or near the woods.  They also survive in firewood piles.  So if you see them - Name Them, or Squish Them!

During your visit, you may also find that you will encounter cute raccoons, squirrels, and chipmunks.  You MUST NOT feed them.  If you do, they will try to get into your cottage and cause damage to the screens, doors and window frames, and the like.  If you feed them, then be prepared to take them home with you. 

 

V . WHILE YOU ARE HERE

Please honor our special request after you arrive at your property!

Your vacation experience is very important to us. If we can fix something to make it better, we will. We want to hear about things that are bugging you AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If you tell us when you leave it doesn’t provide us with a fair opportunity to exceed your expectations. No problem is too small. Please call us at 207-380-3043.

Being A Good Neighbor Is Important!

Maine is a small town. You are in a community of people that live there all the time, not just for a short weekly vacation but for the entire season or year-round. Your vacation is important but so are the rights of the people around you. Please do not do anything to negatively impact your neighbors. Please be considerate. We do not want them to complain to local law enforcement.

Maine is a safe place (especially for kids)

Do you have memories of Maine as a child? If so, did you ever build a fairy house in the woods, skip stones on the water, water ski, or canoe on a lake? Give your kids this memorable experience, shut off the iPads and unplug the TVs and take their cell phones away for a few hours a day. It will be so worth it! They will thank you!

V-1 Are guests responsible for bringing/filling the propane tanks on gas grills?

No, if you find your tank is empty, please call the office and we will do an exchange for you. Most owners with gas grills leave a spare tank. If you need to hook up the spare tank, let us know so we can exchange the empty one.

V-2 Are guests responsible for bringing/providing wood for the fireplace or wood stove?

Some owners provide wood at the beginning of the season until it is gone; others supply it for the entire season; while others do not supply it all. If you have a question about this, please call the office. Wood is readily available throughout the area should you need to purchase it. Please DO NOT BRING FIREWOOD from home – it is illegal in Maine because it encourages the spread of invasive insects that can destroy forests.

V-3 What if appliances and/or utilities malfunction during my stay?

Call our office or if it is after hours the Emergency Cell Phone and we will get right on it. We do everything in our power to fix the problem at your cottage ASAP. Please understand that there will not be any refund for these events as they are unforeseen. But our track record is very good.

V-4 What day is trash pick-up?

Trash is a big deal here. If left outside overnight it can attract animals that make a mess of the yard as they pick through it. It is really important that you follow our instructions for removal. We cannot recycle easily. If you want to recycle let us know and we will work with you to do so. Maine does charge for returnable bottles and cans (read the labels to determine if they are returnable or not). Milk jugs are not returnable. These need to be separated from the rest of the trash and set aside. Trash pick-up days are posted on the refrigerator at your cottage. If you cannot find this information, please call the office ASAP. Many of our cottages have our new Animal Resistant Trash Cans. Some of our cottages require you to take your trash to the local transfer station as local trash pick-up is not available. Directions are provided at those few cottages. Failure to follow directions for trash removal will result in an additional charge should we have to send someone to take care of it. Charges start at $95/pickup.

V-5 Where can I rent canoes, kayaks, or boats?

Please call our team -- they know all the spots for renting watercraft!

V-6 Where can I receive packages, faxes, or respond to e-mails during my stay?

Mail and faxes can be sent to the Cottage Connection office. We will call you at the cottage when the packages/faxes arrive. Feel free to stop by the office during normal business hours to check and write e-mails at no cost.

• UPS and FedEx can use our physical address: 675 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay, ME 04537.

• All USPS deliveries need to use PO Box 655, Boothbay, ME 04537.

V-7 How far is the cottage from the water?

More than 70% of our cottages are within 100 feet of the shoreline or an easy walk to the shore. If your cottage is not waterfront, water is just a short walk/drive from anywhere in our service area. We have put information on the cottage web page to show you your options.

V-8 Where is the beach?

By the time you get this far north, you will find that the glaciers didn't leave much behind. While we have some beautiful long sandy beaches (Reid State Park, Popham Beach, and Pemaquid Beach), more typically we have wonderful rocky shoes with seaweed and tidal pools. Small beaches of sand or pebbles are scattered like hidden treasures between the protecting ridges of granite that run down to the sea. There are many public beaches, swim floats, and docks. Some are pet friendly. Again, look for this information on the cottage web page on our website.

V-9 Is smoking permitted? What about Fireworks and Fires:

No. For everyone's health and safety, ALL of our cottages are smoke-free. Anyone smoking in a cottage or on the property (not at least 25 feet away from any building) will be assessed a fee for a professional cleaning company to come in and remove the smoke damage.

Fireworks, while permitted in the State of Maine, are not allowed in most cities and towns, including parts of Boothbay and Georgetown. We at Cottage Connection and our Property Owners DO NOT allow fireworks at ANY of the cottages. Please respect that.

Outside fires, because of fire danger, are not permitted at any of our cottages unless they have an approved fire pit. Please ask if this is important to you.

 

V-10. Owner and Renter Contact and Communication

Property owner’s contract with management companies such as ours because they value their privacy and prefer not to be involved with the renting of the property. Please respect this and bring any questions or a request for a future booking directly to us. Refer to your rental agreement for further information on this.

VI. GETTING READY TO GO HOME

VI-1 What is expected of me when I leave?

We understand you are on vacation but our homes are "self-catering" meaning that you are responsible for taking care of it like your own. What we ask is that you take care of and respect this private family home as if it were your grandmother’s that she let you borrow and leave it the way you found it. We expect you to leave the home and yard free of clutter and trash, the dishes clean and put away and all personal belongings removed including any open food items. (It is OK to leave unopened, non-perishable pantry items.) Our cleaners will clean up and sanitize the kitchen and bathrooms and mop all the floors, freshen the windows, and fluff the pillows.

For an additional fee, we offer Departure (End) Cleaning, Mid-Week or Mid-Stay 'fluff', as well as Chambermaid Services. Please reserve these services in advance of your arrival to help us with staffing needs. Prices vary depending on the size and complexity of the house.

We have allotted a certain amount of time to clean a cottage after a guest departs based on you taking care of the few things we require. Should the cottage take longer than that you will be charged for the additional time starting at $55/hour. 

VI-2 Checking-out – Leave the property as you found it:

• We ask that you leave the property as you found it, ready for the next occupant (absent the sanitation of the kitchen and bathrooms which our Housekeepers will take care of.)

• Garbage bins should be out where they can be easily seen. Trash should always be bagged and placed in trash containers (hopefully, raccoon-proof), ready for pick up at or by 8:00 A.M.

• Wipe out and empty the refrigerator and cupboards of all items brought into the house.

• Wash and put away dishes. If you start the dishwasher and it is not finished, please leave a note so we can be sure to empty it.

• Gather all personal items. We cannot be held responsible for items lost or left behind. Items that are recovered will gladly be mailed for the cost of packing and postage. If a special trip is required to retrieve the item, a service charge will apply for the time involved. Items left by the end of October will be given to local charities.

• Leave all furniture arranged in the order it was found, and strip the beds following the instructions for what to do with the dirty linens after you put them in the laundry bags provided.

• All carpets and floors are to be left “broom clean”.

• Close and lock all windows and doors.

• Turn off all interior and exterior lights.

• Ensure that if you brought a pet, there is no evidence it was at the property after your stay per your pet addendum.

• In the summer, please water the flowers and gardens as needed during your stay

• In the cold weather months, keep the thermostats turned on and leave at 55 degrees.

• Return all keys and linens to the location specified at your cottage, and please call 207-380-3043 to let us know you are departing the cottage so housekeeping can be notified. This is also a great time to confirm your stay for next year!

• Report any problems by 10:00 A.M. Failure to report problems will result in a charge to your credit card per our Rental Agreement.

• Have a safe trip home!

Leave a Review After Your Stay

Good or bad or somewhere in between, please leave a review of your stay. We care! We will send you a link to our review system shortly after you depart. Thank YOU!

VI-3 What if I want to come back to the same cottage next year?

Your check-in packet contains a Pre-Reservation Form. Simply complete the form and leave it at the office with a check as you leave. If for some reason you select a cottage that will not be available, our Reservation Specialists will assist you with choosing another property or refund your deposit.

VI-4 What if I leave something behind?

Give us a call and if we can locate it we will be happy to return it to you, you will be in charge of covering shipping costs.

VI-5 Errors and Omissions?

While every effort is made to ensure that all information we provide is accurate, Cottage Connection is not responsible for errors or omissions. We thank you for bringing these to our attention and we will fix them quickly.
 

VI-6 Where can we get the Adirondack Chairs that are at your office?

We have some available at our office. Stop by and check them out. They are made from recycled milk bottles. The chairs are available in 14 colors and have matching accessories to go with them (stools, tables, etc.). 

Please note:
Prices are subject to change without notice. Our cottages appear on several websites which may or may not have the most up-to-date pricing. Pricing on our official website www.cottageconnection.com is the authority for pricing. While every effort is made to ensure information is accurate, Cottage Connection is not responsible for errors or omissions. We thank you for bringing these to our attention and we will fix them quickly.