Start early, know what you want, verify the details, and stock your rental before you arrive. Our team of Cape Cod experts has over two decades of experience in planning and booking Cape Cod vacations for clients. We are ready to give you the inside scoop on renting a house on the Cape and help you have the best vacation starting the day you arrive.
So you’ve decided to rent a beach house this summer on Cape Cod for your next trip or family vacation. Great! But where do you begin? Vacation rental websites can be more overwhelming than helpful. That’s where we come in! Our Cape Cod concierge team is made up of local experts who help clients, friends, and family find the perfect Cape Cod rental. Here are our insider tips for a perfect Cape Cod summer getaway.:
When is the best time to rent a house on cape cod?
Ideally, you want to begin planning your Cape Cod vacation right after the holidays. Starting early gives you a larger selection to choose from. When you begin your search, ask about early booking discounts. In exchange for the security of having their property rented, an owner or agent might offer a discount—sometimes as much as 10%! But don’t worry if you didn’t get a jump start; there are some advantages for late planners too, such as last-minute deals and cancellations.
What factors should i consider when renting on Cape cod?
To ensure your vacation goes smoothly, make a list of your must-haves and preferences. Here are a few we often review with clients before helping them find a place to stay:
- Pet-Friendly: Need to bring Buster? Make sure pets are allowed.
- Child-Friendly: Have small children? Ensure the house is equipped with baby gates for the stairs and other child-friendly amenities. Also, you may want to choose a location near family-friendly activities to avoid driving in traffic.
- Accessibility: Vacationing with an older family member who isn’t very mobile or a person with disabilities? Make sure you’re only a short walk from the beach and that there’s a ramp or first-floor bedroom available.
- Outdoor Amenities: Planning on hosting cookouts or an iconic Cape Cod clambake? Ask if the grill is in good shape. If you have your heart set on an outdoor shower, make sure to confirm this feature before committing.
- Proximity to Beach: Planning on spending the entire time on the beach? Find out how long of a walk the rental is from the sandy shore. (And check out our list of the best beaches on the Cape.)
- Catering and Events: If you’re planning to book a clambake or catered BBQ, do it ASAP as these services book up months in advance. Not sure who to book? Our Cape Cod concierge team can help.
What should I ask the rental owner or agency before I arrive?
Get all the details of your entire stay in writing and bring them with you to ensure everything is as-promised. Additionally, be sure you have the name and phone number of someone you can call if anything goes wrong during your stay. Clear communication with the rental owner or agency can save you from potential headaches and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Most rental properties do not have concierge services like hotels offer. So before you arrive, contact our team to get your rental ready. Review our most requested Cape Cod services to see what would help you the most, or here are a few we recommend to first-time visitors and regulars:
- Stock the fridge. Before you arrive, send us your grocery list, and we’ll shop, deliver, and unpack your groceries so they are there on the day you arrive.
- Arrange fresh linens. We will make sure clean towels and sheets are stocked and ready for you and your guests.
- Arrange transportation. No matter how you or your guests plan to arrive, we can arrange car service or ferry service to and from your home or destination.
- Booking reservations. Don’t have an itinerary? We can recommend popular spots, activities, or hidden gems, and book them for you too.
- Last-minute errands. As your arrival date approaches, you may think of a few things you still need to do to make your stay perfect. Our team can check off whatever errands are left on your list.
Renting a beach house on Cape Cod can be a wonderful experience if you plan ahead and know what to look for. By following these insider tips, you’ll be well on your way to a memorable and stress-free summer vacation. Your time is valuable, and you want to make every second of your Cape Cod vacation count. Outsource some of the planning to our team of experts so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your time on the Cape.
Learn more about Simplified Cape Cod Vacations.