Insider Tips for Renting a Beach House on Cape Cod

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 successful visit.

Start Early

Ideally, you want to begin planning your summer 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.

Know What You Want

To ensure your vacation goes smoothly, make a list of your must-haves and preferences:

• 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.
• Accessibility: Vacationing with an older family member who isn’t very mobile? 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? 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.
• 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.

Communication is Key

Get the details 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.

Prepare for a Relaxing Stay

Before you arrive, consider using our Cape Cod vacation services to get your rental ready. Our team can stock the fridge, arrange fresh linens, run last-minute errands, and even book a caterer for your lobster bake. This way, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation from Day 1.

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. Happy planning!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.