Sweet Homes Rentals: Frequently Asked Questions

I have a lovely home on the central OR coast that I’d like to rent, or I’d like to switch vacation rental companies, are you taking on new homes?
Yes, we are always looking to selectively grow our boutique rental business by adding beautiful houses to our roster of Sweet Homes.  Our home owners are VIPs to us; it is important that we like and trust our home owners, and that you feel the same about us, and the guests we place in your home.  Please contact Kate & Todd via email at info@sweethomesrentals.com or via phone at 1-800-519-0437 -- we would love to speak with you about what Sweet Homes can offer you, and we’ll happily send you an information packet, too.

How do I get directions to the house and when and where do I get the keys?
Once you submit your reservation and credit card payment, you will be sent a confirmation email that contains all the basic information about your rental, including the unique lock box key code for your stay, directions to the home, Sweet Homes’ rental policies, and other important information about check-in and check-out.  When you arrive, you will use your special, pre-programmed key code to open the lock box at the home and retrieve the key.  When you depart at the end of your stay, you will need to return the key(s) to the box and leave it locked.

What if there is a problem at the house?  Who do I call?
If there is an emergency, call 911 for help!  Otherwise, your check-in information provides the name and contact info for our local property manager, as well as our direct phone lines.  If there is anything at all wrong at the home upon your arrival, you must report it immediately and we will resolve the issue, or make note of the problem so you are not held responsible for it upon your departure.  We strive for problem-free vacations at our homes!

Do you allow pets?
Most of our homes are dog friendly.  We love well behaved dogs & they love the beach!  We do charge a flat rate fee of $50 for 1 dog and $25 for each additional dog guest, up to 3.  If you have additional dogs, please contact us to discuss options.  Unfortunately, though we also love cats, they have not made very good guests in the past so we do not allow them (or other non-canine pets) in our homes.

How does the hot tub work?
Many of our homes have hot tubs.  If your rental home has one, you may opt to have access to it during your stay for a flat fee of $50.  This fee covers the cost of cleaning and maintenance after each guest, for cleanliness and safety.  Any guest who pays the fee, unlocks and uses a hot tub does so at their own risk and liability.  Our hot tub policy (on our policies page here and in your check-in information) clearly states the hot tub rules and relevant disclaimers.  No one under 18 may use a hot tub without adult supervision; pregnant women and small children should not use the hot tub; no one on medications or consuming alcohol should use the hot tub.  Directions for each hot tub are available in the home.

Can we have a wedding reception or throw a party at the house?
Congratulations on your engagement, anniversary, birthday or other special occasion!  Though we are very happy for you and we love a good celebration, I'm sorry to tell you that we do not allow events or parties of any type in any of our homes.  We recommend the Haceta Head Lighthouse/Inn and the Overleaf Lodge for lovely weddings & other celebrations on the coast.  We would be very happy to work with you on home rentals for your family reunion, wedding party, and/or guests, though. 

Why are the cleaning fees different in each of your homes?
Each of our homes has a standard cleaning fee, based on the size of the home and how long it typically takes our top notch cleaning team to do everything necessary to prepare the home for the next guests.  We pay and supervise our cleaners well, and they in turn do an outstanding job guaranteeing that your home will be in tip-top shape upon your arrival.  After you leave, we need to hire them to do the same in preparation for the next guests.   The cleaning fee covers their time for cleaning the home and the time and labor involved in doing the laundry.  Please do not wash our bed linens and towels.  We use very special green cleaning products that we make ourselves, and we have special care and handling to ensure that our boutique quality linens and towels stay clean and sanitized.

Can we clean the house ourselves so that we don't have to pay a cleaning fee?  No, I’m sorry we always hire professional cleaners to ensure that every item on our checklist is covered thoroughly.  If we allow renters to do it, we cannot guarantee the condition of the home for the next guests.  The cleaning charge also covers laundry after your departure.

Are your prices firm, or do you offer special discounts?
Our posted prices are fair and firm.  Sweet Homes does offer a year round discount for weeklong rentals.  We do not offer additional discounts in summer because our homes are in very high demand and they book solid.  In fall/winter/spring (excluding holidays) we offer a free night special, so if you stay 2+ nights (up to a week) you get a free night!  If any of our homes are still available, the week before a check-in date we may be able to offer a slight discount on new reservations.  This depends on the dates, the season, the home, and other variables, so if you’re booking a last minute reservation, please email or call to inquire about any available last minute specials.

Will I be charged for anything extra after my stay?
No, the overwhelming majority of our guests have no additional charges after their departure.  However, just like hotels, we reserve the right to charge guests for any damage, items missing from the home, undue messes left behind, stained linens or towels, evidence of smoking or illegal activities, improper hot tub use resulting in damage or filthy water, and messes left by dog guests.  For full information, please refer to our Rental Policies.

I’d like to pay for my reservation on two different credit cards --- can I do that?
Sure, please email or call us and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.  You can email us anytime at info@sweethomesrentals.com --- we are usually able to get back to you most quickly this way.  You may also call us at 1-800-519-0437.

Can I please pay with cash, a check, or via PayPal?
No, I’m sorry --- we only accept credit cards for payments. 

When is the best time of year to come to the Oregon Coast?
Every month is the perfect time to visit!  And we’re not just saying that because we’re a vacation rental company and you are a potential guest.  We say that because it’s true; the Oregon coast is a magical, beautiful, spectacular place that is gorgeous when it’s sunny (which can be anytime of the year) and even more beautiful when it’s damp and stormy.  It’s just a dramatic place and each season offers different delights --- both in terms of weather and sea watching, but also in terms of whale season, bird watching, hiking, boating, crab season, clam & mussel digging, the wine fest, the art fests, etc.  There’s always something special going on to help make your trip memorable.  And aside from all that: our homes are relaxing, romantic, and delightful getaways year round, even if you choose to never leave the property to explore all else the area has to offer!

What is the weather going to be like?
Oregon coast weather is variable & changeable!   No matter how hard we try to predict the weather, we fail….so we’ve decided to leave it to the pros instead.  We recommend visiting www.weather.com and/or www.weatherunderground.com to get expert weather trends and forecasts, and NOAA for the most precise and detailed 7 day forecast & up-to-the-minute storm info: http://www.noaa.gov/ .  Be sure to choose the city & state search option.  The zip-code option puts you out 5 miles east, which is far less accurate an indicator of what’s happening at the coast.  And remember: always check your destination forecast for day trips, as it can be raining and 58 degrees in Newport, and sunny and 70 degrees in Yachats.  The Oregon Coast is just like that….if you don't like the weather, drive 10 miles!

Where are Yachats and Waldport?  How do I find my home?
Both are quaint little coastal towns on Highway 101 on the central Oregon coast.  They are located between Florence (to the south) and Newport (to the north).  You can find them easily at www.googlemaps.com  After you place and pay for your reservation, we will email you information about your rental, including the home’s address & driving directions.

Which airports are closest?
Both Portland and Eugene have major airline hubs (but the former is much larger than the latter).  Portland is about a 2.5 hour scenic drive from the central coast; Eugene is less than 2 hours away.  For the adventurous or those with their own planes, there is also a private airport on the central coast, Newport Municipal Airport, for small planes.

Is there a grocery store nearby?
Yes, both Waldport and Yachats have great little grocery stores for all your needs!  There are also larger stores (like Fred Meyers) in both Florence and Newport.

Can we bring and burn our own wood in the fireplace or wood stove?  Can we burn driftwood from the beach?
If your Sweet Home has a fireplace or wood stove, we would urge you to bring presto logs or something similar.  They burn the best and cleanest.  Alternately, you may bring precut firewood.  We do not provide logs or wood for you, and it is strictly against our policies and rental agreement to burn anything else in our fireplaces or wood stoves.  This means no debris, no paper, no driftwood, etc. 

Can we build a bonfire on the beach?
Sure, but build and play safely!  Check at the entrance of any public beach--- they post specific rules there.  If bonfires are allowed as posted, please be sure that you extinguish the fires with water and then bury any remaining embers before you leave your bonfire.  You must also mark the area clearly so unsuspecting people and pets don’t accidentally walk on our stumble into your hot zone.  Other things to remember when building beach bonfires in Yachats: 1) Use small pieces of wood only; large logs are prohibited.  2) The fire must be west of the vegetation line, that’s closer to the ocean than any of the beach grass or drift wood areas higher up near land.  3) Never leave trash of any sort on the beach.

What pots, pans and condiments do we need to bring in order to cook a meal?  What about soap, paper goods, and bedding – do we need to bring these things?
Each Sweet Home is stocked with the basic kitchen utensils, pots and pans.  There may be some spices left, but we do not leave condiments between guests as we cannot guarantee their safety.  We always tell people that if a special meal plan will be ruined without some particular dish/pan/bakeware or kitchen tool, you should bring yours just to be sure you have what you want.  You are responsible for all your own food, drinks & additional cooking supplies.  We provide paper goods to get you started (toilet paper, paper towels), dish and laundry soap, and towels and linens.  All homes have free WiFi, ipod docks, irons, a hair dryer, and some collection of games and videos/DVDs.  But, again, if you want something special and you’ll be bummed without it, please bring your own --- just to be sure!

Are there bikes available in the homes?
A couple of homes have bikes for your use in the garage, but generally we do not provide bikes at our homes.

Can I park an RV or boat trailer at the home?
It depends on which house and the size of the vehicle or trailer.  You could figure out a way to park a small to mid-size RV or trailer at every home; Cedar Gardens Lodge and the Sand Castle can accommodate slightly larger vehicles. 

Are there any rules or policies we should know about?
Yes!  We have a very clear set of policies that appear both on the policies page of this website and in our rental agreement that you receive with each reservation.  Our policies are all strictly enforced, and yes, that includes our cancellation policies, smoking policies, hot tub policies, noise policies, and all other policies.  They only exist because they keep us in line with local ordinances, meet the needs and expectations of the home owners, and help protect your safety.  Renters who violate policies will be subject to appropriate and fair fees (if applicable); violation of some policies (like violating the noise ordinance or the no parties rule, breaking the law on the property, or other severe infractions) may result in immediate eviction without refund.  Please be sure to read our policies and be aware of our expectations.  We appreciate it!

Do you offer travel insurance in case we need to cancel our trip?
No, but there are online services who do so.  One option is http://www.vacationrentalinsurance.com/ though there are also others available.

What’s there to do on the central Oregon coast?
Please visit our PLAY page on this website for information and website links.  Check the Yachats and Waldport Chamber of Commerce websites for specific events and activities in each town.  There are great sand dunes and dune buggy rides, as well as ATV trails, in and around Florence to the south.  There’s a fabulous aquarium, the Newport Bay Aquarium, to the north in Newport.  The coast offers great hiking, seafood (and fishing boat experiences), art galleries, and so much more --- there’s an adventure for everyone!

Can you recommend restaurants?
Well, this can be a tricky business, so we do not do so lightly.  Let us start by saying that we’ve not had a *bad* meal at any restaurant on the central coast.  Beyond that, taste, preference and price points all come into play.  So, instead of offering a long list, we’ll just share a few of our personal favorites to get you started and then we’d urge you to explore from there!  We like the Drift Inn and the Green Salmon for casual fare in Yachats; Luna Sea for yummy fresh, fast seafood in Yachats; and the Sea Dog Bakery & Café in Waldport.  For incredibly special food and atmosphere, we invite you to experience Ona Restaurant & Bar in Yachats, and Local Oceans in Newport, cooks up casual but extremely special, delicious and fresh seafood.  There are so many great restaurants that if you decide to leave your home (which you may not want to do!) you’ll have lots of great options for food and drinks.

What if I want to buy a home on the Oregon coast?  Can you recommend a realtor?

Yes, we highly recommend Wendy Snidow from Emerald Coast Realty.  Her contact info and other information are available on her website at: http://www.bestoregoncoastrealestate.com/

I still have questions, how can I reach you?
You can email us anytime at info@sweethomesrentals.com --- we are usually able to get back to you most quickly this way.  You may also call us at 1-800-519-0437.