Guestpages

Payments:

- A $500 hold deposit is paid to secure your reservation. This applies to the rent and is refundable in the event you cancel and another guest takes those dates.

- Rental amount balance is due no later than 60 days prior to your stay.

- Security Deposits are only done via credit card authorization.

- If your reservation falls within 60 days of start date, the entire rental amount is due when you reserve it.

- Credit cards. We use them almost exclusively for Security Deposits. If you wish to use them to pay for your stay, there is an added fee of 2.9%

- Payments are made to the address on your Agreementt.

- REFUNDS: Non-refundable, however if we rent the house for the same period and same amount, we will refund your money less a $25 service fee.

Security Deposit:

- The online credit card form for your security deposit is available by clicking here: (Click)

- Security deposit is always $1000, done through credit card authorization.

- We don't actually charge your card unless there is an issue.

- You are responsible for the full amount of any damage/loss, even if it's more than $1000.

- Why do guests get charged? It's very rare... When it happens it's likely missing or damaged items or a serious house cleaning issue. Remember that linens are ours to wash but towels should be washed by you before you go.

- Deposit Returns/charges are noted as taking up to 45 days because we do these monthly; and wait to receive phone, cable and gas bills in the event there's an un-authorized charge.

Things to do in the area:

- We recommend that everyone get out at least once or twice when you visit... A few of the restaurants are truly great, local seafood experiences. Most are very casual but a few, like Bluepoint at the Hyatt are upscale and very good. We have shops, history, sports and nature to entertain you.... In the offseason the towns of Cambridge, Easton and St. Michaels provide endless opportunities...

- Start with this tourism page from our site: (click here) - we have our own page with ideas, links and details.

- Cambridge Maryland - really the best 3rd party website is here: http://cambridgemainstreet.com/. There is much to do in Cambridge, from the 10 or so antiques stores (start with Trumpeter Swan Antiques on Race Street) to dozens of shops, restaurants and local places to see. The town goes was founded in 1684, 200 years before the Civil War - and the Victorian architecture is fantastic. There are great, select opportunities for sightseeing, history and nature - there's something for everyone (no one should miss Blackwater Refuge and it's very close). Again look through our site (click) for more details.

- If you like, numerous local guides are pleased to help you find that trophy Rockfish lurking nearby or in the famous shoals of Hooper’s Island. See the "WaterSports" section for fishing information and more...

- You're in Dorchester County - also a great website: http://tourdorchester.org/. Dorchester and Talbot are rich in history with several famous cultural high-points; including historical Civil War and Emancipation points of interest. Nearby towns such as St Michaels and Oxford offer top notch walk-streets with quaint shops and galleries. Cambridge itself is rich in history but a bit less developed than it's neighbors. The site (http://cambridgemainstreet.com/) is an excellent guide.

- Bike tours from all over the world flock to the Eastern shore because it’s flat, the roads are good quality, the traffic is light and you can bike in Easton, St. Michaels and Oxford. There are five cruiser-style bikes on the property for your enjoyment. We do not have helmets so please bring helmets if you require them..

- Golf: there are several fantastic golf links nearby. See our Tourism Page for more information.

Watersports:

On the properties: We provide a kayak and canoe at Saddle Beach and there's an additional kayak at Hudson Shores (2 kayaks and a canoe there). We have several adult sized Mae-West style life preservers and paddles.

- For skiff rentals. We encourage you to rent a large (17') motorized skiff from a nearby marina if you wish. It's reasonable (+-$125/day in 2009) and our guests get discounts and delivery. Slaughter Creek Marina is at this web site, by this email, or call Robert Bromwell 410-221-0050. We no longer provide a skiff at Hudson due to frequent breakage.

- You can go crabbing and fishing on our docks without a license as long as you're on the property. Chicken Necking is the term we use for crabbing, and instructions can be found here. If you're staying at Saddle Beach you can get supplies at the Woolford Store on your way to the property. If you're at Hudson Shores they have supplies and plenty of advice at the Lewis General Store. Bring your own poles and you can get bait everywhere - fishing is part of the local culture.

- We encourage you to take fishing charters in season (season dates found here). Rockfish are their specialty and very few fishing trips end up without alot of fish!. Our guests have recommended Gibby Dean (410-463-0049) and Sawyer Charters (410-397-3743, 443-521-5325 or email sawyercharters@yahoo.com

- We encourage you to bring your boat if you have one. The dock at Saddle Beach is long and has a 3' MLW depth. The dock at Hudson Shores has a 2' MLW depth. There are public boat ramps close to each property. The Madison Bay ramp is 5 minutes from Saddle Beach and Ragged Point Marina is five minutes from Hudson Shores.

- Deep Water Slips. Ten minutes from Hudson Shores is Cambridge Yacht Basin. They have water, electric, full baths, washer/dryers, & bicycles. Phone 410-228-4031. reasonable rates. Just down the street is Baycraft Marine and they will rent you their slip at Ragged Point; just a short drive from the house. They also do all boat repairs. Steve Webster is at Baycraft; 410-228-9432. If you need deeper water at Saddle Beach, Madison Bay Marina is only five minutes away.

- While we do not allow jet skis at Saddle Beach but we do allow jet skiing at Hudson Shores.

- The water at both properties is extremely calm - Hudson shores has virtually no current. Both are kid-friendly.

- Our Pools are professionally cleaned & serviced weekly. You do need to keep the water level up, skim and empty the baskets during your stay. Use of the heater requires a week's advance notice so the pool company can turn it on.

Checking In:

Important: download the document corresponding to your home - please print and bring it with you:

Click on the appropriate file icon >>> or

- Check In is at 4:00pm. Sorry but unless it's off-season and we approve it in writing, we can't permit early check-in. We turn over our houses in just a few hours; the maids require (& demand from us) that they have the house for themselves - thanks.

- The house is on lockbox. You will receive the code the week before. At Hudson Shores the lockbox is on the left side of the house next to the side door. At Saddle Beach it's on the door frame in the rear screened porch. No one meets you there so you can arrive as late as you want.

- Please read these documents and bring them with you - they explain everything.

- If you have any issues once you get there call me, Jon at (301)980-8436. If I don't answer try my wife Amalia at (949)338-3578 Remember that we are 3 hours behind you in California. Last choice should be our caretaker, Michelle at (443) 521-9269. Call from the house if you're already in. If not, cell phone service is sketchy, but better back up the street. Texting us works when you cant get a good connection.

Directions & Transportation:

Both houses are 10 minutes from Cambridge Maryland by car.

- The Saddle Beach Address is 5207 Brooks Road, Woolford 21677. The google Maps link is here and you print out directions from your door. For more directions (sometimes we know the short cuts) look on our Directions Web Page here.

- The Hudson Shores Address is 5904 Heather Lane, Cambridge 21613. Google Maps link is here and you can print directions from your door. For more directions (We know the short cuts) look on our Directions Web Page here.

- Transportation:

Your closest airport is Baltimore Washington (BWI). Washington Reagan (DCA) is not much further and Washington Dulles is about 20-30 minutes further.

Your closest Amtrak train station is Baltimore Washington (BWI) and New Carrollton is a little closer and on the same line.

What to Bring:

- Linens (1 set) & towels are included in your cleaning fee. You do not need to clean linens but do need to wash towels.

- Bring the usual disposables; toilet paper, paper towels & #2 cone-style coffee filters. Bring soap & shampoo. There are often some of items left at the house but we don't replenish them. There are several local supermarkets ten minutes away (we recommend Super Fresh & there's a Walmart as well... Both houses have a rustic general store 1-5 minutes away.

- We suggest you bring a few extra beach towels.

- Sports: If you want to fish please bring poles. If you require child-sized life preservers or bicycle helmets bring them.

- "Good to haves" always include first aid, sun screen and bug repellant.

- Be sure to bring our guide document above. It has important tips for your stay and check out.

- Baby items: We mave one item available; a Porta-Crib that is shared between our two houses.

Checking Out:

- Check Out is 10:30am sharp. This is important. We only have several hours to make the house ready for our next guests - as a result we do require that the house be left on time and in a certain condition. If the house isn't right we unfortunately have to pass the cost on to you. It doesn't happen often and we don't like to do so, so your help is appreciated.

- If anything's wrong, missing, broken or not working - by all means please tell us before you leave. We find everything, but the more warning we have the better we're able to get the house ready for the next guest.

- Light cleaning is the responsibility of our guests. Floors should be "broom clean".

- Kitchen: Place any left-over dishes in the washer and run it when you leave. Please take all food. There should be no stains on the counters, floors, inside or outside the stove or oven. If you need us to clean a mess on or in the stove please let us know the day before you go and any added cleaning fee will be passed to you.

- Hudson Shores Trash. All trash placed in trash bags and placed in the outdoor cans with the lids shut tight. If

trash is loose or lids open we have to pay someone to clean up the mess that results from bored raccoons. Make sure

bins are in the "corral-area" built for them and no cars are blocking truck access to the cans.

- Saddle Beach Trash. All trash is to be placed in trash bags and placed in the outdoor cans with the lids shut tight. If

trash is loose or lids open we have to pay someone to clean up the mess that results from bored raccoons.

Please keep trash bins in the "corral-area" built for them.

- Doors and windows. Make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked. Check carefully please because some windows require extra effort. To lock the windows turn the lock handles to the left when the window is shut tightly.

The French doors at Saddle Beach (only) are locked as follows: Pull each handle sharply upwards until the slides engage at top and bottom. Then turn the round luck handles on both doors towards the center. Check by pulling downward on handles. If they won’t pull downward, they’re locked.

- Keys: Make sure the key is in the lock box and leave the extra house key hanging in the kitchen.

- Air Conditioning/Heating. In warm weather make sure all three thermostats are turned to 80 degrees. In the winter make sure all three thermostats are turned to 50 degrees. DO NOT turn them off.

- Fireplace. Make sure the flue is closed if you used it. At Hudson Shores please remove excess, cold ash if you used it and take to the woods. Saddle Beach is gas - never burn anything else.

- Bikes and Boats. Important – please make sure these are located and locked by chains and all accessories returned to their place. If the boats are not secured in their place and tied up they can (and will) wash away.

- Linens. Please strip sheets and pillowcases and place them at the foot of each bed. If any towels are un-washed, please put them in the washing machine and run the load. If there are any additional loads to do the maids have to come back and we unfortunately have to charge you for that time.

Issues when On-Site:

Remember that we're a family-run vacation rental, and we turn the house over every Summer week in only five hours. It's a big house and if we miss something please call us right away and don't be shy. Call me, Jon at (301) 980-8436 or if I'm not there, Amalia at (949) 338-3578 Remember we're 3 hours behind on Pacific Time. If it definately can't wait and you've left me a voice mail already, call our local caretaker Jamie at (443) 614-3086 or Michelle at (443) 521-9269. We want you to be completely satisfied - we never want to hear after your trip is over, that something wasn't working or disappointed you.

- If the pool does anything funny, turns color, or you think the pool pumps are off - call right away. The pool has to be in top shape for you and the next guest, and time is of the essence! Heater use requires a week's advance notice.

- If the power goes out, it most likely will go back on soon but.... Call DelMarva Power at 1-800-898-8045. Also - let us know it happened. That way we can reset certain things.

- First time at a "by-owner vacation rental"? Please remember that we are individual owners. Our guests say we do a great job, but the experience and expectations will always be different than that of a resort.

- We always encourage feedback to us by email here. Thanks!

Internet Access:

Hudson Shores:

- We have wireless high speed Internet via DSL in the house. The network is unsecured so no password is required. IMPORTANT: Never touch the modem, wires, wireless router or any devices or cables attached to them. If you have a problem connecting and you are sure it's on our end, then you may call us. Note that if in the rare event that it's not working and we cannot fix by phone, it may take a week or more to have it resolved.

Saddle Beach:

- We can provide Internet through a Verizon High Speed USB device - free for weekly guests. A week's notice is required and a charge applies to shorter rentals (download software here). We have a phone line in the office that you may use for dial-up. If you dont have a dial up account you can get one from NetZero (www.netzero.com) or Earthlink (www.earthlink.com) for free or for +-$9.95.

Outdoor Grilling:

- Both of our houses have an outdoor grill by the pool area. They run on propane and use the standard 20 gallon grill tank. We check the tank by weight when after each rental, but it's difficult to tell some times.

IF YOUR TANK IS EMPTY. Fortunately there is a refill (tank swap) location convenient to both houses - simply swap the tank for a full one (only if it's empty) and we will reimburse you if a receipt is faxed to us at 240-238-2996.

- Hudson Shores - the swap location is the Lewis Store at the end of the street.

- Saddle Beach - the swap location is the Woolford Store a mile from the entrance of Brooks Road.

DO NOT USE the JennAir grill in the kitchen - it's too hard to clean. Thank you

Pet Policy at Hudson Shores:

- We do not permit pets at any time at Saddle Beach; sorry.

- With written permission we allow one dog at Hudson Shores. You are responsible for cleaning all pet signs of any kind. We are animal lovers but our absolute priority is that each guest have the same, excellent experience including the folks that stay after you. We are extremely strict, especially in the summer, because turnaround time is so short. Note that we do not charge a pet fee! That's our way of being pet-friendly and a good host, while ensuring a great stay for everyone.

- The following terms must be added to your lease upon your pet request: *

Guest is permitted to bring one dog defined as a (breed) weighing approximately (xx) pounds. Guest acknowledges that cleaning fees paid do not include pet issues (including but not limited to odor, hair, waste, etc.) and guest will be charged in the event there are any issues. Guest acknowledges responsibility for damage caused by pets in the home during their stay including but not be limited to scratches, digging, chewing property, etc.

Guest agrees to keep pet on a leash at all times while outside the home. Pet is not permitted on furniture, linens, towels and bedding or in the pool. Any breach of these terms are considered Guest's breach of the Lease.

Guest shall provide Owner with a security deposit in the form of a bank check if received within 14 days of stay or personal check if received 14 or more days from the date of stay. Owner has the right to charge guest the amount to recover direct and indirect costs to resolve damage. Guest waives all rights to contest forfeiture of Guests' security deposit. Guest additionally acknowledges that the amount of the security deposit does not limit Guests' liability for damage.

* IMPORTANT: If you do not ensure these terms are in your lease, you are not authorized to have a pet at Hudson Shores.