Outer Banks Vacation Planner > Before you Travel to the Outer Banks

• Check-In
• Early Check-In
• After-Hours Check-In
• Check-Out
• Late Check-Out
• Occupancy
• Special Events
• Keys
• Lockouts
• Mail/Messages
• Faxes/Copies
• Pools and Hot Tubs
• Housekeeping
• Tips from the Seaside Vacations Team

Check-In

Check-in is between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM on your date of arrival.

Please Note: We make our best effort to see that your home is ready by 6:00 PM. However, there are some situations where additional cleaning and maintenance are required and homes may not be ready until after 6:00 pm. When necessary, we reserve the right to extend check-ins to allow extra time for cleaning or maintenance. Tenants may not go to the property, including driveways and outside showers, prior to check-in, as this will delay the cleaning and maintenance process.

Early Check-In back to top

For an additional $90 fee (plus tax), guests may check-in after 12:00 PM. This fee applies whether or not you arrive prior to regular check-in time. Contact a vacation specialist at 866.884.0267 to request early check-in.

Please Note: Early check-in is not available for homes with more than six bedrooms and is not available in the four wheel drive areas. Some services may not be completed prior to early check in and guests should expect staff or vendors to service the home in the afternoon or early evening.

After-Hours Check-In back to top

For guests who do not arrive prior to 6:00 PM on check-in day, drop boxes are located at the front door of the check-in office (be sure to verify which office you will check in at: Corolla, Kitty Hawk or Nags Head). Keys and check in packets will be left in the drop box for guests who have returned a signed lease and who have paid for their reservation in full.

Check-Out back to top

Check-out is at 10:00 AM on day of departure. Cleaning crews arrive at the home at 10:00 AM.

Please leave the property in the condition you found it. Guests are expected to wash all dishes and put them away; remove all food; wipe out refrigerators and cabinets; strip all beds of used linens; lock all doors and windows and remove all personal items. Any furniture or bedding moved during your stay must be returned to its original position. All trash must be removed from the house and placed in trash receptacles. In the summer months, please set air conditioning to 78 degrees. In the winter months, set heat to 55 degrees. Upon your departure, please drop the keys at our office.

Late Check-Out back to top

You may pay an additional $90 (plus tax) fee to check out by 12:00 PM on the day of departure.

Please Note: Late check-out is not available for all homes. Contact a vacation specialist at 866.884.0267 to request a late check-out.

Occupancy back to top

The Dare County Health Department permits two occupants per bedroom for homes serviced by septic systems. Under no circumstances shall occupancy exceed more than two persons per king, queen or double-sized bed, and one person per single bed.
No campers or mobile units may be parked at the home for the purpose of additional sleeping space. Exceeding maximum occupancy is a material breach of the rental agreement and may lead to termination without a refund.

Special Events back to top

Select homes managed by Seaside Vacations have been designated as “event homes.” These homes are available to host your special event (wedding, reunion, business gathering, etc.). Written permission from both Seaside Vacations and the owner of the home is required. An event fee and additional security deposit may be required. Contact a vacation specialist at 800.395.2525 for more information.

Keys back to top

Upon check-in, you will receive two keys to your vacation home. These keys are to be returned to your check-in office upon departure.

Lockouts back to top

Guests are responsible for the cost of after-hours lockouts.

Mail/Messages back to top

After you have checked into your home, we strongly recommend that you contact any relatives/friends who may wish to get in touch with you during your stay and provide them with the home’s phone number. We will not release any information pertaining to a guest over the phone. If an individual calls trying to reach a guest, we will take a message and hold it at the front desk of your check-in office. It is the responsibility of the guest to check for messages.

Any mail received will be held at the front desk of your check-in office. We cannot store any mail that is larger than an oversized envelope. Please do not have packages sent to the check-in office. It is the responsibility of the guest to check for mail. Any mail not claimed prior to the respective guest’s checkout date will be returned to sender.

Faxes/Copies back to top

Seaside Vacations will be happy to receive/ send faxes for a fee of $1 per page. Copies are also $1 per page. Fax/copy service is available at your check-in office.

Pools and Hot Tubs back to top

Heated pools are available March 29, 2008 thru October 31, 2008. Non-heated pools are available April 26, 2008 thru October 3, 2008. Heated service for private pools requires one week’s notice prior to your date of arrival. There is an additional fee to heat the pool. Cost varies according to pool size, and is only available on homes that offer pool heat as an amenity. Please contact a vacation specialist to find out the cost to heat a specific pool. Most pools heaters heat five to eight degrees above outside air temperatures.

Outdoor community pools are generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and are only open to guests and homeowners of the particular community.

Pools are serviced either by Seaside Vacations or the homeowner’s chosen service. All pools and hot tubs serviced by Seaside Vacations are cleaned, serviced, and chemically treated between guest’s arrivals on Saturdays and Sundays. Please do not use them before 4:00 PM on your arrival day.

An additional mid-week service and treatment is provided for all hot tubs and pools serviced by Seaside Vacations.

Guests understand and agree that Seaside Vacations, its employees and property owners are not responsible for any accidents that may occur regarding the use of the pool, hot tub and/or other equipment.

Please be aware that there are particular risks involved with using pools and hot tubs. It is important to read the information given to you at check-in to familiarize yourself with safety policies pertaining to pool and hot tub use. Pool open and close dates are subject to change without notice, and no refunds will be given.

Housekeeping back to top

We are pleased to offer mid-week cleaning service, as well as check-out cleaning service. Contact a vacation specialist at 866.884.0267 for details and prices.

Tips from the Seaside Vacations Team back to top

* Plan meals at odd hours. Eat lunch & dinner early to beat the crowds at local restaurants and to take advantage of early-bird specials.

* Consider staying at a vacation rental home (all of our homes feature full-sized kitchens). This will allow you to make a few meals at home (save money and eliminate the hassle of waiting for a table).

* Be sure to pick up tourist guides and coupon books at check-in. Local shops, attractions and restaurants offer great discounts. Seaside Vacations has secured special discounts at various locations available only to our guests. Ask your vacation specialist about tickets to an Outer Banks Music Showcase performance.

* Apply that sunscreen! Burns are possible even on cloudy days. Don’t let your left arm burn while you’re driving.

* Plan trips to local attractions early in the morning to avoid crowds and beat the heat. The first sunny day after a rain is another great time to hit local attraction spots.

* Check our website to see if the home you have reserved is located in a privileged community. You may have access to community pools, fitness centers, private restaurants, golf discounts and even complimentary trolley service to the beach.

* Wear bathing suits under clothes for the trip to the Outer Banks. If you are too early to check-in, you can go to the public access near one of our offices and enjoy the beach.

* Pack your first day’s groceries and skip the Saturday shopping blitz.

* Come a day or two early and spend a night at one of our affordably-priced Saltaire Cottage rooms. Nightly/weekly rates available. Ask your vacation specialist for details.

* Avoid the crowd. Arrive later on your check-in day (get here at 5:30 pm instead of 3:00 pm) to spend less time in traffic.