Question 1

How do I book a Cape Ann vacation rental with Atlantic Vacation Homes?

Accepted Answer

Visit atlanticvacationhomes.com or call (978) 290-4331 to book directly. Booking direct means you deal with our local Guest Experience team from start to finish, and you get the best price. Most third-party sites (Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com) add a traveler or service fee of up to 15% of your total rental. When you book direct, that fee stays in your pocket, and our team works with you one-on-one to match you with the right home for your group, location, and budget.

Question 2

How do payments work?

Accepted Answer

Online reservations require a credit card, debit card, or E-check. Atlantic Vacation Homes charges half of the booking total when your reservation is confirmed. You’ll receive an electronic Rental Agreement, which must be signed and returned within 48 hours. The remaining balance is due 60 days before arrival. You can make payments anytime through our secure Guest Payment Portal. You’ll need your Reservation ID and Check-In Date to log in. Optional Generali Vacation Rental Insurance is offered during checkout. See the Cancelation Policy section below for details.

Question 3

What if I need to change my reservation?

Accepted Answer

Contact our office and we will help you with any changes. Our Guest Experience team is happy to work with you on adjustments whenever possible.

Question 4

Is a security deposit required?

Accepted Answer

For most rentals under 90 days, Atlantic Vacation Homes does not collect a traditional security deposit.

Question 5

What is the Damage Fee?

Accepted Answer

A non-refundable damage fee covers up to 10 times its value in accidental damage. For example, a $100 fee covers up to $1,000 in accidental damage. Guests are responsible for damage beyond that amount. The exact fee for your property is listed in your Booking Charges summary.

Question 6

Are taxes and fees included in the rate shown?

Accepted Answer

Massachusetts state and local room occupancy taxes, along with any applicable fees (damage fee, trip insurance, etc.), are itemized separately in your Rental Agreement and final checkout total. The nightly or weekly rate shown during search does not include these.

Question 7

How are we different from Airbnb and Vrbo?

Accepted Answer

Atlantic Vacation Homes is a locally owned company based on the North Shore and part of the community. When you book with us you get: Direct access to a real local Guest Experience team The best price by booking direct (no third-party service fees of up to 15%) Professionally cleaned, fully equipped homes with hospitality-quality linens and a Welcome Kit Clear arrival information, including your digital boarding pass with lock code and all check-in details Local recommendations and the ability to add experiences such as kayaks or whale watches You’re booking with people who care about your vacation, not a global platform.

Question 8

Can I bring a pet?

Accepted Answer

Pets may ONLY be accommodated in a designated Pet-Friendly property. For the comfort, health and safety of all of our guests and homeowners, there are certain restrictions that apply to our Pet-Friendly Properties. Learn more.

Question 9

What if I am allergic to pets?

Accepted Answer

If anyone in your group has any sensitivity to pets, general allergies or special needs of any kind, please contact a Guest Experience Specialist before reserving a property, so we may help you find the most comfortable property for you.

Question 10

Can I bring extra people?

Accepted Answer

The occupancy limit stated on the Rental Agreement may not be exceeded for overnight stays without express written permission of Atlantic Vacation Homes. Children are counted in total occupancy unless they are under the age of two. Sleeping bags or air mattresses may not be brought in and NO campers or motor homes will be allowed to park on the rental property for the purpose of adding extra sleeping space. Large gatherings, rehearsal dinners, weddings, graduation parties, cocktail parties, wedding preparation groups, breakfasts or brunches, showers, celebrations, barbecues, catered meals, or any occasion that brings extra guests and/or cars onto the property is considered to be a “party” or an “event”. Events are not allowed in Gloucester vacation rentals, per city ordinance.

Question 11

What is the cancelation policy?

Accepted Answer

Please note that policies differ based on the date the reservation was made. All 2026 bookings are covered under the updated policy below. For all current bookings: 14+ days before arrival: 100% refund 7–14 days before arrival: 50% refund Less than 7 days before arrival: Non-refundable Within 24 hours of booking (if arrival is 14+ days away): Full refund, no questions asked

Question 12

What is Vacation Rental (Trip) Insurance, and should I buy it?

Accepted Answer

Trip insurance protects your vacation investment against covered reasons for cancellation or interruption such as illness, injury, and other unforeseen events. We offer Generali Vacation Rental Insurance at 6.95% of your total rent. We strongly recommend it. If you decline coverage and later need to cancel outside the refund window above, your payment is not refundable. Learn more about trip insurance or call Generali directly at 866-999-4018. If you have purchased trip insurance and wish to submit a claim, please refer to the links below. eClaims Portal: https://vacationrental-us.eclaims.csaclaims.com/ Download Claim Forms: https://www.generalipartner.com/claim-forms

Question 13

Noise, Construction, Traffic, or Other Inconveniences

Accepted Answer

Cape Ann is a growing community and there is a chance that your property may be near some construction. Noise or altered views due to construction or road works are beyond our control. Refunds, discounts, substitutions, or cancellations cannot be made due to nearby construction projects, traffic, neighboring properties, insects, or any other circumstances beyond our control.

Question 14

Where are Atlantic Vacation Homes’ properties located?

Accepted Answer

All of Atlantic Vacation Homes’ vacation rental properties are located on Boston’s North Shore, including Gloucester and Rockport in Cape Ann. Search our inventory of available vacation rentals to find your perfect home away from home.

Question 15

What beaches can be found on or near Cape Ann?

Accepted Answer

Cape Ann offers a wide variety of beautiful beaches to explore and enjoy throughout the year. In Gloucester: Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, Half Moon Beach, Long Beach (straddles Gloucester and Rockport), Niles Beach, Pavilion Beach, Cressy Beach, and Plum Cove Beach. In Rockport: Long Beach, Back Beach, Cape Hedge Beach, Folly Cove, Front Beach, Old Garden Beach, and Pebble Beach. In Manchester-by-the-Sea: Black Beach, Singing Beach, West Manchester Beach, and White Beach. Other notable North Shore Beaches include: Crane Beach (Ipswich, MA), Brackenbury Beach (Beverly, MA), Dane Street Beach (Beverly, MA), Devereux Beach (Marblehead MA).

Question 16

How far is Cape Ann from Boston?

Accepted Answer

Cape Ann is just 35 miles north of Boston, less than an hour’s drive. The MBTA commuter train from North Station also goes straight up to Rockport (via Salem and Beverly), making Cape Ann much easily accessible to the metro Boston area.

Question 17

What is the difference between Cape Ann and Cape Cod?

Accepted Answer

While both areas are known for amazing beaches, whale watching, great seafood, and quaint villages, Cape Ann is less crowded and more affordable. Located less than an hour’s drive from Boston and its international airport, Cape Ann is extremely accessible. In addition to fishing (Gloucester is the home of the hit TV show “Wicked Tuna” and the Oscar-award winning movie “CODA”), Cape Ann offers many stunning beaches and miles of gorgeous coastlines, artist colonies, live theatre and music, exciting local festivals, great shopping and fine restaurants, and much more.

Question 18

What Time is Check-in and What Time is Check-out?

Accepted Answer

Our standard check-in time is after 4:00 pm. Our standard check-out time is 10:00 am.

Question 19

What is the Check-in Policy?

Accepted Answer

Check-in is 4:00 pm or later. No early check-ins are available unless previously arranged with Atlantic Vacation Homes at least 24 hours in advance. Early check-ins are not usually possible in the high summer season, and are never guaranteed. Guests may call or email 24 hours in advance to request an early check-in. Atlantic Vacation Homes will not be able to honor any same-day requests. If an early check-in is granted, Atlantic Vacation Homes will charge the guest a $75 Early Check-in Fee. The Early Arrival time is no earlier than 2:00 pm. If any guests arrive prior to 4:00 pm without permission from Atlantic Vacation Homes, a $75 fee will be automatically charged to the guest’s card on file.

Question 20

What is the Check-out Policy?

Accepted Answer

Check-out is 10:00 am or earlier. No late check-outs are available unless previously arranged with Atlantic Vacation Homes at least 24 hours in advance. Late check-outs are not usually possible in the high summer season, and are never guaranteed. Guests may call or email 24 hours in advance to request a late check-out. Atlantic Vacation Homes will not be able to honor any same-day requests. If a late check-out is granted, Atlantic Vacation Homes will charge the guest a $75 Late Check-out Fee. The Late Departure time is no later than 12:00 pm. If any guests depart later than 10:00 am without permission from Atlantic Vacation Homes, a $75 fee will be automatically charged to the guest’s card on file.

Question 21

Before You Leave

Accepted Answer

Before you leave the property, please take care of a few things so we can ready the home for our next guests. Please leave the property tidy with dishes and cookware clean and put away. You may leave all bedding on the bed. Please leave all used towels in the bathroom(s). Please make sure the refrigerator is empty. Place trash bags in the trash cans or barrels outside the house (making sure to put the lids back on) and leave recyclables in the delegated bins. If you have moved any of the furniture, please return it to its original location. Close and lock all of the doors and windows. Leave all keys on the kitchen or dining table (if your property does not have an electronic lock). If there is a lockbox, ensure the lockbox key is put back into the box. Turn air conditioning or heat settings to low or off.

Question 22

Why are Early Check-ins and Late-Checkouts a Big Deal?

Accepted Answer

Early check-in and late check-out requests are not generally granted during peak season (June 15 – September 15). We know that our guests are very excited to start their vacations or want to linger a bit on their last morning, but we ask for understanding and co-operation regarding our check-in and check-out policies. It takes a large team of people and tight scheduling in order to get all of our properties cleaned and inspected to our high standards for our incoming guests. When departing guests leave at 10:00 am we have a finite number of hours until the next guests arrive at 4:00 pm, and we are generally turning over a large number of properties all across Cape Ann on any given day in the high summer season. Please be considerate of the guests coming in after you and keep to our 10:00 am check-out time unless you have been specifically granted a late check-out. A vacation rental is not the same as a hotel in that all of our homes are completely unique, with large living areas both indoors and out that take much more time to clean and inspect. Sometimes, we also need to schedule maintenance activities while the home is empty between guests. Because every home is different and guests have reserved a specific property, we can’t shuffle arriving guests to the next available room in the way that a hotel can. Due to these constraints, our check-in and check-out times need to be firm. Atlantic Vacation Homes will occasionally grant an early check-in or late check-out if possible, and if we have at least 24 hours’ notice. Atlantic Vacation Homes cannot guarantee availability and cannot grant same-day requests.

Question 23

What About Late Arrivals or Early Departures?

Accepted Answer

If you know that you will be getting in late on the night of your scheduled arrival date, please contact our office so we can make sure to leave the lights on for you at your rental property. If you choose to arrive on a day later than the date noted in your contract or leave your vacation rental property prior to your reserved departure date, please let our office know as a courtesy. Please note that Atlantic Vacation Homes cannot issue a refund or credit for unused time at the property.

Question 24

What is included in my vacation rental?

Accepted Answer

Since all Atlantic Vacation Homes rental properties are homes, and not hotel rooms, they are fully furnished, and include a living room, kitchen, and bedrooms and bathrooms as described on each property detail page. The kitchen includes cooking utensils, pots & pans, dishcloths, potholders, flatware, dishware, and glassware. Standard appliances include a refrigerator, microwave, stove, toaster, and coffee maker. Some properties are equipped with additional items; please refer to the full amenity list for your specific property. If you require specialty items, such as kitchen scales or food processors, it is best to bring your own. Bed linens and bath linens (bath towels, hand towels and face cloths) are provided in accordance with the advertised maximum occupancy of the property. Beds will be made with linens, pillows, blankets, and bedspreads prior to your arrival, with the exception of trundles, top bunks, futons, and sleep sofas. The property includes basic housekeeping supplies, such as brooms and dustpans. Many (but not all) properties have a landline for local calls. Please refer to the full amenity list for your specific property. Air conditioning, TVs, DVD players, porch furniture, grills, docks, recreational games and equipment, and other amenities are furnished as a courtesy by the homeowner and are not guaranteed. Please refer to the full amenity list for your specific property for details. Guests will also receive a Welcome Kit. The Welcome Kit gets you started on your vacation by providing a few additional necessities, such as: One mini bottle of dish soap One single-use dishwasher detergent packet or pod One kitchen sponge One laundry detergent packet or pod One trash bag In addition, the complimentary items below are provided as a convenience for when you first arrive. Additional supplies will be the responsibility of the guest. One full roll of toilet paper per bathroom One box of tissues per bathroom Travel-sized bars of soap in each bathroom One full roll of paper towels in the kitchen

Question 25

Are there any other amenities or services available?

Accepted Answer

You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) during your stay. Check our watercraft rental page for details. There are also a number of other packages or add-ons available, such as grocery delivery, a romance package, and discounted whale watch tickets.

Question 26

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

You must provide your own clothing, bathing suits, shoes, etc. Personal toiletries and grooming appliances Paper goods and hand soap if any is needed beyond what is supplied at the beginning of your stay. Kitchen items such as plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and groceries. Pantry items such as salt, pepper, flour, coffee, or spices. Beach equipment (chairs, boogie boards, snorkels). Note: Some homes include beach chairs or other equipment for guest use. We cannot guarantee these items, however.

Question 27

Traveling With Your Pet To An Atlantic Vacation Homes Property

Accepted Answer

There’s no need to make your best friend stay home while you are on vacation! Atlantic Vacation Homes offers many pet-friendly vacation rentals. Learn about our policies and guidelines that will help you plan your vacation with your pet.

Question 28

Find a Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental

Accepted Answer

Find a Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental

Question 29

Reservation Policies Regarding Pets

Accepted Answer

For the comfort, health and safety of all of our guests and homeowners, there are certain restrictions that apply to our Pet-Friendly Properties.

Size, Age and Number of Pets

Pet-friendly vacation homes generally accept dogs weighing under 40 pounds and are at least one (1) year old. Multiple pets require approval and there is a maximum of two (2) dogs per rental property. “Visiting” pets are not allowed. Cats are not allowed.

Question 30

Pet Guidelines While in Your Rental Home

Accepted Answer

While you are staying in pet friendly vacation rental home, please follow the guidelines below.

Please clean up after your pets, both in the yard of your rental property and when you are out in public areas. Please do not allow your dog to bark excessively or to roam onto neighboring properties. Most of our homes are located in residential neighborhoods, and we must respect the comfort and privacy of those residents. Complaints may lead to eviction without refund, at the discretion of Atlantic Vacation Homes.

Please do not allow pets on furniture or beds. It is also helpful to bring something (bed, blanket, etc.) on which you know your pet will be comfortable sleeping. Just because you allow your pets on your furniture and beds at your home does not mean it is allowed in our rental properties. Extra cleaning fees will be charged for furniture, blankets, comforters, etc. that have pet hair left behind.

Please groom your dog before your visit, particularly if it is a breed prone to shedding. Pet hair can be difficult to remove, and the next renter in your property may not have a pet. Extra cleaning fees will be charged for furniture, blankets, comforters, etc. that have pet hair left behind.

Please don’t leave your dog unattended for long periods of time. A crate is ideal for those situations in which you must leave your pet alone. You are responsible for any damage that your pet causes. Please do your best to clean and dry your dog after a walk in the rain or on wet grounds; this will help to ensure you will leave the property in good condition without being charged an extra cleaning fee.

Please do not allow dogs in swimming pools or hot tubs. Please ensure that your dog’s medications and immunizations are up-to-date, especially flea treatment.

Question 31

Local Pet-Friendly Places to Visit

Accepted Answer

Please be aware that most area beaches do NOT allow dogs or other pets during the summer months. But there are still several local pet-friendly places available to you!

Gloucester Dog Park. Located in Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, MA. Dogs must have a valid dog license (from anywhere) and must be well-behaved. There are separate sections for large dogs and small dogs as well as agility structures, doggie water fountains and doggie bag dispensers.

Ravenswood Park in Gloucester has lots of great hiking trails, scenic views and lush foliage. Leash rules are in effect.

Halibut Point Reservation. In Rockport. A low rocky coastal shelf with dramatic views of the ocean as well as the former Babson Quarry, a key location in the local quarry industry in the early 20th century. 2.5 miles of walking trails.

Allyn Cox Reservation in Essex, MA has a designated dog area with scenic views of the salt marsh. Leash rules are in effect.

Question 32

Service Dogs at the Beach

Accepted Answer

By City ordinance, with the exception of service dogs, dogs are not allowed on Gloucester beaches during the summer months. Under federal law, dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service dogs and therefore will not be allowed to enter the beach. For those who may require a service dog because of a disability, please cconsult the City of Gloucester’s guidelines for service dogs at the beach.

Question 33

Why Should You Consider Vacation Rental Trip Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Planning a vacation can be stressful enough when everything goes right. Trip insurance keeps you from losing your vacation rental investment if you need to cancel for a covered reason. Consider the following common scenarios:

What if you or a traveling companion get sick or injured before you can take your trip? What if your trip cut is short due to injury or illness? What if there is a delay in getting to your destination due to adverse weather or a natural disaster? What if during your trip you need to replace eyeglasses or medications? What if your luggage is delayed or lost? What if you need identity theft resolution assistance? Trip insurance can protect you and your family from expenses you may incur due to illness, injuries, weather, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Question 34

How can I get details or purchase Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance?

Accepted Answer

For your convenience and protection, we are partnered with Generali Global Assistance (Generali). Generali’s Travel Insurance Plan offers Trip Cancellation coverage, Trip Interruption coverage, and other benefits, such as relates to Travel and Baggage Delays, Emergency Assistance, Identity Theft Resolution Services, and Concierge services. Full details of the plan are available by calling Generali Global Assistance Travel Protection at 866-999-4018 or by visiting the Generali website: https://www.generalitravelinsurance.com/retrieve-policy.html . Enter group plan code G-330CSA. This Generali plan is available to all guests except those residing in the Canadian Province of Quebec.

Question 35

When can I purchase trip insurance for my vacation rental?

Accepted Answer

You may purchase the trip insurance anytime before your final payment is due for your vacation rental; we recommended that it be paid at the time of the initial payment. We are not able to accept payment on a trip insurance policy after the rental balance is paid.

Question 36

How do I submit a claim if I purchased trip insurance?

Accepted Answer

If you have purchased trip insurance and wish to submit a claim, please refer to the links below.

eClaims Portal: https://vacationrental-us.eclaims.csaclaims.com/

Download Claim Forms: https://www.generalipartner.com/claim-forms

Question 37

Where can I download the Generali Global Assistance Travel Coverage Information Sheet?

Accepted Answer

Download the Generali Global Assistance Travel Coverage Information Sheet.

Atlantic Vacation Homes

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Back Beach

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Centennial Grove (alternate parking)

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Front Beach

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Good Harbor / Wingaersheek Beach Sticker Information (City of Gloucester)

Rockport Non-Resident Beach Sticker

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From the blog

Cape Ann Vacation Homes for Large Groups or Families

Embrace the Early Summer Bliss: Weekend Getaway to Cape Ann