Vacation Rental Policies & Frequently Asked Questions

Have an upcoming stay with Bodega Bay Escapes Vacation Home Rentals? Be prepared for your stay by reading our policies and frequently asked questions below! From check-in time to information regarding deposits and taxes, we have the answers to questions you may have regarding an upcoming stay. We want your stay to be as seamless as possible so if you still have a question, contact us and we will be happy to answer it! 

Where is Bodega Bay Escapes's office located?

Bodega Bay Escapes office located at 1795 Highway 1. For full driving directions and map, click here.

What are your office hours?

Bodega Bay Escapes is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sunday - Friday. Bodega Bay Escapes is closed the following holidays, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Christmas so that we too may spend time with our families.

What if we arrive after your office closes?

Please be sure to inform our office if you will be arriving after hours so we can set up other means for you to get your keys. We will be happy to accommodate our guests arriving after our office is closed, provided they have paid their rental balances in full and have submitted a signed Guest Rental Agreement for that rental period to us prior to arrival. Failure to return a signed Guest Rental Agreement prior to arrival may result in denied entry to the property. Please contact us prior to your arrival to arrange after-hours check-in.

What time is check-in/out?

Check-in time is 4:00 pm. Check-out time is 11:00 am. Check-in time may be delayed slightly during busy seasons.

Can we have large gatherings at the home?

No! The total number of people allowed in the unit is restricted to the stated limit for each property. We are very serious about maintaining a family atmosphere for the quiet enjoyment of the community, and all our guests. We rent to families and responsible adults only. The minimum age to rent a property is 25 years of age. Reservations made under false pretenses, if the maximum occupancy is exceeded, or the property incurs damage due to misuse or neglect will result in eviction, forfeiture of the total amount of the rent, and security deposit collected.

Compliance with BHHOA rules: The homes (if in the Bodega Harbour Country Club) are subject to BHHOA rules (no walking on golf paths, no excessive noise, no RV homes, beach closes at dusk, etc.). Large parties, large BBQ parties, receptions are strictly prohibited, violators will be evicted and forfeit all rent monies. Parking is limited to 4 cars per home. No blocking driveways. Guest agrees to comply with the rules, and to pay any fine they may incur as a result of noncompliance.

What kind of deposit is due on booking?

A 25% rental deposit is due upon making the reservation. The entire balance of your rental is due 45 days before arrival. Deposits not paid within ten days risk cancellation. A minimum damage/security deposit of $300 (higher in some homes) is due upon arrival, a valid credit card is required.

Are there taxes on the rent?

All rates are subject to 12% Sonoma County transient tax and 2% tourism assessment.

What is your cancellation policy?

You are required to pay balances in full 45 days prior to arrival, 60 days for holidays. Cancellations made prior to 60 days before arrival are subject to a $45.00 non-refundable fee. Cancellations made within 45 days of arrival require full forfeiture of rental amount unless home is re-rented.

How old do I have to be to rent your homes?

Registered guest must be 25 years of age or older. Subletting of rental home is prohibited. Reservations made under false pretenses will result in eviction, forfeiture of the total amount of the rent, and security deposit collected.

Can we make last minute (1 or 3 days prior to arrival) bookings?

We accept last-minute booking only from guests who have stayed with us before, and have a documented record in our reservation system.

What is included with the home?

Kitchen cooking utensils, plates, and silverware, drip coffee makers, linens, and towels are provided. Bodega Bay Escapes provides a starter of hand and dishwasher soap, toilet paper, and garbage bags. Renter provides personal items, all edibles (this includes condiments and spices), and foil or saran wrap.

What if something in the home doesn't work or is broken?

Just call and let us know. While equipment function can not be 100% guaranteed, repairs to malfunctioning equipment will be done as soon as possible. Bodega Bay Escapes will attempt to fix problems in a timely manner, within our means.

What about housekeeping services?

Bodega Bay Escapes cleans prior to your arrival and again after you leave. Cleaning is available during your stay for $35 per hour and must be prearranged.

What is asked of the renter upon departure?

Please tidy up the home and return your keys to the office. No cleaning is required of the guests; however if the guests strip the beds (do not start the laundry as it's done offsite) and starts the dishwasher, it is very much appreciated. Please make sure to shut off the heat and lights, close and lock all windows and doors.

What if we lose a personal item?

We are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please make sure you do not leave anything behind. If we have to go out and search or retrieve a lost item there will be a reasonable charge for fuel, labor, and shipping fees.

What if I lose a key?

A $15.00 lost key fee for each house key is charged for each key not returned to the office.

Can we have an extra person (or children) sleep on the floor in sleeping bags?

Unfortunately, no (unless they're under the age of five). Only the number of people stated in the description of the property are permitted to sleep in the home. These occupancy limits are designed not to overtax the water, sewage, road, and other systems required in maintaining a smooth flowing environment in order to keep Bodega Bay the place you'd like to come back to.

Can we bring our pets?

Pets are allowed at some of the homes with prior approval. Please let us know what you would like, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. If you have allergies to pets, please let us know prior to booking, and we can direct you to a home that is pet-free. There is a per-pet fee of $75 (non-refundable) for pets, and an additional security deposit collected (a minimum of $75) in homes that allow pets. Please be sure to honor the pet policies in the description of the property as there are homeowners that are highly allergic to pets. If pets are discovered on any property without prior authorization or notification, the penalty is a $200 charge per pet that will be charged to the credit card on file for extra clean-up and flea treatment. Pet-doo must be removed to the proper container. Pets must be on leashes or in carriers and should not disturb neighboring homes.

Can we smoke?

All of our Bodega Bay Escapes homes are non-smoking. Please smoke outside.

Anything else I should know?

Bodega Bay Escapes is not responsible for events out of Bodega Bay Escapes's control, such as natural or man-made disasters, electrical blackouts, loss of telephone service, and no refunds will be given. Home rates, specials, nightly minimums and descriptions are subject to change. Firearms and fireworks are not permitted. Other restrictions may apply.