Guest FAQs

The Big Question: Why Should You Choose Coastal Shore Vacations?

Well, because we're THE BEST, of course! :-)

Seriously though, we are the leader in vacation rentals and property management on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Here at Coastal Shore Vacations, we are 100% committed to providing the best vacation experience possible. Some of the things that set us apart from our competition are:

• Family owned & operated for 25 years. You can trust our service and experience.
• Two local office locations to serve you.
• Friendly & knowledgeable year-round staff. We're happy to answer your questions and offer personalized recommendations. 
• One of the most flexible and "guest-friendly" cancellation policies in the industry (see below). We understand things happen!
• 24/7 support and emergency after-hours contact.
• Thorough cleaning and inspection by trained professionals prior to each check in.

Common Guest Questions:

When will I receive my check-in instructions?

Your check-in instructions will be emailed to you 48 hours before your arrival. If you do not believe you have received this email, look for it in your spam folder. Text or call our office with any further questions or concerns.

What time are check-in and check-out?

The standard check-in time is 4 PM. Door codes do not activate until 4 PM on your check-in day. 

The standard check-out time is 10 AM. Likewise, door codes deactivate automatically at 10 AM on your check-out day. 

The following add-ons are also available to you: 

• Early Check-In: $95 for guaranteed 1 PM check-in 
• Late Check-Out: $75 for noon check-out

How does keyless/contactless check-in work?

You can go directly to your rental home at check-in time and start your vacation right away! 

The majority of our properties utilize keyless entry. That means there is no physical key to the property. Instead, the door has an electronic pin pad. You will receive the six-digit door code to your property in your check-in instructions. The door code will also be texted to you at check-in time.

Occasionally, instead of having an electronic pin pad, properties might utilize a lockbox with a physical key inside. If that is the case, it will be indicated in your check-in instructions. The lockbox code will also be texted to you at check-in time.

What is provided at my rental property? What should I bring?

All rental units are furnished with bedspreads, pillows, pots, pans, utensils, cookware, dinnerware, etc. You will also receive a 'Guest Amenity Bag,' which includes dish soap; one sponge; two dishwasher pods; hand soap; one roll of toilet paper per bathroom; one roll of paper towels; a small supply of trash bags; two laundry detergent pods; and a variety of other goodies. These are small travel-size items that are intended to get you started.

You should plan on bringing (or purchasing upon arrival) food, paper products, bed and bath linens (unless you have purchased the linen package), laundry supplies, toiletries, etc.

Please speak with a reservation specialist if you have further questions about property-specific amenities. If something is missing from your property, please let us know.

What should I know about the linen package?

Purchasing the linen package is entirely optional. The price of the linen package varies per property (please inquire). The package includes bedsheets, pillowcases, bath towels, bath mats, washcloths, hand towels, and kitchen towels. We also make the beds for your convenience. Please let us know if you're interested!

I'm traveling with a pet. What should I know?

Pets are family, too! We are pleased to offer pet-friendly accommodations at nearly 50% of our properties. We ask that you please abide by the pet rules outlined in our Guest Rental Agreement.

There is a non-refundable fee per pet. All pets must be disclosed, and pets are NOT allowed at non-pet friendly units. Undisclosed pet(s), even at a pet-friendly unit, will result in a charge against your credit card on file and/or immediate eviction without a refund. Some rental properties have restrictions regarding number/size/type of pet(s). Please note that animals (of any kind) are not allowed on the beach at Assateague island, VA.

Please feel free to ask a reservation specialist about pet-friendly businesses and places to go :-)

Do you offer travel insurance? What are the coverage details?

Yes we do, and we highly recommend it! Read the summary of coverage here. Read the full details and declaration of coverages here. 

Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to Red Sky Travel Insurance at 866-889-7409.  

What should I know if I want to go fishing?

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Regulations can be found here.

Anglers age 16 and older must register with the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program (FIP). This includes people who are exempt from licensing, and holders of out of state reciprocal licenses. Registration is free, and can be accomplished online here.

Anglers age 16 and older must possess a valid saltwater fishing license in most other instances. A Virginia saltwater fishing license can be purchased online here, or by phone at 1-866-721-6911 (M-F 8:30 to 4:30)

An individual license is not required to fish or crab at the Veteran’s Memorial Park fishing pier. The Town of Chincoteague pays and provides licensing to the public.

Please check with one of the local bait and tackle shops for fishing reports and additional local information.

What should I know if I want to go crabbing?

Virginia Crabbing Regulations can be found here.

A license is not required to crab by dip net, hand line (e.g. "chicken necking"), or up to two crab pots to obtain as much as one bushel of hard crabs and two dozen peeler crabs in any one day for personal use.

I'm bringing a boat. What should I know?

A permit is required to use the town's public boat ramps. This can be purchased at the Chincoteague Police Station at 6150 Community Drive.

Please speak with a reservation specialist regarding boat dockage and/or parking specifications at your rental home. Although a property is waterfront, there may be restrictions regarding boat dockage/boat trailers/parking, etc. We cannot guarantee water depth or "dockability." There are many areas in the waters surrounding Chincoteague Island that are shallow.

What happens if I have to cancel my reservation?

We have one of the most flexible cancellation policies in our area! We get it - things happen and plans change. Here is our cancellation policy:

Cancellations > 60 days prior to check-in date: The guest will receive a 100% refund of all monies paid. 

Cancellations 31 - 59 days prior to check-in date: At minimum, the guest will receive a refund of monies paid, less the initial deposit amount (50% of rental rate). In the event that CSV is able to re-rent the same property under the same terms and conditions, the guest shall receive a refund of all monies paid, less a cancellation fee of 15% of the rental rate. 

Cancellations < 30 days prior to arrival date: The guest is not entitled to any refund unless the property is re-rented under the same terms and conditions. In this instance, a refund will be made less a cancellation fee of 15% of the rental rate. Any add-ons (linens, pet fees, etc.) that were paid will be refunded entirely. Travel insurance is non-refundable.

PLEASE NOTE: Switching properties and/or dates (even within the same property) constitutes a cancellation and falls under this policy. We highly recommend the purchase of Red Sky Travel Insurance to protect your vacation investment.

Do I have to pay a security deposit with my reservation?

No! No more security deposits, which means no more waiting for your refund after departure. In lieu of the security deposit, each reservation automatically includes an 'Accidental Damage Protection Plan' which covers up to $1,500 worth of accidental damage during your stay. (A few of our properties still require a refundable security deposit.)