Help for Guests

FAQs

Reservation Process

Why should I choose Distinctive Beach Rentals?
Distinctive Beach Rentals provides the best service and vacation rentals in Florida. We are staffed by local Vacation Planners and a full-service Operations team, who provide 24-hour support if an emergency arises during a guest stay.
Book direct and save! By booking directly through Distinctive Beach Rentals, either via our website or over the phone with a local Vacation Planner, guests will always receive the best rate available and save up to 30% on fees from third-party sites.
For reservations booked over 45 days prior to arrival, a down payment of $300.00 ($1,000.00 if reservation total is over than $4,000.00) is required at the time of booking. If arrival date is within 45 days, reservations must be paid in full at time of booking.
Guests may contact Distinctive Beach Rentals at anytime to make payments on their upcoming reservation, but the remaining balance is due 45 days prior to arrival.
The contracted guest must be 25 years of age to sign the rental contract. A parent or legal guardian must accompany all guests who are under the Minimum Age for the entire duration of the rental. You agree to provide us with proof of age upon request. Please contact Distinctive Beach Rentals if there are any questions regarding minimum rental age.

We will email you your online rental agreement that will need to be electronically signed, along with information on travel insurance, information on how and where to check-in and any pertinent information needed for your stay.

Guest Portal details will be accessible to you 14 days before your arrival. Payment for reservations must be completed in full, and contracts must be electronically signed before this information becomes available. Alternatively, you can access the portal using this link.

We want all vacationers to feel confident about booking their Florida beach vacation with Distinctive Beach Rentals. We collect a low deposit at the time of booking (for reservations made more than 30 days before arrival) and our automatic payment system ensures you won’t miss a payment date.

Please see below for the various options for our cancellation policy*:

  • 30 Days or More Before Check-in: If we are notified of your intent to cancel 30 days or more before your check-in date, you will receive a refund minus our service fee, travel insurance, and taxes.
  • 15-29 Days Before Check-in: If we are notified of your intent to cancel 15-29 days before your check-in date, you will receive a refund minus the service fee, travel insurance, taxes, and 50% of the total reservation rent.
  • 14 Days or Less Before Check-in: If we are notified of your intent to cancel 14 days or less before your check-in date, there will be no refunds issued.

In addition, bookings are also fast, secure, and contact-free. Book direct online from the comfort of your home or on the phone with our Guest Services team.

We highly recommend the purchase of travelers insurance for your reservation that will cover you for unforeseen events like flight delays, road closures, hurricane evacuations, medical emergencies, loss of job, etc.

*This cancellation policy does not apply to long-term reservations 28 days or more
The rental policies vary by property and can be examined on the specific property listing page on our website. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to Distinctive Vacation Rentals at any time for inquiries or information about the rental policies of the properties we manage.

As part of our reservation process, all guests will receive a comprehensive overview of the rental policies applicable to their chosen property.
A beach getaway represents a financial commitment, and just like any investment, safeguarding it is crucial. That's why Distinctive Beach Rentals provides the option of vacation rental insurance through Generali/CSA, also known as cancellation insurance. We strongly advise acquiring this travel protection as it offers substantial coverage in situations where unforeseen circumstances jeopardize your Florida retreat.
Generali/CSA Vacation Rental Insurance looks out for you throughout every stage of your vacation journey—prior to, during, and after. This comprehensive travel insurance plan provides coverage from the day following your policy purchase until your return home, complete with CSA's acclaimed 24-Hour Emergency Assistance Service, ensuring global assistance whenever and wherever it's required.

This insurance scheme safeguards your deposit and any funds paid if you're unable to embark on your vacation due to reasons covered by CSA. These covered events may encompass cancellations due to illness or injury, job loss, termination of previously sanctioned military leave, and mandatory evacuations prompted by hurricanes. Additional benefits may extend to pre-existing medical conditions, identity theft, and travel delays. It's important to note that reasons related to COVID-19 may not be covered. For further details on included coverages, please refer to our documentation. please see their travel insurance coverage PDF.

You have a period of ten (10) days to reject the CSA Vacation Rental Insurance. To decline, please sign and return the Refusal of Travel Insurance form enclosed with your reservation confirmation.

Check-In & Check-Out Process

What time is check in?
Check-in is at 4:00 pm, and staff is unable to release keys until 4:00 pm. If guests arrive prior to approved check-in time, we kindly ask that guests make other arrangements and plan accordingly, as keys are not released and access codes are not active until approved check-in time.
Check-in and check-out location varies by property. For check-out, keys are returned to the same location as check-in. Please refer to your rental agreement and/or check-in instructions email, and please contact Distinctive Beach Rentals with any questions.
The contracted Guest must be present at check-in and provide ID. If alternate arrangements are necessary, please contact us in advance, so we may let you know if we’re able to make other arrangements.
You may be asked to provide a government-issued license and vehicle information (make, model, color, license plate information).
Check-out is at 10 am.
The primary guest under the contract must be present during check-in and furnish identification. In case alternative arrangements are needed, please contact us beforehand, and we will inform you whether we can accommodate different arrangements.
Upon completing your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email containing the property's address. Additionally, you can access the address at any time through your guest portal.
The majority of our properties feature keyless locks, as indicated on the property page online with the label "Self Check-in (Keyless Locks)." This innovative keyless system facilitates entry into the vacation rental by providing a unique door code, eliminating the need for a physical key and ensuring a seamless check-in experience. The door code changes for each reservation, enhancing security. You can find your door codes in your guest portal seven days before the scheduled check-in date.

Trip Planning

Are additional guests allowed at my vacation rental?
All properties have established Maximum Occupancy limits, as listed in the Rental Agreement. At no time during your Reservation Dates are Guests to exceed the Maximum Occupancy for your Rental Property. Occupancy is defined as the total number of people at the Rental Property at any given time, not only overnight guests. All guests, including daytime visitors, must be registered on your Guest Registration.
We supply you with a limited starter kit of toilet paper, soap, paper towels, and dishwasher detergent for your convenience. There are several shops you can visit nearby to purchase supplies for your stay.
We recommend bringing the following extras to your vacation rentals: trash bags, paper towels, laundry detergent, dishwasher packs, and extra toilet paper.


Numerous vacation rentals in Florida are open to accommodating small pets weighing under 25 pounds, subject to a modest fee. Check out our selection of pet-friendly rentals here.
Certain properties in our portfolio feature private pools that can be heated for an additional fee throughout your stay. Kindly reach out to our Guest Ambassador team before your arrival to make arrangements for pool heating.
The waters of Florida, whether on the Gulf or Atlantic, are as inviting as they are beautiful. We want you to fully enjoy your time riding the emerald waves and splashing in the saltwater during your Florida vacation. Our top priority is the safety of each guest, so we ask you to remain vigilant regarding surf conditions. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with a few beach safety tips here to ensure you make the most of your upcoming getaway.

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