FAQs
Can I park an extra car at my rental?
Each property is managed by owners and their HOA. The HOA management and/or owners, designate the number of parking places available. All relevant parking information can be found in the property description. The Beachball Team supplies all available parking passes to guests meaning that there are no other parking passes or spaces available. Some properties require guests to purchase parking passes onsite. You will receive this information at check-in.
If you must bring more cars than the allotted number of spaces, be sure to arrange parking before you arrive. If you are staying in Orange Beach, reach out to Gulf Coast Rentals at 251.510.7226. If you are staying in Gulf Shores, reach out to Pier 33 Grocery at 251.948.6689.
When is Check-in?
Check-in is after 4 P.M throughout the year. Check-in time may be delayed past 4 P.M. due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. You will receive specific information about your check-in 24 hours before your arrival day and time.
Can I check in early?
During peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), we cannot offer early check-in. Sorry, but no exceptions! Outside of that time period, it is only available for rentals who do not have a stay immediately before your check-in. Email us at [email protected] to find out if it may be available for you. Additional charges for early check-in may apply.
What’s the WiFi password?
Each WiFi password is included in your check-in instructions. These are emailed 24 hours prior to arrival.
What time is Check-out?
Check out is at 10 A.M. throughout the year. This time is set so we are able to clean your rental before other guests check-in. For the consideration of all guests, any renters who delay check out beyond 10 A.M. will be charged for an additional day.
How can I pay my balance?
If you would like to pay online, you can do this through the Happy Stays email link. Your personal link is sent to you at the time of booking. You can also make a payment by calling our Beachball Team during business hours at 251.968.8896.
How old do you have to be to rent at Beachball?
Because providing fun, safe, and family-friendly vacations is our primary goal, Beachball Properties requires our renters to be responsible adults over the age of twenty-five (25) unless accompanied by an adult, guardian, or parent who remains on the property for the duration of the rental stay. For legal and accounting purposes, the person placing the reservation must be the same as the credit/debit card holder. This person is considered to be the Guest. All other persons involved with the rental are considered to be the Guest's Invitees, and all discussions regarding reservation, cancellation, and damage policies will be discussed with the Guest, not the Guest's Invitees. Reservations made under false pretenses will be subject to forfeiture of all funds paid and/or an immediate ejection.
Can I get a refund for my cancelled vacation?
Changes in plans are never fun but we are here to help! Guests who cancel at least 30 days before check-in shall receive a 100% refund of the amount they have paid. For cancellations between 14 and 30 days before check-in, 50% of the total reservation costs shall be refunded. For cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the beginning date of the reservation, NO REFUNDS will be issued. Refunds are not issued for late arrivals, early departures, or inclement weather conditions including hurricanes and named storms. We highly recommend and encourage all guests to purchase optional travel insurance. See below our travel insurance options.
What if inclement weather causes me to cancel my vacation?
Unfortunately, the weather is beyond the control of our team and the owners we represent. Because of this, we cannot be held responsible for these circumstances. This includes excessive noise from construction or public/private events, wildfire/smoke, weather related interruptions, road closures, interruption of services and utilities or unexpected appliance breakdown. We do offer travel insurance that should help protect you should unforeseen circumstances occur.
Do you offer travel insurance?
We do! Travel Insurance provides coverage for personal risks and expenses incidental to planned travel. The cCost for the Standard Travel Insurance is 7% x trip cost. The upgrade to “Cancel For Any Reason Travel Protection” costs an additional 3.8% x trip cost (10.8% x trip cost in total). This coverage is available to all Guests when the rental deposit is paid, but coverage is only in effect when we have received your premium payment. For more information, reach out to our Reservation Team at 251.968.8896.
What do I do if there’s an issue at my rental during my stay?
We work hard to prevent any disturbances during your stay, but as we all know, issues can arise. Step one: Call us immediately to report any cleaning, emergency, or maintenance issues. We may be reached 24/7 at 251-968-8896. Step two: Relax. We are here to help your vacation be as smooth as possible.
Please note that after hours (past 5 P.M.), you will be charged a service call fee for calls regarding operator error or non-emergency issues. Service call fees start at $50 and are payable immediately to the service technician. Charged service calls include but are not necessarily limited to: locking keys inside the property, batteries in remotes not working, light bulbs out or missing, and a refrigerator not cooling due to not following the instructions provided by giving 12-18 hours for items to cool down properly.
What is supplied in my rental for my stay?
Beachball Properties represents premium vacation rental properties along the Alabama Gulf Coast. None of these properties are classified as hotels. Because of this, a "starter pack" of supplies is provided to begin your vacation. This “starter pack” includes: one (1) trash bag per can, one (1) toilet paper roll per bathroom, one (1) paper towel roll, one (1) dishwasher detergent, and one (1) washing machine detergent. Guests are responsible for any additional items/supplies you will need for your stay.
Linens and towels are supplied per the occupancy of the rental. Additional towels are not provided outside of this number. If needed, a washer and dryer is are available at the rental properties, and provided towels may be washed. Although linens are furnished, please bring your own beach towels, as we ask that linens not be removed from the property.
What do we do if amenities, internet, or television/cable isn’t working at our rental?
Our Beachball Team will make all efforts to the best of our ability to correct any and all issues that may occur at your rental during your stay. That said, the working condition of pools, hot tubs, air conditioners, cable, phones, Wi-Fi, TVs, DVDs, appliances, elevators, grills, etc., are NOT guaranteed. We also cannot guarantee that pools will be heated or in working order. No refunds or rate adjustments will be made for mechanical failures and malfunctioning equipment or amenities. These amenities are extras provided in addition to the rental. Each property Homeowners Association or third-party vendors manage Wi-Fi and cable; accordingly, we cannot guarantee these services.
Can I host an event at my rental?
Unfortunately, no. We cannot allow commercial use of our vacation rental properties. This also means no parties. All rentals are in residential areas and may NOT be used for
weddings, receptions, parties, or large gatherings. Any disruptive events could result in the eviction and forfeiture of the entire rental amount.
Can I smoke at the rental?
For the protection of each property and the continued enjoyment for of all our guests, all properties are non-smoking, and smoking is strictly prohibited inside the property. Any evidence of smoking (such as the smell of smoke, presence of any ashes, burns oin furniture, etc.) in any room will result in a fine of $500.
Can I bring my pet?
Beachball does boast some DOG friendly properties! Be sure to look for rentals marked as DOG FRIENDLY. All other properties do not allow pets, even temporarily. We do NOT allow any pets other than DOGS. Any evidence of pets (such as pet hair, urine stains, etc.), or if you do not notify the office that you will be bringing your pet to a pet friendly property, will result in a $300 fine.
What do I do if I left something behind?
This is always a stressful situation. Unfortunately, our management team cannot assume any responsibility for lost, stolen, or abandoned items. We will make all reasonable efforts to contact the Guest should we find an item left behind in your rental. In addition, Management will not be held liable for the condition of items left behind. Any items not claimed for longer than 30 days may be donated or sold.
We encourage all guests to leave sentimental items and valuables at home. Before check-out, be sure to make one last pass through the rental before you leave. This always helps you make sure not to leave anything behind.
What is there to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast?
The Alabama Gulf Coast offers a variety of activities and attractions, including pristine white sugar sand beaches, hiking through the Gulf State Park, historic Fort Morgan, dolphin watching tours, deep-sea and in-shore fishing, amusement and water parks, festivals and events, premier golf courses, and more. Please click HERE to book excursions with special discounted rate.
How do I remain safe while enjoying the beach?
We want every guest to only take happy memories home from vacation. For this to be your experience, we encourage you to please remain BEACH SAFE during the entirety of your stay. Read the ways for you and your family to be BEach SAFE while on the Alabama Gulf Coast at VisitALBeaches.com/safety. To receive daily text updates for Alabama Beach information, text ALBEACHES to 888777.
What can we take on the beach?
We know you love our beach! Each of us is responsible for protecting and preserving it, and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach strive to provide a safe, clean, family-friendly environment for everyone visiting. To help you do your part, the following are some tips for enjoying our coast responsibly, along with some rules, regulations, and resources.
- Any structures or equipment left on the beach an hour after sunset will be removed and disposed of by beach patrol.
- The following items are not allowed on our beaches: Glass containers, metal shovels or excessive digging, litter, tents or structures larger than 12’x12’, overnight camping, fireworks, loud music, fires, pets, vehicles, or illegal drugs.
- Keep off the dunes. Staying off the dunes will help us to preserve our dune system and the habitat it provides. Use beach walkovers and boardwalks where provided.
- Observe and obey the Beach Warning Flag System. Double red flags mean the waters are closed for your safety.