Guest Policies & FAQs
This page is a plain-English summary of Blue Water’s direct-booking policies. Your accepted Short-Term Rental Agreement, any applicable Property Addendum, and your booking-specific summary control if a detail differs.
When is my reservation confirmed?
A request does not confirm a stay or reserve dates. If Blue Water approves your request, we’ll send your agreement and booking summary. Your reservation is confirmed only after required information and agreement acceptance, Blue Water’s approval, required payment, a final availability check, and written confirmation.
What happens if I cancel?
If you cancel 7 or more full days before check-in, otherwise-refundable amounts are returned, less only qualifying actual, nonreturned third-party processing fees where legally permitted. Fewer than 7 full days before check-in, amounts are generally nonrefundable, subject to applicable law and the exceptions in your Agreement. Check your booking-specific cancellation terms.
Are payment-processing fees refundable?
If a refund is due, Blue Water may subtract only a qualifying actual, nonreturned third-party processing fee where legally permitted. We do not apply a separate flat cancellation penalty.
Do you charge a security deposit?
Blue Water does not require a separate security deposit or card hold. If a stay results in actual property damage, a missing item, or extraordinary cleaning beyond normal turnover, Blue Water may request reimbursement for the documented actual loss. We’ll share reasonable supporting information and give you an opportunity to respond when appropriate.
Can I bring a dog? What about a service animal?
Blue Water allows up to 2 ordinary dogs per reservation for a one-time $75 fee. Service-animal requests are handled separately under applicable law. Please contact us if you need an accommodation.
Can friends visit during our stay?
The Primary Guest is responsible for the registered party and approved visitors. Please list overnight guests accurately, stay within your property’s occupancy limit, and check the House Rules or contact us before making plans that add people beyond the registered party.
What are check-in and checkout times?
Standard check-in is 4:00 PM and checkout is 10:00 AM. Early check-in or late checkout requires advance written approval. Availability is not guaranteed, and any charge must be disclosed and accepted beforehand. We do not apply an automatic late-checkout fee.
What if something is not working or the property needs attention?
Please contact Blue Water promptly about a significant cleanliness issue, maintenance problem, broken essential amenity, leak, or safety concern so we can investigate and, when circumstances permit, have a reasonable opportunity to address it. If there is immediate danger, call 911 first where appropriate.
What happens during severe weather?
An ordinary travel or weather problem follows the cancellation policy for your reservation. If the property is legally unavailable, materially unsafe, or uninhabitable, the Property Unavailability terms in your Agreement apply. Blue Water will not require you to accept a materially different substitute property or date.
Should I buy travel insurance?
Travel insurance may be worth considering if you want protection for circumstances not covered by Blue Water’s cancellation policy. Blue Water does not sell or provide travel insurance.
How can I be a good neighbor?
Our homes are part of Northern Michigan communities. Please treat neighbors and nearby property respectfully, keep outdoor noise reasonable, observe quiet hours from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM, park only in approved areas, keep roads and emergency or snow-removal access clear, handle trash as directed, and follow local law. House Rules and property-specific instructions also apply.
Can I change my dates or request an extension?
Date changes and extensions depend on availability and require Blue Water’s written approval. We’ll disclose revised pricing before you accept. Any approved price change will appear in a revised Booking Summary. Until we approve the change in writing, your existing reservation remains in effect.
Can I save a copy of my Agreement?
The Request to Book page displays the agreement before acceptance. You can print or save the displayed page as a PDF for your records. Blue Water records the agreement version and your acceptance. Contact us if you need help locating your accepted terms.