Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

See our most Frequently Asked Questions below,  please contact us if you have a question not listed at 843-886-5586.

How do I make a reservation?

Booking direct is so important for the absolute best island vacation.  By visiting www.beachsidevacations.com, or by calling the Isle of Palms Office at 843-886-5586, you are guaranteed the lowest rate possible.  Plus, our island staff is intimately acquainted with each property we represent.  What type of coffee maker, is there a hair dryer, when is high tide, we have all the answers.

How do I secure a reservation?

There are two steps required to confirm a reservation.  After choosing the best vacation home for your family, a 50% deposit is required. This can be paid by check (greater than 30 days prior to arrival) or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover). The second step is to sign the Guest License Agreement which will be emailed to you once reservation is made. 

Are there fees added to my reservation?

Included within the inclusive rental amount for your accommodations is an administration charge that covers credit card fees and processing reservations.  In addition, a fee is charged for property protection against minor damages or repairs from unintentional accidental damages.  Finally, state, county and city taxes are collected. 

Is Travel Insurance available?

Beachside Vacations has partnered with Red Sky Travel Insurance to provide Sun Trip Preserver coverage for our guests. Sun Trip Preserver provides trip insurance coverage, emergency assistance and travel services, hurricane evacuations and family emergencies such as illness or death in the family. The cost is 6.95% of your total rent. The fee is due with your first payment for full coverage including pre-existing conditions. It is non-refundable. We strongly urge you to consider this insurance when planning your Carolina Coast vacation. No refunds will be made for hurricane evacuations without trip cancellation insurance.

Red Sky Travel Insurance covers trip cancellation or interruption due to:

Learn more about Travel Insurance.

When Is my final payment due?

The final payment for your vacation is due 30 days prior to arrival.  You will receive an email reminder as the day approaches.  Your final payment can be made online using your access code at https://happystays.streamlinevrs.com/login or by calling our office at 843-886-5586. Payments not made 30 days prior to arrival will be charged to the credit card on file.

What do I do if I need to cancel my beach vacation?

If you are unable to enjoy your beach vacation, please email a cancellation request to info@beachsidevacations.com.  Please include your name and reservation ID number.  Cancellations received at least sixty (60) days prior to check-in date will receive a full refund less Travel Insurance payment if purchased. Cancellations made at least thirty (30) days prior to check-in date will receive a 50% refund which will not include Travel Insurance payment if purchased. No refund will be given if cancelled less than thirty (30) days before check-in, Guest forfeits all payments made unless travel insurance is purchased and the need to cancel is covered under the policy. All cancellations are required in writing at info@beachsidevacations.com. 

What happens if a hurricane or inclement weather threatens the Charleston area?

The vacation rental home is not responsible for the weather or other Acts of God, and there are no refunds for such events.  We strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance to protect your vacation investment. 

How does the beach gear credit work?

Beachside has teamed up with Vay K Gear to provide guests staying 4 to 28 nights a valuable credit to use towards beach gear rentals.  You can use your credit towards bicycles, beach chairs, umbrellas and more.  After your reservation is confirmed, you will receive an email message from Vay K Gear that will invite you to reserve your beach gear.  Follow the instructions they provide you on their easy to use website.  Once selected, your beach gear will be delivered to your vacation home the day of your arrival. If you exceed your beach gear credit, you are welcome to add additional items at discounted rates.  A delivery service fee of $25 is charged by Vay K Gear.  Beach gear must be ordered at least 48 hours prior to arrival. The beach gear credit expires after arrival.  Please contact Vay K Gear directly with any questions regarding beach gear at support@vaykgear.com or https://vaykgear.com/contact/.  Vay K Gear is an independent service provider.  Beachside Vacations staff does not have access to review beach gear available, reserved or status of deliveries. Link to reserve items: https://vaykgearforvrms.com/select/9989/

What Should I Pack for My Beach Vacation?

We have supplied your home with cotton linens and all bath towels.  Each bathroom is supplied with four bath towels, two hand towels, four wash cloths, one bathmat and a startup supply of bath soap, shampoo, body gel, toilet paper and facial tissue.  Startup supplies will last approximately two days and is the guest responsibility to provide after use.  Please note, there are times the towels are located below the bathroom sink.  Kitchens include a startup supply of paper towels, trash bags, dish/laundry detergent, a sponge and dish towel.  Please remember to pack beach towels, coffee and filters, and baby supplies.  If cooking, please bring salt, pepper, spices, tinfoil, and plastic bags.  Most homes have ice makers, but additional bags of ice would be a good idea. During the pre-arrival cleaning of your vacation home, all ice is dumped out of ice makers.

Are there any motorized vehicles not permitted on the Island or in Wild Dunes?

Yes, the City of Isle of Palms and Wild Dunes both have restrictions on certain type of vehicles.  The City of Isle of Palms does not allow motor homes or buses from parking at a vacation rental home.  Wild Dunes will not allow motor homes, buses, boat trailers, personal watercraft, motorcycles, golf carts (in select communities) and other two wheeled motorized vehicles.

What time is check in and check out?

Check in is after 4 PM and no later than 6 PM.  Check out is before 10 AM.  As soon as your vacation home is ready, you will receive a text and email update.  If you arrive to the island early, please visit the Isle of Palms County Park at #1 14th Avenue.  The park features dressing areas, restrooms, playground and easy beach access so that you can start your vacation early.  During summer season, early check in (prior to 4pm) is not available. 

If my reservation is in Wild Dunes, how do I get through the security gate?

Five days prior to your arrival, the Beachside Team will email you a temporary gate pass.  Please print your gate pass and place it on the dashboard of your vehicle prior to entering the Wild Dunes Community.  You may enter through the center (moves faster) or left lane. Once you have checked into your accommodations, your official car pass (green paper document) can be found in your check in packet located in the sand bucket in the kitchen. 

I would like to use GPS to find Wild Dunes, what address should I use?

To find the Wild Dunes Security Gate, use 1 Sundial Circle, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

How do we check into our vacation home?

You and your family will be able to check in directly at your vacation home!  You do not need to check in at the office.  On the day of your arrival, you will receive a text and email message when your beach house is clean and ready.  This message will include the electronic code for your accommodations.  The electronic lock is located on the front door.  Simply enter the code, a green light will flash, and the door will unlock.  There are some homes where the front door will not support an electronic lock.  For guests visiting one of these properties, they will receive special instructions.

How do I access the community pool located in the neighborhood where I am vacationing?

There are 18 community pools in Wild Dunes.  Several communities require a code to enter the community swimming pool.  If a code is required to enter your community swimming pool, it will be listed in Happy Stays, which you can log in to view using your access code, https://happystays.streamlinevrs.com/login

The code is also listed on the label that is adhered to the guest community map that can be found in your welcome sand bucket.  Your sand bucket, containing your community map and other important information will be in the kitchen of your accommodations upon your arrival.  Other community pools require a key, key fob, bracelet or pass cards.  These can also be found in your sand bucket.  All keys, key fobs, bracelets or pass cards must be returned to Beachside Vacations Office before departing the island to avoid a $50 lost key fee.

Does Beachside have any dog friendly properties?

Please reference the options on the Beachside Vacations Reservation Search for pet friendly properties, all of which are located outside of Wild Dunes.  The homeowner’s association at Wild Dunes does not permit visitors to bring pets.  The Security Officers at the entrance gate of Wild Dunes are trained to look for pets. 

Are Beachside Vacation’s properties smoke free?

Yes, smoking is prohibited in every vacation home offered by Beachside Vacations. It is also prohibited on condominium and villa balconies.

Is grilling allowed in Beachside Vacation homes?

Yes, most private homes feature a gas grill.  Please check in the amenity list to verify the home you have chosen features a private gas grill. Community grills are available in Mariners Walk and Ocean Club for guests of these condominium complexes.

Are there any homes with private elevators?

Yes, please reference the option on the Beachside Vacations Reservation Search for Elevator-Private for a list of homes available with a private elevator.  Most homes that feature an elevator require an additional deposit.  A private elevator is not meant for use by children and should only be used by individuals with special needs. Instructions on how to use a private elevator safely can be complicated.  

What should I do if I have a maintenance request for my vacation home?

The Beachside Team is here to support your vacation seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.  If you have a maintenance request, please call our front office team at 843-886-5586, Monday through Sunday between 9 AM and 5 PM.  Afterhours, when you call our front office, please follow the instructions to be transferred to our call center where a property manager on call will be paged to assist you.  Please note, after hour maintenance requests are limited to emergencies such as loss of power, air conditioning/heating issues or water leaks. 

Can I purchase additional housekeeping services and or linens during my vacation?

Yes, the Beachside Team can make arrangements to have your vacation home cleaned during your visit or to have fresh linens delivered to your accommodations.  Please call the front office team for price quotes at 843-886-5586.  Housekeeping and linen orders must be made 24 hours in advance of service. 

How and when does trash/recycle get picked up at my private vacation home?

The City of Isle of Palms and the County of Charleston supply all trash and recycle pick-up services.  Beachside Team members cannot remove trash from a private home. Trash cans may be close to capacity on check in over a weekend.  Depending on your location, trash pick-up takes place on Monday or Tuesday.  A trash can service has been hired for your vacation home to roll the cans to the street for pick up on the designated trash day.  During the summer months, an additional trash pick-up will occur on Thursday or Friday.  Recycle cans are also rolled out to the road by a trash can service.  Recycle is picked up every Wednesday during the summer season and every other Wednesday the remainder of the year. 

How often is the private pool at my vacation home cleaned?

During the majority of the swimming pool season, your private pool is cleaned twice a week by a professional pool service.  It is cleaned Saturday (which might not occur until the late afternoon during the summer season) with a second cleaning Tuesday or Wednesday.  During the remainder of the year, it is cleaned once a week.  Due to our near constant wind, there may be some sand or leaves in the pool. We invite you to use the nets or brushes provided in between services to keep your pool in good condition.

Is there a grocery store on the Isle of Palms?

Yes, the Isle of Palms features one of the nicest grocery stores in the area, Harris Teeter. It is located in the same shopping center as Beachside Vacations, 1517 Palm Boulevard.  Specialty meat and seafood can be found on the island at the New York Butcher Shop and Simmons Seafood, just across the street from Harris Teeter.  Across the bridge in Mt. Pleasant, you can find Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Costco and Greenwise. 

What dining options are located on the Isle of Palms?

Some of the best dining options in Charleston can be found on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island or in Mt. Pleasant on Shem Creek.  Please visit our dining guide on the Beachside website at (tbd). 

How close is the Charleston International Airport from the Isle of Palms?

It is close, only 20.1 miles.  The majority of the distance is along interstate 526, so the drive time is only in the ballpark of 25 minutes to the island. 

How close is Historic Charleston from the Isle of Palms?

Even closer than the airport, only 13.4 miles. 

I will be visiting the island for several months.  How can I get mail?

Where mail delivery is not available at your accommodations, you may pick up mail at the Beachside Vacations Office.  Please forward your mail to 1517-D Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms SC 29451