Some Frequently Asked Questions:
www.bookerville.com/CalendarDisplay?property=5319&mobile=trueWiFi?
YES. Through Sparklight, the local Cable TV provider. The code is provided with the arrival instructions.
Landline?
NO. Recommend guests come with their cell phones.
DirectTV?
YES. The great room TV has Direct TV with several premium TV channels. Bedroom TVs are on an antenna.
Can I receive Mail or Deliveries at the house?
NO. Mail deliveries are not reliable and your mail may arrive during another guests stay or after you depart. That said, you can have your delivery mailed to Owner's UPS Box, located in a UPS Franchise store in Gulfport, MS. For those traveling with Golf Clubs, shipping Clubs to this address has worked in great in the past. Once booked, Owner will provide the address to send mail or shipments to.... and should something arrive after your departure, she can easily forward it to your next destination.
Baby or Toddler items?
NO. Because of frequent safety recalls of various baby products, we do not offer cribs, baby toys, high chairs, etc.
Child Safety?
Just as we have do not provide special Baby/Toddler items, we have not child proofed this house or this property. The outside & decks are a little rugged. Water shoes are recommended for both children and adults. For those who can't swim, a life preserver is encouraged if planning on entering the river or swimming pool. There is a gate around the swimming pool, but no fence blocking entrance to the river. The entrance to the stairs, on the upper decks, do not have gates. While children are welcome, be prepared to be diligent, watchful, attentive parents. Do not hesitate to inquire about any safety issues.
What is the Minimum Required Stay - When Booking 45 or more nights prior to desired arrival date?
Generally its 4 nights when the stay crosses over a weekend (Thursday - Sunday). 3 nights for any stay that does not cross over a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night.
What is the Minimum Required Stay - Over a Holiday?
Generally its 5 nights for any stay that crosses over the the following Holidays:
Christmas, New Years Eve, Big April Spring Break, July 4th, Cruisin the Coast & Thanksgiving
Will you accept shorter stays than the stated minimum nights?
Yes. As available dates approach, minimum stays are either reduced to move the dates or rates are reduced to get all the dates in the minimum required stay booked.
Where can I find the On-Line Calendar?
River Lookout On-Line Calendar
Why did the dates I inquired about show as available on the on-line calendar, but I was told are not available?
The short answer is a Rental Agreement has been sent and/or the payment hasn't cleared. Ideally these on-line vacation calendars would have a "pending" way to block out dates, but they don't & I can't apologize enough for that. The process almost always goes as follows:
Preprinted personal or business checks, US Postal Money Orders, or PayPal payments.
Do you charge a Processing Fee on PayPal Payments?
We only pass on any Fee we're charged. For instance, if you wish Owner to invoice you through PayPal, there is 3.5% fee, that will be included in your invoice. If you "push" a payment through PayPal selecting that the payment is to pay for merchandise or services, PayPal will deduct a 3.5% fee from your payment before crediting owner's account. All Payments are required to be the NET amount due and Traveler will still be responsible for this deducted 3.5%. Should you choose to pay the "Friends & Family" method through PayPal, they will not deduct this 3.5%. If your Payment is a check or US Postal Money order, there is no processing fee.
Can we Rent a Canoe or Kayak?
Yes! Well, Maybe. I get asked this question all the time and do have a phone number for a local guy; but as yet no one has used him.
How far are you from the water?
The river is in the back yard. You and your group will have access to over 100 feet of river front property. There is an area that depending on the tide, you may find a small beach and sandbar to take a dip in the river.
If you are interested in going to the Gulf of Mexico Beaches, they are less than 8 miles away. It's almost directly South, on a fast paced, 4 lane (2 headed North and 2 headed South) road with few red lights.
Where is the closest public boat ramp?
There is a neighborhood boat launch just up the street that is usually available, launch at your own risk. You can't leave your vehicle or trailer there, but its a short boat ride south to meet the boat after launched, at the Dalton Gang's Hideout dock. If that's not available, too risky or too small, just 6.5 miles south off the 605 is the Krammer Public Boat Launch (close to Back Bay Seafood) that is excellent for any size boat and offers a fun boat ride back to the Great Escape River Lookout.
Is there a barbecue grill? Should I bring Charcoal?
Yes! And Yes! We have a charcoal grill, on the upper deck. There are a few grilling tools in the kitchen.
Can we boil crawfish, crabs, shrimp, etc.?
Yes! You will need to bring your own pot, propane, and boiling tools. Most Vacation Rentals won't allow this, but here at the Great Escape River Lookout, we understand that when large groups of friends and family get together, preparing and enjoying the meals together, is a big part of that. Here, in the South, enjoying our seafood is very important. We do ask that you give us advance notice of any plans to boil seafood. It does need to be done outdoors, a little distance away from the house and that all the remains are quickly and properly disposed of. By giving us notice, we will also make sure there are tables and outdoor furniture under the deck, to enjoy this sometimes messy gatherings.
Are the owners close by if we have questions?
Yes! The owners or a caretaker are always close by or on one of the adjacent properties.
Please don't hesitate to call or email us with your questions.
YES. Through Sparklight, the local Cable TV provider. The code is provided with the arrival instructions.
Landline?
NO. Recommend guests come with their cell phones.
DirectTV?
YES. The great room TV has Direct TV with several premium TV channels. Bedroom TVs are on an antenna.
Can I receive Mail or Deliveries at the house?
NO. Mail deliveries are not reliable and your mail may arrive during another guests stay or after you depart. That said, you can have your delivery mailed to Owner's UPS Box, located in a UPS Franchise store in Gulfport, MS. For those traveling with Golf Clubs, shipping Clubs to this address has worked in great in the past. Once booked, Owner will provide the address to send mail or shipments to.... and should something arrive after your departure, she can easily forward it to your next destination.
Baby or Toddler items?
NO. Because of frequent safety recalls of various baby products, we do not offer cribs, baby toys, high chairs, etc.
Child Safety?
Just as we have do not provide special Baby/Toddler items, we have not child proofed this house or this property. The outside & decks are a little rugged. Water shoes are recommended for both children and adults. For those who can't swim, a life preserver is encouraged if planning on entering the river or swimming pool. There is a gate around the swimming pool, but no fence blocking entrance to the river. The entrance to the stairs, on the upper decks, do not have gates. While children are welcome, be prepared to be diligent, watchful, attentive parents. Do not hesitate to inquire about any safety issues.
What is the Minimum Required Stay - When Booking 45 or more nights prior to desired arrival date?
Generally its 4 nights when the stay crosses over a weekend (Thursday - Sunday). 3 nights for any stay that does not cross over a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night.
What is the Minimum Required Stay - Over a Holiday?
Generally its 5 nights for any stay that crosses over the the following Holidays:
Christmas, New Years Eve, Big April Spring Break, July 4th, Cruisin the Coast & Thanksgiving
Will you accept shorter stays than the stated minimum nights?
Yes. As available dates approach, minimum stays are either reduced to move the dates or rates are reduced to get all the dates in the minimum required stay booked.
Where can I find the On-Line Calendar?
River Lookout On-Line Calendar
Why did the dates I inquired about show as available on the on-line calendar, but I was told are not available?
The short answer is a Rental Agreement has been sent and/or the payment hasn't cleared. Ideally these on-line vacation calendars would have a "pending" way to block out dates, but they don't & I can't apologize enough for that. The process almost always goes as follows:
- Request for quote
- Quote sent (usually within 12 hours) & to avoid a lot of back and forth, Owner will also send the Payment Schedule, Rental Agreement, and house floor plan
- Potential Guest may have Some questions back & forth (usually a day or 2 - sometimes longer - its often like herding cats for some guests)
- If at this time, the Potential Guest emails (or Faxes) the signed Rental Agreement, signed Payment Schedule, copy of their Driver's License and the tracking number for a priority US Postal Mail slip, indicating their payment is in the mail, Owner considers the rental to be pending.... and essentially is holding the house until payment is received, usually within 5 days of being mailed priority mail.
- Any Inquiry that comes in after this, for the same dates, are told a Rental Agreement is out and it may be available, but not likely ~ so far, 95% of the Rental Agreements returned signed, initial payment is received timely. In any case, the Inquiry will receive an emailed quote, so should the original potential booking "fall through" they can within days, if they wish book the house and will have all the information they need to do so.
Preprinted personal or business checks, US Postal Money Orders, or PayPal payments.
Do you charge a Processing Fee on PayPal Payments?
We only pass on any Fee we're charged. For instance, if you wish Owner to invoice you through PayPal, there is 3.5% fee, that will be included in your invoice. If you "push" a payment through PayPal selecting that the payment is to pay for merchandise or services, PayPal will deduct a 3.5% fee from your payment before crediting owner's account. All Payments are required to be the NET amount due and Traveler will still be responsible for this deducted 3.5%. Should you choose to pay the "Friends & Family" method through PayPal, they will not deduct this 3.5%. If your Payment is a check or US Postal Money order, there is no processing fee.
Can we Rent a Canoe or Kayak?
Yes! Well, Maybe. I get asked this question all the time and do have a phone number for a local guy; but as yet no one has used him.
How far are you from the water?
The river is in the back yard. You and your group will have access to over 100 feet of river front property. There is an area that depending on the tide, you may find a small beach and sandbar to take a dip in the river.
If you are interested in going to the Gulf of Mexico Beaches, they are less than 8 miles away. It's almost directly South, on a fast paced, 4 lane (2 headed North and 2 headed South) road with few red lights.
Where is the closest public boat ramp?
There is a neighborhood boat launch just up the street that is usually available, launch at your own risk. You can't leave your vehicle or trailer there, but its a short boat ride south to meet the boat after launched, at the Dalton Gang's Hideout dock. If that's not available, too risky or too small, just 6.5 miles south off the 605 is the Krammer Public Boat Launch (close to Back Bay Seafood) that is excellent for any size boat and offers a fun boat ride back to the Great Escape River Lookout.
Is there a barbecue grill? Should I bring Charcoal?
Yes! And Yes! We have a charcoal grill, on the upper deck. There are a few grilling tools in the kitchen.
Can we boil crawfish, crabs, shrimp, etc.?
Yes! You will need to bring your own pot, propane, and boiling tools. Most Vacation Rentals won't allow this, but here at the Great Escape River Lookout, we understand that when large groups of friends and family get together, preparing and enjoying the meals together, is a big part of that. Here, in the South, enjoying our seafood is very important. We do ask that you give us advance notice of any plans to boil seafood. It does need to be done outdoors, a little distance away from the house and that all the remains are quickly and properly disposed of. By giving us notice, we will also make sure there are tables and outdoor furniture under the deck, to enjoy this sometimes messy gatherings.
Are the owners close by if we have questions?
Yes! The owners or a caretaker are always close by or on one of the adjacent properties.
Please don't hesitate to call or email us with your questions.
Do you allow an earlier Check-in time?
Generally, No. On same day with a check-out & check-in, it's impossible; this is also the case for Peak Season (Mid May through Mid September). It takes approximately 6 man hours to prepare the house between guest stays. When there is no departing same day check-out on our posted on-line calendar, it still may not be possible. This is for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
Because of the possibility of your early check-in date being the departure date of another, yet-to-be-booked date, early check-ins are rarely granted in advance at the time of the booking. If you are interested in arriving early, please feel free to check with us a day or two in advance as to the possibility of an early check-in. We rarely book less than 2 days in advance of an available date and by then we should be able to confirm if an early check-in is possible.
Unless specifically stipulated, all check-ins are for after 4 PM, Central Standard Time.
- Bookings made less than a month out are rarely posted on the on-line calendar
- Minor maintenance to the property is being done between bookings
- We're actually using the house and have not posted it as blocked out.
- We've allowed family to use the house and haven't posted it as blocked out.
- If an extended vacancy, we often have a house sitter, who will occupy until check in day.
Because of the possibility of your early check-in date being the departure date of another, yet-to-be-booked date, early check-ins are rarely granted in advance at the time of the booking. If you are interested in arriving early, please feel free to check with us a day or two in advance as to the possibility of an early check-in. We rarely book less than 2 days in advance of an available date and by then we should be able to confirm if an early check-in is possible.
Unless specifically stipulated, all check-ins are for after 4 PM, Central Standard Time.
Do you allow a later check out time?
Generally, No. On same day check-out & check-in, it's impossible; this is also the case for Peak Season (Mid May through Mid September). It takes approximately 6 man hours to prepare the house between guest stays. Even when there is no arriving same day check-in, it creates hardship for our cleaning crew causing them to get off work so late.
During Off-Peak Season it may be possible for an additional hourly charge, depending on which day of the week you are checking out and how late you wish to depart. Particularly in the case of multi-day business meetings this is common. These working stays use the last day to finalize their projects, usually leaving around 5 PM. By this time it is both too late for the cleaning staff to come and for the house to book another stay that night, essentially costing the house a nights booking. These late check-outs need to be arranged in advance and in writing. Unless specifically stipulated, all check-outs are for before 10 AM, Central Standard Time.
During Off-Peak Season it may be possible for an additional hourly charge, depending on which day of the week you are checking out and how late you wish to depart. Particularly in the case of multi-day business meetings this is common. These working stays use the last day to finalize their projects, usually leaving around 5 PM. By this time it is both too late for the cleaning staff to come and for the house to book another stay that night, essentially costing the house a nights booking. These late check-outs need to be arranged in advance and in writing. Unless specifically stipulated, all check-outs are for before 10 AM, Central Standard Time.
Can you tell me a little about the property?
The Great Escape River Lookout sits on a property with approximately 75' of Road Frontage and 85' of River Frontage. About 285' deep. Near the river there is a small covered pavilion with two picnic tables, two benches, and a custom grill made from an 18 Wheeler rim, by a dear family friend.
Some times, depending on the Tide, there is a small beach in front of this Pavilion area.
The house is constructed on a cinder block foundation. The house you are renting is on the 2nd story as the ground level is our storage area. The grounds immediately around the house are unique because they have been built up by a previous owner. Once he did that, he built a concrete wall around 3 sides to hold up the soil. The 4th side, gently slopes towards the street. Because of this wall, we limit young children.
There is a concrete path from the house, to the pavilion and to the river.
The house is 4 bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, approximately 1,700 square feet. There is a large hot hub. Also there is a large upper deck with lawn furniture.
On a separate property, to the North, there is a path that cuts through the small wooded area. This lot is owned by a relative and we ask that you do not enter this property. If you are bringing a boat and need to tie up to their dock, we can check to see if you can get you permission to do so. Otherwise, its fine to tie up by the pavilion.
Some times, depending on the Tide, there is a small beach in front of this Pavilion area.
The house is constructed on a cinder block foundation. The house you are renting is on the 2nd story as the ground level is our storage area. The grounds immediately around the house are unique because they have been built up by a previous owner. Once he did that, he built a concrete wall around 3 sides to hold up the soil. The 4th side, gently slopes towards the street. Because of this wall, we limit young children.
There is a concrete path from the house, to the pavilion and to the river.
The house is 4 bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, approximately 1,700 square feet. There is a large hot hub. Also there is a large upper deck with lawn furniture.
On a separate property, to the North, there is a path that cuts through the small wooded area. This lot is owned by a relative and we ask that you do not enter this property. If you are bringing a boat and need to tie up to their dock, we can check to see if you can get you permission to do so. Otherwise, its fine to tie up by the pavilion.
What could cause me to forfeit some or all of my deposit?
Let us first start by saying the LAST thing we EVER want to do is keep part or all of your or anyone else's deposit. While we can't predict every possible circumstance, complying with the Rental Documents and letting others in your group know about the terms of the Rental Agreement and Check-out Policy will go a long way to ensuring you get your full deposit back.