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Vacation Rental FAQ: Home Information

Location of Vacation Rentals

What is Oceanfront?

An oceanfront vacation rental has no homes or other structures located between it and the ocean. You’ll awaken each morning in your own private beach cottage, duplex or condo to a front row, glorious view of the Atlantic Ocean. Distance to the ocean varies per vacation home. Search oceanfront vacation rentals.

What is Second Row?

Only one row back from the ocean, these semi-oceanfront second row vacation rentals offer great ocean views and all have easy, convenient beach access for those relaxing walks and swims. The beach is just a short walk over the dunes or on a neighborhood boardwalk. Distance to the water, beach access and views vary per vacation home.

What is Third Row?

These almost oceanfront vacation rentals sit two rows back from the oceanfront. These private beach cottages are perfect for quiet relaxation and many feature ocean or sound views.  The beach is just a short stroll to walk over the dune or on a neighborhood boardwalk to access the ocean. Distance to the water, beach access and views vary per vacation home.

What is Middle Row?

These ocean and sound side vacation rentals are often nestled among live oaks, our middle row vacation rentals have two or more homes between them and the ocean or sound. These private beach cottages are perfect for quiet relaxation and many feature ocean or sound views. You will appreciate the easy stroll to the beach, which varies from one to seven blocks away. Distance to the water, beach access and views vary per vacation home.

What is Soundfront?

Soundfront vacation rentals have no other homes or structures located between them and the sound. Enjoy sunsets over Bogue Sound and the pristine natural setting of tidal creeks and marshes. And the ocean side beach is just a leisurely stroll away. Distance and access to Bogue sound vary per vacation home. Search soundfront vacation rentals.

Types of Vacation Rental Properties

What are Sandcastles and Island Sandcastles?

Our exclusive Sandcastle (oceanfront) and Island Sandcastle (second or middle row) vacation rentals are for our most discerning families who wish to be luxuriously pampered while on vacation. These exclusive and elegant rentals are beautifully furnished with outstanding floor plans and upscale amenities. And with our Sandcastle & Classic Carolina Club or Island Club linen services, all your bed and bath linens are provided. Search Sandcastles and Island Sandcastles.

What is a single-family vacation rental?

Our single-family vacation rentals are ideal for guests looking for both affordability and convenience. From charming comfortable cottages to spacious and stylish beach houses, you’re sure to find a vacation home that suits your needs and your budget. Search beach houses.

What is a duplex rental?

Our spacious duplex vacation rentals are rented as the private half of a divided home and are usually mirror images of each other. Duplex rentals are ideal for family reunions and other group vacations when you rent both halves of the duplex. Search duplex rentals.

What is a condo rental?

Condo rentals offer a variety of resort settings to choose from for family vacations including tennis courts, swimming pools, sound front docks and much more. Planning a honeymoon or a romantic getaway? With private decks and Jacuzzis, our small luxury condos offer the ultimate in elegant comfort. Search condo rentals.

What are Classic Carolina Cottages?

Our Classic Carolina Cottage rentals were built between 1957 and 1980 and represent a carefully curated collection of cottages that have welcomed salty, sandy families for decades. Knotty pine walls and simple but sturdy architecture demonstrate their timeless qualities as the quintessential beach cottage. And with our Sandcastle & Classic Carolina Club linen services, all your bed and bath linens are provided. Search Classic Carolina Cottages.

Home Ratings

Emerald Isle Realty’s vacation home ratings allow you to choose the quality of your beach home just as you would choose the quality of your hotel room. From our most elegant and luxurious Emerald properties to our comfortable and classic Bronze cottages, book the style of home that fits both your tastes and your budget.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   EMERALD   Extraordinary. Lavish. Wow factor. The ultimate experience in coastal living.
★ ★ ★ ★      PLATINUM   Incomparable. Elegant. Luxurious. Love-at-first-sight beach décor.
★ ★ ★                   GOLD   Classy. Tasteful. Very well appointed, stylish seaside vacation home.
★ ★                      SILVER    Lovely. Inviting. Furnished in timeless beach house style.
★                        BRONZE    Budget-friendly, our best value. Comfortable. Charming, but a bit retro.

Bedding Codes

K                 King Size Bed
Q                Queen Size Bed
D                 Double Bed
S                 Single Bed
B                 One Set of Bunkbeds
R                 Rollaway (Folding Single)
(K)SS          Sleeper Sofa (May be preceded by Q, D or S)
Futon         Japanese style folding frame and mattress
T                 Trundle bed (two Singles, lower rolls under bed)
Dybd          Daybed (Single or trundle that also functions as small couch)

The asterisks between the bed types show which rooms house which beds. Sleeper sofas are in living room unless otherwise noted.

Standard Furnishings

What standard furnishings and equipment can I expect to find in the vacation rental?

Most vacation home rentals offer well-equipped kitchens, flat screen TVs in nearly every room, Internet access and either covered or open decks with outdoor seating. Optional amenities include pools, hot tubs, game rooms, elevators, linen service and more. All vacation properties are set up for light housekeeping and cooking. All beds are provided with pillows and bedspreads. Guests should bring all paper products, cleaning supplies, condiments, staple items and bed and bath linens. If you are among the fortunate families staying in a beach home that includes one of our Linen Club Services, you may omit bed and bath linens.

Internet & Cable

Will I have Internet access and cable television in my vacation rental?

Basic cable services are provided, and with only a few exceptions, Internet access and telephones are available in most homes as well.

Home Amenities

What amenities are available in a vacation rental?

From homes with private pools and hot tubs to game rooms and elevators, Emerald Isle Realty offers a great selection of vacation rentals that feature a countless number of amenities to choose from that are sure to fit both your tastes and your budget. Emerald Isle Realty’s vacation rentals are also located in close proximity to the pristine beaches of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast and a short bike ride from the some of the area’s best attractions and activities.

Linens & Towels

Are linens provided in vacation rentals?

With just a few exceptions, most of the properties managed by Emerald Isle Realty have included linens and towels as an amenity for your vacation home through our provider, Island Essentials. Check your property’s description to confirm linen club service. Otherwise, linen services are available for rental at an additional fee and should be reserved in advance. Click here for more detailed information on linen services.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Are any vacation rental homes wheelchair accessible?

For the convenience of our guests who have special needs and prefer vacation rentals that are wheelchair friendly, we have listed in the property description which areas of the home we consider being somewhat accessible. Unfortunately, none would meet the ADA standards for handicapped accessibility, but we do have some homes that offer ramps, elevators and/or accessible baths.

Where can I rent a wheelchair during my stay?

The Emerald Isle Fire Department has all-terrain wheelchairs available 7 days a week for visitors and residents with special needs who wish to go on the beach.

Pet Policies

Are pets allowed in vacation rentals?

Emerald Isle Realty offers a great selection of pet-friendly vacation rentals to choose from. A onetime nonrefundable pet fee will be charged per pet. The maximum number of pets allowed per property and amount of pet fee can be found in each property description. The Town of Emerald Isle also has a leash law and a “pooper scooper” law that is strictly enforced. Pet owners must clean up after their pets on public and private property.

Smoking Policies

Is smoking allowed in the home?

Smoking is not allowed in your vacation home, unless you have selected a beach home that permits it. To prevent accidental fires and continue keeping our beaches clean, properly extinguish cigarettes in an ashtray or cigarette disposal receptacle.

Special Events

Can you have a wedding at a vacation rental?

Some of our vacation homes do allow weddings and special events with the owner’s prior approval. Depending on the home, there may be additional fees, parking restrictions and guest count maximums. Please call us at (866) 586-6980 for more information.

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