If you have never vacationed in a Gulf Coast condo or beach home before, or if this is your first time with Southern Vacation Rentals, you may have a few questions about what to expect of us and your rental. Read through our frequently asked rental questions to learn more about vacationing in a Southern condo or home. If you still have questions, please feel free to call, email or live chat with a member of our team.
You may already know that your packing list needs to contain bathing suits, beach toys, and sunscreen. But, if you have never vacationed in a condo rental or vacation home before, you may be wondering what extra things you need to bring or be prepared to purchase when you arrive.
While our Gulf Coast vacation rentals are stocked with many of the comforts of home, including bedding and kitchen essentials such as dishware and utensils, there are a few more items you will want to pack.
Upon arriving for your Florida or Alabama beach vacation, you will find your rental has been stocked with an initial supply of toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, and trash bags. These should get you through your first 24 hours, but you will want to pick up additional supplies to get you through the remainder of your stay. Napkins, condiments, cooking spices, and coffee filters are other things you may want to purchase while at the store.
Other items you might want to consider bringing, or renting from a local company, include cribs, pack-n-plays, high chairs, and any other items required by the youngest travelers in your group. And, while bath towels are provided, beach towels are not, so be sure to bring yours from home.
Below you will find a list of items we recommend you bring with you or plan to buy upon arriving for your vacation in Northwest Florida or Coastal Alabama.
| Paper Towels | Dishwashing Liquid | Napkins |
| Toilet Paper | Laundry Soap | Condiments |
| Trash Bags | Coffee Filters | Spices |
| Hair Dryer | Coffee |
The Guest Portal is a one-stop-shop for important information about your rental. You will receive a Guest Portal invitation to your email 14 days prior to arrival. Once you're logged in, you will be able to view door codes, WiFi information, parking details, and so much more.
A Gulf Coast beach vacation is a financial investment, and like any investment, you will want to protect it. That’s why Southern Vacation Rentals offers optional Vacation Rental Insurance through Generali / CSA, sometimes referred to as cancellation insurance. We highly recommend purchasing this travel protection as it provides a significant level of coverage when unexpected circumstances threaten your Gulf Coast getaway.
Generali / CSA Vacation Rental Insurance takes care of you before, during, and after your vacation. This travel insurance plan covers you door to door – from the day after you buy your policy until you return home and includes CSA’s renowned 24-Hour Emergency Assistance Service for worldwide help whenever and wherever needed.
This plan protects your deposit and any monies paid in the event you are unable to take your vacation due to a covered reason outlined by CSA. Covered events can include cancellation due to sickness or injury, layoff, termination of previously granted military leave, and mandatory evacuation due to hurricanes. Other benefits may include pre-existing medical conditions, identity theft, and travel delays. Reasons related to COVID-19 may not be covered. For more information on included coverages, please see their travel insurance coverage PDF.
You have ten (10) days to decline the CSA Vacation Rental Insurance. To opt-out, you must sign and return the Refusal of Travel Insurance form included with your reservation confirmation.
Southern understands the need for peace of mind when booking your beach vacation. Click here to view our relaxed cancellation policy.
The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are as inviting as they are beautiful. We want you to enjoy your time riding the emerald waves and splashing in the saltwater while you’re on vacation on the Gulf Coast. We also want each of our guests to remain safe while doing so and ask that you remain vigilant regarding surf conditions. Read up on a few beach safety tips here to make sure that you can get the most of your next getaway.
Check-in is after 4 PM local time, and check-out is by 9 AM. Early check-in and late check-out are available for purchase on select rentals. Ask your Guest Ambassador if your rental qualifies. If you have already reserved, contact our team to make your request.
Most of our properties have keyless locks and it is noted on the property page online as Self Check-in (Keyless Locks). This keyless system allows entry into the vacation rental through the issue of a door code rather than a physical key, allowing for a smooth check-in process. The code changes for every reservation, making it an incredibly safe alternative. Door codes will appear in your Guest Portal seven days prior to check-in.
If your rental has a keyless lock, please go directly to your rental. Physical check-in at our office is not required during your stay. If your property requires a key for access, your arrival packets and rental keys will be placed in a secure lockbox at our local office. Your pre-arrival email will contain access instructions, including a code for the lockbox. Our Southern offices are not currently open to the public.
Yes. We do not rent to vacationing students or singles under 25 years of age.
Southern Vacation Rentals provides a departure clean on all stays. We also provide an initial supply of towels and linens, as well as trash liners, toilet paper, bath soap and dishwasher soap. Laundry facilities are provided either in the rental property or on the grounds. A mid-week clean can be provided for an additional fee.
After you have booked, you will receive a confirmation email from us with property's address. The address will also be available in your Guest Portal to view at any time.
All of our vacation rentals are furnished and have a kitchen or kitchenette with amenities including a microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and blender. Each property is stocked with all cooking and serving including plates, bowls, and utensils, as well as a can opener, corkscrew, measuring spoons, and more. While we do provide bath towels and bed linens, we do ask that you bring your own beach towels.
One week minimum stays may apply for certain properties during summer and holiday periods, with Friday or Saturday arrival and departure. During the off-season, we are typically more flexible with minimum nights, but it is dependent on the vacation rental.
Several of our Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama vacation rentals accept small pets under 25lbs for a nominal fee. You can view our pet-friendly rentals here.
Some of our properties have private pools that can be heated for a fee during your stay. Please contact our Guest Ambassador team prior to arrival to arrange pool heating.
We require a reservation deposit at time of booking. The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days prior to arrival.
We welcome our long-term guests to Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama! Read here to see some of our tips to ensure your vacation is as smooth as possible.