Common Questions about Vacation Rental Homes

What time can I check in?
Check in is after 4 PM.

What time do I have to leave?
Check out is before 10 AM. Unfortunately, late checkout is not available during the summer.

How do I check in?
Check in instructions will be provided when the balance and vacation rental agreement are received.

Can I pay with a credit card over the phone?
We accept credit cards. You will receive an email to manage your reservation through LiveStay once your reservation has been processed. You can manage your reservations and make payments once you create your LiveStay account.

Can I purchase travel insurance?
Yes, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance here higginsbeach.rentalguardian.com and read this flyer for more information.

Who do I make my check payable to?
Please make checks payable to: HigginsBeachMaine.com (in US funds!)

Where do I mail my check?
Please mail to: HigginsBeachMaine.com PO Box 6717, Scarborough, ME 04070

Can I pay the whole amount at once?
Please do. Deposits are due within 5 days of reservation and the balance is due 45 days prior to check in.

What do I do if I want to come back next year?
We automatically extend the first right of refusal to you for the same week next year, if it is available. We will contact you in January of the booking year. Please let us know if your contact information changes.

What if there is damage to the cottage while I am there?
You are responsible for the condition of the cottage during your rental period, however Vacation Rental Damage Protection is included in your Service Fee. This covers accidental damage up to $1000. Please advise us of any damage as soon as it occurs.

What does the Service Fee cover?
The Service Fee covers the processing of your reservation and payments as well as Vacation Rental Damage Protection that covers up to $1000 of reported accidental damage per reservation.

What if the power goes out?
There are occasional power outages at the beach. Central Maine Power works quickly to restore power whenever this happens. The outage information line is 800-696-1000.

What if there is a storm and I can’t come?
Travel protection insurance is available to purchase prior to balance payment and will cover you for a multitude of situations. Otherwise, deposits are non-refundable.

What if I have to cancel?
Reservation deposits are non-refundable under any and all circumstances. If Guests should cancel, we will make a good-faith effort to attempt to re-rent the property for the reserved term. Should it be re-rented at the same rental rate, guest shall be refunded minus a cancellation and rebooking fee. Should it be re-rented for an amount of rent less than original booking, guest shall be refunded less the difference between the rent and the re-rental, and minus a cancellation and rebooking fee. Travel Insurance is available.

Can I use the fireplace?
Some cottages have usable fireplaces; others do not. It will be indicated in the cottage or we are happy to provide that information.

Where can I get sheets?
Sheets and towels can be rented from Cottage Linens. They will drop off and pick up linens right at the property. www.cottagelinens.com.

What if I get locked out?
Please call us as we have master keys for all cottages. Know that we may not be immediately available so please do try to keep tabs on them.

How can I find out about properties for sale at Higgins?
We’d be happy to provide your with information on the local real estate scene. Four members of The Scott and Sunny Townsend Team are licensed real estate brokers or associate brokers and Realtors.

Can I bring my dog?
Some of our cottages are dog-friendly. Your dog is welcome only if it is indicated on your reservation.

When can I take my dog on the beach?
Dogs are allowed on the beach from 5 PM to sunset while on leash and from sunrise to 9AM off leash (must be under voice control). They are prohibited from the beach from 9 to 5 daily and are not allowed in marked restricted areas. Please respect local ordinances and clean up after your dog.

Where do I go to buy groceries?
The Hannaford off Route One in Scarborough is the closest grocery store. The Higgins Beach Market on Spurwink Road carries a variety of grocery items as well as take out foods.

Where can I get an authentic lobster dinner?
A great place for a lobster dinner with fantastic views is the Lobster Shack at Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth, just a few minutes up the road.

Can I have a lobster bake at the cottage?
We’re sorry… lobster bakes are not allowed at properties. All of our cottages are equipped with a lobster pot – you are welcome to steam lobsters.

Can we barbecue on the beach?
The town does not allow open fires thus they are not permitted on the beach.

What if I run out of gas for the grill?
Each cottage is equipped with a backup tank; however, if you do need additional propane, the Higgins Beach Market offers a swap-out program.

Do I need to bring paper towels, tin foil, etc.?
It is a good idea to bring everything you think you will need but sometimes these items are found in the cottage.

Can we bring a tent for the kids to sleep in the yard?
We’re sorry, tents and RVs are not allowed at Higgins Beach.

Do I have to clean?
Please leave the cottage as clean as you found it with all trash, recyclables and personal items removed prior check out. Please bag all trash and recyclables and place in the appropriate barrels and have ready for town pick on Friday early AM.

Can I have someone clean while I am here?
We are happy to arrange additional cleaning for an additional fee. Please ask if you are interested in this service.

Do you have a list of babysitters?
We can provide you with names of local sitters.

Where do we watch the fireworks for July 4^th?
The city of Old Orchard Beach, south on Route One has fireworks as well as the city of Portland, north on Route One.

Can we park on the street?
There is limited parking on the street only in the designated spaces on Bayview. Please check street signs.

Where can we park?
Limited parking is available for each cottage. Additional parking is available for a fee from 9 – 5 in the Higgins Beach parking lot across from the Inn on Ocean Avenue.

Can I charge my electric vehicle at the cottage?
Charging electric vehicles at the rental unit is prohibited. Guests agree that any and all charging of electric vehicles will be done at a charging station.

How can I find out about longer term rentals at Higgins?
In addition to weekly summer rentals, we also offer longer term winter rentals as well as year round rentals at Higgins Beach and the surrounding area.

Should I get long-term renters insurance?
We hope that you will consider renters insurance to protect your possessions, liability and/or living expenses if something were to happen. Please read this brochure for more information about the benefits of this coverage and how you can acquire it through Allstate.