Our Policies at
Acadia Cottage Rentals

Our listings book weekly, Saturday-to-Saturday (a few book Sun-Sun) in late June thru mid-Sept. We cannot accommodate nightly, partial, or split weeks in season; some cottages will permit such bookings in the off-season (May/June and Sept/Oct) - see each listing for details.

Request a booking: When you are ready to book the cottage of your choice, we’ll need some basic information:
Name of person(s) entering into the Rental Agreement
Preferred email address – we do most communications via email and online
Home mailing address
Phone numbers (especially cell phones you may use while traveling)
A description of your party – number of adults, children (with ages), and specific info on pets

Confirmation of Reservation: We’ll confirm your requested week(s) with the owners (if required) and email confirmation to you along with an emailed link to your Rental Agreement, an online document at Adobe.com. You can eSign it online with a few clicks of your mouse, and when the owners have signed, you will receive a completed copy by email.

Initial Payment: 50% of the rent is due within 7 days of booking (or immediately by credit card via Vacation Rent Payment for last-minute bookings), payable to Acadia Cottage Rentals (ACR)–we accept personal or company checks, money orders (mail to ACR, PO Box 949, Bar Harbor ME 04609), bank transfers (with $20 fee) and by credit card (through Vacation Rent Payment, with their 3% processing fee of for US and 5% for non-US). If this first payment is not received by the due date noted on the Rental Agreement, the booking may be canceled at the owners’ discretion. We’ll confirm the completion of the Agreement and any payments received by email.

Final Payment: Due at least 30 days before arrival (immediately for last-minute bookings), it includes the remaining balance of rent, ME Lodging Tax (9% on rent and fees), and the refundable Security Deposit; the due date and amount are noted on your Rental Agreement and on all confirmation posts. No reminders are sent, as payment due dates and amounts due are noted on all emailed confirmations and on the rental agreement itself. If payment is not received by the due date, your booking may be canceled without refund of any prior payment and the cottage rented to another party.

Directions & Entry Info: Once full payment has been received, we’ll email a Google Map link with directions, entry/key information, emergency contact, and other information.

Cancellations: When you request to book a cottage, it is marked unavailable on our booking calendars, removed from the rental market and subsequent requests to book it is refused. For that reason, after a Rental Agreement is completed, requests for cancellation will be accepted but are not refunded unless we are able to re-rent the cottage for the same term. Every effort will be made to do so, but we cannot guarantee success. If you cancel after sending the initial payment but before making the final payment, the full amount remains due and payable unless the term is re-rented. If we are able to re-book, a refund of payments, less a cancellation fee of $100, is sent when the new booking is paid in full.

Arrival: Check-In time is noted on your rental agreement, usually 4 PM sometimes 5 PM, which allows time for cleaning after the previous guests’ departure. Please don’t ask to arrive early or store belongings early, as it disrupts the cleaners' work. Fees may be applied.

Pets: Pets, where permitted and approved, must be under control at all times (including excessive barking) and the yard and grounds must be cleaned of pet debris promptly. Further restrictions may be posted in the cottage - most owners do not permit pets to be left alone on the property. Please do not bring pets that are unfriendly to people or other pets or which have a history of excessive barking, disruption, or damage (carpets, screens, doors, furniture, bedding, etc.). You will be charged for damages or extra cleaning required due to pets.

Problems: If any problems arise with your cottage, call the designated contact posted in the cottage, call or text us (preferably during office hours, 9 AM-6 PM) - Tom at (207) 460-1000 ([email protected]) or Alan at (207) 479-1189 ([email protected]). Please report unsafe or deficient conditions promptly.

Local Info: Our website has many informative links to local services, attractions, and other interesting stuff. Most cottages will also have lots of printed information available on the Mt. Desert Island area and Acadia National Park itself. If you have specific questions and can’t find the information you need, give us a call, and we’ll try to provide it (or point you in the right direction). The Chamber of Commerce website, barharborinfo.com, is the best local resource for comprehensive local information.

QUIET HOURS: 10 PM to 8 AM, and please maintain peace and quiet suitable to the location of the premises at all times. Local disturbance ordinances are enforced.

Departure: Check-Out time for most properties is no later than 10 AM; your responsibilities on departure are noted in detail on your Rental Agreement, and include the following:
The premises should be left in a generally tidy condition.
Used dishes, cookware, and equipment should be washed and stored and counters and tables wiped clean.
Trash and recyclable bottles and cans should be bagged separately and placed in designated containers if provided - never leave bagged trash where animals can get it.
Used bed linens should be stripped and piled unfolded in the bedrooms and used towels/bath mats piled in the bathrooms/tubs; if a washer/dryer is provided, it is requested that a load of used towels be started unless cottage info directs otherwise. Additional requirements may be posted in the specific cottage information.

Check all areas: closets, drawers, outlets, etc. for personal belongings, device chargers, souvenirs, clothing, and other items.
Return keys to their original location and leave entry doors as they were on arrival. Lost keys will be charged $10 each.

Security Deposit Refunds: After your departure, the cottage will be inspected by cleaners, owners, or agents, and any damages or other notable conditions discovered will be reported to the owners, who will determine charges to be applied against the Security Deposit. Charges will be deducted prior to the refund of any balance remaining, and will be itemized. When the Security Deposit is released by the owners, it is refunded by an emailed link to your online eCheck (from [email protected]), emailed 10 days after the end of the booking term. You can immediately print and cash or deposit your check.

Return Guests: If you wish to visit the same cottage again next season, please let us know as soon as possible after departure, so we can process the booking and secure your preferred week(s). Calendars may fill far in advance - if you don’t let us know you want to return, we can’t promise availability, even if you are a valued repeat guest. Some owners may offer a Wait List to previous guests for future seasons or cancellations.

We invite your comments and suggestions and look forward to serving as your agent for future visits. Our goal is to make every visit to this beautiful area as enjoyable and carefree as possible for our clients. We want to be YOUR PLACE IN ACADIA!