FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Bookings & Cancellations

Can I book direct? Why should I book direct?

Yes — you can book direct through this website or by emailing alex@saugatuckvacationrentals.com.

If you're booking for the first time, using VRBO or Airbnb makes sense — you can read reviews and book with confidence. But that peace of mind comes at a cost: the platforms charge guests a service fee of 15–20% of the total booking amount. For a first stay, that's arguably worth it.

For returning guests, it isn't. If you already know the property and had a great experience, booking direct saves you the entire service fee — with the same host, the same home, and the same level of care.

Additional benefits of booking direct:

  • Best daily and weekly rates are always on our website

  • Reservations 6–12+ months in advance are only available by booking direct

  • Repeat guest offers — including one free weekday night — are exclusive to direct bookings

How much do I save by booking direct?

When you book through Airbnb or VRBO, you pay a service fee of 15–20% on top of the nightly rate — on a $3,000 booking that's $450–$600 straight to the platform. When you book direct through this site, you keep that money. Rates are the same or better, the cancellation policy is more flexible, and you're dealing directly with me rather than going through a third party. Book direct here and save up to 20%.

What are your check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is at 4:00 pm. Check-out is at 10:00 am.

Can I get an early check-in or late check-out?

During peak season (mid-June through end of August) we're unable to offer this — we need the full window between guests to thoroughly clean the home.

Outside of peak season, early check-in or late check-out of up to two hours may be possible as a courtesy. Contact us a few days before your arrival and we'll do our best to accommodate if the schedule allows.

If you need to guarantee an early check-in or late check-out well in advance, reach out and we can discuss adding an extra day at a significant discount.

Should I get trip insurance?

Yes - we strongly recommend it. Unexpected things happen, and trip insurance protects your financial investment. We don't sell it or earn commissions on it, so our advice here is genuinely unbiased. Forbes and Money Magazine both publish updated guides comparing the top options — we'd suggest starting there and paying close attention to what each policy covers. The "Cancel For Any Reason" option is worth the extra cost.

What is your cancellation policy?

Reservations booked directly with us are fully refundable up to 60 days before your check-in date.

For cancellations within 60 days, we strongly encourage trip insurance (see above). Depending on the policy you purchase, you may be eligible for reimbursement from the insurer for the non-refundable portion of your stay.

What if a natural disaster or unforeseen circumstance affects our stay?

We do everything we can to make your stay smooth and worry-free, but we're unable to control or be responsible for weather, natural disasters, health issues, or other circumstances outside our control. There are no refunds for situations of this nature. Trip insurance — particularly a "Cancel For Any Reason" policy — is your best protection here.

What are your minimum stay requirements?

During peak season (mid-June through end of August), the minimum stay is 7 nights, with check-in and check-out on Sundays.

Outside of peak season, the minimum is typically 2 nights. Some holiday weekends — including Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's — may require a 3-night minimum.

One-night stays are not available under any circumstances.

What are your payment terms?

A 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your arrival date.

Choosing the right House

What is the difference between the Saugatuck Modern Farmhouse and the Douglas Modern Villa?

Both are 6-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom homes designed for large groups, and both are within walking distance of downtown — but they have a different feel. The Farmhouse is in Saugatuck, with a quieter residential character and a layout that's great for families who want multiple indoor gathering spaces, a screened-in porch, and an outdoor fireplace. The Villa is in Douglas, with a more social setup — roof deck with water views, a bigger game room with pool table, and a backyard with fire pit and grills. If your group loves outdoor entertaining and water views, the Villa tends to win. If you want a cozy, home-away-from-home feel with more indoor space, the Farmhouse is the better fit. Still not sure? Contact me and I'll help you figure it out.

Is Saugatuck or Douglas better for families with kids?

Honestly, both are great — it usually comes down to what kind of trip your family wants. Saugatuck has a livelier downtown with more restaurants, shops, and foot traffic, and is slightly closer to Oval Beach. Douglas is quieter and more residential, with a charming walkable strip and a more relaxed pace that a lot of families prefer. Both of my homes are walking distance from their respective downtowns, include baby gear (pack-n-play, high chair, stroller), and are designed with kids in mind. In my experience, the kids love both towns equally — the bigger decision is usually which house fits your group better.

Do you have a vacation rental in Saugatuck that sleeps 12 or more people?

Yes. The Saugatuck Modern Farmhouse sleeps up to 12 guests across 6 bedrooms, and the Douglas Modern Villa sleeps up to 15. Both homes have multiple living areas, large dining tables, fully equipped kitchens, and game rooms so large groups can spread out or come together easily. If you're not sure which property fits your group, reach out and I'm happy to help you decide.

How far are your vacation rentals from Oval Beach?

The Farmhouse is about a 9-minute drive from Oval Beach, and the Villa is about 7 minutes. Both homes come stocked with beach gear — chairs, towels, and toys — so you can head straight there without any stops.

How far are your homes from downtown Saugatuck and downtown Douglas?

The Farmhouse is a 5-minute walk from downtown Saugatuck. The Villa is a 2-minute walk from downtown Douglas. The two towns are about 5 minutes apart by car, so guests at either property can easily get to both — which most people do.

Are your vacation rentals good for multigenerational family trips?

It's honestly what I do best. Multigenerational families are my most common guests, and both homes are built around that experience — bedrooms on multiple levels, separate living areas so different generations can have their own space, fully equipped kitchens for big group meals, game rooms that work for all ages, and baby gear already on-site. I've hosted hundreds of three- and four-generation families over the past 10+ years and it never gets old. If that's your group, you'll feel right at home.

Can two families rent both properties at the same time?

Yes, and it's one of my favorite scenarios. The Farmhouse and Villa are about 5 minutes apart by car. Renting both gives your extended group up to 27 guests across two homes, with the flexibility to gather at one property or spread out between two. If you're thinking about this, contact me directly and I can coordinate availability and put together pricing for both.

What is the best time of year to visit Saugatuck, Michigan?

Summer — mid-June through Labor Day — is peak season for good reason. Oval Beach is at its best, every restaurant and attraction is open, and both towns are buzzing. That's also when availability goes fastest and prices are highest, with a 7-night minimum stay required. That said, shoulder seasons are genuinely underrated. May and early June offer mild weather with almost no crowds. Fall brings stunning color, u-pick fruit, and wine tasting around Fennville. Winter is a quiet, cozy escape that more people are discovering every year. I'm open year-round, and outside of peak season you'll find lower rates and much more flexibility on minimum stays.

Amenities

Do your homes have Wi-Fi?

Yes — all homes have high-speed wireless internet. We consistently see speeds in the 200 Mbps range and purchase the fastest residential service available from Comcast. That said, speeds can occasionally dip during peak summer periods, as with any cable provider. Plan accordingly if you're working remotely during your stay.

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Do I need to bring kitchen equipment or knives?

No — both homes are fully stocked with everything you need to cook for your full group. Quality cookware, sharp knives, baking supplies, and serving pieces are all included. Unless you have very specific or professional-grade needs, you'll find what you're looking for. When in doubt, just ask in advance.

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Do you have baby gear?

Yes. Each home is stocked with a pack-n-play, high chair, umbrella stroller, and plastic dishes and utensils for young kids. One thing to note: we do not have baby gates on the stairs, so plan accordingly if you're traveling with toddlers.

What are the grocery options near the homes?

Here's a quick rundown by distance:

5 minutes or less

  • SuperValu in Douglas — the closest and most convenient for everyday needs

20–25 minutes (Holland)

  • Nature's Market — best option for organic and specialty groceries

  • Meijer, Target, and Walmart — for larger supply runs

~30 minutes (Grandville, near Grand Rapids)

  • Costco — worth the drive if you're stocking up for a full week

From June through September, there's also a Farmers Market in Saugatuck every Friday, 9am–3pm, at Saugatuck Center for the Arts — great for fresh produce, local goods, and a relaxed morning outing.

For a fuller picture of local essentials including restaurants, dining, and activities, see our Things to Do in Saugatuck guide.

Where can I find things to do in Saugatuck and Douglas?

We put together a comprehensive local guide covering everything worth doing in both towns — beaches, dunes, restaurants, wineries, rainy day activities, and family-friendly picks. It's the same list we share with every guest. You can find it here: 100+ Best Things to Do in Saugatuck & Douglas, MI.

House Rules

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not permitted inside either home. If evidence of indoor smoking is found, a minimum $500 deep-cleaning fee will be charged.

At Saugatuck Modern Farmhouse, smoking is permitted in the outdoor fireplace area only — not in the screened-in porch. If you smoke outside, please dispose of cigarette butts properly in the trash.

Are pets allowed?

We do not allow pets of any kind. Several of our regular guests have severe allergies, and we need to keep both homes pet-free to accommodate them safely.

Is a rental agreement required?

Yes — all bookings require a signed rental agreement. It can be completed electronically in just a few minutes on any phone, tablet, or computer. All guests staying at the property must be listed on the agreement. The primary renter must be at least 30 years old and may be asked to verify this with a valid government-issued ID.

Do you host weddings, parties, or events?

We don't. Both homes are located in quiet residential neighborhoods and aren't set up to support the parking, noise, or guest volume that events require. This applies to weddings, rehearsal dinners, parties, and similar gatherings.

For our complete house rules, click here.

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