Visitors have plenty of options when it comes to staying in the bustling beach town of Carolina Beach. This coastal vacation destination is filled with local resorts and hotels, smaller motels, and even campgrounds that are regionally renowned as rustic but inviting places to stay.
But with that being said, visitors who want to enjoy an extended stay in Carolina Beach – with all the comforts of home and then some – will want to look into securing a vacation rental home. Now one of the most popular forms of accommodations, there are quite literally hundreds of vacation rental properties within the borders of Carolina Beach, providing plenty of options for visitors who want their accommodations to perfectly suit their vacationing style.
Why rent a Carolina Beach vacation rental home?
Visitors who are unfamiliar with staying in a vacation rental may be equally unfamiliar with the potential benefits of a vacation home versus staying at a hotel, motel, or even a campground. While all types of accommodations in the Carolina Beach region have their benefits, (starting with the stunning locale along the Cape Fear coastline), potential vacation rental guests will want to keep the following potential benefits in mind when plotting their upcoming Carolina Beach stay.
Price – For larger parties and vacationers who plan to stay more than a night or two, one of the biggest lures of a vacation rental is the price. For the most part, vacation rentals are cheaper per bedroom than a standard hotel or motel room, and these savings go up with larger party sizes. As an example, a family of 6 would likely have to rent three motel rooms for several consecutive nights, but would only have to rent one 3 bedroom home for comfortable accommodations. Combined with all the extras, which includes kitchens, dining areas, etc., a vacation rental can save money both during the initial costs, and for those little extras required once in the area.
Location – Another incentive for vacation rental guests is the location. Most vacation rentals in the Carolina Beach area are within walking distance of the local beaches, (or can even have oceanfront or oceanview settings), which means that guests never have to worry about public parking or beach access once they’ve arrived – they can just step outside the door and go.
Convenience – Visitors who are staying for multiple days and who don’t want to worry about constantly eating out, finding laundromats, and catering to other daily necessities, will want to consider a vacation rental. Because the majority of vacation rentals have kitchens, dining areas, cooking supplies, utensils and dishware, and on-site washer and dryers, it’s easy to take care of daily needs without ever leaving home.
Amenities – A vacation rental can have a full roster of amenities (see below) that go beyond the basics of a standard hotel or motel room. With little extras like book or DVD libraries, free Wi-Fi, multiple gathering places or living areas, and fully-stocked kitchens, all the comforts of home are accounted for at a vacation rental.
Privacy – Another allure for guests is the sheer privacy a vacation rental, (and specifically a vacation rental home), can offer. With its own lot, fencing, in-house amenities and gathering areas, and everything guests need, there’s no need to share spaces when you’re staying at your own beach home.
How to Rent a Carolina Beach Vacation Rental
The process for reserving a vacation rental is very similar to booking a hotel or motel room, with a few key differences, and guests will generally want to adhere to the following guidelines when searching for and booking their Carolina Beach accommodations.
Step 1: Find a rental company.
The majority of vacation rentals in Carolina Beach are represented by vacation rental companies, also known as property management companies. While vacation rentals are individually owned, these businesses take care of all steps of the vacation rental process – from booking to check-out – which means that potential guests deal with the company directly, and not necessarily the owner.
Roughly a half dozen vacation rental companies represent properties in Carolina Beach, which means that there are quite a few options to choose form. The good news is that all area companies have easy-to-use websites, where visitors can peruse properties online with just a few clicks.
Step 2: Find a home
As stated, each property management company has its own website with an online search feature / list of available properties, which makes it a simple task to find properties that meet a potential guest’s specifications. Vacation rentals can include townhomes, duplexes, condos, and single family residences, and can range from 1 bedroom to 9 bedrooms or more properties. In addition, vacation rentals can be scattered throughout the Carolina Beach region, with locations that range from the oceanfront to a few lots away from the beach.
Thankfully, the search filters on an individual website makes it easy to find properties that meet a specific renter’s criteria. Potential guests can search by dates of stay, number of bedrooms, location, amenities, whether a home is pet-friendly, and more, which makes it a simple task to narrow down the hundreds of properties to a handful that are ideal for an upcoming Carolina Beach vacation.
Note that each property listed with a vacation rental company often has its own distinct property detail page with a wealth of info, which includes a property description, list of amenities, multiple photos, and / or floor plans and virtual tours.
Step 3: Book your property
Once a vacation rental guest has found the property that suits their needs, they can generally book online with just a few clicks, or can call the property management company directly to have any questions answered, and / or to reserve a rental over the phone.
Depending on the individual company, visitors will likely need to make an initial payment, and / or pay for the property in full, (which includes taxes and any associated fees – like pet fees), before the date of their arrival. They will likely also have to sign a lease, or tenant’s agreement, per the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act.
Step 4: Arrive and have fun
Once the start of a vacation has arrived, visitors will either pick up their keys at the central property management company’s office, or check into the house itself if it has a special “keyless entry” code system. Check-in times are similar to that of a hotel / motel, and the home will be clean and ready to go upon a guest’s arrival.
During the stay, if any issues arise or the guests have any questions, they can contact the property management company directly. The property management company has a team of staff members in different departments to address maintenance, housekeeping, and other guest issues in a timely manner.
Step 5: Departure
Guests may be asked to do a few clean-up tasks before leaving to ensure it’s easy to get the home ready for the next guests in a timely manner. These tasks can include emptying the dishwasher, emptying the trash cans, disposing of personal items and / or putting the comforters and sheets into the washing machine. If applicable, keys will be dropped off at the property management office upon departure. Guests who adore their vacation rental may also have an option to book the same home, for the same time, next year – (again depending on the property management company.) Check ahead of time if you want to make sure that your dream vacation home can be reserved and enjoyed in the year(s) to come.
Amenities at a Carolina Beach Vacation Rental (and what to Bring)
Depending on the size and prestige of the property, a Carolina Beach vacation rental can offer a number of amenities to accentuate or improve a Cape Fear area vacation. Look for vacation rentals that have these attributes for the best vacation experience possible.
Private pool – Larger homes that are typically 3-4 bedrooms or more may offer a private pool for seasonal guests. These pools may also have solar hear, or traditional pool heat (which is sometimes available for an additional fee during cooler weather months.) Private pools are generally only available during peak season months, from mid or late spring until early or mid-fall.
Hot tubs – Hot tubs are available with multiple sized vacation rentals, and are available all year long for guests’ enjoyment.
Game rooms – Larger homes may offer game rooms which can feature a wide range of entertainment, such as foosball tables, pool tables, game tables, entertainment systems, kitchenettes, etc. (as well as additional living spaces.)
Dens, media rooms, lofts, etc. – Larger vacation homes may also feature multiple living areas in the way of dens, lofts, and other “smaller” spaces scattered throughout the home. These spaces may have their own suite of extras, including theater systems, sleeper sofas, private deck access, and more.
Linens and Towels – Depending on the individual vacation rental home, guests may have linens and towels provided, which means that everything they need to relax is already accounted for. Unless otherwise specified, be prepared to bring along your own sheets and beach towels for your stay – (comforts and pillows are generally provided in all vacation rental units.)
Pet Friendly – A number of vacation rental homes allow pets, (and namely dogs), for a small additional cleaning fee. These homes may also have pet-friendly extras such as fenced-in yards, dog runs, crates, pet bedding, and other amenities. Consult an individual property description for details.
Handicapped Accessible – A home that is marked as handicapped accessible means that it has features that make it easy to access for visitors with mobility issues. These features can include elevators and / or handicapped ramps and one-level living areas, handicapped accessible bedrooms and bathrooms, and other accoutrements. Check with an individual property management company to ensure that your property of choice is accessible to all members of the family, if mobility is an issue.
Wireless internet access – Virtually all vacation rental homes have Wi-Fi and / or high speed internet access, although computers and laptops may not be at the home for security reasons. With that being said, some larger properties may offer separate offices and workplaces for the convenience of guests.
Event friendly – Larger homes may be conducive for special events, such as corporate retreats, private weddings, small receptions, and other grand gathering. Look for an “event friendly” designation, or call the vacation rental company beforehand to see what options are available for special celebrations.
Fireplaces – Many larger homes offer fireplaces which may or not be available during the summer months. Traditionally, fireplaces are only offered during the shoulder and off-season months when the extra boost of warmth will make any chilly night more enjoyable.
Outside decks / screened porches / etc. – Most all Carolina Beach homes have outdoor areas for guests to enjoy, which can include sunny or covered decks, screened porches, and outdoor areas with grills, fish cleaning tables, convenient outdoor showers, and / or all of the above. Visitors who adore outdoor living will want to check ahead to see what outdoor amenities their favorite properties have to offer.
Carolina Beach Vacation Rentals as an Investment Opportunity
Visitors who adore Carolina Beach and who would love a long-term residence to call their own may want to look into the option of purchasing a Carolina Beach vacation rental as an investment property.
While the income acquired from owning and renting a beach house doesn’t necessarily cover the costs involved, (especially if there is a mortgage associated with the property), visitors can nonetheless enjoy a world of financial extras including tax incentives, extra income, and a long-term place at the beach to call home.
Many property management companies also have in-house sales departments with licensed Realtors who are well-versed on the pros and cons of owning and renting a vacation home. If a Carolina Beach house sounds like a solid opportunity, then check with your local property management / real estate sales company to find out more info on all the considerations to keep in mind, and the potential long-term benefits of permanently having a home at the shore.
Tips and Tricks for renting a Carolina Beach Vacation Rental
- Most vacation rentals in Carolina Beach are rented on a weekly basis, with Friday, Saturday or Sunday turnover days. Partial week stays may be available in smaller properties, (like condos and townhomes), as well as for last-minute vacations and / or off-season getaways.
- Vacation rental rates are traditionally seasonal, which means that the same home is likely to be cheaper in the off-season fall, winter and spring months. As such, vacation renters on a budget may want to consider planning an off-season vacation when rates are at their lowest.
- For the best variety, book as far in advance as possible. Most vacation rentals can be reserved up to a year in advance, and prime properties can be rented months before a summertime arrival date.
- On the flip side of the coin, vacation rentals with weeks open may offer last-minute discounts for guests who are in the mood for a spur-of-the-moment stay. Check out discounted homes if you’re planning a Carolina Beach vacation within two or three weeks of your initial planning.
- Trip insurance is highly recommended for guests at vacation homes, and especially for those staying during prime hurricane season months (July through November.) Trip insurance can cover the cost of travel expenses, as well as the vacation rental, in case an emergency arises, like a hurricane evacuation, or even a cancellation due to a personal medical emergency. Often offered through an individual property management company, trip insurance is a solid bet for ample peace of mind before and during a stay.
Vacation Rentals are making waves all over the world as the preferred means of accommodations, and they have certainly taken Carolina Beach by storm. On your next vacation, ensure that you have the space, amenities, and stunning location required to enjoy everything there is to love about Carolina Beach by staying at a vacation home.
With options that range from 1 bedroom villas to 9 or more bedroom sandcastles, the world is your perfectly-suited oyster when you peruse and reserve a Carolina Beach vacation rental.
