FAQ’s

Pack, Prepare, and Travel

What should I bring?

Your home is already supplied with:

• Sufficient sheets, towels, pillows and blankets for the usual number of guests
• Dish detergent, laundry soap, toilet paper, paper towels, aluminum foil
• Some condiments and spices
• Dishes, pots, pans, coffee maker, toaster, and (usually) a blender
• Cable or satellite TV, TV with VCR and/or DVD, stereo with CD player (usually)
• Firewood (or pellets) and fire starters

You might want to bring along

• Extra towels if you have full occupancy, AND for beach, pool or spa use
• Any special spices, and cooking pans or utensils, if you plan to prepare a unique dish
• Charcoal for BBQ if applicable (propane is supplied for gas grills)
• High chair, playpen, port-a-crib, safety gate, etc.
• Small pool toys/equipment like goggles, fins, or kid’s floaters (pool access is for Sea Ranch renters only)
• Dramamine

You should definitely bring along:

• Flashlight with fresh batteries (it gets REALLY dark up here)
• Road map for surrounding areas, which you have at least reviewed a bit
• Jackets or sweatshirts for the cool nights and mornings
• Weather-appropriate gear (rain coats, boots, sun visor, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Sense of adventure and excitement, and openness to something new!

You should leave behind:

• Work, worry and pressure
• All pre-conceived expectations…it’s always a bit different here than you thought it would be!
• Alarm clock, Blackberry, laptop, Palm, newspapers, cell…you get the idea.

How do we find you?

Click here for detailed directions.

How far are you from San Francisco? Mendocino?

Approximately from Gualala:

What will the weather be like?

Typically January through March is either stormy or gorgeous. The variations are quite wonderful. April through June are often breezy and sometimes foggy. July and August are fairly foggy as the inland heat pulls in the fog layer over our coastline, though this often burns off in the afternoon. September and October bring the most comfortable vacationing weather with our “Indian” summer. November and December are rainy and stormy as you might imagine.

For detailed weather reports check out weather for our area.

Check In and Check Out

What if we are checking in after hours?

If we do not see you by the time we leave the office, we will put your packet in the drop box at the bottom of our stairs.

Can I have a late check-out or early arrival?

As long as the schedule allows we can usually accommodate some flexibility on your check-in or check-out times BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT ONLY. Please call our office. 707-884-9601

Can I leave the keys at the house when I check out?

We require that the entire packet be brought back to our office at check-out time. If you have extenuating circumstances and need to make other arrangements, please call our office.

What if I realize I left something at the rental house after we check out?

We will gladly try to recover your lost item and ship it back to you for a $10 handling fee plus the cost of shipping. However, we cannot be responsible for any items left behind.

House and Guest Rules

What is your cancellation policy?

As written in our rental agreement:

CANCELLATIONS/MOVING TO A DIFFERENT HOUSE UPON ARRIVAL

With at least fourteen days’ notice of a cancellation, we will refund your deposit LESS a $20 cancellation fee. If you cancel your reservation with less than 14 days’ notice prior to your arrival date, your deposit will be forfeited. With early departure, or cancellation of any of the reserved dates with less than fourteen days’ notice, your deposit will be forfeited, and you will be charged for one-half the cancelled rent amount. If you wish to move to a house other than the one you booked, your initial deposit will be forfeited, and we will require an additional deposit be made on the new house. An additional $30 reservation fee will also be assessed. Should Coasting Home initiate the cancellation of a reservation or a relocation, these forfeiture terms do not apply.

Are children allowed?

Many of our homes allow children, those that have limitations are clearly noted. You can use our category search to find just what you’re looking for.

Are pets allowed in every home?

Pets are allowed in some homes with an additional fee and those are very clearly noted. If you have allergies, please note that we cannot guarantee allergen free homes, though we do our best to make certain that our dog-free homes remain animal free for your comfort. Some homes have had cats in them, please read carefully when choosing your home.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is NEVER allowed in ANYof our homes.

Local “Bests”

Where is the best place to eat?

A complete restaurant listing can be found here. Staff favorites are:

Surf Supermarket salad bar!

Trink’s for lunch.

Bone’s Roadhouse for dinner.

Where are the best beaches?

A list of some of the best beaches to visit can be found here.

Some Things To Do

Which beach is closest to my home?

Check the page your home is listed on to find this information, or call our office. 707-884-9601

What about hiking trails?

See our maps here or pick one up in our office.

Can we see whales?

The best time to see whales is during their migration from Baja California and Alaska, generally during March and April. For ultimate viewing you can charter a local sport fishing boat. Check them out at www.FairChaseSportfishing.com

Where is the nearest theater?

The Historic Arena Theater is located in Point Arena. You can view their site here.

Special Requests

It’s our anniversary/a special occasion…can you put flowers or wine in the home before we arrive?

We would love to help build the surprise for your romantic get-a-way. Just phone us a few days in advance and for a $10 charge plus the cost of wine and/or flowers, we’ll make sure these items are delivered to your rental home. We have many wines to choose from in our local stores including local wines you’ll be delighted to try. We have two florists in town Garden by the Sea 707-884-4223 and Flowers by Natasha 707-884-9414 both of whom make gorgeous bouquets.

I’m planning a big event/wedding…

It’s best, when planning a big event, to give our office a call so that we can help guide you through the process of choosing the best home(s) for your group. If you’d like to have your event at a particular home, we can help with that too. If you’re planning on having your event at one of our local establishments, the following are some you might like to consider:

The Point Arena Lighthouse www.pointarenalightouse.com

Fair Chase Sport Fishing (boat charter)  www.fairchasesportfishing.com

Gualala Baptist Church 707-884-4330

Rev. Donald Heimburger metheim@mcn.org

Gotta-Cook! www.gotta-cook.com

The Sea Ranch Lodge www.searanchlodge.com

Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden www.gardenbythesea.org

St. Orres www.saintorres.com

Gualala Arts Center www.gualalaarts.org

Gualala Community Center 707-884-3179

Annapolis Winery www.annapoliswinery.com

In home massage?…

Donna M Call www.massagetime.biz 707-877-3430

Massage by Sarah McDonough 707-886-1940 / 650-464-4127

Local Spa Services?…(clickable links)

Holly’s Gualala Sea Spa 707-884-1533

Little River Inn Day Spa 888-INN-LOVE

Laurie Bowman 707-799-6651

Catering?…

Gotta-Cook! www.gotta-cook.com

Trink’s 707-884-1713