Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about booking, payments, policies, and local beaches.
- How do I book the cottage?
- Fill out the contact form at the bottom of the cottage’s page. A guest info sheet will be sent for you to list the number of people staying with you and your dates. You then pay the damage deposit by eTransfer or as a bill payment through your online banking. An invoice, rental agreement (with your names and dates), and an information package with entry details, address, and a list of what to bring will be sent to you.
- When is the cottage considered booked?
- The cottage is booked when the first damage deposit is accepted for any given period. Bookings can happen quickly, and sometimes two deposits arrive the same day. The first deposit received gets priority. We do not hold bookings without a deposit.
- How, when, and to whom do I pay for the cottage?
- Renthuron is a registered Travel Agency licensed by the Province of Ontario and registered with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). All funds collected are placed into a Travel Industry Trust Account and are protected by the Travel Industry Compensation Fund. Payment is made by eTransfer or as a bill payment through your online banking. We will send you the correct name and account number to use.
- How much is the damage deposit and when will I get it back?
- The damage deposit is $500–$1,000, depending on the cottage. It is collected to ensure compliance with the Terms & Conditions of the Rental Agreement and is held in our Travel Industry Trust Account for a short period after your rental. All or part of the deposit may be used for any damage, excessive cleaning, or other non-compliance. The damage deposit is not part of the rental fee.
- What additional fees are there? Taxes, agency fees, cleaning fees?
- The price you see is the price you pay—there are no agency or cleaning fees. Some cottages add HST to the rent, and a 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax applies to Grand Bend area cottages.
- What times are check-in and check-out?
- Most cottages offer 4 p.m. check-in and 10 a.m. check-out for weekly rentals, and 4 p.m. check-in and check-out on weekends (Friday and Sunday).
- Weekend rentals: Can I rent a cottage for the weekend?
- Most cottages can be rented by the weekend during the low season. During June, July, August, and part of September, most cottages rent by the week only.
- How far is the beach?
- Unless the cottage is lakefront, most are within a 5‑minute walk to the beach. Some have beach views from the front door, and many let you hear the waves at night.
- Are there stairs to the beach?
- In and around Grand Bend, most beaches do not require stairs. Farther north along Lake Huron, some beaches sit below low bluffs and are accessed by wooden steps with viewing platforms.
- What is the beach like?
- Beach conditions are not guaranteed. If you are concerned, please ask about current conditions. Most beaches are sandy along the shoreline; some have round pebbles followed by sandy bottoms with shallow access—great for swimming and water sports. Water levels on the Great Lakes follow seasonal cycles and can affect beach conditions.
- Do we need to bring sheets and towels?
- In most cases, yes. Some cottages have linens available for an extra fee.
- Are there activities for the kids nearby?
- Yes. Bayfield and Grand Bend have water parks, playgrounds, and other recreational opportunities.
- Can we bring our dog?
- Some cottages allow pets—please ask.
- It says the cottage sleeps 5. Can we bring 8 people?
- No. The posted occupancy is the maximum. Reasons include septic system capacity, number of beds, and driveway parking limits. Most cottages do not allow tents or trailers. For larger groups, book a larger cottage or two cottages.
- How old do I have to be to rent the cottage?
- Insurance restrictions limit rental guests to families and groups of mature adults.