FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BOOKING & CANCELLATIONS
How do I book Mulberry Pines?
Click on the "BOOK NOW" link in the upper right and click on either the Houfy, Airbnb, or VRBO logo to book through our booking partners. Houfy acts as our "direct booking" partner where you pay no fees to book directly with us.
What if circumstances force me to cancel?
Our policy states that for cancellations made at least 30 days prior to the arrival date a guest would receive a full refund. For cancellations made within between 30 days and 14 days of arrival date a guess would receive a 50% refund. Any cancellation within 14 days of arrival date will not receive any refund.
What are your minimum stay requirements?
During peak season, from after Memorial Day up to Labor day, there is a 7 day minimum stay. Check-in and check-out take place on Fridays.
Outside peak seasons, minimum stays are typically 2 days. Some holidays, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, as well as certain shoulder season weekends may require a 3 day stay.
What are your payment terms?
We require 100% down to make your reservation.
CHECK-IN/ CHECK-OUT
What times are check-in and check-out?
Check-in is 4 pm on the day of arrival. Check-out is 11 am on the day of departure.
Can I get an early check-in or late check-out?
During the peak season, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, we cannot offer early check-in or late check-out. We need the full time between turnovers to thoroughly clean the house.
Outside peak season, this may be a possibility. If we can, we are happy to offer early check-in / late check out, up to two hours, as a courtesy free of charge.
What is the Check-in process?
We have a self-check in process using the keypad on the front door. Three days prior to your stay you will receive your unique door lock code to be used during your stay beginning at 4pm on the day of your arrival.
What is the Check-out process?
Check out is at 11am. Please make sure to do the following before you leave:
1. Collect trash from the trash cans in the kitchen and two bathrooms. Put in the black garbage bin next to the garage or blue bin if you are recycling paper, plastic, or glass.
2. Do not remake your beds, we have a full cleaning and linen service. Leave all towels and linens on the bed or in the bathroom.
3. Place dirty dishes in the dishwasher and begin a new cycle.
4. Let us know if any minor damage occurred.
5. Lock all doors and windows and let us know when you have left.
AMENITIES/ ABOUT THE HOUE
How far is Mulberry Pines from the beach?
We are about a 15 min walk to Douglas beach (or 3 min drive and 5 min bike ride) or a 5 min drive to Oval Beach.
How far is Mulberry Pines from downtown Saugatuck and Douglas? Can we ride our bikes?
We are about a 6 min drive to downtown Saugatuck and 4 min drive to downtown Douglas. We highly encourage biking in the summer as parking in the downtown area can get challenging. We are a 7 min bike ride to downtown Douglas and 10 min bike ride to downtown Saugatuck.
Do you have wi-fi at the house?
Yes, we have ultra high speed wireless internet with speeds up to 900 mbps. We routinely work remote from Mulberry Pines and have no issues with video calls or streaming video content.
Do I need to bring my kitchen equipment or knives?
The kitchen is extremely well equipped, and can host dinners for the full capacity of the house, with some to spare. Unless you have very unique needs (please ask in advance if in doubt), we should have what you need.
Do you have Cribs, Hi-Chairs, Roll-a-ways and other items available or to rent?
We do not have baby gear in the house, but we partner with BabyQuip for rentals of baby gear. Use this link to view gear available to rent in the area.
Do we need to provide our own linens, towels, and toiletries?
Beds will be made up with fresh, clean linens for your arrival and the bathrooms will be stocked with bath towels, including blue/white striped towels for thee beach/hot tub. We also provide hand soap, lotion, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. Please bring any other personal care items needed. Reference our stay checklist at this link for a full list of items.
Are pots & pans / toilet paper / coffee / etc. provided?
Any items you find in a normal household will be at the property for your use. This includes appliances, coffee maker, linens and towels, cutlery, pots, pans, etc. We will provide paper and cleaning items including toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, and dryer sheets. We also provide coffee and tea during your stay and have a cabinet stocked with salt, pepper, and basic spices. Reference our stay checklist at this link for a full list of items.
What are the grocery store options?
There is a SuperValue in Douglas which is only a 3 min drive from the house.
The largest full service grocery stores are Meijer and Walmart in South Haven, about a 17 minute drive.
From June through September, on Fridays 9am-3pm, there is a Farmers Market in Saugatuck, at Saugatuck Center For the Arts.
For Organic Food, there is a Nature's Market in Holland, MI, about 20-25min away. Also in Holland, there is a Meijer, Target, and Walmart, all 20-25min away.
There is a Sam's Club in Holland about 20 min away and a Costco in Grandville (near Grand Rapids), about 35min away.
Do we need to bring firewood for the indoor fireplace or outdoor fire pit?
We provide a starter bundle of firewood outside next to the fire pit and a Duraflame log for the indoor fire place. If you need more, you can purchase at the SuperValue in Douglas or the various convenience stores along Blue Star Highway.
Can we use the hot tub year round? How often is it cleaned?
Yes, our hot tub is open year round to a steamy 100° degrees+ ! It is cleaned weekly by our property manager.
Is there daily Housekeeping?
We do not provide daily housekeeping refreshes. Should you desire these services; arrangements can be made prior to your stay for an additional fee.
Is there Central A/C and Heat?
Yes, Mulberry Pines has both Central A/C and Heat controlled by a Nest Thermostat. During the summer, we also have a portable A/C unit in the Loft Bedroom in case it gets too warm. All windows and most doors have screens and can be left open at night.
Are there TV's? Do you have cable?
Yes, there are TV's in the Living Room, Primary Bedroom, and Loft Bedroom. Each TV is a Smart TV and you can log into various streaming services. We provide access to YouTube TV as our cable service with access to over 85+ channels.
Is there a sound system in the house?
Yes, we have a Sonos whole home sound system with speakers throughout the house. You can control the music using the tablet located on the entryway table. Speakers are only located inside. If you want music outside you will need to bring a portable speaker.
Is there a grill available for use?
Yes, we have a large propane Weber grill in the backyard available for use during your stay. Propane will be full. If you run out, the property manager will bring more.
Where can I park?
In the front of the house is a long driveway that has parking spaces for 3 cars; two in the parking area and one in front of the garage. There is no street parking on the main street.
Do you have a lawn service?
Yes, during the months of April to November, we have a weekly lawn mowing and leaf blowing service. The day of the week varies due to weather, but only takes about 30 min.
How often is the Hot Tub serviced?
Our local property manager cleans and services the hot tub on a weekly basis to ensure the right chemical balance and cleanliness.
HOUE RULES
Can I bring my pet with me?
As much as we love and care for our pets, Mulberry Pines is not pet friendly. We know what an inconvenience this can be and we can recommend local kennels who will care for your pet while you stay with us.
Do you allow babies?
Yes, we do allow infants, babies, and toddlers. The house does not have any precautions in place for babies (i.e. electrical outlet covers, stairs gates, cabinet locks, etc.) and guests are expected to bring or rent their own equipment as needed.
Do you allow smoking?
There is NO SMOKING inside Mulberry Pines. If we find that you have smoked in one of our homes, there will be a minimum $500 "deep cleaning" fee charged.
Do you allow events, such as weddings or parties?
Mulberry Pines is not suitable for events, such as weddings, rehearsal dinners or parties. Mulberry Pines is in a quiet, residential neighborhood, and cannot support the parking and noise associated with events.
Do you have quiet hours for outside?
Yes, we kindly as all guests to limit outdoor noise during the hours of 12AM-7AM. Fee free to enjoy the outdoors at any hour, but limit loud noises during these hours. Mulberry Pines is located in a neighborhood of full time residents , other Short Term Renters, and a Hotel. Please be respectful of our neighbors.
Do you require a rental agreement to book Mulberry Pines?
Yes, we require a rental agreement that can be signed electronically if you are booking through Houfy. This takes a few minutes, and can be done on a phone, tablet, or computer. We ask that all people that are staying at the property be identified on the lease. The principal rental must be 21 years old, and be able to verity this with a valid government ID, upon request. For Airbnb and VRBO, there is no rental agreement.
HEALTH & SAFETY
What should we do in case of an emergency?
Always call 911 first in case of an emergency. The Saugatuck Township Fire Department is a 5 min drive from the house located at 3342 Blue Star Hwy. Saugatuck does not have a dedicated Police Department, emergencies are serviced by the Allegan Country Sheriff's Department
Is Mulberry Pines have fire safety procedures in place?
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in every bedroom and in hallways. There are fire extinguishers that are serviced yearly in the kitchen, loft bedroom, and living room by the fire place. Emergency exit procedures are posted on the wall in the kitchen and loft bedroom. Mulberry Pines is required to be inspected by the Saugatuck Fire Department every 3 years.
Where is the closest pharmacy and Hospital?
The closest Pharmacy is located in downtown Saugatuck, a 7 min drive
Saugatuck Drug Store
201 Butler St,
Saugatuck, MI 49453
The closest 24 hour pharmacy is located in Holland, ~25 min drive
CVS Pharmacy
132 Douglas Ave,
Holland, MI 49424
The closest hospital is located in Holland, ~20 min drive from the house
Holland Hospital
02 Michigan Ave
Holland, MI 49423
A first aid kit is located in the vanity drawer of the Primary Bathroom.
What are your Winter Weather Procedures?
During the winter months, we have a plow service that plows the driveway and parking area. We also shovel and salt to the front door. We provide a shovel and salt should you need to use it during your stay. The City of Saugatuck and Douglas do a great job clearing the roads and you shouldn't have a problem accessing the property?
Will we see Wildlife during our stay?
While we are relatively close to town, we still get quite a bit of wildlife! On almost a daily basis you will see deer walking through the yard or gathered in the woods to the left of the house. Please watch out at night while driving as the deer are very active year round. Routinely we also see wild turkeys, rabbits, and lots of birds and squirrels. Sometimes we get a visit from our neighborhood Raccoon, "Reba", but she tends to shy away from people and actually does a pretty good job of jumping in the trash can and eating what she wants without leaving trash outside the can :).
How do I book Mulberry Pines?
Click on the "BOOK NOW" link in the upper right and click on either the Houfy, Airbnb, or VRBO logo to book through our booking partners. Houfy acts as our "direct booking" partner where you pay no fees to book directly with us.
What if circumstances force me to cancel?
Our policy states that for cancellations made at least 30 days prior to the arrival date a guest would receive a full refund. For cancellations made within between 30 days and 14 days of arrival date a guess would receive a 50% refund. Any cancellation within 14 days of arrival date will not receive any refund.
What are your minimum stay requirements?
During peak season, from after Memorial Day up to Labor day, there is a 7 day minimum stay. Check-in and check-out take place on Fridays.
Outside peak seasons, minimum stays are typically 2 days. Some holidays, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, as well as certain shoulder season weekends may require a 3 day stay.
What are your payment terms?
We require 100% down to make your reservation.
CHECK-IN/ CHECK-OUT
What times are check-in and check-out?
Check-in is 4 pm on the day of arrival. Check-out is 11 am on the day of departure.
Can I get an early check-in or late check-out?
During the peak season, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, we cannot offer early check-in or late check-out. We need the full time between turnovers to thoroughly clean the house.
Outside peak season, this may be a possibility. If we can, we are happy to offer early check-in / late check out, up to two hours, as a courtesy free of charge.
What is the Check-in process?
We have a self-check in process using the keypad on the front door. Three days prior to your stay you will receive your unique door lock code to be used during your stay beginning at 4pm on the day of your arrival.
What is the Check-out process?
Check out is at 11am. Please make sure to do the following before you leave:
1. Collect trash from the trash cans in the kitchen and two bathrooms. Put in the black garbage bin next to the garage or blue bin if you are recycling paper, plastic, or glass.
2. Do not remake your beds, we have a full cleaning and linen service. Leave all towels and linens on the bed or in the bathroom.
3. Place dirty dishes in the dishwasher and begin a new cycle.
4. Let us know if any minor damage occurred.
5. Lock all doors and windows and let us know when you have left.
AMENITIES/ ABOUT THE HOUE
How far is Mulberry Pines from the beach?
We are about a 15 min walk to Douglas beach (or 3 min drive and 5 min bike ride) or a 5 min drive to Oval Beach.
How far is Mulberry Pines from downtown Saugatuck and Douglas? Can we ride our bikes?
We are about a 6 min drive to downtown Saugatuck and 4 min drive to downtown Douglas. We highly encourage biking in the summer as parking in the downtown area can get challenging. We are a 7 min bike ride to downtown Douglas and 10 min bike ride to downtown Saugatuck.
Do you have wi-fi at the house?
Yes, we have ultra high speed wireless internet with speeds up to 900 mbps. We routinely work remote from Mulberry Pines and have no issues with video calls or streaming video content.
Do I need to bring my kitchen equipment or knives?
The kitchen is extremely well equipped, and can host dinners for the full capacity of the house, with some to spare. Unless you have very unique needs (please ask in advance if in doubt), we should have what you need.
Do you have Cribs, Hi-Chairs, Roll-a-ways and other items available or to rent?
We do not have baby gear in the house, but we partner with BabyQuip for rentals of baby gear. Use this link to view gear available to rent in the area.
Do we need to provide our own linens, towels, and toiletries?
Beds will be made up with fresh, clean linens for your arrival and the bathrooms will be stocked with bath towels, including blue/white striped towels for thee beach/hot tub. We also provide hand soap, lotion, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. Please bring any other personal care items needed. Reference our stay checklist at this link for a full list of items.
Are pots & pans / toilet paper / coffee / etc. provided?
Any items you find in a normal household will be at the property for your use. This includes appliances, coffee maker, linens and towels, cutlery, pots, pans, etc. We will provide paper and cleaning items including toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, and dryer sheets. We also provide coffee and tea during your stay and have a cabinet stocked with salt, pepper, and basic spices. Reference our stay checklist at this link for a full list of items.
What are the grocery store options?
There is a SuperValue in Douglas which is only a 3 min drive from the house.
The largest full service grocery stores are Meijer and Walmart in South Haven, about a 17 minute drive.
From June through September, on Fridays 9am-3pm, there is a Farmers Market in Saugatuck, at Saugatuck Center For the Arts.
For Organic Food, there is a Nature's Market in Holland, MI, about 20-25min away. Also in Holland, there is a Meijer, Target, and Walmart, all 20-25min away.
There is a Sam's Club in Holland about 20 min away and a Costco in Grandville (near Grand Rapids), about 35min away.
Do we need to bring firewood for the indoor fireplace or outdoor fire pit?
We provide a starter bundle of firewood outside next to the fire pit and a Duraflame log for the indoor fire place. If you need more, you can purchase at the SuperValue in Douglas or the various convenience stores along Blue Star Highway.
Can we use the hot tub year round? How often is it cleaned?
Yes, our hot tub is open year round to a steamy 100° degrees+ ! It is cleaned weekly by our property manager.
Is there daily Housekeeping?
We do not provide daily housekeeping refreshes. Should you desire these services; arrangements can be made prior to your stay for an additional fee.
Is there Central A/C and Heat?
Yes, Mulberry Pines has both Central A/C and Heat controlled by a Nest Thermostat. During the summer, we also have a portable A/C unit in the Loft Bedroom in case it gets too warm. All windows and most doors have screens and can be left open at night.
Are there TV's? Do you have cable?
Yes, there are TV's in the Living Room, Primary Bedroom, and Loft Bedroom. Each TV is a Smart TV and you can log into various streaming services. We provide access to YouTube TV as our cable service with access to over 85+ channels.
Is there a sound system in the house?
Yes, we have a Sonos whole home sound system with speakers throughout the house. You can control the music using the tablet located on the entryway table. Speakers are only located inside. If you want music outside you will need to bring a portable speaker.
Is there a grill available for use?
Yes, we have a large propane Weber grill in the backyard available for use during your stay. Propane will be full. If you run out, the property manager will bring more.
Where can I park?
In the front of the house is a long driveway that has parking spaces for 3 cars; two in the parking area and one in front of the garage. There is no street parking on the main street.
Do you have a lawn service?
Yes, during the months of April to November, we have a weekly lawn mowing and leaf blowing service. The day of the week varies due to weather, but only takes about 30 min.
How often is the Hot Tub serviced?
Our local property manager cleans and services the hot tub on a weekly basis to ensure the right chemical balance and cleanliness.
HOUE RULES
Can I bring my pet with me?
As much as we love and care for our pets, Mulberry Pines is not pet friendly. We know what an inconvenience this can be and we can recommend local kennels who will care for your pet while you stay with us.
Do you allow babies?
Yes, we do allow infants, babies, and toddlers. The house does not have any precautions in place for babies (i.e. electrical outlet covers, stairs gates, cabinet locks, etc.) and guests are expected to bring or rent their own equipment as needed.
Do you allow smoking?
There is NO SMOKING inside Mulberry Pines. If we find that you have smoked in one of our homes, there will be a minimum $500 "deep cleaning" fee charged.
Do you allow events, such as weddings or parties?
Mulberry Pines is not suitable for events, such as weddings, rehearsal dinners or parties. Mulberry Pines is in a quiet, residential neighborhood, and cannot support the parking and noise associated with events.
Do you have quiet hours for outside?
Yes, we kindly as all guests to limit outdoor noise during the hours of 12AM-7AM. Fee free to enjoy the outdoors at any hour, but limit loud noises during these hours. Mulberry Pines is located in a neighborhood of full time residents , other Short Term Renters, and a Hotel. Please be respectful of our neighbors.
Do you require a rental agreement to book Mulberry Pines?
Yes, we require a rental agreement that can be signed electronically if you are booking through Houfy. This takes a few minutes, and can be done on a phone, tablet, or computer. We ask that all people that are staying at the property be identified on the lease. The principal rental must be 21 years old, and be able to verity this with a valid government ID, upon request. For Airbnb and VRBO, there is no rental agreement.
HEALTH & SAFETY
What should we do in case of an emergency?
Always call 911 first in case of an emergency. The Saugatuck Township Fire Department is a 5 min drive from the house located at 3342 Blue Star Hwy. Saugatuck does not have a dedicated Police Department, emergencies are serviced by the Allegan Country Sheriff's Department
Is Mulberry Pines have fire safety procedures in place?
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in every bedroom and in hallways. There are fire extinguishers that are serviced yearly in the kitchen, loft bedroom, and living room by the fire place. Emergency exit procedures are posted on the wall in the kitchen and loft bedroom. Mulberry Pines is required to be inspected by the Saugatuck Fire Department every 3 years.
Where is the closest pharmacy and Hospital?
The closest Pharmacy is located in downtown Saugatuck, a 7 min drive
Saugatuck Drug Store
201 Butler St,
Saugatuck, MI 49453
The closest 24 hour pharmacy is located in Holland, ~25 min drive
CVS Pharmacy
132 Douglas Ave,
Holland, MI 49424
The closest hospital is located in Holland, ~20 min drive from the house
Holland Hospital
02 Michigan Ave
Holland, MI 49423
A first aid kit is located in the vanity drawer of the Primary Bathroom.
What are your Winter Weather Procedures?
During the winter months, we have a plow service that plows the driveway and parking area. We also shovel and salt to the front door. We provide a shovel and salt should you need to use it during your stay. The City of Saugatuck and Douglas do a great job clearing the roads and you shouldn't have a problem accessing the property?
Will we see Wildlife during our stay?
While we are relatively close to town, we still get quite a bit of wildlife! On almost a daily basis you will see deer walking through the yard or gathered in the woods to the left of the house. Please watch out at night while driving as the deer are very active year round. Routinely we also see wild turkeys, rabbits, and lots of birds and squirrels. Sometimes we get a visit from our neighborhood Raccoon, "Reba", but she tends to shy away from people and actually does a pretty good job of jumping in the trash can and eating what she wants without leaving trash outside the can :).