 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunscreen, Beach bag, Good Book, Bug Repellant, Reef Walker (water shoes), bathing suits, cover-ups (t-shirts, sun dresses, fishing gear, shorts, sandals, hats, sunglasses). Beach towels, Flashlight, hand held VHF (if you have one), snorkel mask, camera, any prescriptions you sometimes need.  2. Should I bring groceries? There are two small grocers in Hope Town and a third convenience store. Large (U.S.-like) grocery shops are in Marsh Harbour and some are open on holidays and Sundays. Ask your taxi driver. Hope Town's two grocers are open 8 am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm Monday - Friday and extending to 7pm on Saturday. Closed Sunday and holidays. We get delivery of food 1 time a week (Thursdays). If it is a busy week for visitors we sometimes run out of milk and eggs but in general you can get the basics. Prices are slightly higher than U.S. due to transportation and duties. Bring any "must-haves." If Junior only eats Coco-Sugar-Krinkles for breakfast, go ahead and throw it in a duffel bag. Gourmet seasonings, Ethnic Cuisine ingredients (we have a little Indian, Greek, Mexican, Chinese in Marsh Harbour). Red meat is limited in Hope Town so if you want a steak with that lobster - Bring the Beef! Beer is pricey at $35.00 a case, but rum is inexpensive. You can bring 12 beers per adult. 3. Is there night life? Several of the waterfront eateries have music December through August - small band or acoustic guitarist or solo keyboardist, etc. usually on the weekends. All live music must stop by 11p.m. There is a pool table with dart board at Harbour's Edge for those 18 years and older. Generally if you have been swimming, boating, snorkeling, fishing, etc. all day there is a desire to SLEEP early. Our night life includes moonlit walks, dinner conversation, a good video and popcorn, playing cards and reading. 4. What is the number one complaint of your guests? A. Packed too many things - You live in your bathing suit and flip flops. We tend to dress down, one of the richest guys here generally has an old t-shirt on (sometimes inside out and occasionally backwards) casual shorts and barefoot. B. We have to go home! The complaint is the stay was too short. Stay at least a week so you can truly relax. 5. Is there Medical Care available? Hope Town has an active fire department and many of the volunteers are skilled in CPR and First Aid. There is a Government Clinic with limited and sporadic hours. There is a large Government Clinic in Marsh Harbour, as well as two private doctors. There is also a pharmacy that can fill U.S prescriptions. Over the counter drugs are available in grocery and drug stores, but be sure to bring filled prescriptions of any medications that you need!. For very serious accidents and illnesses we have charter planes to evacuate to West Palm Beach or an air ambulance from Miami can be called. (You'd better be sick or the bill will make you ILL!) Bring insurance cards. 6. Should I get a boat? Definitely, we do everything by boat, even grocery shopping. We have docks in lieu of parking lots. The area that you will be boating in is fairly protected and you will never be out of sight of land. Your boat rental representative will give you maps and just ask lots of questions. Some folks pick up a boat in Marsh Harbour and bring themselves across. If it is raining, there is always the ferry. BOOK IN ADVANCE as boats always sell out. 7. Should I get a golf cart? Absolutely if you are in a home other than village or Northend. Even though it is basically a short walk - at nights we do not have adequate lighting and the roads can have holes, etc. Plus if you are in a private home on a ridge or a beach, carrying coolers, fishing gear, etc. gets to be a bother but having a quick ride in a golf cart to the boat is great! 8. Should I bring gear or rent? Fishing Gear - Some rentals of light tackle and gear. Serious fisherman should bring it and even bait as we are sometimes limited. Snorkel Gear and Scuba Gear - Some rentals but there is nothing like your own personal stuff that fits, etc. 9. Can I drink the water? We do not have wells or treatment plants for water. Every drop in your house is from heaven above! It is rainwater that is caught on the roof and stored in a cistern below the house. Generally untreated though some people have filters or add minute quantities of chlorine. We suggest buying bottled water for the taste. We do not have a problem with sickness but as one doctor guest put it, "anytime you change your water, your system can get upset...." why chance it for a week? Bottled water is readily available in all stores. Rainwater is soft so less shampoo and conditioner is needed, but no homes include washers/dryers due to the major water conservation we practice here. Owners request no boat washing, clothes washing, wasteful practices to ensure that you do not run out causing an expensive water barge refill. 10. Do you have clothing optional beaches? (I'm asking for my friend, not me!) Most beaches by villages do have an occasional beachcomber, family swimming, etc. So probably not a good idea to disrobe. However once you get in your boat and leave the populated areas there are hundreds of uninhabited cays with pristine beaches and no other people. No one will know or care whether you were with suit or suitless. (I mean your friend). 11. Cancellation Policy, Terms & Conditions *50% Rental Deposit and 10% Security Deposit at time of booking on (Mastercard , Visa, Discover) security deposit will be returned less damages, extra cleaning and missing inventory at caretakers discretion.* Bal due 90 days prior to arrival by cheque made payable to Peggy Thompson mailed to Dept. #51-3660224, P.O. Box 520247, Miami, Fl 33126-0247 .* 10% total resort levy * Rates based on # of persons. * 10% surcharge for holiday periods. * No pets.* NO HOLIDAY arrivals. NO SUNDAY checkins/checkouts. *Accommodations for personal use only-No events or gatherings* Golf cart & boat rentals confirm independently, ensure you have their confirmation. * If your boat requires water/electric, we will advise closest facilities. No live-aboards at homes' docks. *Not all homes include washer/dryer. Read description carefully* Refunds: 100% minus 10% if alternate guests are found. If home does not rebook absolutely no credit. Liable for complete cost of rental. * Check-in 3pm. Check-out 9am. $25 fee for changes to reservation after confirmation The use of homes facilities and premises is at the sole risk of the renter. The renter agrees to hold the Rental Agent and homeowner harmless for any and all liability for personal injury, loss of life and damage to personal property.
12. Does My US Cellular phone work in Abaco? Maybe but probably not. You need to contact your carrier and find out if they have a reciprocal agreement with the Bahamas phone company. (Batelco) Phone Cards are available locally and can be used at your home's phone. 13. Will I have internet access? Some owners offer use of their personal internet service in their homes to their guests. You should bring your laptop because there are lots of hot spots throughout the island. Some paid wireless services are also available and can be arranged once on island. |
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
||
|
© Hope
Town Hideaways |