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Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Cabin Policies

We invite you to visit and enjoy the wonderful Great Smoky Mountains. The following information will help you plan and prepare for your vacation. Please read the following information regarding your reservation. We have a very user-friendly reservations system. To learn more, just click on any of the following links or give us a call.

Reservation Policy

You must be at least 21 years (and for 3 bedrooms and larger cabins, 25) or older to rent a cabin; a photo ID is required upon arrival. Rental Agent reserves the right to refuse rental to any individual or group. No Fraternity or Sorority groups allowed in cabins of any size under any circumstances and absolutely no house parties. It is a crime to obtain this rental property under false pretenses. The use of premises shall not be as such to disturb or offend neighbors. Rental Agent reserves the right to terminate this Agreement and ask disruptive guests to vacate the premises without issuing a refund. We must have a signed copy of this Rental Agreement prior to occupying the rented cabin. Please be advised rental investment properties are individually owned. On rare occasions, cabin rental investment properties are sold and management responsibilities are transferred. Rental Agent reserves the right to move your reservation to a comparable property if necessary due to previously described scenario or if a problem with the original property prohibits guests from occupying the unit. Rental rates and specials may change, but you agree to be bound by the rates and specials in effect at the time of reserving the cabin. Communication about a reservation, even after departure, must only be with the guest named on the reservation.

Minimum Stays

We have a minimum 2-night stay on most reservations; however, during certain time periods in the year, minimum nights required may be more. Exceptions will be made if nights rented fall between two other reservations and the minimum number of nights are not possible. Type of reservation cannot be booked online and must be booked by calling our office at 866-429-0955. Please Note: In observance of these two national holidays, no reservations will be scheduled for arrival on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day!

Deposits & Final Payments (1-5 Bedroom Cabins)

All deposits are non-refundable for any reason. For cancellation information, refer to the heading “Cancellations and Early Departures.” Payment in full to secure reservation is required no less than 15 days prior to arrival. If guest(s) would like final payment to be charged to any other credit card, other than the one the reservation is made with, then it is the guest(s)’ responsibility to phone in the other payments or make alternative arrangements on or before 15 days prior to arrival. Otherwise, we will automatically charge the balance due to the original credit card on file. If unable to charge balance due to credit card on file, we will make every effort to contact guest for final payment, as reservations not paid in full at least 15 days prior to arrival, are subject to cancellation without notice or refund. If reservation is made within 15 days of arrival, the entire balance is still required and will be charged in full at the time of booking.

Deposits & Final Payments (6 Bedroom Cabins and Larger)

All deposits are non-refundable for any reason. For cancellation information, refer to the heading “Cancellations and Early Departures.” Payment in full to secure reservation is required no less than 60 days prior to arrival. If guest(s) would like final payment to be charged to any other credit card, other than the one the reservation is made with, then it is the guest(s)’ responsibility to phone in the other payments or make alternative arrangements on or before 60 days prior to arrival. Otherwise, we will automatically charge the balance due to the original credit card on file. If unable to charge balance due to credit card on file, we will make every effort to contact guest for final payment, as reservations not paid in full at least 60 days prior to arrival, are subject to cancellation without notice or refund. If reservation is made within 60 days of arrival, the entire balance is still required and will be charged in full at the time of booking.

Cancellations and Early Departures

You have the option to purchase a Reservation Guarantee. The guarantee amount is 8% of your total reservation and enables you to receive either a refund or reschedule (less the 8% guarantee amount and applicable tax). In order to receive a refund, you must cancel the reservation at least 15 days prior to arrival (for 1-5 bedroom cabins) and 60 days prior to arrival (for 6 bedroom and larger). Once inside the 15 days (for 1-5 bedrooms) and 60 days (for 6 bedroom and larger), you may still cancel the reservation. However, the paid amount (less the reservation guarantee and applicable tax) will be placed in an interest-bearing escrow account and must be applied to a new reservation which dates fall within one year from date of cancellation. Once the one year time frame has expired, all monies paid will be forfeited. In addition, please be sure to utilize the entire amount, as any portion not used is non-refundable and will be lost. Please note when booking your new reservation, you will again have the option to purchase the Reservation Guarantee; HOWEVER, the guarantee would only allow you to reschedule again should the need arise. It would not allow you to receive a refund. The Reservation Guarantee amount will be based on the new reservation total. Without the Reservation Guarantee, no refunds or reschedules will be allowed. Unfortunately, we can not offer refunds for early departures for any reason including weather and/or road conditions.

Changes to Reservations

You may make one date or cabin change to your reservation without penalty. Additional changes will result in a $25 charge. Any change must be made prior to 15 days of arrival for 1-5 bedroom cabins and 90-days of arrival for 6 bedrooms and larger. Once inside this time frame no changes can be made.

Check-In Procedures

Check-in begins after 4:00 PM. Please note: Hearthside Cabin Rentals/Alpine Chalet & Cabin Rentals do NOT guarantee check-in time. Due to our high standards of cleanliness, the possibility of unforeseen circumstances, and/or on particularly heavy arrival dates, check-in times could be delayed. We ask for your patience and suggest you have alternate plans for a few hours in case your unit is not ready for the targeted time. The guest named on the reservation must check-in, unless prior arrangements have been established. If you need to check-in after our office has closed (Hours are 9:00 AM-9:00 PM), you MUST pre-register (sign all credit card payments and supply a copy of your drivers license) to obtain the keycode to the cabin. Please inform our office if you plan to arrive after business hours.

Express Check-In

Express Check-In means you will have direct access to the directions for your cabin on the day of arrival versus checking in at our office (check in times still apply). To qualify for EXPRESS CHECK-IN, you must have completed and signed each document in the reservation packet which includes: All Credit Card Receipts, Reservation Agreement, Cabin Rental Policy Overview, Pool Procedure and Agreement (for cabins with pools), and we must have a copy of a valid driver’s license on file. To complete these forms, you can electronically sign for each once you receive your confirmation email. Please look within your confirmation email for the link. Or you can print, sign, and fax back each document to us at: 865-429-7252. **If you have booked your reservation inside of 72-hours of arrival, you are not eligible for express check in and must come to our office to check in.

Check-Out Procedures

Check-out time is 10:00 AM (EST) and is strictly enforced. Unless prior arrangements have been made, any guest who does not vacate the rental cabin by 10:00 AM will be assessed a late check-out fee at the rate of $100 per hour. The check-out procedures are simple:

  • The night before, please place all dirty dishes in dishwasher and start it. This will allow you to put the clean dishes away on your departure morning.
  • Place all trash in receptacle and lock it.
  • All furniture returned to its original location.
  • Turn off all lights and small appliances.
  • Ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked.

**Please respect check-out time as we need the time to prepare the cabin for the next family’s arrival.**

Directions & Access to Cabin

Once you have obtained directions to the cabin (please see above headings entitled “Check In Procedures” and “Express Check-In”), please follow our written directions more than anything you download on the internet or GPS. We are more familiar with the location of our cabins and the details of these mountains. Many of our mountain roads do not appear on Map Quest. (Please see heading entitled ”Mountain Roads” for additional information). A key is provided to your rental unit in a lock box (unless your rental unit has an electronic keyless door lock). It is required to leave the key in the lock box after each use. Should an emergency arise, it is imperative the property be accessible. If the key is unavailable should access be needed to your cabin, you will be charged no less than $50. Any lost keys will result in a $50 charge as well.

2-Hour Guarantee:

We offer a two-hour guarantee from the time you arrive to your cabin to inspect your rental unit. Please make sure everything is to your satisfaction. If you find any conditions you need to report as unsatisfactory or damaged, please do so at that time. If the cabin is not as you expected or you are unhappy, we will try to move you to another property or reach a reasonable compromise. After the first two hours, it is assumed you are accepting the accommodations as satisfactory, and there will be no refunds or adjustments to your bill for any reason.

Fees

In accordance with our commitment to excellence and the Sevier County Health Department, all hot tubs are cleaned and treated prior to each arrival. All cabins are cleaned and inspected prior to each arrival as well. Therefore, a departure cleaning fee is charged to each reservation.

  • Each reservation is charged an Administrative fee based on cabin size. This fee covers processing expenses, credit card processing fee, etc.
  • If reserving a cabin with a private swimming pool, pool fee will be added to the reservation, to help with the cost associated in maintaining a private swimming pool.
  • Damage Waiver Fee: For 1-5 bedroom cabins, the fee will assist you up to $500 in accidental damages. For 6 bedroom and larger cabins, the fee will assist you up to $1,000 in accidental damages. This is an optional fee for 1 and 2 bedroom units; however, this fee is required on all 3 bedrooms and larger. This is non-refundable and damages must be reported to the office. Damages not reported will not be covered by the damage waiver.

Acceptable Forms of Payment

Guest is responsible for all rental rates, taxes, and fees. We accept VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AND AMERICAN EXPRESS, as well as, travelers’ checks, cashier checks, and money orders. Personal, business, or church checks will not be accepted unless received at least 30 days prior to arrival. Returned checks will result in a $25 fee.

Tax-Exempt Reservations

A Tennessee tax-exempt certificate (for those in State of TN) or a 501c3 tax-exempt certificate (for those out-of-state) must be provided by any group wishing to claim tax exemption. WE CANNOT ACCEPT AN OUT-OF-STATE TAX FORM. To obtain the out-of-state 501c3 certificate, please contact the Nashville, TN IRS Office at 800-342-1003. It takes 7-14 days for the IRS to approve a new application for tax exempt status. For these types of reservations, several criteria must be met as required by the state of Tennessee: (1) The reservation must be made in the name of the organization. (2) Payments must be made by a form of payment showing the organization’s name (i.e. credit card issued to organization or check with name of organization {so long as it is received 30 days prior to arrival}). Please be aware we are required to ensure these types of reservations are paid with funds from the organization and as such we must provide proof to the state documenting these payment types. (3) The group name on the tax-exempt certificate must match all of the above. Request for tax-exemption must be made at the time of booking. A valid tax-exemption certificate (as stated above) must be submitted to the Rental Agent no less than 10 days after reservation has been made.

Confirmation

Confirmation of the reservation will be emailed upon receipt of deposit to email address provided to Hearthside Cabin Rentals/Alpine Chalet & Cabin Rentals. Guest(s) should review their confirmation email for accuracy of dates, mailing address, and accommodations. Guest(s) should notify us at 866-429-0955 of any discrepancies in the reservation immediately upon receiving the confirmation email.

Accommodations

All vacation rentals are individually owned. Each property reflects the cabin owner’s preferences. Hearthside Cabin Rentals/Alpine Chalet & Cabin Rentals cannot be held responsible for any changes made by the owners in furnishings or amenities supplied. All guests shall inspect and be familiar with the proper use and application of all items in the cabin prior to using them. Also, please note some of the cabins are equipped with actual security cameras and some are equipped with decoys. The cameras are only located on the outside of the cabin. Neither Hearthside Cabin Rentals/ Alpine Chalet & Cabin Rentals nor the cabin owner guarantees the cabin you rent is equipped with a live operating camera or other security device.

Cabin Supplies

Each rental unit is provided with a complimentary STARTER supply of bed linens, towels, wash cloths, bath soap, toilet tissue, paper towels, garbage bags, dishwashing liquid, and detergent for dishwasher. We do not provide extras at our office after your check-in. Please refresh your soiled linens using the cabin rental unit’s washer and dryer (laundry detergent not provided), or you may bring your soiled linens to our office and exchange them for fresh linens. WE DO NOT PROVIDE DAILY MAID SERVICE.

Suggested Items to Bring

Additional rolls of toilet paper and paper towels (you are supplied with a starter roll in each bathroom and one roll of paper towels in kitchen), laundry detergent, additional dishwasher tabs or detergent, beach towels for use of hot tub and/or pool, charcoal for grill (please check amenity list for you unit if it has a charcoal or gas grill. Propane is provided for gas grills), aluminum foil, coffee filters, salt and pepper, coffee, plastic wrap, and extra blankets if more than one per bed is desired.

Important Notice

Guest(s) payments may or may not be held in an interest-bearing Escrow Account with all interest proceeds going to Blevins Property Management, LLC. Dba Hearthside Cabin Rentals/ Alpine Chalet & Cabin Rentals pursuant to the provisions of the Tennessee Code Annotated 62-13-104(b)(3), Subdivision (D)(i)

Hold Harmless Agreement

The guest(s) agree to indemnify and hold Hearthside Cabin Rentals/Alpine Chalet & Cabin Rentals and/or the cabin owner(s) harmless from any and all claims, including those of third parties, arising out of or in any way related to a guest’s use of the premises or the items of personal property provided therein. All guests assume the risk of injury, death, or other losses related to any recreational activities or use of the premises and will hold owner and its agents harmless with respect thereto. You agree to hold the cabin owner and Hearthside Cabin Rentals/ Alpine Chalet & Cabin Rentals free and clear of any liability or compensation for damage to self or property, resulting from accident, injury, death, or loss of enjoyment resulting from weather or inoperable appliances, amenities, and/or equipment (including hot tub, Jacuzzi, Internet access, barbecue grills, electronic games, water, heat and air, i.e.).

Damages and Excessive Cleaning

Guest agrees to leave the cabin in an undamaged condition. Guest understands they are solely responsible for and assume all liability for any damages to the cabin during their stay. In the event of damage, theft, or the need for excessive cleaning guest authorizes Rental Agent to charge credit card on file to cover the expense to bring the cabin back to original state during their arrival. If damages are considered excessive, we will contact our local police authorities to report the damages as vandalism. At this point a police report will be recorded as this would now be considered a crime. Should the guest dispute the charges or the credit limit on the credit/debit card on file is not sufficient to cover the damages/theft/cleaning, Rental Agent reserves the right to charge the guest with vandalism and/or pursue collection from the guest with venue being in the county of Sevier, in the state of Tennessee and/or pursue legal action for criminal offense. All reasonable attorney fees will be at the expense of the guest if collection becomes necessary. Any damages or problems not reported by guests upon arrival will be charged to the guest. Any accident or damage to cabin or personal property must be reported within 24-hours of occurrence.

Group Responsibilities

We require a group leader and/or chaperone to be present with the group at all times while at the cabin. Noise is to be kept at a reasonable level since other guests may be staying in nearby cabins. At our discretion, we may require and arrange for a security service to patrol your cabin. We will attempt to notify you if this becomes necessary, and your group will be charged for this service at $150 per night per cabin. In the event any complaints are received about the group as a whole, or about an individual within the group, you will receive only 1 warning from our company during your entire visit. Continued complaints will result in eviction without refund. The group is responsible for all damage to the cabin incurred by any member(s). If damage occurs, you will be charged not only for the repairs/replacements as previously described above, but you will also be charged for any refunds or adjustments we are forced to make to other guests’ due to the behavior of your group member(s). The amount involved is completely separate from the master account and you give full authorization to charge the credit on file, or agree to provide us with payment via other means should this card decline.

Observance of Quiet Hours

We take the disturbance of any guests very seriously. We want you to enjoy your stay but not at the expense of ruining your neighbor’s vacation. Please observe quiet hours beginning at 10:00 PM and ending at 9:00 AM. If a noise complaint is received about your group, you will receive only 1 warning. If after that warning another complaint is received, you will be evicted from the property without any refund. In cases where we deem extreme disruptive behavior has occurred, no warning will be issued, and you will be evicted immediately without any refund. We will not tolerate guests who do not respect others.

Pets & Smoking

Smoking is NOT permitted inside ANY of the cabins. Smoking is permitted outside on the deck only. Please do not dispose cigarettes on cabin property grounds. Some of our rental units allow for pet dogs. Please keep in mind each rental unit is an individually owned rental investment property, so please be courteous and treat the unit as you would your own ensuring your pet dog(s) do as well. For dogs, up to 35 lbs, there is a $55 pet fee per dog. For dogs over 35 lbs, there is a $75 pet fee per dog (2 dogs is the maximum allowed in any unit). Dogs MUST be crated when left alone in cabin. Leaving your dog in a room with the door shut is not an agreeable or acceptable practice. Accidental damage waiver does not cover damages if dog is left un-crated. Be advised that smoking and UN-registered pets are strictly forbidden in ALL cabins for safety reasons. Additional fees will be assessed for violations of this policy.

Pools, Spas, Saunas

Please consult a physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of pool, spa, and/or sauna. Please use at your own risk. Outdoor pools are open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Hot Tubs

In accordance with the Sevier County Health Department, all hot tubs are cleaned and treated prior to your arrival. Because of the cleaning involved, the water may not be warm until later in the evening of your arrival. Please note hot tub usage is at your own risk. Please leave the bromine floating device in the hot tub at all times as this helps to continue sanitizing the water during usage. Please leave the hot tub cover on the hot tub when not in use. There are health risks associated with the use of hot tubs, and you should consult your physician if using one is right for you. Please shower with soap and water before and after using the hot tub as some lotions, deodorants, perfumes, etc. mixed with the hot tub chemicals can cause a skin rash. Rental Agent assumes no responsibility for any occurrence associated with hot tub usage. Guests with heart disease, diabetes, high or low-blood pressure, or any serious illness and pregnant women should not enter the hot tub. Guests with skin, ear, genital or other body infections, open sores, or wounds should not us the hot tub due to the possibility of spreading infection. Children under the age 12 are prohibited from using hot tub unless accompanied and supervised by their legal guardian. If any residue from items such as bath products, food, alcohol, etc. is found in the hot tub, guests will be charged a cleaning fee no less than $100. DO NOT SIT OR STAND ON THE HOT TUB COVER. If it breaks, you will be charged the cost of replacing it. A hot tub cover’s cost will depend on size and typically ranges from $350 to $500.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces are seasonal amenities and are not operational from April through September. Gas logs are not to be rearranged for any reason. A $200 minimum charge will be added for those who damage the logs by rearranging them. Occasionally fireplaces need repairs. We do not offer any refunds or relocations for them being out of order. We will certainly make every effort to repair and/or restore the use of fireplace. Fire wood is NOT provided for wood burning fireplaces due to County Health Regulations beyond our control. You may purchase firewood from a local convenient store or the local Walmart or grocery stores.

Maintenance Issues

Rental Agent performs regular maintenance on all cabins and makes every effort to keep all amenities in good working order. As in any home, appliances, hot tubs, A/C and heating units, water, electricity, telephone, satellites, internet access, fireplaces, etc. may malfunction on occasion. While we cannot offer refunds or discounts for such malfunctions, we will make every effort to correct any deficiencies as quickly as possible during regular business hours. Please report all maintenance issues immediately by contacting our office at 865-429-0955. Please be respectful that emergencies take precedence over non-emergency issues. We provide after-hour service for emergencies only, such as lack of power, heat, air, water, severe leaks, accidents, and cabin lock-outs.

Housekeeping

Each cabin is thoroughly cleaned prior to arrival. We do not offer daily maid service. A starter set of linens, towels, soap supplies, toilet paper, and paper towels is provided. Washer/dryer units are provided for guests to wash linens or towels as needed. Upon arrival, please report any damage or housekeeping issues.

Inclement Weather & General Refund Policies

We will do everything we can to make sure your cabin is ready for you. As in any home, malfunctions occasionally happen. No refunds will be issued for non-working amenities, malfunctions in equipment, early departures, or for any weather or road related conditions. If weather permits you from leaving on your scheduled check out day, you will be responsible for the additional night(s) rent. Please see section entitled “Cancellations and Early Departures” for additional information.

Power Outages

Sometimes in the mountains, we experience power outages due to passing storms. If you are staying in a cabin when the power quits working and the cabin is on a well, you will not have water until the power is restored as wells require electricity to work. Having an extra gallon or two of water available is always a good idea. You can at least have something to drink, be able to flush the commode, and be able to wash your hands during the outage. Being prepared can make all the difference. If you do experience a power outage during your stay you may contact our office. Or for faster service you can contact the Sevier County Electric Company at 865-774-6300 to report the problem and obtain more information.

Wildlife & Pest Control

Your vacation rental is treated once a month for insects. Unfortunately, on rare occasions, these creatures still find their way indoors. While we cannot refund any monies for insects, we will take the appropriate measures to correct the problem. In the Smoky Mountains, there are a number of animals and wildlife species you may encounter. It is imperative that you DO NOT FEED ANY ANIMALS you come in contact with. Feeding animals directly or by not securing your trash cans may result in body injury or death.

Mountain Roads

We do not guarantee any road surface conditions. Most roads in our area are well maintained, but they are curvy and steep. Some units may have gravel driveways or roads. While these roads are routinely maintained, they may be bumpy at times. In the late fall, winter, and early spring, it is not uncommon to occasionally have hazardous road conditions. It is recommended that all guests have four-wheel drive and/or tire chains during these seasons. We do not refund due to road conditions. You are responsible for your transportation. We cannot provide transportation or assistance for vehicles who have become stuck. We are not equipped with the proper equipment to provide this service and will contact a tow company on your behalf. We are not responsible for any towing charges you may incur during your stay. Many roads are too difficult to maneuver a trailer. If you are pulling a trailer please ask our staff if the roads to your cabin will allow it and/or if there is enough parking. For local road conditions, please call: State Hwy Department 877-404-3028 or Local 865-436-5181.

Lost or Stolen Items

Rental Agent is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Guest items which are found will be returned to our office. Items can be returned at guests’ expense. ALL firearms left in cabin will be handed over to our local law enforcement agency. You will have to contact them to retrieve your firearm. Absolutely no firearms will be shipped to any guest.

Fireworks

The use of Fireworks/Firearms at your cabin is absolutely prohibited. This will result in immediate eviction without refund.