Frequently Asked Questions....
This is a list of FAQs we have compiled to help you plan for your trip.
Have a question you don't see here? Call us and ask.
FIRST....Why Isle of Palms?
Is The Ocean Inn an actual "Inn"?
How far is it to Charleston?
Is there WIFI?
Do you provide beach chairs and umbrellas?
Can I park a boat / trailer in the parking lot?
Can I park a golf cart in the parking lot?
Is parking provided?
We are all travelling in our own cars. How many cars can park in the lot?
Do you provide pack 'n play, high chairs or other baby equipment?
Can I get groceries delivered prior to my arrival?
Are parking passes provided?
Can I park a golf cart in the parking lot?
Where can I rent a golf cart?
Is a vehicle required once I arrive?
What are some resources for what to do during my stay?
Do you provide cleaning services during my stay?
Are bed linens and towels provided?
I have a service animal. Can he stay for free?
Will I be able to see a turtle nest hatch?
Why do package stores have big red dots on them? (And...what does it mean to "make a stop at the RED DOT?")
FIRST.....Why Isle of Palms?
The vacation rental business is a growing segment, especially here in Charleston where Conde Naste travel has voted Charleston the #1 vacation destination in the U.S. (for many years in a row) and Travel & Leisure polls placed Charleston #2 in the WORLD.
http://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/cities
Here on the Isle of Palms, we are a short 20 minute drive to all of the wonderful things Charleston has to offer but you are away from the downtown crowds. It stands to reason why "Isle of Palms hotels" is a top search on Google.
Is The Ocean Inn an actual "Inn"?
"Back in the day" The Ocean Inn was a motel. It was later converted to condominiums. All condos are privately owned, decorated, and managed. Many of the properties are listed on rental sites such as VRBO or HomeAway. Because The Ocean Inn is not an Inn, per se, we do not have the flexibility a hotel might have regarding cancellations. In addition, we do not provide onsite services such as cleaning, supplies, or towel replacement during your stay.
How far is it to Charleston?
It will take you at least 20 minutes to get from the IOP side of the connector to any parking lot downtown. You'll then want to allow time to walk to your destination. Traffic gets heavy on the Ravanel Bridge in the morning and afternoon so you may want to plan accordingly. Try using an app such as Waze to find the fastest route to get where you are going.
Is there cable TV and free WIFI?
Yes. Comcast Cable provides cable TV to all properties. WIFI password will be provided in your arrival paperwork. If a property has a designated wifi or a wifi booster, the password will be provided in the unit.
Do you provide beach chairs and umbrellas?
Due to space, only some of our properties provide beach chairs and umbrellas. But have no fear - you can find beach chairs for purchase at almost every grocery store! There are also several rental companies on the island that will deliver your chairs and umbrella to your favorite spot on the beach every day. There are several places on the island that can provide this service. One of them, IOP Beach Chair Co., is a walk over to the next parking lot. There you will also find bikes and beach games. Here are links to a couple others:
Can I park a boat / trailer in the parking lot?
No. No trailers of any kind are permitted in our lot.
Is parking for vehicles provided?
Yes. We offer free parking for up to two vehicles per unit. You may park your vehicle in a designated parking spot. Spots are not reserved. You may or may not find a spot close to your condo. Spaces are first-come, first served. Some spaces are difficult to get in and out of with a large truck but there are plenty of other spots.
We are all travelling in our own cars. How many cars can park in the lot?
No more than 2 vehicles per condo are permitted in the lot. You MAY NOT transfer your pass to a vehicle belonging to someone not registered as a guest at our property. Visitor cars and extra vehicles cana be parked next door in the municipal lot. Get there early in the summer - it fills up quickly.
Do you provide pack 'n play, high chairs or other baby equipment?
If it isnt in the individual listing details then the property does not provide these items. There are companies that you may rent these from. They will have them in your condo upon arrival and will come pick them up after you depart.
http://charlestonbabysaway.com
Can I get groceries delivered prior to my arrival?
YES! This service is one of the best services ever, especially if you will be arriving late in the day.
https://www.groceriesahead.com
Are parking passes required?
Yes. All vehicles must have a visible parking pass in the window to avoid being towed from our lot. Parking passes are provided in arrival information. There are also passes in the condo if you forget to bring them.
Can I park a golf cart in the parking lot?
Yes. You may park a golf cart in any designated parking spot. You will need a parking pass that can be attached to the windshield. Please inquire if this is needed. Golf carts are handy on the island but there are laws associated with parking and driving on roads that you will want to be familiar with. Golf carts require a designated parking space anywhere they park.
Where can I rent a golf cart?
We do not recommend specific companies for any kinds of rental equipment but here is a list of a few we found on the internet:
www.isleofpalmsgolfcartrentals.com
https://lightningbugzrentals.com
Is a vehicle required once I arrive?
Maybe not. If you will not have a car you will be able to find all you need within walking distance. Restaurants, grocery, liquer store...all are within a short walk.
What are some resources for what to do during my stay?
I always recommend reaching out to the Charleston Visitor's Bureau to get a copy of their visitor's guide. Their website is www.charlestoncvb.com
Here are some links to a few other helpful and fun resources:
https://travelerofcharleston.com
Do you provide cleaning services during my stay?
We do not provide any onsite services such as cleaning, laundry, or replenishement of supplies.
Are bed linens and towels provided?
Of course! The bed will be made with clean fresh linens and a set of towels will be provided to each guest. We try not to be wasteful by putting lots of extra towels out - but we do provide extras in your condo for when the need arises.
I have a service animal. Can he stay for free?
Service animals are always welcome in all properties! Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.
There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal. Therefore, no paperwork will be requested or accepted as proof of certification. It is legal, however, for the owner to be asked the following: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? You can expect these two questions when asking to waive a pet fee for your service dog.
Other important things to note: The pet policy will still apply in terms of damages and picking up after the animal. The service animal must be in control of the owner at all times on the property. The service animal must never be left alone in the property at any time, for any reason, without the owner. A barking dog left alone in the condo will not be considered a "service animal" by definition and will incur pet fees associated with the stay.
Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under ADA laws and may not stay without payment of a pet fee.
See the following ADA guidelines for information: https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html
Will I be able to see a turtle nest hatch?
Maybe! If you check out the Turtle Team web page from time to time, they may host an educational time to watch a turtle nest "boil" as they call it. It is really an amazing thing to watch!
http://www.iop.net/turtle-team
Why do package stores have big red dots on them? (And...what does it mean to "make a stop at the RED DOT?")
Here's a great article about the RED DOT:
https://www.robertfmoss.com/features/Why-Do-South-Carolina-Liquor-Stores-Have-Red-Dots
When you say you're going to "make a stop at the RED DOT", it means you're stopping at the liquor store!