You are here

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT TIME IS CHECK IN & CHECK OUT?
Check in is 4:00PM, Check out is 10:00AM (Central Standard Time). Early check in is typically not available during peak season, and may be extended to 6:00PM. Late check out may be available for an additional fee.
HOW & WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS?
You will receive a confirmation email and Guest Portal login when you book. Check-in instructions will come via email 7 days prior to arrival. If you have booked within 7 days of arrival, the check-in instruction email will come immediately. Please be sure we have your correct address in order to receive these important emails. 
HOW DO I GET KEYS?
All of our condos (with the exception of Emerald Towers) have electronic locks or lock boxes so that entry can be gained 24/7. Please keep in mind that all electronic locks are set to open at 4:00PM on day of check in unless prior arrangements have been made through the Reservations Center. Check-in instructions, including door code, will come via email 7 days prior to arrival. If you have booked within 7 days of arrival, the check-in instruction email will come immediately. Please be sure we have your correct address in order to receive these important emails. 
WHAT DO YOU PROVIDE AND WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
All linens and bath towels are provided, as well as, coffee maker, iron, toaster, blender and standard essential items. Panhandle Getaways furnishes a few essential items for guests to utilize until they can get to the grocery store. Initial supplies include: dishwasher soap, small washing machine powder, each bathroom has amenities (like a hotel but NOT restocked) shampoo, conditioner, soap bar and body wash. One roll of toilet paper in each bathroom & one paper towel roll in the kitchen.
IS THERE INTERNET OR WI-FI IN MY VACATION RENTAL?
Each unit is different so please check with your Reservations Team Member to make sure you have the specific requirements that you may need. Most of our units provide FREE Wi-Fi access. About 7 days prior to arrival you will receive an email from Panhandle Getaways with check in instructions that will contain Wi-Fi access information and any username and password information. Please keep in mind that while Wi-Fi services are complimentary it does not guarantee Wi-Fi strength one may be accustomed to at home. Services may be sporadic, intermittent or not available during your stay due to weather conditions, service provider issues or construction at the resort. Panhandle Getaways cannot be held responsible in the event services are not available anytime during your stay.
DO YOU HAVE A LOYALTY PROGRAM?
Panhandle Getaways has partnered with Marriott Bonvoy where you can use your loyalty points to book a stay with us!
SURVEILLANCE DEVICES
Please be aware some homes may have surveillance devices located on the exterior of the home and at entry points to the home. Any home with a surveillance device is noted within content for said home.
WHO DO I CONTACT ONCE I GET THERE IF I HAVE A QUESTION, CONCERN OR MAINTENANCE ISSUE?
  • Text Reservations: 850.588.8125
  • Text Maintenance: 850.502.4899
  • Text Housekeeping: 850.708.1594
DO YOU ALLOW PETS?
We do have several pet friendly (dogs only, no cats at this time) condos. Please check with your Reservation Team Member in the event you want to bring your pet to make sure the condo you're interested in is pet friendly. Owners may have their pets with them at any time as they are registered with the resort so you may see pets in a resort that is not listed at Pet Friendly. Violators will be asked to leave and no refunds will be made.
  • Pet Fee for 2-3 Nights $45.00
  • Pet Fee for 4 nights $60.00
  • Pet Fee for 5-7 Nights $75.00
  • Pet Fee for 30 days $150.00
  • Pet Charge for 31-60 Days (two months) $250.00

A Pet or any evidence of a pet found on the property, that was not previously disclosed by charging you the pet fee, is cause for eviction and forfeiture of rent in addition to additional cleaning charges of $500. The Pet Fee does NOT include any damages done by the pet and will be charged accordingly to the credit card we have on file. Dogs only, non-shedding & under 35lbs unless otherwise approved.

Maximum of 2 dogs - unless previously authorized

SERVICE ANIMALS - Service animals must remain with the owner at all times and may not be left in the home alone at any time.


WHAT FEES ARE INCLUDED WHEN I MAKE MY RESERVATION?
Each unit has a cleaning fee, reservation fee and Florida taxes along with the rental rate. Reservations less than sixty (60) days out will also include a credit card convenience fee of 3.5%. Reservations made outside of 60 days prior to arrival require an initial payment of $325, plus the Trip Insurance amount if applicable. The balance of your reservation is due 60 days prior to arrival. Upon booking, a credit card is required which is kept on file for the final payment of your reservation & for any damages should they occur during your stay. If there are any damages, you will be notified in writing prior to your card being charged. The balance on your account may be paid by eCheck, or credit card sixty (60) days prior to arrival. All credit card transactions will be subject to the same 3.5% convenience fee. Note: We no longer accept checks via mail, personal checks may be used via eCheck. Please do not submit a cashiers check, they will not be accepted.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
Any cancellation on or before the 60 days prior to the agreed upon check in date shall result in the forfeiture of the deposit required for bookings. 

Cancellations within 60 days of the check in date shall result in the forfeiture of all money paid unless trip cancellation insurance has been purchased and it is for a covered reason. Vacation Rental Protection - All questions should be directed to Rental Guardian. https://rg.travelprotection.insure/beach/?idev_id=412 

No refunds for early departures. No refunds or credits will be made to guests for weather related issues or closures, including hurricanes and/or mandatory evacuations. Panhandle Getaways offers guests the ability to purchase vacation travel insurance that may provide coverage under certain specific weather-related circumstances.

DOES PANAMA CITY BEACH HAVE OVERFLOW PARKING?
The city of Panama City Beach currently has three parking lots that are open to the public. Effective October 1, 2022, parking is $2 per hour up to 6 hours or $12.00 for 24 hours. You may utilize these parking lots for a weekly rate, as well, for $84.00.. These lots are located at 9941 Thomas Drive, 600 Henley Drive, and 11117 Front Beach Road. If you have questions regarding the use of these lots, please contact the Public Works office at (850) 233-5100 ext. 2416. Learn More

WHERE ARE THE 30A and PROMINENCE BEACH ACCESS POINTS AND HOW FAR AWAY ARE THEY?

  • Gulf Lakes Beach Access: The Gulf Lakes access is a Walton County beach access located about 1 mile to the East of Prominence. This is a small access and can be easily missed. No parking available.
  • Deer Lake State Park: Deer Lake is located 0.5 miles West of Prominence. While it is popular, there are a few things to keep in mind: There is a small parking area at the access (aprox. $3 for parking) Bathrooms are also available at the access. The walk from the parking area to the beach is a bit longer than most area accesses. IMPORTANT - Because this is a state park, and not a Walton County beach access, alcohol is not allowed. Beach service is not available at this location either.
  • Santa Clara Regional Beach Access: Walton County, ADA approved beach access with lifeguards located near Bramble Grove Road, about 3.5 miles to the west of Prominence.  Parking and bathrooms are also available at the Santa Clara access. 
  • Walton Dunes: 2.5 Miles West of Prominence. There is some roadside parking and no other amenities.
  • Inlet Beach Regional Beach Access: 438 South Orange Street; parking, bathrooms, lifeguards, and ADA ramp accessible. 

VIEW THE 30A BEACH ACCESS MAP


WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE PANHANDLE GETAWAYS FOR MY NEXT VACATION?
We have over thirty years of experience in the vacation rental industry and have serviced 250,000+ guests over the years. Over 80% of our guests are repeat consumers coming back year after year to their favorite vacation rental. Another reason to consider Panhandle Getaways is our incredible team of professionals available to you from start to finish of your beach vacation and always available to assist our guests with any questions or concerns along the way.

WHY BOOK A VACATION HOME OR CONDO OVER A HOTEL STAY?
Vacations are meant for relaxation, fun and should offer every convenience. Vacation Homes and Vacation Condos allow family members to stay together while providing the space for everyone to have their own privacy as well. Fully equipped kitchens offer you the option to have some meals at "home" saving money for excursions and shopping. Most resorts offer amenities unlike many hotels including fitness centers, tennis courts, multiple pools, restaurants, hot tubs and movie theaters.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO UPON DEPARTURE?
Please make sure all trash is removed from the unit. Trash chutes are available on every floor of your resort, usually located at the ends of each building. Please gather all bed linens & towels and leave on the bathroom floor before departing. Please make sure all food is removed from the refrigerator and freezer. For condos with wristbands, amenity keys and parking passes please leave those on your kitchen counter.

Have a question that you don't see answered here? (SEE FULL RENTAL POLICIES)

Send your question to reservations@panhandlegetaways.com and we will get back with you shortly, or feel free to call/text us at 850.588.8125.