FAQ

1. What are check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM at all of our homes. Early check-in and late check-out are never guaranteed, but please ask. If no one is checking in or out that day, we’ll check with our crew. Any time change must be approved by Sarah.

2. How do I get in?

All of our homes have keyless entry. Your door code and a welcome guide with directions and house details are sent before your arrival.

3. Is there a minimum stay?

Yes. Standard minimums are 2 nights at Majestica, Splashing at the Bluff, Dolphin View A and Oasis, and 3 nights at Tanasi Lodge, Dolphin View B and the Beachfront Duplex. Minimums can be longer in peak season and on holidays (August is usually 3 nights), and summer stays at the Beachfront Duplex are Saturday to Saturday.

4. How many guests can each home sleep?

Tanasi Lodge sleeps 30, Majestica 28, the Beachfront Duplex 27, Splashing at the Bluff 22, Dolphin View A 14, Dolphin View B 13, and Oasis Unit 2201 10.

5. Is there a security deposit?

Yes. A refundable hold is placed on your card, not a charge: $1,500 for Tanasi, Majestica, Splashing and the Beachfront Duplex, $900 for Dolphin View A or B, and $300 for Oasis. The hold is released after check-out once the home has been inspected.

6. What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel more than 30 days before arrival for a full refund. Cancel 30 to 15 days before arrival for a 50% refund. There are no refunds within 14 days of arrival. 50% is due at booking and the balance 30 days before arrival. Reservations booked before October 20, 2026 keep their original terms. See our Cancellation Policy page for details. Airbnb and Vrbo bookings follow that platform’s policy.

7. Can we host a wedding or event?

Tanasi Lodge welcomes weddings and events, with a $1,500 event fee added to the reservation. Splashing at the Bluff allows small events but not weddings. Our other homes don’t host weddings. Ask us about your plans before booking.

8. Is smoking allowed?

No. All of our homes are non-smoking inside. Evidence of smoking or tampering with smoke detectors carries a $350 deep-cleaning fee.

9. How does parking work?

• Tanasi Lodge: about 10 vehicles. A 4x4 is recommended in snow or ice.
• Majestica: 8–10 vehicles.
• Splashing at the Bluff: 4–5 vehicles. No trailers or street parking (HOA rules).
• Dolphin View A and B: up to 3 vehicles per side. Large SUVs and trucks may not fit under the carport.
• Oasis: parking passes are bought from The Oasis front desk on arrival, at $60 per vehicle per stay, 2 vehicles max, along with the required guest wristbands. We register you with The Oasis before you arrive.

10. What’s provided?

Bed linens, bath towels, a fully equipped kitchen and a starter supply of toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, soap and dishwasher detergent. For longer stays, please plan to buy more. Beach towels are provided at our Gulf Coast homes. Beach chairs are not provided, but you can rent them from Ike’s Beach Service.

11. Anything special about the mountain homes?

Yes, bears live in the Smokies. Please keep all trash in the bear-proof bins, lock your cars, and don’t leave food in vehicles. Majestica and Splashing at the Bluff are in The Summit on Bluff Mountain, where quiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM.

12. How many vacation homes does Avara Stays have, and where are they?

Avara Stays has seven bookable vacation rental listings. In Sevierville, TN, near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg: Tanasi Lodge (10 bedrooms, sleeps 30), Majestica Lodge (6 bedrooms plus a nursery, sleeps 28) and Splashing at the Bluff (6 bedrooms plus a nursery, sleeps 22). In Gulf Shores, AL: Dolphin View Duplex A (4 bedrooms, sleeps 14), Dolphin View Duplex B (4 bedrooms, sleeps 13) and the Beachfront Duplex, which is Dolphin View A and B booked together (8 bedrooms, sleeps 27). In Orange Beach, AL: Oasis Unit 2201 (4 bedrooms, sleeps 10).

13. How many bedrooms and bathrooms does each home have?

Tanasi Lodge: 10 bedrooms and 8 baths. Majestica Lodge: 6 bedrooms plus a nursery, with 6 full and 2 half baths. Splashing at the Bluff: 6 bedrooms plus a nursery, with 5.5 baths. Dolphin View Duplex A: 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Dolphin View Duplex B: 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Beachfront Duplex (Dolphin View A + B): 8 bedrooms and 6 baths. Oasis Unit 2201: 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths.

14. Which Avara Stays home is best for a large group?

Tanasi Lodge sleeps 30, Majestica Lodge sleeps 28 and the Beachfront Duplex on the Gulf Coast sleeps 27. Tanasi Lodge is the home that welcomes weddings and events.

15. Which homes are on the beach?

Dolphin View Duplex A, Dolphin View Duplex B and the Beachfront Duplex (both sides together) are beachfront in Gulf Shores, AL, with a beach reserved for Dolphin View guests. Oasis Unit 2201 is a Gulf-front condo at The Oasis in Orange Beach, AL.

16. Do any homes have a pool, swim spa or hot tub?

Majestica Lodge has a private outdoor pool. Splashing at the Bluff has a private heated indoor swim spa and a hot tub for two. The Dolphin View duplex homes have an inground pool. Tanasi Lodge has a large outdoor hot tub, and guests can use the Honeysuckle Meadows pool two miles away. Oasis Unit 2201 guests can use The Oasis resort pools.

17. Are pets allowed?

Tanasi Lodge, Dolphin View Duplex A, Dolphin View Duplex B and the Beachfront Duplex welcome 1 dog under 20 lb per home or side, with prior approval. Pets are not allowed at Majestica Lodge, Splashing at the Bluff or Oasis Unit 2201.

18. How do I book direct with Avara Stays?

Choose a home on avarastays.com, enter your dates in the booking panel on its page and send your request. For questions before booking, email host@avarastays.com.