TERMS AND CONDITIONS ANDSTUFF YOU NEED

Please read this with a sense of humor and realize, it was only a page long,three years ago. These rules are not all inclusive and are updated often. Theyare meant to be FUN and LIGHTHEARTED and all of them are based on real timeinteractions and questions.......but if you have any concerns.... PLEASE justgive us a call and we can fill in any blanks for you. @ 910-328-2171

Q: As far as Towel supplies, how are room rates calculated? 
A: No, room rates are based on two guests over the age of 5 since all use the same number of towels. “Double Occupancy” is how many Motels and Hotels calculate room rates and is an industry standard, it is due to linen cost and facility usage.
Q: What kind of Motel is the Sea Vista?
A: We are a simple old fashioned beach Motel and have been here a very long time. We have survived many storms and have watched thousands of the most glorious sun rises and sunsets you will ever see in your life There is a lot to be said about an old-fashioned quiet getaway which reminds you of simpler times that deep down we all miss (with WIFI of course.... I mean come one we are not barbarians!).
Q: Do your rules change?
 A: All the time, rather they" expand". By booking you agree to everything here which is all commonsense stuff, and you may be amazed that it is even covered here. 
Q: Do you provide towels?
 A: Yes, we do, outpricing is based on two adults per room. YOUR ROOM is only set up for people you tell us are coming.  Please just hang your towel up and use it more than once because that saves Sea Turtles and Hamsters.
Q: Do you have a pool
A: No, due to our proximity to being right on the ocean, we do not have a pool
Q: Do you accept cash?
A: No, we do not. We accept all major credit and debit cards
Q: How old must I be to book?
     A: YOU MUST BE 21 TO BOOK AROOM. ALL RESERVATIONS REQUIREAT LEAST THE RESERVATION HOLDER (over 21 years ofage) to STAY at the MOTEL during the entire reservation. Only RESERVATIONHOLDERS/PAYERS over the age of 21 can check their party into a room. We reservethe right to ask for a valid ID upon check-in. Reservation holders areresponsible for the behavior of all guests staying in that room during theentire reservation. A valid Government ID may be requested upon arrival whenthe keys are given out.
Q: Do you allow dogs? We are likely the most dog friendly place you willever meet! Please bring your fur baby with you! 2 Dogs max per room, no breedrestrictions.
     A: Absolutely, yes, we do. We ask that you do NOT leave your furry companion or your service dog unattended in your room (if it is a little yapper). Service dogs are required to always be with their handlers. Dogs that bark and cause a disturbance will require immediate action on the part of the owners. We usually will call you and ask you to come take care of it. (this does include service dogs). Disruptive Dogs and guests will be asked to leave the property immediately. No refund will begiven.
Q: Can the office look after my Dog or Service Dog when I go for a walk?
     A: No, we are unable to pet sit any animal.
Q: What happens if a dog becomes aggressive (including service dogs)?
     An animal's good behavior is necessary for all guests and other dogs. A Service Dog handler, or any dog owner may be asked to remove service animal if it causes an actual disruption to business, or if its behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
Q: What is your smoking policy?
     A: We are a NON-SMOKING Facility, and smoking is not permitted ANYWHERE, rooms...balconies...walkways. Ifyou choose to smoke in your room or on your balcony, You may be charged asmoking fee up to $250. Please Be respectful of Other guests and children. 
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
     A: See below CANCELLATIONPOLICY: When reservations are made, you are responsible for ALL room chargesunless you cancel at least 7 days prior to your arrival date. Please call ourfront desk team at:(910)-328-2171.  7 Days prior means if you are arrivingon a Monday…. you MUST cancel by the Monday prior. = 7 days We have anextensive weather policy on our website. Visit weather.com and use the10-dayforecast for your trip planning. The "Manager" will never override FrontDesk Team Decisions regarding the cancellation policy. We NO LONGER TAKECANCELLATIONSVIA EMAIL OR VOICE MAIL. Cancellations made by email or voicemailWILL not be processed, however voice mail will be returned promptly. Pleasesimply contact us via telephone to cancel a reservation by calling910-328-2171. 
Q: What are check in and check out times? For 2025
     A: Check-in is after 3:30PMand check-out is AT 10:00 AM. While we will always try to accommodate a latecheckout or early check in, availability by the day varies based on business.
Q: Is the Motel Gated? Do I need a code to get in?
     A: Yes. We have a parking gate now that is down during the day only. You will be given the access code when we call you on your arrival day morning. This gate protects parking for our guests. The gate is UP at night. It is NOT a security gate (I mean, you can walk around it or limbo under it to Jimmy Buffet if you wanted to....it is only down during the day to protect day parking and goes up at night to not be an inconvenience to our in-house guests at nighttime  
Q: Do you still practice any active Covid Precautions?
     A: Our staff and some guests may choose to wear masks. Please allow them to do so. You are solely responsible for your own personal safety and well-being always when on property. Including travel to and from. We are not responsible for your traveler in-house decisions in any way. We offer contactless outdoor check in for those who would prefer it.
Q: Weather and personal accountability
     A: If there is inclement weather, our cancellation policy (please see below) still applies. It is up to you to make the decision on whether it is safe to drive or not. Use the weather forecast to stay in control of your reservation and safety. We do not control the weather or change business because of it. Unless we are ordered to by local government. If that occurs, the information would be shared immediately via local media, government websites and our Facebook Page
Q: Can I bring a Boat or trailer?
     A: Yes…. However, we only have space for two at a time. Please check in with our front desk before you park your boat or trailer for assistance
Q: Do you allow late check-ins?
     A: Yes. If you are arrivingafter 7:00 PM, please call the office before 12 noon (910-328-2171) on the dateof your arrival so we can make arrangements for a late check-in 
Q: When will my credit card get charged?
A: We will charge your card either the morningof arrival OR the night before (depending on how busy we are)
Q: Will you call me the morning of arrival to confirm everything, give me mygate code etc.?
     A: Yes You will be calledthe morning of check-in to confirm your stay and arrival time. Your credit cardwill be charged prior to our calling you. You will not be able to access theparking lot gate until we have successfully charged the card and spoken withyou to give you the gate code. We do not accept cash upon arrival. When we callyou, we will give you specific check-in instructions as well as the gate codeduring that phone call. If you are driving, we will ALWAYS leave you a messageif your phone accepts voicemail. You will have to return our call to get thecode otherwise you will sit out there until we see you and sometimes it can getawkward. 😊Please make sure the phone number on your reservation is acurrent one and is working. You CAN arrive early and park to go out on thebeach. You will still need the gate code to get in and come to the office toget your parking pass and keys.
Q: Do you allow late checkouts or early check ins?
     A: NO. Check in is at 330pmand there are Office is staffed for phone calls 8.30am-730pm daily. We do have VOICEMAIL so you can always leave us a message. Voicemail picks up after 10 rings.  
Q: Do you have Wi-Fi and Cable:
     A: Yes, we do, both…. These are provided as free services.
Q: What about other stuff?
     A: Friendly guides and instructions are in the rooms for a variety of things you might need. You can also ask any member of staff for assistance, and we will happily help you. Please read them carefully. If something is not in your room.... dish soap...pillow...blanket...goat...please just call or knock on the office door. It is usually an EASY FIX! We can replace most items immediately
Q: If there is a storm, what do we do? Is it usually mass hysteria and panic like on the news and stuff?
     A: No. BUT....if you see Jonathan running away from the storm, screaming and singing that song about pixies. It is generally a good idea to get the heck the island as soon as possible. For NAMED STORMS only there's usually a staff member onsite. Not for service, mainly just for comfort. We hand out safety fliers with "experienced safety in storms common sense tips and tricks”. We also have a battery storm lantern for every room if requested. Storms by the beach are awesome…but they are very different to being at home or in the city. They are so incredibly loud and awesome. If you ever have questions, just come to the office, we will reassure you of everything you need to know.  
Q: Do you often lose power during a storm?
     A: Surprisingly, it is quite rare for us to lose power (at all) or for an extended period
Q: What do I do if you lose power?
     A: Please just sit tight and wait as you would do at home.
Q: Do you have AC?
     A. Yes.  Absolutely we do. Each room has its own system for AC and Heat.
Q: Do you ever come into our rooms when we are staying with you?
     A: No, only if you invite us (which would be weird) in or if there is a legitimate maintenance or medical emergency. Otherwise, we will never enter your room without your present. 
Q: Do you provide linens. Beach Towels?
A: Yes, to linens…. but NO to beach towels. Wealso DO NOT PROVIDE BEACH CHAIRS, but these can be rented locally fromdifferent places on the island.LINENS AND GETTING FRESH TOWELS DURING YOUR STAY: The instructions and how to get replacement towels arestapled to your parking pass upon check in and they are also posted in your roomon the back of the door
Q: Do you have Quiet time - 10:00pm. 
A: We ask everyone to respect the quiet time after 10pm as we are a quiet family joint.  

Do you have a 24/7 front desk/7, what are your office hours? A: IMPORTANT: We do NOT have 24-hour office coverage or an overnight "concierge". Please call 911 for personal overnightemergencies. DO NOT lose both your keys, it makes for a long awkward night, especially if you are the one that lost them!  

Q: What are your office hours?
A: May/June/July/August/September Sunday-Thursday 8am-730pm and Friday/Saturday8am-830pm
March/April/November 7 days a week 830am-7pm 

UPDATED Pet Policy2020/2025:  We allow Dogs only. Dogs must be kept on a leash. Most mature dogs are welcome-please no puppies (under 1 year of age); nonaggressive dogs are allowed. We have NO BREED RESTRICTIONS because a good dogis a good dog no matter the greed. The town actively enforces the leash ordinance that they have for the beach. Dogs must be always on a leash when on motel property regardless of the local town ordinance.

DOG FEE: $60 per dog per room stay. 2 dogs per room stay maximum regardless of weight. No exceptions will be made.  See also additional fees ref: Pet Damage (this includes scratches, urine staining, damage to comforters etc.) 

POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL RULES/FEES: SMOKERS: For 2025, Motel Rooms and Balconies are NOW 100% smoke free including balconies and rooms and walkways. Smoking is only allowed anywhere AWAY from the main building. We have a picnic area now set aside with a couple of tables for smokers to sit, or you can smoke away from the main building. Smoking on balconies affects nonsmoking rooms and can ruin people's vacations. No smoking OF ANY SUBSTANCE is allowed on balconies of ANY rooms, and this includes VAPING. A few feet away from smokers on balconies are other guests and children. We may charge a $75 fee for leaving the room in disarrayed condition, these are privately owned homes, we just ask everyone to be respectful. (Please wash all dishes and pans--thank you!). If you do not have all dishwashing supplies at check in, ask the office and we will resupply you. 

Where can I grill?
Please NO grilling or open flame in the rooms OR on the balconies which is afire hazard. WE have multiple grills for everyone to use in front of the property

What if there is damage in my room when I arrive?
Very rarely will this happen however You MUST report any damage in your room at check in....like a missing knife or spoon or broken light bulb or a random squatting Sea Gull. 

THE BIGONE: INCLEMENT WEATHER/THINGSHAPPEN POLICY: Read before booking and by booking you understand and agree to abide by this policy: We have a 7-day minimum cancellation policy otherwise we still charge you. We are located on a three-hundred-yard-wide barrier island on the Carolina Coast. We are 72 feet from the Atlantic Ocean and from there, nothing between us and Europe. Sometimes it is sunny here, beautiful, exotic, tropical almost, or it rains, floods, dogs and cats living together, it might snow, hail, hurricane, mild breeze, drought, dust storm, locusts, meteors, forest fires, pirates, rains of Biblical proportions, mass hysteria, alien invasions, red tides, mutant fish...we even once had an episode of "Turtles gone wild on the beach" filmed here....etc. etc...The policy even applies to election years, times of feast and famine, excessive radiation and planetary disturbance (like Nicholas Cage in that movie "Knowing" or in the "Walking Dead", regardless of Republican or Democratic House or Senate Leadership and will continue to apply until the cows come home. If there is inclement weather, our cancellation policy (please see above) still applies. It is up to you to make the decision on whether it is safe to drive or not. Use the weather forecast to stay in control of your reservation and safety. Everyone on the planet knows about a hurricane or storm at least a week before its arrival so they are rarely a surprise. We do not control the weather or change business because of it. Unless we are ordered to by local government. We do NOT close. Ever. UNLESS.... We are under an EVACUATION ORDER issued by the TOWNOFTOPSAILBEACH ONLY! If the weather is inclement and you CHOOSE not to come, then the7-day cancellation policy still applies. Please use the long-range forecasts onweather.com to help with your booking decisions. Unfortunately, due to repeated abuse and a changing world, we will no longer be able to make exceptions to our cancellation policy. If you must cancel (and stuff just happens we know that), please do so at least 7 days prior to the date of your arrival. If you do not cancel in time, you will still be charged for your stay regardless of whether you come as we will have lost the opportunity to rent your room because of your circumstances.  If you have made it all the way to the end of this, remember, 5 years ago it was only 1 page long (sad)…. you should also go get a hobby fast, as you could have learned pottery or French in the time it took you to read this nonsense. www.seavistamotel.com . We cannot wait to see you at the Sea Vista Motel...we are just old-fashioned common-sense people in a crazy world :-)

Please see our Q&A on our website for other random facts and useless details.

Love, Jonathan (my dogs Brownie, Lilly and Daisy) .... end the entire team at the Sea Vista Motel