Frequently Asked Questions | Royal Shell
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Frequently Asked Questions

PROPERTY CONFIGURATION

  • Do you offer handicap accessible vacations rentals?

    No, we do not. However, we do offer some homes and condos that are ground level or provide elevators for easy access.

  • Is smoking permitted?

    No.

  • Do you have pet friendly properties?

    Yes, we do offer a selection of pet-friendly accommodations for an additional non-refundable pet fee.

  • Do you offer event homes?

    Yes, we do offer a selection of event homes. All events will include an additional non-refundable event fee and refundable security deposit. Event fees and security deposits are property specific.

AMENITIES

  • Do all of the properties provide beach equipment?

    While beach equipment may be provided in some properties, it is not provided in every property. Beach equipment may be rented through several local vendors.

  • Do all of the properties provide beach towels?

    No. However, you may rent beach towels through Royal Shell Vacations for $3.00 per towel for the duration of your stay. Please remember to leave beach towels in the property when you check out. A fee will be charged for each missing beach towel.

  • Are bicycles provided with Royal Shell properties?

    While bicycles may be provided in some properties, they are not provided in every property. Bikes may be rented through several local vendors.

  • Are there kayaks or canoes included with Royal Shell properties?

    Kayaks or canoes may be provided at some properties but they are not provided with every property. Water sports equipment may be rented through several local vendors.

  • Are linens provided with Royal Shell properties?

    Yes.

  • Are the kitchens fully stocked with pots and pans?

    Yes.

  • Are barbecue grills available at the property?

    While grills may be provided at some properties, they are not provided at every property.

  • Do all of the properties provide washers and dryers?

    While washers and dryers may be provided in some properties, they are not provided in every property.

  • What amenities are accessible to Royal Shell guests at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, South Seas Island Resort, or Sanibel Harbour Resort?

    Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

    • Beach
    • Community pool near your building
    • Barbecue grills
    • Tennis and Pickleball are available a la carte including court time, lessons, round robins and clinics
    • Free parking
    • Wi-Fi in your rental property
    • Resort restaurants include Sea Breeze Cafe, Shima, Turtles Pool and Beach Bar, and Slice of Paradice Pizza
    • Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa and Boutique is on the second floor of the main lobby. Visit www.kaycasperson.com.
    • Sanibel Sea School classes. Visit www.sanibelseaschool.org.
    • Bailey’s Marketplace. Visit www.baileys-sanibel.com.
    South Seas Island Resort
    • Beach
    • Pool near your condominium
    • Barbecue grill near your condominium
    • Tennis court
    Sanibel Harbour Resort
    • Fitness facility
    • Sauna
    • Steam room
    • Indoor pool
    • Tennis courts
    If you purchase a service at The Spa at Sanibel Harbour, you may use the entire facility – sauna, fitness, and indoor pool – for the rest of that day. Daily and weekly passes are available at the Spa’s front desk.

  • Are cribs or rollaway beds provided at Royal Shell properties?

    No.

  • What is provided in the Welcome Starter Kit?

    • Two rolls of toilet paper per restroom
    • One box of tissue per restroom
    • One small facial/bath soap per restroom
    • One roll of paper towels in the kitchen
    • Seven dishwasher detergent pods
    • One small bottle of liquid dish soap
    • One pot scrub pad
    • Several trash bags per receptacle
    • Two to four appropriate laundry machine soap pods if the unit has a washer and dryer

LOCATION

  • Is parking free?

    Parking at our rental properties is complimentary for guests occupying the unit. Free parking may be available at our check-in locations on a first-come, first-served basis for additional cars. Motor homes, boat trailers, travel trailers, Jet Skis, etc., are not allowed at the rental properties. There are local facilities that can provide parking for these vehicles.

  • Where can I purchase groceries on the Island?

    There are two grocery stores that also provide grocery delivery:
    (1) Jerry’s Foods of Sanibel, 1700 Periwinkle Way (at the Casa Ybel Road intersection), 239.472.9300.
    (2) Bailey’s General Store, 2477 Periwinkle Way (end of Periwinkle Way at Tarpon Bay Road intersection), 239.472.1516.

  • Is snorkeling available in Southwest Florida?

    Yes. There are more than a dozen artificial reefs that lie within a 15-mile radius of Sanibel and Captiva making our barrier islands great for snorkeling and scuba diving.

  • Is there a local trolley on Sanibel to go around the island?

    There is not a local trolley that provides this service. Most visitors enjoy using bicycles to navigate the island. Bikes may be rented through several local vendors.

  • Can we purchase a beach parking pass if we’re here for a month or more?

    Beach Access Parking Permits are available at the Sanibel Recreation Center: 239.472.0345.

  • Can we purchase a temporary bridge pass?

    LeeWay provides prepaid toll and transponder options for your upcoming visit. LeeWay: 239.931.0100.

POLICY

  • What are the check-in/check-out times?

    Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. for condos, and 4:00 p.m. for houses. Check-out time is 10:00 a.m.

  • What is the after-hours check-in procedure?

    There are after-hours lockboxes at each check-in location. Please refer to your email confirmation for the lockbox code and instructions at your specific key pick-up location.

  • Are early check-in and late check-out requests available?

    Early check-in and late check-out times may be requested but are not guaranteed. If a late check-out request is granted, the time will be extended to 12:00 p.m. and an additional fee will be charged as follows:
    Condominiums: $50
    Homes: $100
    Departures later than the allotted 12:00 p.m. check-out time will require a full day payment.

  • Is there a limit of how many pets are allowed in the property?

    Yes. Limits depend on the property owners’ or homeowners association’s rules.

  • Are there breed restrictions in pet friendly units?

    Only some properties have breed restrictions.

  • What is the minimum age to rent a property?

    Guests must be at least 25 years old to check in.

  • Are guests notified of evacuations due to a hurricane or other natural disaster?

    Yes.

  • What is the damage waiver and is it refundable?

    The damage waiver covers you for up to $3,000 of accidental damage to the unit, and it is non-refundable.

  • Is the deposit refundable?

    The 20% deposit goes toward the full payment of your reservation and is not refundable.

  • Are parking passes required for Royal Shell rental properties?

  • Can rental property parking passes be used in public beach parking areas?

    No, they cannot.

  • What is the cancellation policy?

    Cancellations made before 90 days prior to the date of arrival will receive a refund of all funds collected, with the exception of our $50 cancellation fee and nonrefundable reservation fee for that property. Cancellations made within 90 days prior to arrival will result in the forfeiture of all funds collected up until the time of cancellation. If the rental property is re-booked for the same dates and rate, then a partial refund may be applicable. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by email to info@royalshell.com.

    *This cancellation policy is for vacation rentals. If your booking requires a lease agreement this cancellation policy will not apply. Please refer to your lease agreement for the appropriate cancellation policy.*

  • Can odd-date and/or short stays be reserved at any Royal Shell property?

    Only select properties are allowed 3- and 4-night minimum-length stays. Most of our inventory requires a 7-night, 14-night, or 28-night minimum length of stay.

  • Are arrival and departure days restricted to just Saturdays?

    Most of our properties rent Saturday to Saturday, with the exception of some properties including Bonita Beach & Tennis properties and Sanibel Harbour condominiums.

  • Are visitors allowed at Royal Shell properties?

    You may have visitors as long as you let the front desk know that they are arriving and how long they will be staying.

  • May I have more people in the property than the maximum number listed?

    No. Due to safety concerns, we can only allow a certain number of occupants in a unit. Guests are allowed to have visitors beyond the maximum occupancy only if the visitors are not sleeping there overnight.

  • What does travel insurance cover?

    It covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage delay, roadside assistance, emergency assistance, on-demand medical care, identity theft resolution services, and concierge services. CSA Travel Insurance also offers a 10-day free look at the policy. If you are not happy with the coverage, you may cancel the policy with a full refund, as long as you have not already left for your trip or filed a claim.

  • Does travel insurance cover all members of the travel party?

    Yes, travel insurance does cover all members of your travel party.

  • Will I be refunded if my stay is cut short or cancelled due to a hurricane?

    No, but if you have travel insurance, you may file a claim with that participating agency in the event of a mandatory evacuation order.

  • What happens if the property I am renting is sold or leaves the program prior to my reservation dates?

    We will do our best to find comparable accommodations for you. However, if there is a price difference associated with the new property, then the guest will be responsible for paying that difference. If that is not an option, the guest will be eligible for a full refund.

  • Do infants or children count in occupancy if they sleep in a crib or with the parents?

    Yes. Even though infants may not sleep in a bed, they are still included in the occupancy numbers due to safety concerns and rules of occupancy.

  • Why are homes rented monthly on Sanibel? 

    Homes are rented monthly on Sanibel to comply with Sanibel’s City Codes and Ordinances.

PROCEDURES

  • Where do we pick up keys?

    Pick up your keys at the designated Royal Shell office indicated in your emailed confirmation letter.

  • How do we pre-register online?

    To pre-register online, click on the link and enter the email address you gave us when you made your reservation as well as your confirmation number, then follow through to register. Pre-registration must be done from a computer. Mobile devices such as cell phones and tablets are not compatible devices.

  • May we view the property prior to making a reservation?

    You may view the property on our Royal Shell website or you may call Royal Shell and we will be happy to send you a link to the property

  • What are the instructions for late arrivals?

    Each check-in location has different instructions for late arrival. Please review your confirmation letter for exact instructions.

  • Can another member of my party obtain my key packet if they arrive before me?

    Yes, another member of your family or party may pick up your welcome packet. You do need to call or email Royal Shell to provide their name and your party member will have to provide government-issued identification when they arrive to pick it up.

  • What are my responsibilities in the property at the time of check-out?

    Please note that check out time is at 10:00 a.m. on your designated check-out date. Before you leave, please take care of a few things to help our housekeeping staff prepare for the next guests.

    • Please remove all trash and put it into the designated trash bin or dumpster.
    • Please load all dishes into the dishwasher, add a dishwasher soap pod and press start as you are walking out the door.
    • Please make sure all windows and sliding glass doors are closed.
    • Please return your keys to the office where you obtained them.
    • An express check-out box is located at the check-in location for those checking out before we open at 8:30 a.m.
    A Guest Survey will be emailed to you after your departure. Please take a moment to fill out the survey. Your comments are important to us.

  • If I want to ship something ahead of time, to where do I send it?

    If you would like to ship something you may send it to your designated office address. Send it to Royal Shell C/O your name and your reservation number. We will note your file so the office team knows you are expecting a package. If you want us to deliver the package to you, there is a small charge.

SERVICES

  • Are daily maid or housekeeping services provided?

    Daily maid service is not provided but we can request that service from an outside vendor for an additional cost.

  • What are your hours of operation?

    Royal Shell offices are open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our Call Center is open seven days a week: Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We also have on-call agents to assist should an emergency arise after our offices have closed.

  • Are there any discounts from car rental companies when booking with Royal Shell?

    Yes. We have partnered with Enterprise car rentals and our guests are offered a 5% discount.

  • Does Royal Shell provide a shuttle service to and from the airport?

    We do not offer a shuttle service. There are several local agencies that provide transportation services for an additional cost.

  • Can I have groceries delivered to my rental property?

    Yes. If you are staying on the island, you may contact Jerry’s Foods of Sanibel or Bailey’s General Store for grocery delivery. When you place your order, please provide them with the information they need along with your reservation number. They will contact us to schedule a delivery drop-off time prior to your arrival.

PRICING AND PAYMENT

  • Can we add travel insurance?

    Yes, for an additional cost based upon your total reservation amount. CSA Travel Insurance must be purchased prior to making your final balance payment.

  • Do you accept credit cards for payment?

    Yes. We accept all major credit cards for payment.

  • Do you accept checks?

    Yes. We accept personal checks, money orders, and e-checks for final payment.

  • To where do we mail checks and to whom should they be made payable?

    Checks may be made payable to Royal Shell Vacations and mailed to us at our Corporate Office:
    7290 College Parkway, Suite 400
    Fort Myers, FL 33907

  • Does Royal Shell provide discounts for AAA or active military?

    No, we do not.

  • Is there a discount for Rollover guests?

    No, there is not.

  • When is the final payment due?

    Final payment is due either 30 or 60 days prior to arrival, depending upon the reservation’s total revenue and length of stay, or within 30 days of a last-minute booking.

  • Are there any hidden fees after I reserve the property?

    No. All fees and taxes are included in the grand total.

  • Is there a security deposit?

    We do not collect refundable security deposits. However, there is a nonrefundable damage waiver that provides payment for accidental damages up to $3,000 that may occur while you occupy the property.

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