Q. Do I need to bring linens and towels?
A. Linens and towels (quantity to meet the occupancy level) are provided. We recommend you bring beach towels.
Q. What should I bring for my stay?
A. We suggest bringing items that may not be found standard in the rental property: hair dryer, an iron, and toiletries.
Q. What is in a typical Merrill L. Thomas rental property?
A. In a typical property you will find fresh linens and towels, seating, bedding, dishes and silverware for the capacity level of the property. In addition, starter supply of toilet paper, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, dish soap and regular bar soap. All of the properties have basic pots and pans for cooking. Each property is owned by individual owners, therefore amenities vary per property. Please consult the amenity listing on your specific property for details.
Q. Where do I go to pick up and drop off keys?
A. Pick up and drop off keys at the Merrill L. Thomas, Inc. real estate and rental office located at 2469 Main Street, Lake Placid, N.Y., 12946. Our office is located in between the GAP outlet store and Lake Placid Library and across the street from the Bass Shoe Outlet.
Q. What if we arrive after your office closes?
A. Please be sure to inform our office if you will be arriving after hours. We will leave your check-in package in our rental box clearly marked with your name on it.
Q. Is additional or daily housekeeping available?
A. Yes, we can arrange for additional or daily housekeeping. The rate is $25 per hour.
Q. What time is check-in/out?
A. Check-in time in the summer is 4:00 pm. Winter, fall and spring check in time is 2:00 pm unless advised otherwise. Check-out time is 10:00 am. Housekeeping will arrive at the property to clean at 10:00 am. Exceptions can be made by consulting a Merrill L. Thomas rental associate.
Q. What is the Merrill L. Thomas vacation rental cancellation policy?
A. For rentals of less than 10 days in duration, cancellation 60 days or less prior to arrival will result in loss of the vacation home rental fee. For rentals of 10 days or more, cancellation 90 days or less prior to arrival will result in loss of the vacation home rental fee.
Q. What does the Vaction Protection Plan Cover?
A. The vacation rental insurance offered through Access America provides protection for your non-refundable vaction costs, deposits and cancellation fees should you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforseen circumstances. For further details, please see the Access America brochure.
Q. What if there is an emergency at the rental property after hours?
For a fire or police emergency, dial 911. In addition, a Merrill L. Thomas associate is available after-hours by phone at 1-888-298-4888 for rental emergencies such as lack of heat or water. For other items, please wait until the next morning/normal business hours to call. There is a $25 charge for non-emergency after-hour calls. Please note that our office is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Easter, and Ironman Race Day (July 20, 2008.)
Q. What are normal business hours for the Merrill L. Thomas Rental Department?
A. Holiday/summer hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sat. 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, Sunday hours vary. Off-season hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sat. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Sunday closed.
Q. Where do I send my payment?
A. Payments should be mailed to our office. Merrill L. Thomas, Attn: Rental Dept., 2469 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY, 12946.
Q. Will I receive payment reminders?
A. Payment remeinders are NOT sent. Please reference your Rental Agreement payment schedule and note payments dates on your calendar.
Q. Where can I purchase groceries upon my arrival?
A. Lake Placid has one grocery store, Price Chopper, located at Price Chopper Plaza, 1930 Saranac Ave, Lake Placid, 12946. It is open 24 hours a day.
Q. Where can I rent baby gear such as a pack-n-play?
A. Camp Concierge LLC offers basic baby items to rent. They also offer additional services such as grocery delivery. Please call (518) 524-4058 or email campconcierge@gmail.com.
Q. Can I bring my pet?
A. Only specific properties allow pets. Please consult with a Merrill L. Thomas rental associate for assistance.
Q. Can I have packages or mail delivered to my rental property?
A. Packages cannot be delivered to the rental properties, therefore items can be shipped either to our office at 2469 Main St., Lake Placid, N.Y. 12946 for you to pick-up or they can be shipped to the UPS Store at 1936 Saranac Avenue, Lake Placid, N.Y., 12946 (518-523-1865). If shipping to our office please make sure that your name and property reference are noted so we can accurately place the package aside for your pick-up.
Q. What do I do with trash at the rental property?
A. Guests are responsible for placing sealed, bagged trash in containers for weekly trash removal. Trash must be sealed and bagged in plastic trash bags and left in the designated area in supplied containers. Trash not sealed and placed in plastic bags or in designated areas will result in charges to guests. Individual property owners arrange for trash removal services. As a courtesy, please put out prior guest's trash and the next guest will do the same for you.
Q. Where can I find a list of business services in the areas such as churches/religious organizations?
A. The Lake Placid/ Essex County Visitor's Bureau has listings of local businesses and organizations in the area. Please go to http://www.lakeplacid.com/flash/living/z-businessdir.htm.
Q. What is the schedule and where are the stops for the shuttle service to and from Whiteface Mountain?
A. There are two free shuttle services operating daily. The Lake Placid Express Loop services the Village of Lake Placid while the Lake Placid /Whiteface/Wilmington shuttle connects Lake Placid to Whiteface and Wilmington. The two shuttles link up at the Olympic Center Box Office for transfers at scheduled times. For more information go to http://www.whiteface.com/newsite/mtnservices/shuttle.php
Q. Where can I find out about the latest ski conditions?
A. The Whiteface Mountain Web site offers information from ski ticket pricing to ski conditions. Go to http://www.whiteface.com and click on "Ski Conditions."
Q. Where can I rent a boat?
A. Captain Marney's Boat Rentals offers a variety of boats and services. They are located at 3 Victor Herbert Road, Lake Placid, (518) 523-9746. In addition, in the Saranac Lake area, Swiss Marine and they can be contacted at (518) 891-2130.