FAQs & Info

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Why stay at Beach’ n ‘River?  When I travel to the Gulf I want to stay on the beach.

    Answer:  For vacationers who exclusively want a beach front experience there are plenty vacation rentals available. You may not be our target guest. However, a guest at Beach’n'River can enjoy the calm, cool environment of a river-front home and travel to the Gulf and surrounding areas in just minutes. You can experience the Gulf when you stay beach-front but at Beach’n'River vacation rental home you can experience the beach AND have a river experience.Additional Benefits of Chosing Beach’n'River Vacation Rental Over a Beach Front Location?

    1. Because Beach’n'River vacation rental home is “off the beaten path”  — you save money
    2. You have additional amenities not offered with beach front lodgings such as free use of paddleboat and discounts toward kayak rentals —- making it cheaper and easier to entertain your family.
    3. You have the security of knowing the owners have a vested interest in your comfort and enjoyment — therefore you receive personalized service.
    4. You are centrally located to the area’s attractions, Tanger Outlet Mall, Lamberts, Wal-Mart  — so getting around town is faster and more convenient.

    Our guest:

    1. Enjoys the beach experience yet loves to explore surrounding attractions. Our guest may enjoy history and want to travel to the two nearby Forts. Gulf Shores is less than an hour away from two historically significant cities: Mobile, AL and Pensacola, FL.
    2. Enjoys natural beauty.Our guest may enjoy walking the several spectacular walking trails that takes one through varied terrain as pine forests, swamps, bogs, etc. to end at a secluded beach.
    3. Enjoys privacy.Only six miles from the hub of excitement of Gulf Shores, Beach’n'River seems far removed. The reality is many restaurants, shopping outlets and other attractions are but a couple of miles from the house. An added benefit? From Beach’n'River you will travel the lesser traveled roads and arrive less harried from traffic.
    4. Enjoys observing local culture.Our guest would LOVE to discover the local shrimper who will pack your boat cooler with just caught shrimp. Our guest will drive seemingly to the end of the world to find a local singer/songwriter and enjoy an impromptu jam session. Our guest will forgo shopping supermarkets and find a farmer who sells what he has, when he has it. Our guest will seek out the homemade sausage sold at the famous festival and purchase cheese directly from the dairy.  Our guest will take the children to an old-time Soda fountain and drink from a glass and eat with a metal fork or spoon.

    There is so much to do in the Gulf Shores Area. Unfortunately many natural treasures are quickly disappearing.
    When is the last time you enjoyed climbing a tree to jump from a rope into a chilly clear creek? Have you ever canoed down a river and had a fish jump in your boat?

    If you haven’t, why not try a stay at Beach’n'River where you may enjoy the wonderful beach AND exotic river? I bet you’ll LOVE IT!

  2. My teenage kids love to swim at the hotel pool. I love to be pampered.

    Answer:  See above. You may NOT be our target guest. BUT — if you’ve never seen your teenage children in a river you might be surprised. I’ve observed teenagers throw cast nets for hours, try their hand at spearing giant carp. I’ve heard the laughter from children on an inner tube floating carelessly away. I’ve seen them fall asleep on the hammock with the ceiling fan whirling above. I’ve heard them BEG not to leave the river.

    Look at it like this: with a stay on the river you can enjoy your vacation according to your schedule — not by a posted sign. Your children may discover a new excitement and desire to see nature first hand. With their first-hand experience they may appreciate their science studies … they may grow up to be scientists, ecologists, marine biologist … captains of their own ship!

  3. Aren’t there snakes, spiders, lizards and even ALLIGATORS on the river?

    Answer: I don’t know any delicate way to answer this — yes! As in all things in life, one must be careful, aware of surroundings. The river has snakes — even alligators. The ocean has sharks. The riverside has spiders and lizards. The ocean has sting rays and jelly fish.Not to minimize a genuine concern I’ll say this about snakes and water. You will see them. They swim atop the water. The water is crystal clear. You teach children NOT to put their hands in dark places and bang the ground first with bamboo or some stick.Alabama is the land of lizards. There are many different kinds and they may startle you with a sudden appearance — at first. Kids generally LOVE THEM! They are colorful and kooky looking. They blow big bubbles under their chin. It took me nearly a lifetime before I took the time to observe such things. I feel enriched by my “discoveries.” My guess is so will you — and so will your children.

  4. I think of mosquitoes when I think of river — is the mosquito problem bad?

    Answer: I used to think the same thing, however, because Beach’n'River is a cold, spring-fed tidal creek they aren’t as noticeable as in other areas. Birds, bats, dragonflies and damsels do their part to eliminate them. Wearing protective insect repellent is advised.I came from a part of the country where ticks and chiggers were a nuisance. We’ve not had to deal with those. The beach has “no see ums.”  I suppose everywhere you go there will be some insect or inconvenience to deal with.

  5. I have a time share — why would I spend the money to stay at your place when I can stay in a condo for a nominal fee?

    Answer: You may not want to — alone.The house will sleep six. Why not gather a group of friends and share the experience? My guess is it will be just as cost effective if not more so. You may not have the same luxuries, however, you will enjoy comparable amenities: comfortable beds, modern kitchen conveniences, televisions, dvd players etc.  However, ask yourself: how much of your time is spent inside?Like several guests who have stayed at Beach’n'River, so much time is spent outdoors, exploring, enjoying nature, traveling to attractions — the home is but a place to gear up for the next adventure.Maybe you can exchange the time share week for a new, undiscovered adventure?

    An additional benefit? You don’t have to deal with booking agents — you deal with owners. Owners who take special care to listen to your individual needs and try to accommodate them.

  6. I enjoy many outdoor adventures that you don’t offer. Are you familiar with other adventure outfitters, etc. ?

    Answer: I’ve spent as much free time as possible exploring the many area attractions and have included brochures, take-out menus etc. in a notebook at Beach’n'River. Most local convenience stores, restaurants and shopping centers carry free publications announcing activities and events. While I may not be familiar with all outfitters or venues I can recommend some at your request.Of course the Internet is a great tool to pique your interest, several area tourism boards post calendar of events online. The owner’s blog site at http://beachnriver.blogspot.com/ features updated area news, events for additional information.

  7. Do you allow indoor smoking and pets?

    Answer: Indoor smoking and pets of any kind are not allowed. I apologize for this inconvenience. There are sand filled cans on the property to deposit butts. There are a number of pet motels nearby.Prior to booking you will be emailed a list of house rules to read, acknowledge and sign so there will be no misunderstandings.This way you can be assured a consistency in accommodations.

  8. Do you allow reservations for partial weeks?

    Answer: During rate specials, partial weeks are allowed. However, during busy summer months Beach’n'River employs contract help for cleaning and lawn care. They are scheduled to arrive Friday evenings after checkout and Saturday mornings prior to check-out. As such, full week bookings only are accepted. However, the owners are flexible and will offer either use of Kayaks or reserve days during off season to compensate. I’m sure if you price the rates of most area motels/hotels in high season you will discover Beach’n'River rates very reasonable for amenities offered.