Book direct
Same homes. Same calendar. Better deal.
We list on Airbnb and Vrbo, and those are fine ways to book. Booking direct simply removes the middleman: 5% below our listed nightly rates for booking direct, no platform service fee, and answers straight from the owner.
How it works
- Email your dates to info@happyislandcottage.com: which home, dates, guests, pets.
- We confirm and invoice. You get a written quote with the nightly rate, cleaning fee, and Florida/Manatee lodging taxes (13%) itemized. Pay by card or bank transfer.
- Sign and arrive. Standard Florida rental agreement, then full arrival details and door codes before check-in.
Direct booking terms
| Returning guests | New direct guests | |
|---|---|---|
| Discount | 5% or better | 5% off listed rates |
| Security deposit | $0 | $400/stay, refundable |
| Pet fee | $0 | $199/pet |
| Reservation deposit | $0 | 25% of total |
| Cancellation | Full refund anytime | Free until 30 days before arrival |
Start a booking
Tell us the home and dates. We reply the same day.
Email info@happyislandcottage.comCommon questions
- Is booking direct really cheaper than Airbnb or Vrbo?
- Yes. Direct bookings are 5% below our listed nightly rates and you pay no platform service fee. The savings on a typical week are usually well over $200.
- Is booking direct safe?
- We are a licensed Florida vacation rental operator (DBPR #123613) and the same owner you would meet through Airbnb, where we hold a 15-quarter Superhost record. You get a written rental agreement and an itemized invoice, and taxes are collected properly.
- What do returning guests get?
- No security deposit, no pet fee, no reservation deposit, full-refund cancellation, and preferred dates before they open to the platforms.
Our homes: Happy Island Cottage · Happy Turtle A · Happy Turtle B. Operated by Happy Island Cottage LLC, Holmes Beach, FL.