Frequently Asked Questions

Please read on to learn more about the Hancock Cottage LLC experience. 

When you’ve booked, the adventure begins! In the meantime we will try to answer any questions you may have from how our company began to where is a good place to grab a bite to eat. 

ABOUT US

How did Hancock Cottages LLC get started?
Hancock Cottages is a business that has grown from one special Austin rental (our personal home when we were traveling during spring break and summer) to a handpicked selection of special properties. 

Rachel owned the 16th short term rental in Austin--long before there was such a thing as AirBNB. The idea began in the early 2000’s when Rachel Nation traded in her web design software for more entrepreneurial pursuits: Austin real estate. She had the idea to share her love of Austin with visitors by providing beautiful homes to rent in her favorite neighborhoods and help investors and relocators purchase property in her favorite city.

What our guests say:
We have had the good fortune to be praised by the Guardian UK, the Austin American-Statesman, on HGTV and Time Warner Spectrum NEWS. Yet what we value most are the reviews from our guests who have treasured their experience with us. We invite you to read more of what our guests have to say on Trip Advisor, Google, and YELP.

THE BASICS
Please be careful - When you book this reservation, you take full responsibility for any bumps, bruises, and injuries that occur in our properties. Please let us know if you see anything that needs attention when you check in.

The golden rule - Please be a good neighbor. Parties or excessive noise are not allowed as per City of Austin regulations - misbehavior will cost you $500. Quiet hour starts at 10:00 p.m.

No smoking / defense de fumer / no fumar por favor. Feel free to smoke outside, but please do not smoke indoors or else we must charge you $500.

No pets please!
We all love animals, but this is a trip for you! Our Hancock Cottages are for humans only - break this rule and we’ll have to charge you $500 unless your stay is 3 months or reater (we may review your needs on a case by case basis with a $300 non refundable per pet fee.)

A clean home is a happy home
If your rental is left in an exceptionally messy state, we will charge $50 for every extra hour of cleaning required. 

IN MORE DETAIL (THE NITTY GRITTY)

How do we pay?
We usually charge your credit card for the full balance, or if your stay is greater than three months we can charge once a month via our vacation rental software.  We also accept PayPal and payment by check.

What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in time is 3:00 pm
Check-out time is 10:00 am

Are early check-ins or late check-outs available?
We try to be as flexible as possible for the arrival and departure of our guests. Early check-ins before 3:00 p.m. are sometimes possible if the home is not occupied the night before and the cleaner is able to prepare the home in time.

However, on days in which there is a same day turnover, guests must check out at 10:00 a.m. due to cleaning schedules. It usually takes the housekeeper at least 5-6 hours to run laundry and clean, however, if you arrive earlier than your scheduled check-in time you are welcome to leave your luggage while she is cleaning and come back later.