FAQ

The shower floor, table, and step are made from bamboo, meeting our commitment to build Cabanas with sustainably sourced products.

Cabana is a mobile hotel company with a fleet of converted camper vans that serve as mobile lodging for travelers looking for an innovative and flexible travel option.

Currently, Cabana is live in Seattle and Los Angeles with plans to expand over the next year into targeted markets like San Francisco, Denver, San Diego, and more. Want to request a city? Let us know by messaging us on social media @cabanavans or by email, customer.service@cabana.life

Yes, you can rent a Cabana if you have a valid International Driver’s License.

Our insurance policy has coverage of $100,000 combined liability and property damage per accident. For more information about Cabana's insurance policy, please refer to our rental agreement.

You do not need to purchase insurance. Our insurance policy uses the guest's vehicle policy as the primary insurance coverage, but we also have our own insurance as a secondary policy. If the guest does not have their own vehicle insurance, our insurance will serve as the primary insurance at no extra cost to the guest.

You can park your Cabana anywhere it is legal to park. A Cabana van is only a few inches longer than an average full-size SUV and can fit in any uncovered parking space made for larger passenger vehicles.

You will be charged for any tolls charged on the Good to Go Pass during your stay.

There is a copy of the vehicle registration and insurance in a black bifold case in the glove compartment.

You can always call us and we can either come out to you if you are close by or direct you to a location to fill up or empty out. You can usually empty or refill your tanks at any RV campground. We recommend Google searching “RV park” and that can direct you to places near you. Feel free to call or text us at (206) 222-2621, and we can walk you through it.

If you run into any problems during your trip feel free to call or text us at (206) 222-2621 or email us at customer.service@cabana.life. Front desk hours are currently M-F 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm.

The first thing you should do is call 911 to report the accident and follow all local laws for wherever the accident has taken place. Then remove the accident reporting form from black bifold case in the glove compartment and complete the form. Leave the completed form in the glove compartment. After all medical and legal needs have been met, call the Cabana team at (206) 222-2621 if you need help with anything and to report the accident.

Cabana is designed around the modern traveler. We offer a high-quality user experience that’s centered around a thoughtful, stylish and consistent design, a clean space, simple booking process, reliable communication, and affordable travel. Cabana vans are fully self-contained and don’t require guests to remain tethered to conventional hook-ups for necessities like water and power. We provide the benefit of days of off-grid use to make your journey more flexible and easier-to-use than traditional RVs and Camper Vans.

Anyone who is 25 years or older, has a valid driver’s license, passed the Motor Vehicle Report check required by insurance, and has a valid reservation.

Cabana costs vary by the time of year, but you can usually find one for $200 per night before taxes. This includes insurance, mileage, cleaning, and booking fees that you’ll find added on other sites, and is well below comparable quality vehicles. We offer various add-ons at an additional cost to tailor the Cabana to your trip.

When parked, four people can fit in the van comfortably but cozy. Only two people, the driver and one passenger, are permitted when driving the vehicle.

Yes, Cabana is location aware of our vehicles to precisely locate Cabanas for booking and security purposes. We are GDPR compliant and take data privacy policy seriously.

Each Cabana has a 8" memory foam short Queen mattress with a length of 74".

Wardrobe: 17.5d (front of safe to door) x 28h (top of safe to bottom of hanger rod) x 13.5w Sliding cabinets: 2 sliding cabinets that fit overhead cabin bags perfectly (22.5d x 12.5h x 15w) Rear storage: 26d x 19w x 31h. There is an additional larger space available for storage but the dimensions will depend on which add-ons you have selected with your room.

The heater is designed to run on a small amount of fuel from the vehicle's fuel tank. When turned on, it provides heat until the room reaches the temperature set with the thermostat.

It has a 30 liter drawer refrigerator typically seen in yachts and watercrafts.

The coffee machine uses single serving k-cups similar to Keurig brand machines.

We have partnered with Storyville Coffee to bring you Seattle's #1 coffee in single serving pods. They source only from the top 2% of beans throughout the world.

We have partnered with MiiR, a local Seattle company certified as climate neutral, to bring you thoughtfully designed cups for your stay while also furthering our commitment to providing sustainably sourced products throughout the room. These mugs are also available for purchase for $24.95.

We use a bamboo toilet paper that is more sustainable than other TPs, and sourced from local Seattle startup, Cloud Paper.

We use Beekman 1802 all natural shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

The van has 2 firm pillows and two soft pillows.

Small-ish sized pets are allowed for an additional fee (select the pet add-on when making a reservation).

[Updated 2/1/2021] Cancellations made 21 days or more in advance of the start date of the rental period will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made within 21 to 7 days of the start date will receive a 50% refund and a 50% credit towards a future reservation. Cancellations made within 7 days to the rental period will receive a 100% credit towards a future rental.

We try to have our locations close to public transportation options, but you can also drive your own car or take a taxi. Parking is available for free during your stay at our Ballard, Capital Hill, and West Hollywood locations.

Yes, based on availability, with at least 48 hours notice, you can request to change the check-in location to any of the locations we have listed across your city.

Our contactless check-in process allows you to simply walk up to your Cabana, unlock it with the Cabana app, and start your rental. Once you have downloaded the app, open it and select the "key" tab from the menu at the bottom of the page. Then select, "unlock." A physical vehicle key will be available inside the glove box of the driving cabin.

Cabana costs vary by the time of year, but you can usually find one for $200 per night before taxes. This includes insurance, unlimited mileage, cleaning, and booking fees that you’ll find added on other sites, and is well below comparable quality vehicles. We offer various add-ons at an additional cost to tailor the Cabana to your trip.

Cabana is currently operating in Seattle and Los Angeles, but has plans to expand to other U.S. West Coast cities over the next 12 months with other cities following. If you would like to request a pick-up in an operating city and drop-off in another operating city, you may submit a request by contacting our team.

Yes, similar to a rental car we ensure the tank is full upon your check-in and require it to be returned full. If it's not returned full, we charge $4.50 per gallon for the number of gallons required to fill the tank, plus a $12 admin fee.

Booking is easy with Cabana — download, book and check-in all within the app. First, select your desired travel dates. Then select your preferred check-in and checkout location, and the search results will highlight any Cabanas available for the requested dates, in order by the closest check-in location to your request starting with any available Cabanas at the requested location. If your requested location is unavailable, you can contact our front desk at customer.service@cabana.life to request a check-in location change at least 48 hours prior to check-in

How do I check out? First, make sure you put the physical key back in the glove box where you found it. This includes putting the tubular black attachment onto the silver knob on the key card holder, and putting the attached key card in the first card slot. When done properly the blue light on the key card holder will turn off. Then be sure look through all storage spaces to ensure all your belongings have been removed from the Cabana. Close the doors WITHOUT locking them, and then go into your app and select the "key" tab from menu on the bottom of the screen and select end your trip. DO NOT LOCK the doors using the door button or key remote when leaving the keys inside the vehicle. What time is check out? Similar to a hotel, our standard checkout time is 11:00am. This allows us to clean and re-stock the room in time for the next guests checking in at 3:00pm Can we request a late checkout? You can request an early check-in or late-checkout based on availability for an additional $100 each. If checkout occurs after 11:00am without requesting the add-on, we charge a $50 late fee per hour. If the van is returned later than 1:00pm we charge a $275 late fee due to preventing future guests from occupying the room on time. Do I need to return the Cabana with a full tank? Yes, similar to a rental car we ensure the tank is full upon your check-in and it needs to be returned full. If not returned full, we charge $4.50 per gallon for the number of gallons required to fill the tank, plus a $12 admin fee.

Be sure to use regular 87 Octane unleaded fuel. When you open the driver's side door, the tank is on the right side of the open door frame.

How do I check in? Our counterless check-in process allows you to simply walk up to your Cabana, unlock it with the Cabana app and start your rental. Once you have downloaded the app, open it and select the "key" tab from the menu at the bottom of the page. Then select, "unlock." A physical vehicle key will be available inside the glove box of the driving cabin. What time is check in? Similar to a hotel, we have a standard check-in time of 3:00pm. This allows us to fully clean, inspect and stock the room following previous guests' stays following our standard 11:00am checkout. Where is check in? We have multiple locations for check-in around each city, along with a location close to the largest airport for each city. Check-in will occur at the address listed for the vehicle (found on our booking page and/or your booking confirmation. Can we check in early? Our standard checkout time is 11:00am, so we can't guarantee an early check-in unless there is not a guest staying in your room the night prior, and we can't guarantee that until a couple of days prior to the start of your booking.

To create and be able to use Cabana, you need: - At least 25 years old - Valid Drivers License (International Drivers License too!) Once you've signed up, you will be able to book your Cabana!

Each Cabana van comes with a full tank of gas. You pay for your own fuel as you travel and bring it back full. Otherwise, you’ll be charged $4.50 per gallon and a $12.00 admin fee on your final invoice.

Cabana is pleased to offer unlimited mileage for all of our reservations. Gone are the days of counting miles!

There is a water hookup on the rear corner of the driver's side of the vehicle, immediately next to the shore power outlet. Grab the white hose from the rear gear garage, screw in one side to the van and the other to a fresh water faucet.

Managing your septic system should not be an issue unless you are planning a long trip. On the off chance it does get full, emptying the toilet is pretty straightforward. First locate a toilet or black water disposal site. Once you arrive, find the cleaning supplies in the drawer under the pull-out seat, and grab a pair of rubber gloves Then go around to the driver side of the vehicle and use the key on your keychain to unlock the door to the toilet tank Insert the key, ensure it’s turned to the left and then push both buttons on the right side of the door at the same time and pull the door open. Next, squeeze the green latch at the bottom of the tank and pull out the tank Turn the gray neck and unscrew the lid And dump the tank into a toilet or other drain receptacle.

The table is stored securely behind the driver's seat when not in use. Simply pull the table out from behind the drivers seat, and place the circular opening over the circular pole behind the passenger seat. Adjust according to your preference

There are two blue levers at the end of the slide-out. Either pull or push those levers and then pull the slider out. When finished using the slide-out, be sure to push it with a decent amount of force back into place to ensure it locks into place.

There is a door on the exterior of the van on the driver’s side, midway between the front and rear of the vehicle, about 3 feet above ground level. On the right side of the door there are two buttons, one on the top right, one on the bottom right. Ensure the top right button is unlocked by using the key on the keychain with “Thetford” imprinted on it. Then push both buttons simultaneously and pull the door open. Look inside and identify a gray arm with a green cap at the top of the open compartment. Pull the gray arm out, unscrew the green cap, and fill with fresh water.

First push the blue button for half a second to have water wet the bowl. Then use the toilet. After using the toilet, pull the lever forward to open the hatch to the tank, press the blue button again to rinse the bowl, and push the lever again to close the hatch at the bottom of the toilet.

If you look to the left of the sink, there is a handle to pull out the 3rd seat. Once you pull that handle out, lift the seat back into place.

Find a gray water disposal area (located at most RV sites and many other locations like camp sites and truck stops). Use the white with blue striped colored hose and attach it to the gray water drain under the left side of the vehicle, equidistant between the front and rear wheels. Place the other end of the hose is the disposal drain. Then pull the yellow lever to start the draining of the gray water. When finished, remember to push the yellow lever back to the closed position.

First, tilt the seat up straight. Pull the seat forward a bit, then pull up the red latch that is below the front of the seat. Turn seat to the left – counter clockwise towards the driver seat. When you are ready to get on the road again make sure to turn the seat back around. Turn it clockwise all the way until it clicks. Make sure to turn it back the way that it came or the seat belt will get bound up

The gray water tank holds all the water that drains from your sink and your shower. You can check the room’s gray water levels by using the control panel above the sink. Ensure the black power switch in the top right of the control panel is switched on. Once turned on, press either the up or down arrow for two seconds until the display awakens. Then tap the arrow to cycle through the readings.

Your van will have either a USB or AUX connection just above the cup holders and below the stereo in the center console. If it's a USB connection, plug any USB cable in to connect your phone. If it's an AUX connection, we provide an AUX - to phone converter. If your van has bluetooth, you can connect to the vehicle in park and then play music wirelessly.

To use hot water on the Cabana, make sure to first turn on the power to the hot water and the water pump, wait about 4-5 minutes before turning on the water. The heater and hot water will not turn on if the tank is less than one-quarter full, so make sure that you keep enough gas in the tank for both. Remember that you will want to make sure the van is parked on a relatively level spot as well to ensure proper water drainage in the shower.

It is a smart TV. The remote can be found in the basket on the wall next to the headboard of the bed. You can sign in and out of your own streaming accounts, and the TV is connected through a wireless signal to the WiFi hotspot.

The security of guests is a top priority for the Cabana team. Small details like shades that snap closed over every window and an out-of-sight safe for personal belongings, paired with industry-standard car safety measures are part of every Cabana van. The Cabana team is ready to assist with any trip planning questions guests may have to make sure their experience is as safe as possible.

Your Cabana’s fuel door is conveniently located inside the drivers door for quick and easy fill-ups. To open the fuel filler door, the drivers door must be open. Place your finger under the filler door tab, pull to open, and fill up with regular Unleaded gasoline. Now you’re ready to drive.

Reading lights: The reading lights are directly above your pillows. Just push the button. Bedroom lights: There is a knob just above the interior sink that turns on the lights in the ceiling above the bed. Bathroom lights: There is a light switch on the wall above the sink that controls the bathroom light and fan. If you have an earlier built Cabana, the light switch may be just under the sink counter. Interior living space: There is a light switch on the wall just above and behind the passenger seat, accessible on the right as one enters through the sliding side door that turns on the front ceiling lights. There is also a switch that illuminates the step up into the vehicle. The switch for the rear ceiling lights is right above the sink. Rear outside lights: When standing at the back of the vehicle and facing toward the front with the rear doors open, there is a light switch on the right wall near the floor of the interior of the vehicle.

The batteries for the room should last for up to 18 hours without access to sunlight or running the motor.

Two burner propane stove top, additional sink, and ample counter space that slots into the rear slide-out of the van. It comes with a pot, pan, cooking utensils, bamboo plates/bowls and flatware.

After completing your booking with Cabana, you will be required to download our mobile app (iOS/Android: Cabana Vans) for a contact-less check-in. Once the app is downloaded, please complete the registration process which includes uploading your driver's license, a selfie for verification, and a copy of your vehicle insurance/credit card. Depending on the state of your driver's license, you may be requested to provide authorization for the Motor Vehicle Report.

Front desk hours are currently M-F 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. Feel free to call or text us at (206) 222-2621 or email us at customer.service@cabana.life.

Discounts can not be combined or used with any special promotions, including to be applied to any existing reservations.