Guest FAQs

Helpful answers about policies, cleaning, the local area, and safety to make planning your stay easier.

Policies

Do you allow pets?

Select homes are pet‑friendly with prior approval. Additional cleaning charges apply, and unauthorized pets will result in forfeiture of your deposit.

Is smoking allowed?

All homes are 100% smoke‑free indoors. Outdoor smoking is permitted in designated areas only, and any evidence of indoor smoking will result in fines.

Are parties allowed?

Unauthorized parties are strictly prohibited. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM in accordance with local ordinances.

Cleaning & Maintenance

What is expected of us before check‑out?

Guests should load and start the dishwasher, place used towels in the bathrooms, remove trash to outdoor bins, and lock all doors. A professional cleaning team will arrive promptly to handle the rest.

How often is the hot tub serviced?

Hot tubs are drained, sanitized, and refilled between guest stays. For longer bookings, additional mid‑stay service can be arranged for an additional fee.

What if something breaks during our stay?

Please notify us immediately—the next renters are counting on it. We maintain local service providers for quick repairs and replacements.

Location & Area

How far are the homes from Traverse City?

Most properties are located within 10–30 minutes of downtown Traverse City, countryside wineries, Lake Michigan, and inland beaches. Exact travel times are included in each listing.

Are there grocery stores nearby?

Yes. Meijer, Costco, Oleson’s, and Tom’s Food Markets are all within a short drive, and we also partner with local grocery delivery services for added convenience.

Do you offer concierge services?

Yes. For an additional fee, we can help arrange private chefs, wine tours, grocery stocking, and outdoor adventures such as kayak rentals, pontoon boats, and fishing charters.

Safety & Security

Are your homes equipped with safety features?

All homes are equipped with smoke detectors, CO₂ detectors, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and security cameras on the exteriors (never inside). We prioritize guest safety, and our founder, Lisa, is a 2025 graduate of the only Short‑Term Rental Safety Inspector course available in our industry.

What if there’s a power outage?

Power outages are rare, but some homes include backup generators or alternative heating sources. Flashlights and emergency contact numbers are provided in each home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is self-check-in available?

Yes. All properties feature secure keyless entry. Guests will receive a unique code prior to arrival, so there’s no need to coordinate key hand-offs.

Check-In & Check-Out

Check-in is at 4:00 PM, check-out at 10:00 AM.

Early check‑in may be available subject to cleaning availability.
Early Check-In Fees (when available)
Up to 2 hours early: $100 flat 3–4 hours early: $200 flat

Late Check-Out Fees (when available)
Up to 2 hours late: $100 flat
3–4 hours late: $200 flat

All options are subject to cleaning schedules and must be confirmed in advance, ideally at least 48 hours prior to arrival or departure. Please note: on days with same-day back-to-back reservations, early check-in and late check-out cannot be accommodated.

What is the minimum night stay requirement?

Most homes require 2–3 nights, with longer stays (4–7 nights) during summer, holidays, and festivals.

Can we host weddings or large events?

Our homes are for lodging, not weddings or commercial events. Family reunions, retreats, or milestone birthdays may be approved with prior notice, an event fee, and additional security deposit.

What is your cancellation policy?

All reservations are non-refundable. Because we understand plans can change unexpectedly, we strongly encourage guests to purchase travel insurance, which can help protect your investment should you need to cancel.

Why no refunds? Once you reserve, we immediately block those dates on our calendar and dedicate cleaning and preparation resources to your stay. This means we often turn away other groups for those same dates, and our team incurs costs regardless of whether you arrive. For fairness and consistency, we uphold a no-refund policy across all bookings.

Travel Insurance Option: To give you peace of mind, we recommend protecting your trip with travel insurance. You can explore options here: Nationwide® Travel Protection.

Are linens, towels, and toiletries provided?

Yes. All homes include premium hotel-quality linens, bath towels, and starter sets of toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap). Pool and spa towels are provided onsite, but we ask that you use your own towels when visiting our lovely beaches.

Is there a fully equipped kitchen?

Absolutely. Each property has a full kitchen stocked with cookware, dishes, glassware, utensils, coffee makers, and large-group essentials such as griddles, crockpots, and serving platters.

Do your homes have hot tubs, fire pits, or grills?

Yes! Many of our homes feature private hot tubs, outdoor fire pits, and gas or charcoal grills. Please check the individual listing for details.

Is Wi-Fi available and reliable for remote work?

Yes, all properties offer high-speed Wi-Fi suitable for video calls and streaming. Some rural areas may experience occasional bandwidth limitations, but we do our best to provide business-class service.

What if we forget items after we've left?

Our team can pack and ship any leftover items for a fee of $35 + the cost of shipping.

How many cars can we bring?

Parking varies by property. Most homes accommodate 6–10 vehicles, but please review your specific rental’s parking guidelines. RVs, campers, and trailers must be approved in advance.

Are the sleeping arrangements suitable for both adults and children?

Yes. Each home offers a mix of king/queen bedrooms, some with bunk rooms. Our bunk rooms are perfect for kids, and many are adult-sized for fun and flexibility.

Is the property handicap accessible?

The Lake Ann Lodge features main-level, roll-in bedrooms and bathrooms, but not all are fully ADA-compliant. Please contact us with your accessibility needs prior to booking.

Can we rearrange furniture to suit our group?

Furniture must remain in its designated place to protect flooring and ensure the home is staged consistently. If you need special setups (e.g., for a meeting or retreat), let us know in advance.

FAQs & Policies