THE FOLLOWING Q&A ARE INTENDED TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING LODGING RESERVATION PROCESS. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BELOW IS INTENDED TO HELP CLARIFY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON LODGING POLICY PAGE. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO CHANGE OR REPLACE.
Q: What if I don’t know the number of guests when making a reservation?
A: Just supply an estimate of the number of guests expected. We use the supplied number of guests to assist in our preparation of the unit. The number of guests can be changed up until the day of your stay. Our cancellation policy is for the unit reservation and not impacted by changes in the number of guests. Just remember that the number of guests visiting the property during your stay cannot exceed the number of registered guests or unit’s occupancy capacity without the owner’s authorization.
Q: Can I bring extra unregistered guests on the property during my stay?
A: Not without prior approval. Only registered and pre-approved guests are permitted on the property. If you are looking to have a couple stop by for dinner, that generally is not an issue and will likely be approved. Some of our lodges, as well as combinations of multiple units, are ideal for larger events. These situations will be reviewed and approved on an individual basis. Additional event charges will apply. If found to have unregistered/unapproved guests on the property, you will be charged two times the normal additional guest fee and could be asked to leave without refund.
Q: Do you allow one night stays?
A: One night stays may occasionally be available for our 1, 2 and3 bedroom cabins. Please use our Online Reservation System to determine availability and rates for one night rentals.
Q: Can I have an early arrival or late departure?
A: Early arrival or late departure of 2 hours is available in our cabins and will be subject to a $25 fee. This offer is not available for our lodges (Stillwater and Cedar Hill). This is subject to our approval and only available by contacting us.
Q: What communications will I receive as part of the reservation process?
A: If your reservation is made online the first communication will be an immediate email confirming your reservation. When making a reservation via the phone, you will receive the email within 1 hour. The email will confirm the unit(s), dates, number of guests, add on purchases, etc… If you do not have access to email, the information will be mailed via the USPS.
Q: What do I need to do when I arrive?? How do I check-in and gain access to the cabin or lodge?
A: Approximately 10 days prior to your stay you will receive a “Welcome” email providing detailed information regarding your stay, how to access the unit, the unit’s address/directions, phone number, etc.. Very important to print this information and not rely on electronic access when in route. You do not need to check-in at an office prior to accessing the unit, so proceed directly to your cabin anytime after the 4pm arrival time.
Q: What do I need to do when I depart?
A: Simply lock the unit’s door and follow the check-out instructions included in the Welcome Book. In general it is your responsibility to maintain the cabin in a neat and clean condition throughout your stay: clean gas grill, wash dishes and return to proper location, do not move furniture from original placement, place used bath towels in the supplied hamper, all trash must be bagged and placed in either trash can outside of cabin or in the on-site dumpster.
Q: What if I need to cancel my reservation?
A: Please notify us ASAP if you need to cancel a reservation. Details of our cancellation policy can be found on our Policy web page. If we are able to re-rent the unit we may be able to refund a portion of monies paid minus a $50 re-booking fee.
Q: We are really neat people; can we clean the place ourselves or provide our own linens at a reduced rental rate?
A: Sorry, but we have found that such “help” does not reduce our costs and therefore we cannot offer a reduced rental rate. We pride ourselves on the high level of cleanliness and preparedness that welcomes each of our guests. That means our professional cleaning and maintenance staff needs to be responsible for cleaning the unit, washing all the linens, preparing the hot tub, etc.. as per our standard procedures prior to each guest stay. You’re on vacation; leave that work to us!
Q: What forms of payment are accepted?
A: We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards as well as a cashier’s or personal check. If payment is made by a check, we require either a credit card or a refundable security deposit equal to one night’s stay.
Q: When do I pay for my stay?
A: 50% is due at time of reservation and the remaining 50% is due 30 days prior to your stay. If the reservation is made within 30 days of your stay, full payment is required.
Q: Can we have people that exceed the rented cabin’s capacity just sleep on the floor or pitch a tent?
A: Sorry, but our occupancy limits are strictly enforced with no exceptions. We have many guests that reserve multiple units to accommodate larger groups. If we are unable to accommodate the additional guests in available cabins, please contact us and we will recommend other cabins or campgrounds that are in the immediate area.
Q: Do I have to pay sales and lodging taxes? I saw listings to do not collect taxes?
A: Yes, We operate a legal short term rental business and these taxes are required. Lodging taxes are required for any less than 30 day rental within Hocking County. The lodging tax helps to maintain the Hocking Hills area and promotes numerous tourism initiatives. The State of Ohio requires all rental companies with more than 5 sleeping areas/bedrooms under management to collect and pay state sales tax. Non-profit organizations do not have to pay State of Ohio sales tax if we are provided the organization’s tax-exempt certificate.
Q: Are your cabins handicap accessible?
A: That depends: on the unit and your needs. Please inquire. We’ll try to put you in a unit that will suit your needs best. Our one bedroom units are one story and accessed via a ramp.
Q: Do you own all the cabins and lodges?
A: Yes. We pride ourselves on being owners and managers. We are not simply property managers for other owners. This allows us to respond quickly to your needs and offer flexibility not always available when dealing with a rental agency.
Q: Can I buy a gift certificate for a friend or family member? I want to mark a special occasion.
A: Yes! We offer customized gift certificates that can be for a dollar value or a specific stay. A gift certificate is a great idea for birthdays, weddings/honeymoons, baby showers/babymoons, retirements, graduations, holidays, and more. Whether they are a long-time guest or first-time visitor to the Hocking Hills, there is no better gift than time away. Gift Certificates can be purchased via our online reservation system or by contacting our office via phone.
Q: Why do you charge extra guest fees?
A: Extra guest fees compensate for additional utility usage, cleaning costs and additional wear and tear of larger groups. This approach is common in the Hocking Hills and most hotels and it helps keep units affordable for smaller parties looking for additional space or amenities.
Q: What are the office hours and location?
A: Our office hours are 9am to 8pm EST, closed on holidays. An emergency number is provided to guests for off hours.
Q: Are bed linens and towels included?
A: All cabins and lodges have complete sheet sets, comforters, pillows for every bed, futon or sleeper sofa. A set of bath, hand and wash towels are provided for each registered guest. If you staying for an extended or require additional towel sets, please let us know and they will be made available mid day. Kitchen towels and wash sponges are provided. We provide a few additional beach towels for hot tub use. If you anticipate a large number of people to need hot tub towels we recommend you bring additional towels for that use. As a special “gift” for registered pets, we provide additional Pet towels and treats!
Q: Are there a washer and dryer available?
A: Yes. The Cedar Hill Lodge has a washer and dryer. All other units have access to our on site guest services building that provides free use of a washer and dryer (detergent included!).
Q: Is there wireless internet available?
A: YES!! For those that which to stay connected, all of our properties include free Wi-Fi internet.
Q: Will my cell phone work at the cabin?
A: Cell phone service in the Hocking Hills region is spotty with most areas not having service, so please plan accordingly. We have provided land line phones with free domestic long distance in each of our cabins and lodges. The Cedar Grove Retreat property has coverage from Sprint and Alltel. Service for other carriers is available in our on site Guest Services building via a cellular booster we have installed for our guest’s use.
Q: What are your favorite places to eat in the area?
A: We highly recommend the Inn at Cedar Falls, an easy 2 miles from our Cedar Grove Retreat property. Additional information on the Inn and other dining options can be found on our Attractions page.
Q: Are there grocery stores in the area?
A: Yes. Our Cedar Grove Retreat property has country “general stores” less than 2 miles in either direction on SR664. When at our entrance, make a left for The Old Man’s General store or make a right for Grandma Fayes. For larger grocery shopping needs, there is a Super Walmart and Kroger on SR 664 in Logan, which is about 9.4 miles from Cedar Grove Retreat.
Q: What are your favorite hikes?
A: That is a REALLY difficult question to answer… there are so many and they vary on the time of year. Our overall favorite is the approximate 4 mile hike from the Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave down towards the Lower Falls and then continuing on the Grandma Gatewood trail ending at Cedar Falls. Just breath taking scenery, especially in the early spring. Our favorite fall hike is the rim trail at Conkles Hollow. During the winter nothing matches the ice formations that can be found at Ash Cave. Then there are the hidden gems of Broken Rock falls and Airplane Rock. More information regarding many of the areas hiking adventures can be found on our Attractions page.
Q: What are your favorite things to do while in the Hocking Hills?
A: Nothing can compare to just spending some quality time with family and friends! But if you must venture out, the possibilities are endless from taking a hike, ziplining, canoeing, horseback riding, golf, ATV rides, rock climbing or even a water jet pack ride. If all that sounds like too much work, just sit back and relax in the hot tub. More information regarding these and many more of the areas adventures can be found on our Attractions page.