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REFUGE INN POLICIES

Welcome!

We look forward to welcoming you to the Refuge Inn and want your stay to be comfortable and worry-free. The following policies are designed to set clear expectations, ensuring both our guests and our property are well cared for. If you have any questions before booking, we’re always happy to help.

PLANNING YOUR STAY

Reservations, Deposits & Payments

We accept all major credit cards. Reservations are considered confirmed once the deposit is successfully processed and a confirmation email is sent. 

To secure your reservation, a deposit will be charged to the credit card provided at the time of booking. Unless otherwise noted, Queen and King rooms require a one-night deposit. A 50% deposit is charged for Pine Suite and Veranda Suite reservations. Pony Penning reservations require a full deposit at the time of booking. For stays booked within one week of arrival, a full deposit is required.

Your remaining balance is due at check-in and will be charged to your card on file on check-in, unless otherwise communicated before your arrival date. Any incidental charges incurred during your stay will be charged on the day of departure.

All room rates are subject to the current 12.3% State & Local Occupancy Tax.

Minimum Stay Requirements

Certain dates, including weekends, holidays, special events, and Pony Penning dates, may require a minimum length of stay. Any applicable minimum stay requirements will be clearly displayed at the time of booking on the online reservation system or communicated when you call.

Cancellations & Reservation Modifications

We understand that plans can change. To ensure fairness and availability for all guests, cancellations or modifications must be made within the timeframes below.

  • Standard reservations: at least 7 days before arrival.
  • Pony Penning and Suite reservations: at least30 days before arrival.
  • Winter reservations: at least 3 days before arrival.

Reservations cancelled with at least the required number of days before arrival will receive a refund of the original deposit to the card on file, minus a cancellation fee of 10% of the deposit. Deposits for reservations cancelled fewer than the required number of days before arrival will not be refunded.

Guests booking directly with Refuge Inn on select dates may opt for a premium “Peace of Mind” flexible rate that allows for fee-free cancellation up to 48 hours prior to arrival. This rate must be selected or requested at the time of booking.

No refunds are provided for early departures, late arrivals, or no-shows. Applicable charges are billed to the credit card on file. Cancellation policies are confirmed at the time of booking and included in your reservation confirmation e-mail.

Room Occupancy & Rates

For comfort and safety, and in accordance with local lodging regulations, each room has a maximum occupancy that must be observed.

Only registered guests may be on the property, and children count toward occupancy limits. Rooms with children (12 and under) must have at least one adult occupant. We kindly ask that children be supervised at all times for their safety and the comfort of other guests.

Room rates and additional guest fees are automatically calculated in our reservation system. Rollaway beds and cribs are available for $10 per night in all room types.

Queen Rooms

  • Maximum occupancy: 5 guests
  • Rates include up to 2 adults and 2 children (12 and under).
  • Additional guests (adults or children) are $10 per person, per night.

King Rooms

  • Maximum occupancy: 3 guests
  • Rates include up to 2 adults and 1 child (12 and under).
  • An additional guest is $10 per person, per night.

Pine & Veranda Suites

  • Maximum occupancy: 6 guests
  • Rates include up to 6 guests.
  • The Pine Suite comfortably accommodates 5 guests, with a rollaway available for a 6th.
  • The Veranda Suite comfortably accommodates 6 guests.

Group Reservations

We welcome groups of all types and are pleased to offer conference space and coordinated lodging for your gathering. Room blocks and direct billing can be arranged in advance to streamline planning. Unreserved rooms within a block are released in accordance with your group reservation contract.

Special incentives may be available for larger groups. Please contact us directly at 757-336-5511 to discuss your needs. Our team is happy to help you plan a smooth and successful stay.

Travel Insurance

We understand that many factors can affect travel plans. Refunds or credits are not available for events outside our control, including potential disruptions such as inclement weather, utility service interruptions, voluntary evacuation orders, personal affairs (such as emergencies, travel plan interruptions, or deaths), and closures of local attractions, beaches, or businesses.

Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected changes to your plans.

Pets & Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Service Animals

While we love animals, we do not allow pets on the property. The nearby Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge & Assateague National Seashore also does not allow pets, including pets in vehicles. Service Animals, per ADA’s definitions and requirements, are allowed. We ask that guests traveling with service animals provide advance notice.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

  • A service animal must be under the handler’s control.
  • A service animal must be housebroken.
  • A service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless these devices interfere with the animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using them.
  • Service animals are permitted in areas where the public is allowed to go. Public health rules prohibit animals in swimming pools.
  • Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals under the ADA.

To ensure the safety of service animals and our staff, it is the Refuge Inn’s policy that service animals may not be left unattended in guest rooms.

PREPARING FOR YOUR ARRIVAL

Check-In & Check-Out

Check-in begins at 4:00 pm, and check-out is required by 11:00 am to allow adequate preparation for arriving guests.

If you expect to arrive after 9pm, please let us know so we can make smooth arrival arrangements. Early check-in or late check-out may be available, subject to scheduling availability. Arrangements must be made in advance with the front desk staff.

Parking

Complimentary on-site parking is available for registered guests. One vehicle is permitted per reserved room. Additional parking spaces, including spaces for boats, trailers, and tour buses, are often available during off-peak seasons and can be arranged in advance, free of charge, with the front desk. Please park in designated areas only.

Accessibility & Property Features

Many independent lodging properties are historic in nature and may include stairs or other features that are not fully accessible. Refuge Inn does not have an elevator, and upper-floor guest rooms are accessible only by stairs.

We are committed to providing a welcoming stay for all guests. Detailed accessibility information is available on our Accessibility Statement, and our staff is always happy to answer questions about specific needs before arrival. Please contact us before booking if you have specific accessibility needs so we can help determine the best fit for your stay.

DURING YOUR STAY

Guest & Staff Communication

Our team is here to help make your stay seamless and enjoyable. Our primary method of communication before arrival, during your stay, and after departure is text message, as outlined in your confirmation email. If you have any questions before, during, or after your stay, please contact us directly.

In the unlikely event of an emergency or mandatory evacuation issued by the Town of Chincoteague, our team has procedures to contact and account for all registered guests.

Quiet Enjoyment

We strive to provide a peaceful and relaxing environment for all guests. We ask that noise be kept to a respectful level, particularly during the evening and early morning hours, and that shared spaces be used considerately.

Bicycles

We welcome cyclists and provide outdoor bike racks and storage areas for your convenience. To protect guest rooms and shared spaces, bicycles are not permitted inside buildings at any time, including guest rooms, hallways, stairways, or second-floor balconies.

We appreciate your help in keeping our spaces comfortable for all guests. Guests must provide their own locks, and Refuge Inn is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged bicycles, including those secured to racks or personal vehicles.

Smoking, Vaping & Illegal Substances

For the comfort and safety of all guests, smoking and vaping are permitted only in outdoor areas away from buildings and guest spaces. Smoking or vaping is not permitted in rooms, balconies, patios, sidewalks, hallways, breezeways, common areas, or the pool area. Smoking or vaping may result in a $500 cleaning fee, plus any costs associated with relocating affected guests.

Illegal substances are strictly prohibited on the property.

POLICY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By making a reservation through our online reservation system or via phone, guests acknowledge and agree to these policies. Policy violations may result in a guest being required to leave the property without a refund. Policies are subject to change and are confirmed at the time of booking.

We appreciate you taking a moment to review these details in advance so there are no surprises during your stay. We look forward to hosting you!