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THE PRACTICAL PAGE

The questions that always come up.

The pre-arrival, at-the-house, on-the-dock, and small-print questions we get every week. Ranked by how often we get them.

Everything below has been asked at least three times by three different guests in the last year. If your question isn't on this page, text us — if the same question comes up again, it becomes an entry on the next update. This page is the diagnostic; if a question keeps recurring, we know the property page has a gap and we fix it there too.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Booking & arrival.

The questions every group asks in the week before check-in.

What time is check-in and can we get in earlier?
Standard check-in is 4 PM. Same-day early arrival is sometimes possible depending on whether we have a turnover — text us the morning of and we'll let you know. On a same-day turnover, the cleaners need until 4 without exception.
What time is check-out?
11 AM. Late checkout is negotiable when there's no same-day turnover — again, text the morning of. In peak weeks we usually can't flex; in shoulder season we usually can.
How do we get in?
Smart-lock code delivered the day before via SMS. The code works from your check-in time through the following morning at 11. No physical keys to lose.
Where do we park?
Both properties have on-site parking — Lakeside Landing fits 6 cars comfortably; Smooth Sailing fits 2. Trailer parking is available at Lakeside with advance notice.
Can we bring our dog?
Check the specific property page — pet policies differ between the two houses. When dogs are allowed there's a per-stay pet fee; always leash on the property and pick up after.
Do you allow parties or events?
No parties, no weddings, no bachelor/bachelorette groups. Both properties are booked for their listed max occupancy — day guests over that number are not permitted. This is enforced.

AT THE HOUSE

Inside the property.

The kitchen, the WiFi, the bathroom — the questions that always come first thing on morning one.

What's in the kitchen?
Full kitchen at both properties — knives, pans, boards, stemware, plates, silverware, cookware, coffee. Lakeside Landing has a Keurig and a brew pot; Smooth Sailing has a Keurig and a brew pot. Pods and grounds provided on arrival, replenished at turnover.
How's the WiFi?
Both properties run gigabit-class WiFi with mesh coverage across the interior and out to the dock. Password is inside the check-in message and on the fridge magnet. If it drops, unplug the router for 30 seconds — that fixes 95% of issues.
Are linens and towels provided?
Yes. Fresh linens on every bed, full stack of bath and hand towels, kitchen towels, and a set of beach/dock towels. Bring your own if you're picky about brands; otherwise the provided sets are new and matched.
Is there a hot tub?
Check the specific property page. When one is available, care instructions are in the welcome binder — a quick summary is posted next to the tub itself.
How do I use the grill?
Both properties have propane grills. Tanks are checked and topped between stays. Instructions on the grill lid; matches in the drawer nearest the sliding door.
Where's the trash go?
Bins are in the marked outdoor area — see the welcome binder for the exact location and the local pickup day. On weeks without pickup, bag the trash and leave it in the bin; we handle it at turnover.

THE DOCK + THE LAKE

The waterfront.

The dock, the swim, the boat, the sunset — the questions that come after the first morning coffee.

Can we swim off the dock?
Yes. The water at both properties is safe for swimming in season. Life vests are provided for kids and non-swimmers; adults use at their discretion. Depth drops off quickly from the shoreline — supervise young kids.
Do you have kayaks or paddleboards?
Check the specific property page for what's on-site. Rentals are available in Watkins Glen village if you want additional watercraft — twelve minutes from either property.
Can we bring our own boat?
Yes — see the property page for docking specifics. Public launches are eight to twelve minutes away depending on where you're coming from; see /finger-lakes/water for the launch guide.
When does the lake get warm enough to swim?
Comfortable swimming starts in mid-to-late June and holds through mid-September. May and early October are polar-plunge weather; the shoulder months don't reward long swims.
Is the water safe to drink?
Both properties are on well water, tested annually, safe to drink. The filtered pitcher in the fridge is what we drink; the tap is fine straight.

LOCAL LOGISTICS

Getting around.

Groceries, gas, medical, dining — the practical map for the first 24 hours.

Where's the nearest grocery store?
Tops Markets in Watkins Glen for the weekly run — twelve minutes. Walmart Supercenter for the late-night miss — same distance. Wegmans in Ithaca for the serious provision run — thirty-five minutes. Full breakdown at /finger-lakes/essentials.
Where's the closest ER?
Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls — ten minutes from Watkins Glen. Guthrie Walk-In for non-emergencies. For actual emergencies, call 911. Full essentials page at /finger-lakes/essentials.
Where should we eat the first night?
Depends on the group. Northstar Public House for casual, Red Newt Bistro for date night, Scale House Brewery for kids. The full restaurant guide at /finger-lakes/restaurants organizes by occasion.
Is there cell service?
Verizon and AT&T are strong on Seneca's east shore where the properties are. Coverage drops in parts of the back roads and inside the state parks. Both properties have WiFi calling working.
Can we get delivery?
DoorDash covers Watkins Glen but is spotty for the properties themselves. Instacart works from Wegmans in Ithaca. Best move: shop on arrival at Tops or Walmart in Watkins Glen.

PAYMENTS + POLICIES

The commercial side.

Direct booking, cancellation, deposits, damage — the small print in plain language.

How do payments work if I book direct?
Stripe checkout — same experience as any online payment, secured by the same processor Airbnb and VRBO use. You pay a deposit at booking and the balance thirty days before arrival. No hidden fees.
What's your cancellation policy?
Full refund up to 60 days before arrival. Deposit forfeited between 30 and 60 days. Non-refundable inside 30 days unless we can re-book the dates. We recommend travel insurance for holiday-week bookings.
Do you require a damage deposit?
A refundable damage deposit is held on the card at booking and released within seven days of checkout, minus any deducted charges. Normal wear and tear is not charged; broken glassware, damaged linens, or extra-cleaning situations are.
Is direct booking really cheaper than Airbnb?
Yes — for both sides. You save the Airbnb guest service fee (about 14% of the nightly rate); we net more per night; the difference funds the linens, the dock chairs, and everything else that makes the house what it is. Full math at /why-direct.
Do you take gift cards or offer packages?
Gift cards yes — see the /gift page. Packages: we don't currently offer bundled packages beyond the direct nightly rate. If you have a specific need (chef, cruise, private tasting), text us and we'll point you at the right local partner directly.

STILL DIDN'T ANSWER IT

Text us. We'll answer within the workday.

The person who owns the house replies to the message. Not a call center.

Contact & Book Direct →