All reservations require a deposit. A deposit is a legal term for placing money down as a pledge to hold a spot. If the pledge is broken the money is forfeited.
We require a deposit of 50% down to hold a cabin or boat. If you are making a deposit for the following year for a cabin or boat we do allow you to make an initial deposit of 25% down at time of booking, but you must pay the additional 25% by the end of the year. For reservations in the same calendar year we require the 50% deposit at time of booking.
Deposits can be made with any major credit card. They can also be made by personal check, but must be received within 10 days of booking your reservation. Balance is paid upon check-in.
All deposits are non refundable after the first of the year for the year the reservation is for.
Cancellation Policy
When you reserve a boat or cabin at Birch Forest Lodge we collect a deposit and guarantee your reservation. Your deposit is a guarantee from you that you will use what you reserve. Cancellations made prior to December 31 for the following season will be refunded less $100 for cabins and $50 for boats reserved. All refunds will be issued in the form of a check. After January 1, NO REFUNDS will be issued for any reason on reservations cancelled.
We understand that very few people cancel vacations because they suddenly decide they do not want to go on vacation. Loss of employment, serious health issues and deaths of family members are the most common reasons for cancelling a vacation. We empathize with those of you who may have to or have had to cancel a much-needed vacation. However, we can no longer issue any refunds of deposits or only collect a small deposit and stay in business to serve you in future years. If we are not at fault for you cancelling your vacation, we should NOT be asked to refund or defer a deposit. As much as we love hosting your vacations, this is a business (how we feed our family), not a charity.
We operate less than 5 months of the year, yet we have bills year-round. As many of you are aware, we have made, and continue to make significant improvements to the property each year to continue to work to make your stay here the best it can be. The improvements are not cheap. We work hard to provide you with the best experience possible. We hope to be able to do this for several more years.
You might not be aware, almost 80% of our reservations are made 10 months or more in advance. We rarely have any inquiries for cabins or boats within 1 month of arrival dates. Therefore, last minute cancellations have a very negative impact on us. Please understand we have year-round costs to keep the resort functional and turn away potential customers all winter. If you reserved a cabin and then choose not to show you are taking away our opportunity to support our family.
Cabins at Birch Forest Lodge are priced per cabin up to the maximum occupancy. Check cabin details for occupancy number for each cabin. If total number of people in cabin exceeds the max occupancy additional charges will apply. Price is $20 per night or $100 per week (per person) regardless of age of occupants.
Pets are not allowed on the main property at Birch Fores Lodge and Resort. Adjacent to the resort property is a vacation rental that we manage (The Lake House). It is a large 3 bedroom unit with a private dock, yard and fire pirt area. Well behaved pets are allowed at the Lake House. If you choose to bring a pet(s) with you on your vacation to the Lake House the rules are as follows…
- Only well behaved pets are allowed.
- Pets must not come over to the main property including the beach, main lodge and main dock area.
- Pets are allowed inside the Lake House but must be kept off any furniture including beds and couches.
- A $30 per night fee or $150 per week fee will be charged per pet.
- Any damage caused by pets will be charged to the renter.
- Pets must be cleaned up after.
- Pets can’t be left unattended inside the Lake House. There is an attached garage and pets can be left there in a kennel(you provide kennel).
- Incessant barking will not be tolerated. It is your pet and you brought them with you to spend time with them. If the dog is nervous and barking constantly or left behind and barking we will hear it because the unit is next to the main lodge. You will be asked to take the dog home or leave the property with no refund if problems arise due to your pet.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times when outside. This includes just walking down to your dock.
We understand that pets are often part of your family. We want you to have a fantastic vacation with all your loved ones, including the 4 legged family members. Please understand that your vacation can’t supercede anothers’ situation. If problems start to occur with pets at the newly acquired vacation rental property we will discontinue allowing pets there.
Do Not Ruin This Opportunity For Others
We accept cash, checks or credit cards for all forms of payment including deposits. Credit card processing companies do charge us a fee of just over 3% to process your credit card. If you choose to use a card rather than cash or checks we will charge you a non-cash adjustment fee (3.25%) to process your credit card payment.
Your vacation begins at 2 PM or after. Please NO early arrivals. We have very little time to get the resort ready for our new guests. Arrival prior to 2 PM will result in a $50 early-arrival fee per cabin. Check out is 9 AM except for Saturdays during peak season. On those Saturdays we ask that you depart the cabin by 8 am. Late departures may occasionally be permitted for a $50 fee.
If you will be arriving to the resort after 8 PM, we ask that you call us and let us know. This is particularly important if you have never been to Birch Forest Lodge before.
We reserve the right to charge your credit card for any damage or extensive cleaning caused during your stay. Any damage to boats, including props, lower units and skegs are the responsibility of the renter and must be paid in full.
Renter is responsible for the entire reserved length of stay. Refunds are not given for bad weather.
No day guests allowed unless first approved by Birch Forest Lodge. A charge will be applied for all approved day guests.
Large groups will be required to pay in full one month prior to arrival. This will be refunded only as described above.
