Frequently Asked Questions
What are you doing to prepare for the season during the Covid-19 pandemic?
As always, we pride ourselves in keeping our home clean for our guests. To address concerns during the pandemic, I have closed two of our rooms temporarily. This allows each guest room to have its own bathroom. The only exception is when friends or family travel together, and request one of the "closed" rooms, which means they will share with the rest of their party! I will work carefully to clean and disinfect common areas, and may reduce contact with guests upon arrival as needed.
What exactly should I expect on arrival?
Typically we will be here to greet you when you arrive. Check in is 3 o'clock in the afternoon. On rare occasions, we may need to be away, but we will leave a note in the front entry way for you. Please come in through our front door, on 8th street. You will be given keys to your private room, and, unless requested, we will not enter during your stay. Common areas are available for your use; including a sitting room with a television and fireplace, a dining room, and a kitchenette with a microwave and refrigerator. We will welcome you with snacks and drinks-please help yourself.
I did not receive a confirmation, how do I know I have a room?
Our reservation system automatically sends out a confirmation email upon completion of a reservation request. As long as you entered your email correctly, you should receive this email. Please look in your junk mail folder. If you are still unsure, you can email us at reservations@oviatthouse.com.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that circumstances can change, delay or even cancel your travel plans. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to fulfill your reservation. If you cancel prior to 3 days before arrival, we will simply remove your name from our list. If you cancel last minute, we will happily provide you with a gift certificate for use at another time, and you will be charged for your stay. We will do our best to work with you on a case by case basis.
Are there any other details we should know?
You will receive a set of keys upon arrival. This includes a key for our front door and your personal room key. We ask you return the keys to us or leave them in your room after checking out, at 11 o'clock in the morning.
How do we pay?
We accept cash, check, and major credit cards. Typically, we will ask to run your card upon check-in.
We offer gift certificates that you may use throughout the year. Provide a friend or family member with the perfect carefree getaway or treat yourself. Call Julia at 231-675-6709 for more information. Reservations should be made early.
Where should we park?
We have a large driveway that can accommodate up to six vehicles. We also have a gravel parking area on the side of the street. Feel free to park anywhere you are comfortable.
What is there to do?
Our home is conveniently located a few short blocks from downtown. You can easily walk to an outstanding selection of restaurants and shops. You can access Clinch Park, our downtown beach by biking or walking as well. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, peruse the local farmer's market. If you feel inclined to buy a few groceries for a picnic at Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, walk 2 blocks to Oryana, an organic grocery store where we purchase most of our food for breakfast. Don't forget to mention you walked or biked and receive a 5% discount!
What about breakfast?
Breakfast is served between 8 and 9:15. If you need an earlier or later breakfast, please tell us ahead of time and we will do everything we can to accommodate your schedule. We like to serve as many local ingredients as possible and you may try something new at our table! Every morning begins with seasonal fruit, coffee, juice, and house-made granola and yogurt. Our main dishes include popular favorites likes Belgian waffles, lemon poppy seed pancakes, baked oatmeal, rolled vegetable frittata or made to order omelettes. We often provide locally made breads or bagels, seasonal salads, and a house-made treat. Our favorite is browned butter blueberry muffins! We are more than happy to provide you and your family with food that meets your dietary needs. Let us know upon check-in if you have food allergies, restrictions, or preferences.
Can everyone in the family come? What about children? Our pets?
We welcome everyone into our home. We love children and can provide you with a small cot in your room if needed. Our rooms are small, but we will do our best to put families into rooms with more floor space. Unfortunately, we cannot allow pets to stay in guests room, as we must be conscious of other guest's allergies and preferences .