Policies

Inn & Rental Property Disclosure Policy

We are looking forward to your upcoming visit to Smith Island!  We are a small crabbing community in the Chesapeake Bay.  Island life is simple, genuine, and reflects generations of Island inhabitants living simply along with come-here’s (folks who have relocated to the Island) and part-timers. Our natural marsh setting is preserved partially due to our isolation.  We have been providing unique accommodations for visitors since 2012. We continually strive to provide you with the best and most memorable experience while visiting our unique community. 

We are delighted to host guests and provide them with a unique and individualized experience. Please note that Smith Island is not a resort setting.  While we are sometimes compared to Colonial Williamsburg, we are, in fact, a “real” working watermen/fishing/oystering community.  As a result, you will see various private shanties and docks.  We respectfully request guests not enter these private areas. This ensures the safety of all visitors and shows respect for the Islanders. Guests should understand that visiting Smith Island is not going to be like Ocean City, Martha’s Vineyard, or a tropical island.  Like any vacation, we encourage you to research the Island prior to your trip, as once guests arrive, we do not provide refunds. 

We have a few restaurants, a museum, a few gift shops, three churches, and two small general stores that serve seafood (in season) and sandwiches.  The island is “dry” so we have no alcohol sales on the Island.  Guests are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages with them to enjoy in moderation.  All of our restaurants are very casual and close early, often at 4 PM.  We recommend you arrive early to ensure you are served prior to closing time. Guests often bring snacks and may use our microwave and refrigerator.  Our insurance does not allow guests to use the stove at the B and B. Guests at one of our cottages have full use of the fully equipped kitchens.  

Our guests typically ride bikes, kayak, canoe, and often socialize with Islanders and other guests.  Guests may use any of the equipment at the Inn, but we request that canoes and kayaks be used only in safe weather conditions.  Please understand if guests are advised not to use boats, it is due to water temperature, wind, or safety concerns. Boats  may not be used if a small craft advisory is in effect. Many take advantage of the various activities offered by area residents.  While we are happy to help arrange these excursions, we have no financial gain, control, or responsibility for any of these services. Some services require direct coordination with the individual waterman.  These services are canceled at the discretion of the captain regarding safety concerns. 

We are an intimate size and have both indoor and outdoor areas for guests to read, relax, and get to know each other.  We have a screened gazebo and pergola which guests are free to enjoy. We do have Wi-Fi and a large Smith Island/Eastern Shore collection of books. Our inn is comfortably appointed and has no televisions as it is intended to enable guests to truly slow down, relax, and rejuvenate!

Because of our size, cancellations greatly affect our operations, thus we have a strict cancellation policy.  Please note that for any cancellations after the 14 day period, we do not provide refunds.  Cancellations prior to this period are refunded minus a $50 processing fee. Changes in dates may result in a $25 processing fee. We know that emergencies arise and as a result, we do allow guests to send someone in their place.  Please notify us in such an event with the contact information so we can reach out to those guests as soon as possible. 

Ferries run on their own schedule and truly, wait for no one (not even their wives!).  We cannot be responsible for guests who miss the boat.  We will make every effort to coordinate the next available ferry, but should this result in an overnight delay, we do not provide refunds or rainchecks. Ferry service is rarely, rarely canceled.  If the captain does not run due to a major weather event, rainchecks are issued. Rainchecks are not issued for adverse weather conditions! In the event a guest is already on the Island and adverse weather creates a ferry cancellation, guests will be provided an extra night at a 20% discount. 

Due to our son;s life threatening allergies and disabilities, we can not accommodate pets for any reason. We are an ideal location for individuals with severe pet allergies who have difficulty finding adequate accommodations. Please feel free to contact us for any questions.  By receiving this notice via email, it is assumed that guests understand and acknowledge refund and other Inn policies.