Frequently Asked Questions

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[accordion_toggle title=”What’s the best time of year to visit?”]
Every season offers something different. Summer is the most popular time of year when guests can enjoy being outside on the riverside deck in calming weather. This is also when more visitors walk the trail during the daytime. Peak autumn colors usually occur from mid-October to early November. In winter, the Lighthouse feels more secluded and offers stunning scenery when ice floes drift on the river and snow covers the valley. Spring is a time to watch the Hudson River come to life with migrating songbirds and waterfowl, spawning fish, and the first blossoms of wild flowers. There’s truly as season for everyone.
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[accordion_toggle title=”Why are there so few vacancies?”]
The Lighthouse has only two guests rooms, offered four nights a week. As a courtesy to our long-time supporters, returning guests have the option of booking ahead for the next year. In this way, we are able to show appreciation to those who have faithfully supported the Conservancy’s preservation efforts for years. Many dates are reserved ahead by returning guests, especially weekends from May through October. As a non-profit organization, we are grateful to have so much interest in overnight stays, which support our ongoing preservation efforts and fosters our mission.
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[accordion_toggle title=”What is the best strategy for finding a vacancy?”]
We recommend signing up for the Room Vacancies email list to receive alerts for any vacancies due to cancellations, as well as announcements about new booking opportunities. For your first stay, you might consider a date early or late in the year (January-March or November-December) which might not fill as quickly as weekends in the popular season of May through October. Also, if you have the flexibility in your schedule, Thursday nights or Sunday nights are easier to reserve.
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[accordion_toggle title=”Do you allow children?”]
Of course! Please keep in mind that the guest rooms are in close proximity to each other, and the bathroom is shared by everyone staying at the Lighthouse. For everyone’s comfort, families are encouraged to book both rooms. Because the Lighthouse is a living museum, children must be supervised by a responsible adult.
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[accordion_toggle title=”Is the Lighthouse air-conditioned/heated?”]
There is no air-conditioning in summertime, but the breezy location cools the rooms with the aid of a vintage fan. It is heated in wintertime.
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[accordion_toggle title=”Why is it necessary to call to make a reservation? Can I book online?”]
We do not offer online bookings. Reservations are taken by phone so that we can cover some important details. We want to ensure that everyone is familiar with the unique aspects of staying at a remote lighthouse at the end of a half-mile trail. We also need to discuss the tide schedule as it pertains to guests’ travel plans.
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[accordion_toggle title=”What’s your cancellation policy?”]
We ask for payment in full when the reservation is made. All cancellations are subject to a fee of $30/room/night. For cancellations made with less than 30 days notice, any refund is contingent upon our ability to rebook the room. In the rare event of severe weather such as flooding, your reservation may be cancelled, and you will receive a full refund.
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[accordion_toggle title=”Will I get a reminder about my reservation?”]
A confirmation is emailed when you make a reservation, and it is your one and only reminder. Please mark the date on your calendar right away so you don’t forget!
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[accordion_toggle title=”Why is there an assigned check-in time?”]
We schedule check-in time for several reasons: 1) to avoid high tide so guests can arrive with their feet dry; 2) to make sure someone is onsite to greet you; and 3) so guests can arrive during daylight to familiarize themselves with the trail and surroundings.
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[accordion_toggle title=”Can we leave after check-in or will we get stuck by the tide?”]
Guests are welcome to return to town after check-in for dinner and/or sight-seeing. The tide schedule changes daily according to the phase of the moon and the seasons. The keeper will brief you on the tide situation so you can plan accordingly. We also have waterproof boots available for guests in the event of a wet path. Please carry a flashlight for walking the trail after dark, as it is not lit artificially.
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[accordion_toggle title=”What’s the bathroom situation?”]
The first-floor bathroom is the only bathroom and is shared by everyone staying in the Lighthouse. It contains a sink and a claw-foot basin shower with hot and cold running water (but not as hot in the winter). A composting toilet is utilized due to the remote location of the Lighthouse. Instructions for its use are provided upon arrival.
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[accordion_toggle title=”Is the Lighthouse open to the public?”]
Except during scheduled tours on Sunday afternoons in the summer, the interior of the Lighthouse is reserved for B&B guests. The trail to the Lighthouse is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset, so exterior areas such as the deck and dock are often shared with the public during daylight hours. Registered B&B guests only after sunset.
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