Light Heart Retreat Rates 2009-2010
(subject to change)

All rentals subject to Maine State Lodging tax, 7%, not included in above prices.

Policies

Length of Stay and Check In. During the “summer season”, reservations are preferably for one week (6 nights). Check-in time is 4 PM on Monday afternoon and check-out time is 11 AM the following Sunday. There is a 5-night minimum stay during the summer. Throughout the rest of the year there is a 3-night minimum. For stays under a week, check-in time is 4 PM and check-out time is 11 AM. There may be some flexibility with check in/out times outside of the high season.

Reservations. 50% down to hold your reservation; remainder due 30 days prior to arrival date. On short-term notice reservations, total due prior to arrival. Checks, cash or money orders -- no credit cards, thank you. Guests are asked to sign and return a short-term lease giving details of your stay.

Cancellation/Refund Policy. 30 days notice is required for a complete refund. If less notice is given we will do a complete refund, less $25 fee for processing if we are able to book the space that had been reserved.

Pet Policy. No pets are allowed at Light Heart Retreat, except for a service dog. It’s not that we’re anti-pets and pet owners. We have decided in favor of the guests who come here who have allergies and sensitivities (for example a guest on chemotherapy).

Smoking Policy. Smokers are welcome to LHR; you’ll have to smoke outside. There is no smoking allowed in any of the buildings or in shared areas. Smokers are expected to dispose of their butts in a receptacle.

Recycling & Composting. We steward Light Heart Retreat with great love and respect. We expect our guests to rinse out returnables and recyclables. We also expect our guests to put food prep scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells, etc. into a compost bucket. If you are not willing to do this, please do not proceed with a reservation. We’re not the place for you and you are not the guests for us.

Damages. In the past we have not collected a damage fee and have replaced broken glasses, ruined bedding, broken screens, etc. at our own expense. We find that we are no longer able to carry that expense. A damage deposit in the form of a personal check in the amount of $200 is required upon making a reservation.

Cleaning. LHR cottages are meticulously cleaned before your stay. We wash your bed sack before your arrival (very rare practice!). Bedding is line dried, weather permitting. Your grill is cleaned. Firewood and/or campfire wood is stocked in. Your supplies have been checked and restocked. We are told repeatedly by guests that are well traveled that our cottages are the cleanest and they say “you’ve thought of everything.” Well, this attention to detail takes time. Cleaning fees are based upon how many hours it takes to return your cottage to the level of cleanliness and high energy you found it in. Before check out, a minimum of tasks are expected to be done by guests: strip beds and gather dirty laundry together, put out trash, do dishes. A cleaning check list is provided for check out so you know exactly what is expected. The cleaning fee does not exempt guests from their daily cleaning . . . Remember you are guests in our home, Light Heart Retreat.

Internet Use. The majority of guests here do not require internet service at their cottage. In fact, they are happy to have a retreat from it. Free service is available at the Sullivan/Sorrento Library, Ellsworth Library, The Maine Grind Coffee Shop, Karen’s (near Hannaford’s), and other locations. If you are coming for a working vacation and need daily access, we’ll give you the information so that you may arrange service to your cottage at your own expense.

Workshops. Light Heart Retreat is a wonderful place to host your workshop. Because workshops are a much more intense use of LHR fees will vary accordingly.

Weddings. Light Heart Retreat can accommodate small weddings and other functions. We are not wedding planners however . . . Caterers, music, etc. are up to you. Porta-potties and tents are at the client’s expense. It is expected that all three cottages be rented for a 6-day minimum in the summer season, 3-day minimum in the low season. There is an additional charge for weddings depending on size.