FAQ & Policies
FAQ
Welcome! We've compiled answers to some common questions to help you plan your perfect getaway at our distinctive properties.
About Your Stay
What kind of atmosphere can I expect?
At our properties, we blend the timeless charm of historic mansions with the conveniences and personalized service you'd expect from a five-star hotel. We offer keyless entry and self-check-in, a guest app for seamless communication, campus-wide high-speed mesh WiFi, and individual climate control in every room. Our focus is on providing a serene, luxurious, and hassle-free atmosphere for your relaxation, allowing you to text us for assistance while enjoying the unique character of a historic inn.
I've never stayed at a B&B before. What should I expect?
A B&B experience with us is a unique blend of personalized hospitality and luxurious comfort. Unlike a traditional hotel, you'll find a more intimate setting, with meticulously designed common areas and tranquil gardens. A gourmet breakfast is a highlight of your stay, prepared fresh for you each morning. We aim to offer the modern conveniences of a high-end hotel alongside the distinctive charm and personal touch of a historic inn, perfect for couples seeking a refined escape.
What makes our properties unique?
Our guests frequently commend us for two primary distinguishing features: our meticulous preservation of these historic properties, which offers a truly authentic and elegant experience, and our exquisite gourmet breakfast, prepared fresh daily with the finest ingredients. We also prioritize modern conveniences and personalized service to ensure a seamless and memorable stay.
Location & Local Attractions
How far are your properties from downtown attractions and the beach?
Ludington is a great place to get your steps in! From our front doors, it’s less than a mile to dip your toes in Lake Michigan. Downtown shops, restaurants, museums, and the Arts Center are just a couple of blocks away, making it easy to explore on foot.
Can you recommend local restaurants and attractions?
Absolutely! As locals, we love sharing our favorite spots. Upon arrival, or during your stay, we'll be happy to provide personalized recommendations for dining, local attractions, outdoor activities, and hidden gems in Ludington and the surrounding area. You can also find some curated suggestions in our guest app.
What is the best time of year to visit Ludington?
Ludington offers something special in every season!
- Summer (June-August): Ideal for beach activities, boating, hiking, and enjoying the vibrant downtown scene. This is our peak season.
- Fall (September-October): Beautiful for vibrant fall foliage, quieter beach walks, and enjoying local harvest festivals.
- Spring (April-May): Perfect for blossoming landscapes, fewer crowds, and enjoying the fresh air before the summer rush.
- Winter (November-March): Offers serene snowy landscapes, opportunities for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, and cozy evenings. The "best" time truly depends on what you're looking for in your getaway!
Rooms & Amenities
What types of rooms are available?
Each of our guest rooms is uniquely appointed with its own character and charm, offering a distinctive blend of historic elegance and modern comfort. All rooms feature King or Queen beds and private bathrooms, as well as modern conveniences and luxury amenities. Rooms range in size and design, from quaint, cozy spaces to expansive suites. We'll be happy to help you find your right fit! You can view detailed descriptions, photos, and availability for each room directly on our website.
Do all rooms have air conditioning?
Yes, all rooms have individually controlled air conditioning, which is available as weather permits. In shoulder seasons, when temperatures fluctuate, we adjust our systems accordingly for your comfort.
Are all rooms equipped with hair dryers?
Yes, for your convenience, every guest bathroom at our properties is equipped with a hair dryer.
Are there ground-level rooms?
The Edison Room and Stable Suite, both located in the Carriage House at Cartier Mansion, are ground level. The Edison Room in particular offers enhanced mobility options for guests in wheelchairs, with a roll-in shower and roll-under bathroom sink. All other rooms are located on the second or third floors and these details are included in each room description.
What amenities are included with my stay?
Beyond your beautifully appointed room, you'll enjoy access to our carefully preserved common areas, tranquil gardens, and complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout the property. Our focus is on providing a serene and luxurious atmosphere for your relaxation. A guest service bar with a variety of coffee, tea, and snacks is available at each property and Keurigs can be found in many rooms as well.
Dining
Tell me more about breakfast!
We are passionate about our "gastronomically progressive" breakfast menu, which is both approachable and incredibly enjoyable. Forget about standard quiche or pancakes and bacon! Imagine delightful dishes such as a Tuscan Breakfast Salad, Grilled Sourdough topped with Ratatouille and a Poached Egg, Khachapuri, Breakfast Lasagna, or Gyeran Bap.
We subscribe to the "Cinq Mains" (Five Hands) concept – your food should see no more than five sets of hands: the farmer, the grocer, the chef, the server, and you. In most cases, we get that down to three by working directly with local farms. Everything we use starts fresh or raw, with no processed foods, artificial ingredients, or high-fructose corn syrup. You don't have to be a "foodie" to fall in love with breakfast here; some of the best compliments we receive are from hesitant eaters saying how pleased they were to have tried something new and delicious.
Reservations & Policies
How can I make a reservation?
The best and most reliable ways to make a reservation are directly through our website or by calling us directly. Booking through our site ensures you have access to the most accurate information on availability, pricing, and our unique room offerings.
Why should I book directly instead of a third-party site?
We strongly recommend booking directly on our website or by phone. Third-party booking sites may not always have the most current information regarding our availability, room descriptions, or special offers. Booking directly guarantees you the most accurate details and the best possible experience when planning your stay with us.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards for reservations and payments. For the security and convenience of our guests, we do not accept cash or personal checks.
How are your room rates determined?
Our room rates vary depending on several factors, including the specific room chosen, the day of the week, and the season. You can view the exact pricing for your desired dates and room selections directly on our booking page.
What is your deposit and cancellation policy?
Our detailed deposit and cancellation policies are outlined in our dedicated Policies section. While we understand that plans can change, we highly recommend considering Travel Protection for your reservation. Travel Protection can offer peace of mind and financial security in unforeseen circumstances that may impact your ability to travel.
How do we get a gift certificate?
A gift certificate for a stay at one of our properties makes for a truly special present! You can easily purchase gift certificates directly through our website, or by calling us. They can be for a specific amount or a particular room.
What if I need a late check-in?
We understand that travel plans can sometimes be unpredictable. Our properties utilize a keyless entry system and self-check-in, which allows for flexibility with your arrival time. We'll provide you with all the necessary instructions and codes for a smooth late check-in prior to your arrival.
Policies
Please review our policies prior to making a reservation. If you have any questions, please call us at 231.843.0101
Direct Booking: Deposit and Cancellation Policy
Upon reservation, payment for the first night will be collected. Fourteen (14) days prior to arrival, any balance due will be collected and the reservation becomes non-refundable. If payment fails to process, we will attempt to contact you. Failure to respond in a timely manner may result in the loss of your reservation without refund of deposit.
If you must change or cancel your reservation, please contact us as early as possible. Excluding special offers, promotions, and/or bookings made through a third party, a full refund will be made if a cancellation is done properly, which will be communicated in a confirmation email. Without confirmation of the cancellation, the reservation is considered active.
If you cancel with less than 14 days notice, shorten your stay (including early check-out), or do not arrive for your stay, you take responsibility for the entire cost of your reservation. By reserving with us, you consent to these policies.
All rates are subject to change and may change without notice. Cartier Mansion Bed and Breakfast and The Ludington House reserve the right to not honor promotional rates or discounts published on third-party websites.
Whole-Home Booking: Deposit and Cancellation Policy
When reserving The Ludington House as a whole-home booking, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. Thirty (30) days prior to arrival, any balance due will be collected and the reservation becomes non-refundable. On the day of arrival, a $500 authorization will be held on the credit card on file for the person making the reservation. This will be released after a check-out inspection to determine whether extra cleaning is required. Additional costs, beyond $500, may be charged if needed.
Third Party Booking: Deposit and Cancellation Policy
Reservations made through third parties (Expedia, Booking, and others) may be subject to a cancellation fee up to and including an amount equal to the entire deposit.
Travel Protection
Travel Protection may be available on certain reservations for an additional fee when booking with us directly. With travel protection, your reservation may be changed or cancelled, for any reason, up to 3pm the day before your scheduled arrival. The travel protection fee itself is immediately non-refundable, even for cancellations more than 14 days prior to arrival.
Minimum Stays
On certain dates, a minimum-night booking requirement may be in place. Exceptions to this may be made at the discretion of the owner on a case-by-case basis.
Parking
We offer complimentary parking in our private parking lots. Additional street parking is available on Lavinia Street. Street parking in the winter months is prohibited. Oversize vehicles should park on the street unless prior arrangements are made. Please respect other guests and only use one parking space, staying within the assigned area. If you are uncomfortable navigating a tight parking lot, we encourage you to use Lavinia Street parking.
Arrival and Departure
Check-in starts at 3pm, but feel free to park in our lot any time after 11am and we'll help you make the most of your day. Please leave luggage in your vehicle until your room is available. Please adhere to the 11am check-out time to ensure rooms can be cleaned and ready for arriving guests.
Children–Adults Only
Since many guests are getting away for some respite and adult time, Cartier Mansion Bed and Breakfast and The Ludington House welcome guests aged 21 and older only. This restriction does not apply to whole-home bookings of The Ludington House.
Quiet Hours
As a courtesy to other guests, and in accordance with our neighborhood rules, please observe quiet hours both indoors and outside between 10pm and 8am.
Occupancy
All rooms are strictly double occupancy and sleeping options are accordingly provided. Sleeping bags, cots, air mattresses, etc. are prohibited. Violating this policy by bringing in more than two guests will result in immediate dismissal from the property without a refund. Adjustments to this policy can be made for whole-home bookings of The Ludington House.
Weddings
We want you to have fond memories of staying with us for this important event. Your understanding and adherence to these policies will go a long way in avoiding an unpleasant situation. Specific to weddings, we do not offer spaces for wedding parties to get ready and only registered guests are permitted on property, both indoors and outside. Hairspray, bobby pins, and other frequently used items can cause damage to century-old wood and furniture and should be avoided or minimized. As it compromises the security of our property, sharing door codes with others is prohibited. All areas of the property, including the fire pit and outdoor spaces are for the exclusive use of registered guests. Quiet-hour rules apply between 10pm and 8am every day and it is unacceptable to disturb other guests with late-night arrivals, so extra attention is expected if returning in the middle of the night from your event.
Outside Visitors
All spaces at Cartier Mansion and The Ludington House, both indoors and outside, are for the exclusive use of registered guests only. Outside visitors are prohibited without the specific permission of the owner.
Smoking, Damages, and Cleaning Fees | SMOKE FREE CAMPUS
Due to the historic nature of our properties and for the health and safety of our guests and staff, smoking, vaping, or anything of this nature is strictly prohibited anywhere, both indoors and outdoors, including private balconies. Any evidence of smoking, including any noticeable odor brought in on clothing will result in a $300 cleaning fee and immediate dismissal from the property without a refund. No candles or open flames are allowed anywhere. All rooms are outfitted with a smoke/CO detector. Carriage House rooms have a sprinkler system. It is a Federal offense to tamper with fire safety equipment.
Normal wear and tear is understandable but damage caused by negligence or inappropriate behavior which requires repairs, replacement, or extra cleaning will be the financial responsibility of the guest registered to the room. Many historic items, irreplaceable antiques, works of art, and pieces of historical significance are present and must be treated carefully.
Any additional fees will be charged to the card on file for the reservation.
Pet Policy
While we love dogs, we must respect the experience of all guests and therefore have policies in place to ensure everyone can enjoy their stay. Ultimately, our policy is tied to the comfort and safety of all guests and staff. Due to the historic nature of our property and presence of a resident pet, all pets are prohibited from entering the main buildings at Cartier Mansion or The Ludington House; however, the Carriage House is small dog friendly (up to 40 lbs) and dogs may join you on the first-floor porch at any time, including breakfast! Dogs staying with us must have our prior approval and be up to date on their vaccinations. All dogs need to be on lead (or held) anytime they are on our grounds outside of the guest room. Pet parents must minimize or prevent barking, marking, defecating, jumping, or unwelcome friendliness towards other guests. Please remember, others may have allergies or hesitations about dogs and will not want to be around your dog. Any "accidents" must be cleaned by the pet's owner immediately.
There is a daily pet fee of $50, which includes several items and covers the cost of normal cleaning. $300 will be charged for extra cleaning necessitated by having an unauthorized pet in a room and excess cleaning/damage fees may apply. Your dog may not be left unattended in the room to minimize the possibility of disruptions to other guests, causing damage, or being in distress. Pet sitting services may be available with ample advance notice.
Bona fide service dogs are not considered pets and must accompany their owner at all times, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Anyone fraudulently misrepresenting a pet as a service animal will be immediately dismissed from the property without refund and charged a $300 fee for extra cleaning.
Safety, Security, and Your Privacy
There is a balance in providing a safe space for our guests while protecting this historic campus and enhancing your comfort by offering modern conveniences, all while maintaining privacy. Cameras can be visibly seen at each exterior entry door, overlooking the parking lot, and in various public areas, providing video and audio that can be viewed remotely and recorded. There are no hidden cameras, cameras in guest rooms, nor are any positioned in a way that could see into any guest room. Smart Devices (Alexa) are in the dining rooms primarily for the purpose of providing ambient music. Smart Locks are updated daily to correspond with guest reservations, meaning old codes are deleted for the security of in-house guests. Staff access is limited to certain hours as needed. Only owners have master keys and the ability to set and change codes. Leak Detectors help prevent water damage and are small white boxes that can be seen under most sinks and toilets. They alert us when water comes into contact with the metal probes. If this happens by accident, you can simply dry the detector off. These devices have no audio/video or recording capability. Smoke/CO Detectors are in every guest room and public space. They are networked and actively monitored, so your alarm may go off due to an issue in another room. Please take appropriate steps as warranted and listen for directions; if you have any concern for your safety, please exit the building immediately.
ADA Compliance
We are committed to facilitating the accessibility and usability of this website for all people with disabilities. Over time, we will continue to implement the relevant portions of the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Level AA (WCAG 2.0 AA), or such other standards to the extent required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On a periodic basis, our website will be tested with assistive technology such as screen readers and screen magnifiers, and by individuals with disabilities who use these technologies. Please be aware our efforts are ongoing. If, at any time, you have specific questions or concerns about the accessibility of any webpage on our site, please email us at info@cartiermansion.com or call 231.843.0101. If you do encounter an accessibility issue, please be sure to specify the webpage URL in your email, and we will make all reasonable efforts to make that page accessible for you.
A room reservation constitutes your consent to all policies. Violation of any policy may result in immediate dismissal from the property without a refund.