Frequently Asked Questions & Policies

Following are a few of the most frequently asked questions for planning for a trip to Driftwood Lodge.
Feel Free To Call With General Questions, To Check Availability and/or Make a Reservations 630-803-8036.

Policies, Terms & Conditions

Reservation/Deposit/Security

Reservations & deposits
A 25% deposit is required to guarantee a reservation. Deposits can be made with Check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Credit Card.  Information can be entered (not required) when making a reservation through the website (cards are not automatically charged). Credit Card charges will incur a 3.5% charge. Please let us know if you will be paying your deposit by credit card or check.  Checks should be mailed to: 8365 Driftwood Place, Minocqua, WI 54548. Deposits must be received within 14 days of your reservation request or your request will be cancelled. Reservations made less than 14 days in advance require an immediate credit card deposit and are subject to the 3.5% surcharge. We will confirm your guaranteed reservation via email. The deposit applies to the last day of a reservation and will not be refunded for any reason in case of check-out before expiration of reservation.

Canceled Checks  Any checks that are returned for insufficient funds will be charged $35 to cover fees.  You will be contacted and given 10 days to cover your charges.

All reservations require a security deposit and signed policy acknowledgement before check in.  Security deposits can be in the form of a credit card on file (not charged unless needed) or a $500 (per cabin) check. Security deposits are SEPARATE from reservation deposits.  Security deposit checks will be refunded and sent by mail once cabins are found in an acceptable condition. Cabins found in unacceptable condition will be photographed and charged accordingly.  If you are making an online same day reservation after 5pm, please call us at 630-803-8036 to make the reservation.  

Cancellations

To receive a deposit refund, less a 25% service charge, we require a ninety-day or more cancellation notice. Cancellations less than ninety days can only be refunded, less 25% service charge, if we can re-book your room.  Deposits made by credit card, will be refunded, less 25% service charge & 3.5% credit surcharge.  All refunds will be made by check and mailed. No refunds will be given for cabin or boat rentals due to inclement weather.

Balance Due

Your balance is due at the halfway point of your stay. Balances can be paid by cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover or Amex. Credit card charges will incur a 3.5% charge. Please visit the office to pay off balances, rent a boat, purchase Driftwood gear or make your next reservation. Balances not paid before the last day of your stay will be automatically billed to your credit card plus 3.5% on your last day.

Canceled Checks  Any checks that are returned for insufficient funds will be charged $35 to cover fees.  You will be contacted and given 10 days to cover your charges.

**We reserve the right to increase the prices of gas, cabins & fees due to costs beyond our control.  You will be notified of any increases before making your deposit.  All agreed prices will be honored for that year**

Check In/Out

Check-In time: 3 p.m. or later
When checking in, you may head to your cabin, it will be open and ready for you. If you find something damaged or dirty, please let us know or you will be held accountable and charged for it.

Check-Out time: 9 a.m. or earlier
When checking out, the cabin is to be left in the condition you found it. Please refer to in-cabin guide for housekeeping directions. Cabins left dirty will be charged $100 an hour for extra cleaning. Items found damaged will be photographed and charged to your credit card plus 3.5% accordingly.

During the Summer Season (Memorial Day - Labor Day) there are NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy. You will be turned away if you arrive before 3pm.  You will be assessed a $50 charge for every 15 minutes past check out times. During Spring/Fall Seasons, it may be possible to arrange in advance for an earlier check-in (1:30 – 3 p.m.) or a later check-out (9 a.m. to 11am) without any additional charges.

Extra Guests

Day guests are defined by visitors not staying overnight in your cabin.
Overnight guests are defined as anyone over the age of 2, spending 1 night in your cabin.

We must be informed, at least 1 day in advance, of any extra guests that will be onsite whether they are day or overnight guests. Day guests are welcomed, but may be limited at the discretion of Driftwood Lodge due to the number of current guests. Overnight guests will be charged at $20 a night or $100 for the week if you are over the base amount. If you are under the base amount, they can be included with no extra charges.

If we are not informed at least 1 day in advance of your day guests, you will be charged $25 per person, per day. If we are not informed of your overnight guests at least 1 day in advance, you will be charged $50 per person, per day.

Parking/Trailers/Boat Launch

Parking
Parking for the Lakeview, Birchwood and Pine Aire cabins is located in the lot at the beginning of the resort.  You may unload/pack vehicles next to the cabins, but please leave room for others and move to lot when finished.
 
Parking for the Edgewater, Driftwood Manor, Eagle's Nest, Bayview, Land's End and Pine Point cabins is located next to each cabin.  You are allowed 2 vehicles per cabin, all others should be parked in the lot at the beginning of the resort.  
 
NO TRAILERS ALLOWED IN RESORT DRIVE. Trailers are NOT ALLOWED IN THE RESORT DRIVE for any reason. For the safety of all guests and the fact there is no turnaround, all trailers must be kept in the resort parking lot. If you are packing up your boat, plan on unloading it into your car from the parking lot.
Boat Launch
 
The launch road starts in the parking lot.  Trailers MUST be backed all the way down the launch road.  DO NOT turn around in the neighbors driveway.
 
NO PARKING OR DRIVING ON THE GRASS!
 

Boat/Slip Rental

If you reserve a boat, you will be charged every day of your reservation whether you use the boat or not and regardless of inclement weather.  All boat rentals require a signed damage waiver.
 
We must be informed at least 5 days in advance if you are bringing your own boat or PWC. If we are not informed that you are bringing a boat/PWC, you will be charged $40 a day or not allowed based on slip availability.
 
We must be informed at least 5 days in advance if you are renting a boat or PWC from an outside source.  If we are not informed of your rental, you will be charged $40 a day or not allowed based on slip availability.

NO-Pets, NO-Smoking, NO-Fireworks, Firepits

Sorry, No Pets
Pets of ANY KIND ARE NOT ALLOWED on any part of resort property at any time for any reason.  We like them, but for sanitary, legal reasons, regard for other guests and severe allergies, we can not allow any pets of any kind.  We can guide you to an area business that can board and care for your pet during your stay. 

No Smoking
Smoking or vaping is not allowed in cabins, near other cabins, on beach or on boat dock. If we deem that you were smoking or vaping in our cabins, you will be fined $100 or more for cleaning, your party will be removed from property and not welcomed back. Please dispose of butts in outdoor butt collectors located throughout the resort.

NO Illegal Drugs  Anyone caught with illegal drugs (deemed by state and local laws) will have the authorities called on them, the whole party will be removed from property and not welcomed back.  You will be charged for your reserved stay.

No Fireworks
If you are caught using fireworks on the property, you will be fined $100 and not welcomed back.

Firepits  Lakeview, Pine Aire, Birchwood, Driftwood Manor, Eagles Nest, Edgewater, Lands End & Pine Point all have private firepits.  There are two community firepits located along the shoreline.  Please use the utmost caution when using the firepits.  Remember, we are surrounded by plenty of combustible materials.  Please check the fire danger level, located on the motor shed next to fish cleaning.  When using the firepits, do not build them higher than just above the firepit itself.  Most importantly, DO NOT LEAVE THE FIRE UNATTENDED.  If we find a fire unattended, we will put it out, fine you $100 and you run the risk of not being welcomed back.  If you are found to cause a fire, you will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.  Once again, please use the utmost caution when using the firepits.

 

Linens/Towels

Bed linens are included.

Bath and kitchen towels are not included.

At the end of your stay, please put flat and fitted sheets ONLY into used pillow cases. Blankets can be left on beds. Please, only use the beds you need and leave unused beds made.

Rates/Pricing/Fees/Charges

Rates and Pricing / Our cabin and boat rental rates are competitive with other similar resorts.  However due to rising costs in everything, we reserve the right to raise our fees and/or prices to meet our obligations at any time.  We will honor the price given with your reservation confirmation from us.  

Fees and Charges /  Excessive cleaning fees (details can be found in your in cabin binder) will be charged at a rate of $100 per hour and be taken out of your security deposit or charged to your credit card.  Charges for damages will be taken out your security deposit or charged to your credit card.  Extra guests and boats not included in your reservation will be charged out of your security deposit or credit card.  Charges for leaving past your agreed check out time will be taken out of your security deposit or charged to your credit card.

Canceled Checks  Any checks that are returned for insufficient funds will be charged $35 to cover fees.  You will be contacted and given 10 days to cover your charges.

Items We Provide

WiFi

Wifi is available in all the cabins and throughout the resort.

Kitchens in Pine Point, Land's End, Bayview, Eagle's Nest, Driftwood Manor, Edgewater and Pine Aire include:

  • conventional four-burner stove/oven
  • microwave oven
  • upright refrigerator/freezer
  • pots/pans
  • dinnerware
  • glassware
  • flatware
  • utensils
  • coffee maker & filters
  • toaster
  • paper towels & napkins
  • dish soap & sponges
  • trash bags
  • dishwasher (Edgewater, Land's End, Bayview)

Compact kitchens in Birchwood and Lakeview are 40 inches wide and include:

  • two burners and a single kitchen sink in the counter top
  • Lakeview has a 7.7 cu. ft. refrigerator with top freezer
  • Birchwood has a full size refrigerator with top freezer
  • overhead microwave oven and additional cabinets including cookware
  • pots/pans
  • dinnerware
  • glassware
  • flatware
  • utensils
  • coffee maker & filters
  • toaster
  • paper towels & napkins
  • dish soap & sponges
  • trash bags

Bedrooms include:

  • Linens, blankets, pillows and comforter
  • Sleeper sofa linens available upon request. Please let us know in advance if possible.
  • Pack-N-Play available upon request.  Please let us know in advance if possible.

Bathrooms include:

  • floor mats
  • toilet paper
  • trash bags

Outdoor items include:

  • picnic tables
  • Charcoal grills
  • playground area
  • beach & camp fire area
  • canoes, kayaks, standup paddleboards, life jackets, cushions & paddles

Items You Should Bring

Kitchens:

  • linens - dishcloths and towels
  • paper plates
  • plastic wrap and aluminum foil
  • coffee grounds
  • sugar and spices
  • salt and pepper
  • food and beverages
  • special appliances - blender, mixer, etc.
  • specialty baking items - cupcake tins, casserole dishes, etc.

Bathrooms:

  • linens - facecloths and body towels
  • blow dryer, curling iron, etc
  • all personal toiletry items

Outdoors:

  • picnic tablecloths
  • charcoal and lighter fluid
  • citronella candles
  • mosquito repellent
  • beach towels
  • beach toys
  • lawn games
  • fishing equipment and bait
  • boating accessories

If you would like additional information regarding any items on this list, please do not hesitate to contact us.

For your shopping convenience, a Wal-Mart Super Center and Trigs Grocery Store is located in Minocqua on Hwy. 70 West, approximately 1 mile west of Highway 51, only 8 miles from Driftwood Lodge.