THE CYPRESS LODGe ETIQUETTE, POLICIES & GUIDELINES

Property and Cancellation Policies

At The Cypress Lodge, cancellations impact us deeply given the cozy, historic charm of our country inn.

Should you need to adjust or cancel your booking, kindly send all requests by email to: hello@thecypresslodge.com

Any payments received for a cancelled reservation will be retained by The Cypress Lodge and credited toward a future visit, valid for up to one (1) year from your original reservation date.

Kindly be aware that we cannot offer credits for early check-outs or no-shows. Minimum stay requirements and additional guidelines may apply.

When booking your stay ...

Upon your reservation confirmation, please disclose any food allergies, dietary needs, disabilities and special requests that you may have. We want to ensure that your stay with us is as safe and comfortable as possible.

Breakfast at Cypress Lodge

We love seeing guests gather in the dining room, kitchen, porch, or outdoor sanctuaries for breakfast — it’s part of the charm that makes mornings here so special.

However, we also understand that some guests prefer a quiet start to their day. If you wish to enjoy breakfast in your room, we simply ask that you follow our In-Room Dining Courtesy Policy:

1. Please use the trays provided to help protect the furnishings.

2. When finished, place the tray with dishes and any food waste just outside your door so our team can collect it promptly.

3. Kindly avoid leaving food or dishes inside the room to help us protect our historic home and keep it fresh for everyone.

Each room is also stocked with light snacks and refreshments for your comfort.

We appreciate your courtesy and care — it helps us keep Cypress Lodge welcoming and beautiful for all who visit.

Cypress Emergency Procedures

In case of emergency, dial 911 immediately and notify lodge staff.

Evacuation maps are located in each guest room.

For severe weather, please follow local emergency alerts — we will provide updates and guidance as needed.

A first-aid kit is available in the Kitchen Wash-ware Room for minor injuries.

⚠️ Fire Safety Notice

Cypress Lodge is an all-wood historic structure, and guest safety is our top priority.

Candles, incense, or open flames are strictly prohibited in all guest rooms and indoor areas.

Thank you for helping us preserve the beauty and safety of our home.

Check-In & Check-Out

Check-in: 3:00–8:00 PM

Check-out: by 11:00 AM

Late arrivals after 8:00 PM must be arranged in advance and may incur a fee. Unscheduled arrivals after 10:00 PM cannot be accommodated, except in true travel emergencies (e.g., weather or airline delays). If an emergency delay occurs, please call or text us as soon as you know your updated arrival time.

We’re happy to approve early check-in or late check-out when available (fees may apply). Please request in advance so we can coordinate smoothly.

Smoking: 

The lodge is completely non-smoking indoor. Cypress Lodge is a smoke-free and vape-free property, indoors, to preserve our natural environment and guest comfort. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available; violations may incur a $550 cleaning fee

Children/Minors: Cypress Lodge is thoughtfully designed for peaceful relaxation and rejuvenation, making it best suited for older children (aged 12 and up) and adults. Our historic home features elements like open stairs, proximity to water views, delicate antiques, and non-baby-proofed spaces that may pose challenges for little ones. We do not provide cribs, high chairs, or other child-specific equipment to maintain our focus on a tranquil, grown-up escape. Parents, we encourage you to use your discretion for a safe and enjoyable stay—if you have questions about suitability, we’re happy to discuss!

Occupancy Limits:: To ensure a peaceful and safe experience in our historic home with thin walls, each room is limited to a maximum of two guests (including children), with one queen bed per room. The Okeechobee Suite features one queen bed in its two-room setup, ideal for couples with extra lounging space. Families or larger groups are welcome to book multiple rooms for added flexibility—please contact us if you need assistance arranging the perfect setup!

Pets: While our beloved resident cat, Mr. Sunshine, adds a touch of charm to Cypress Lodge (he’s friendly from afar but keeps to his own spaces), we do not allow guest pets in the rooms or home to ensure a peaceful stay for all. We don’t recommend petting or approaching him closely to respect his independence—guests with allergies, please note his presence. Local boarding options are available upon request if needed.

Quiet Hours: To respect all guests, please observe quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM. (with the exception of special events) Music or gatherings in common areas should be considerate—our Sundeck/Pergola/Fire Pit is perfect for lively moments

Cleanliness: We appreciate your help in treating the lodge like home—any excessive messes or damages may incur additional fees.

Food & Beverages: 

Enjoy our complimentary sodas and snacks in your room’s refrigerator! For outside food or larger meals, we kindly ask that you use our dinning room, outdoor spaces like the Sundeck, Pergola, or Zen Garden to help prevent pests and keep rooms fresh.

Alcohol/Intoxication: esponsible consumption of alcohol is permitted in rooms and common areas for guests 21+. Excessive intoxication or disruptive behavior may result in early departure without refund. No outside glassware near water views or gardens for safety.

Damages/Liability: Guests are responsible for any damages or excessive cleaning needs (e.g., spills or stains). A credit card hold may be placed at check-in. Cypress Lodge is not liable for lost items or injuries from wildlife, weather, or personal activities—enjoy our views responsibly!

Health & Sanitation We follow enhanced cleaning protocols for your safety. Guests experiencing symptoms of illness should notify staff immediately. Masks or distancing may be requested during high-risk periods

Emergency Procedures In case of emergency, dial 911 and notify lodge staff. Evacuation maps are in each room. For severe weather, follow local alerts—we’ll provide updates. First-aid kit is available in the Kitchen Wash-ware room.

Cancellation/Refund Policy:    
We recommend travel insurance for unforeseen changes.

Thank you for your understanding; these help preserve the magic for everyone!

To complement our amenities and house rules, here are some extra considerations focused on our unique natural setting, sustainability, and guest experiences. These help preserve the magic of Cypress Lodge while ensuring everyone’s comfort and safety.

• Wildlife & Nature Interaction: With our majestic cypress trees, swaying sugar cane fields, blooming plumeria, and stunning lake views, you might spot Florida’s diverse wildlife. Admire from afar—do not feed or approach animals (including birds or alligators near the lake) to protect both you and the ecosystem. Stay on designated paths in gardens to preserve our sacred cypress trees and grounds.
• Sustainability Practices: Join us in going green! Reuse towels by hanging them up (we’ll replace on request), use our water dispensers to minimize plastic waste, and recycle in designated bins. These small steps help sustain the beautiful environment that makes Cypress Lodge special.
• Events & Gatherings: Small celebrations (e.g., anniversaries or intimate celebrations) are welcome in the Okeechobee Suite or outdoor areas like the Sundeck/Pergola with prior approval. Live music at the Sundeck is scheduled—check our calendar for details. No unauthorized parties to maintain tranquility for all guests.
• Accessibility: We strive for inclusivity and do not offer ground-floor rooms. Please contact us in advance about accessibility needs (e.g., mobility aids or specific accommodations). Note that not all areas are fully wheelchair-accessible due to our historic structure and natural terrain— we’re happy to discuss options to make your stay comfortable.
• Lost & Found: If you find or lose something, let us know right away! We’ll hold lost items for 30 days before donating them. Cypress Lodge is not responsible for valuables left behind, so please double-check your room at checkout.
• Photography & Social Media: Capture the charm of our themed rooms and views! Feel free to share your photos (tag us @TheCypressLodge for a chance to be featured), but respect fellow guests’ privacy—no photography in shared spaces without consent.