Part of the Chautauqua Collection (716) 753-7792
Irwin Bay Cottages
Helpful Info

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before your week on the bay — check-in, what to bring, boats, dock spaces, cancellation. Anything not covered, just call or send us a message.

Your stay

The basics on arrival, departure, and the rental week.

Are you open all year?

Our two year-round homes (Irwin Blue and Irwin Beige) rent throughout the entire year. The nine cottages are available from the last weekend in April through mid-October.

What days do weekly rentals run?

During prime season, weekly rentals run Saturday to Saturday. Before mid-June and after Labor Day we have more flexibility — ask and we'll usually find a way.

What time is check-in?

Check-in is anytime after 3 PM. The day you arrive you'll get a code for the cottage or house door — come in whenever you get here after 3.

What time is check-out?

Check-out is by 10 AM.

Can I check in early or stay late?

Unfortunately not during prime season — we need every minute of the turnover to get the cottage ready for the next family. Off-season we have a little more flexibility; just ask.

What's provided & what to bring

We stock the essentials. Bring your favorites.

What do I need to bring?

Coffee filters, a tablecloth for the picnic table, garbage bags, food, a cutting board (and an extra one for cleaning fish), charcoal and a grill brush, board games, books, and a portable radio.

We provide one roll of toilet paper and one roll of paper towels to get you started, and we line your trash bags. You'll want to bring more of both for the week.

Is there WiFi?

Yes — open network, no password required.

Is there TV?

Smart TVs in every unit with YouTube TV available.

Is there a fire pit?

Yes, with wood always available.

Is there a playground?

Yes — a play area and yard games for the kids.

Guests & pets

Who can come, who can visit, and our one firm rule.

Do you accept pets?

No, we do not accept pets of any kind. No exceptions, please.

Can we have extra people stay over?

We can accommodate a limited number of extra people with prior approval. There's an additional per-person charge — just ask when you book.

Can we have day visitors?

Yes, a limited number with management's permission, at no additional charge. We do keep an eye on this to make sure other guests still get the quiet they came for.

Boats, docks & fishing

A protected bay, a fish-cleaning station guests rave about, and dock spots for most rigs.

Do you have a boat launch?

Yes. Our launch is shallow and handles boats up to 19 feet. If your boat has a deep hull, is wide, or you're new to launching, the public launch about 1½ miles up the lake is a better choice.

How long can my boat be at the dock?

Our docks accommodate boats up to 24 feet. We have limited availability of the larger dock spaces — ask early if you need one.

Can I bring more than one boat?

During prime season we can't guarantee more than one dock space per cottage. If you have a second boat, please ask about dock availability when you book.

Is there a swimming area?

Not at our property. There's a lifeguarded public beach at Mayville Lakeside Park, a short drive away.

Is there a fish-cleaning station?

Yes — a covered, self-service station (clean up after yourself). It was expanded and upgraded in 2012, and it's the part guests mention more than almost anything else.

Is there electricity at the docks?

Yes — great for charging trolling motor batteries. There are lights on the docks too.

Can I fish from the docks?

Yes — there's a fishing and sitting platform on the docks. Many hours of family enjoyment have happened right there.

Booking & payment

Holds, deposits, cancellations, and our winter-sport flexibility.

How does payment work?

New guests: 50% deposit when you make the reservation. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your check-in date.

Returning guests rebooking for next year during their stay: a $200 reservation fee holds your spot. The next payment is due February 1st, and the final balance is due 60 days before arrival.

What's the cancellation policy?

60+ days before arrival — full refund of what you've paid, by check.

30 to 59 days before — 50% refund, by check.

Within 29 days — no refund, and deposits don't roll over to a future year. We have to be firm on this one because at that point the week can't be re-rented.

Do you accept credit cards?

We can, but we try to avoid it to keep our costs down. Checks are appreciated.

What about winter ice fishing and snowmobiling?

Weather makes January and March unpredictable, so we offer flexibility on bookings and deposits for those months. Call us and we'll work it out.

Didn't see your question?

Give us a call or send a message — a real person will get back to you.

Send us a message