Vineyard Villas — Property FAQ & Terms
1. THE PROPERTY & VILLAS
What is Vineyard Villas?
Vineyard Villas is a boutique villa retreat nestled in the heart of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail in Burdett, New York. We offer eight private A-frame villas — six one-bedroom and two two-bedroom — each with stunning panoramic views of Seneca Lake, private balconies, campfire pits, and access to our on-site vineyard and natural pond. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Finger Lakes. We also have two suites within walking distance from the Villas. There is a 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom suite available in The Residence.
How many villas are there, and what are the options?
We have nine villas in total:
- Villas A-F: One-bedroom villas, each sleeping up to 4 guests (2 included in base rate; additional guests 55/night per person)
- Villas G & H: Two-bedroom, 2-bath villas, sleeping up to 6 guests
- 2-Bedroom Suite: Two-bedroom, one bath, sleeps up to 6 guests (walking distance to the Villas)
- 3-Bedroom Suite: Three-bedroom, two baths, large eat-in kitchen, living room and fireplace, sleeps 6 guests
Is Vineyard Villas open year-round?
Yes! Vineyard Villas is open all four seasons, and each one offers something special. Spring brings wildflowers and flowing waterfalls. Summer is perfect for lake activities and outdoor dining. Fall is the most popular season — harvest time, vibrant foliage, and wine trail festivals. Winter offers peaceful, romantic escapes with cozy fireside evenings and snowshoeing in the nearby Finger Lakes National Forest.
Race weekends, harvest weekends, and holidays fill up fast. We recommend booking well in advance for peak dates. Original Concord vineyard on our property offers a complimentary Harvest experience in season for all guests.
What amenities are included with each villa?
- Private balcony with panoramic Seneca Lake views
- Personal campfire pit
- Full kitchen or kitchenette complete with drip coffee maker. Coffee, tea, creamer and sugar are provided.
- There is two zone heating and cooling in each villa.
- Private bathroom
- Linens and towels provided
- Soap, bodywash and shampoo
- Access to on-site vineyard and natural pond
- On-site restaurant: Hector Hideaway (check current hours)
- On-site massage by appointment: Attuned Life Massage & Wellness: 607-288-3866
Do the villas have full kitchens?
ALL villas include full kitchen facilities for preparing meals. We recommend contacting us directly at 607.882.2345 or via thevineyardvillas.com/contact-vineyard-villas for specific questions about a particular villa’s kitchen setup, as configurations may vary. There is also a gas BBQ grill outside of each villa.
Is there Wi-Fi at Vineyard Villas?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available at Vineyard Villas. Please note that as a rural property surrounded by nature, connectivity can occasionally vary. We recommend downloading anything you’ll need (maps, streaming content, etc.) before arrival for the best experience. Wi-FI details are posted in each villa.
2. GETTING HERE & WEATHER
Where is Vineyard Villas located and how do I get here?
We are located at 3708 Mathews Road, Burdett, NY 14818 on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Enter this address into your GPS or navigation app. Driving distances from major cities:
The nearest airport is Elmira/Corning Regional (ELM), about 30 minutes south. Syracuse (SYR) and Rochester (ROC) are also within 1-1.5 hours. A rental car is strongly recommended.
| City | Distance & Route |
|---|---|
| New York City | Approx. 4.5-5 hours via I-87 N/I-88 W |
| Boston | Approx. 5-5.5 hours via I-90 W |
| Philadelphia | Approx. 4.5 hours via I-78 W/I-81 N |
| Buffalo, NY | Approx. 2.5 hours via I-90 E/NY-14 S |
| Syracuse, NY | Approx. 1 hour via I-81 S/NY-79 W |
| Rochester, NY | Approx. 1.5 hours via I-390 S/NY-14 S |
| Pittsburgh, PA | Approx. 4 hours via I-79 N/I-90 E |
| Toronto, Canada | Approx. 4 hours via QEW/I-90 E |
What is the weather like at different times of year?
| Season | Conditions & Details |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Cool and green, 35-65°F. Wildflowers, full waterfalls, fewer crowds. |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Warm and sunny, 65-85°F. Peak season for lake activities and festivals. |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Crisp and colorful, 40-70°F. Harvest season, stunning foliage, Wine Trail events. |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Cold and snowy, 20-40°F. Cozy and romantic. Roads are well maintained. |
3. CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT
What are the check-in and check-out times?
| Action | Time |
|---|---|
| Check-In | 3:00 PM |
| Check-Out | 11:00 AM |
What do I need to bring for check-in?
Self Check-in. Please follow instructions on your confirmation.
Can I store luggage before check-in or after check-out?
Please contact us directly at 607.882.2345 to discuss luggage arrangements. We’re happy to help where we can.
4. RESERVATIONS & DEPOSITS
How do I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made directly online at thevineyardvillas.com via our secure booking system, or by calling us at 607.882.2345. We recommend booking early, especially for fall harvest weekends, race weekends at Watkins Glen, and summer holidays, as dates fill quickly.
What deposit is required to hold a reservation?
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation dates. The remaining balance will be automatically charged to your credit card on file approximately 7-10 days before your arrival date. Please ensure your payment information is current in advance of that date.
Important: Your reservation is not confirmed until the deposit is received. Dates are held on a first-come, first-served basis.
When is the final balance due?
The final balance (remaining 50% of your stay) is automatically charged to your credit card on file approximately 7-10 days prior to your check-in date. No action is required from you — the charge processes automatically. Please make sure your card information is up to date.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept all major credit cards. Please note that a 3.5% credit card processing fee applies to refunded deposits in the event of a qualifying cancellation. For questions about payment, call us at 607.882.2345.
5. CANCELLATION POLICY
What is the Vineyard Villas cancellation policy?
Please read our cancellation policy carefully before booking.
Special Events, Holidays & Event Weekends: Cancellations for special event dates, holidays, and event weekends (such as NASCAR race weekends and Wine Trail weekends) are subject to cancellation fees if any or all of the reserved dates cannot be refilled. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance if you have any uncertainty about your plans.
| Notice Given | Result |
|---|---|
| 30+ days before arrival | Deposit refunded minus 3.5% credit card processing fee |
| 10-29 days before arrival | May result in forfeiture of deposit |
| Fewer than 10 days before arrival | Subject to forfeiture of entire stay amount |
| 3-Bedroom Suite any cancellation | Requires 45 days’ notice; same fee schedule applies |
What if I need to cancel – how do I do it?
To cancel a reservation, reply to your confirmation with changes or cancellation through our website at thevineyardvillas.com/contact-vineyard-villas. Cancellations are processed in the order received, and your cancellation date is determined by when we receive your request. We try to work with guests who need to cancel by rebooking their stay.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
We strongly encourage guests to consider purchasing travel insurance, especially for bookings made during peak seasons, holidays, race weekends, and harvest weekends. Travel insurance can protect your investment in the event of illness, emergencies, or unexpected cancellations. We are not able to make exceptions to our cancellation policy.
6. PETS
Are pets allowed at Vineyard Villas?
Yes! We welcome well-behaved pets in Villas A, B, and C only. A non-refundable pet fee of 55 per pet applies, with a maximum of two pets per villa. The pet fee must be added to your reservation at the time of booking — please do not wait until arrival.
| Pet-Friendly Villas | Villas A, B, and C ONLY |
| Pet Fee | 55 per pet (non-refundable) |
| Maximum Pets | 2 pets per villa |
| When to Add | At time of booking – required |
What are the pet rules during our stay?
- Pets are not permitted on furniture at any time
- All pets must be on a leash or otherwise restrained when outdoors on the property
- Pets must be crated if left alone in the villa
- Please clean up after your pet anywhere on the property — bags are your responsibility. Dumpster is located at the end of the driveway near the restaurant.
- Pets must not be left unattended outside
- Guests are responsible for any damage caused by their pets
My villa isn’t A, B, or C – can I bring a pet anyway?
Unfortunately, no. Pets are only permitted in Villas A, B, and C. This policy exists to protect guests with allergies and to maintain the condition of our villas. If traveling with a pet, please filter your search or call us at 607.882.2345 to confirm a pet-friendly villa is available for your dates.
7. GUESTS & OCCUPANCY
How many guests can stay in each villa?
| Villa Option | Occupancy Details |
|---|---|
| Villas A-F (1 bedroom) | Base rate covers 2 guests. Up to 4 guests total; additional guests charged 55/night per person. |
| Villas G & H (2 bedroom) | Up to 6 guests maximum. |
| 2-Bedroom Suite (walking distance from Villas) | Up to 6 guests maximum. |
| 3-Bedroom Suite (walking distance from Villas) | Up to 6 guests maximum. |
Is there an extra charge for additional guests?
For Villas A-F, the base nightly rate covers 2 guests. Each additional guest beyond 2 is charged at 55.00 per person, per night, up to the maximum occupancy of 4 guests. Please declare the correct number of guests at the time of booking so your total is accurate.
Undisclosed guests are a violation of our terms and may result in additional charges being applied to your credit card.
Can we have visitors who are not staying overnight?
Please contact us in advance at 607.882.2345 if you are expecting day visitors. We want to ensure the property remains enjoyable for all staying guests and that occupancy limits are respected.
8. DURING YOUR STAY
Are campfire pits available to use?
Yes—each villa has its own private campfire pit. Please use only designated fire areas and never leave a fire unattended. Extinguish fires completely before going indoors or to sleep. During dry conditions or burn bans, fires may be restricted—we will communicate any such restrictions.
We have firewood on site for purchase. Please note: If you are bringing your own wood, firewood from out-of-state is NOT permitted due to NYS regulations.
Is smoking permitted in the villas?
Vineyard Villas is a non-smoking property indoors. Smoking is permitted in outdoor areas only, away from open doors and windows. Evidence of smoking indoors will result in an additional cleaning charge applied to your credit card on file.
What is your noise policy?
We ask all guests to be respectful of neighbors and fellow guests, particularly between the hours of 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM. Vineyard Villas is a peaceful retreat and we want every guest to enjoy a restful stay.
What happens if something in the villa is damaged or missing?
Vineyard Villas reserves the right to charge the credit card on file for any missing items, damaged property, or extensive cleaning required after your departure. We ask guests to treat the property with care and report any pre-existing issues upon check-in so they are not attributed to your stay.
Is there an on-site restaurant?
Yes — Hector Hideaway is our on-site restaurant, serving locally inspired food and drink in a relaxed setting. Visit thevineyardvillas.com/on-site-restaurant for current hours and seasonal menu information. Hours may vary by season.
Can I arrange a massage or wellness service at the villa?
Yes! Attuned Life Massage and Wellness offers on-site massage services at Vineyard Villas by appointment. Contact them directly at 607-288-3866 to schedule. There is nothing better than a massage after a day on the wine trail.
9. PAYMENTS & CHARGES
What charges could appear on my credit card after checkout?
Your credit card on file may be charged after your stay for any of the following:
- Missing items from the villa
- Damage to property, furniture, or fixtures
- Extensive or excessive cleaning beyond normal turnover
- Undisclosed pets or guest overage
- Smoking indoors
Is there a security deposit?
We do not collect a separate security deposit. However, by providing your credit card at the time of booking, you authorize Vineyard Villas to charge for any damage, missing items, or additional cleaning fees discovered after your departure, in accordance with our terms and conditions.
10. FULL TERMS & CONDITIONS
By completing a reservation at Vineyard Villas, all guests agree to the following terms and conditions:Deposit & Payment
50% of the total stay is required at booking to reserve dates. The remaining balance is automatically charged to the credit card on file approximately one week prior to the arrival date. Final payment is non-negotiable and processed automatically.
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in time is 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Special requests for early check-in or late check-out are subject to availability and must be arranged in advance. Unapproved late checkouts may be charged at the applicable nightly rate.
Cancellation – Standard Villas
Cancellations received 30 or more days prior to arrival: deposit refunded minus a 3.5% credit card processing fee. Cancellations received fewer than 30 days prior to arrival may result in forfeiture of the deposit. Cancellations received fewer than 10 days prior to arrival are subject to forfeiture of the entire stay amount.
Cancellation – 3-Bedroom Suite
The 3-bedroom suite requires a minimum 45-day cancellation notice. The same fee schedule applies: refund minus 3.5% processing fee if cancelled 45+ days out; potential forfeiture within 45 days; full forfeiture within 10 days.
Special Events & Holidays
Cancellations for special event dates, holidays, and designated event weekends (including Wine Trail weekends, race weekends, and major holidays) are subject to cancellation fees if any or all of the reserved nights cannot be refilled. Guests are strongly encouraged to obtain travel insurance for these bookings.
Occupancy — Villas A-F (1 Bedroom)
Base rate covers 2 guests. Each additional guest is 55.00 per person, per night. Maximum occupancy is 4 guests per villa. All guests must be declared at time of booking.
Occupancy — Villas G, H & Suite (2 Bedroom)
Maximum occupancy is 6 guests per villa or suite.
Pets
Pets are permitted in Villas A, B, and C ONLY. A non-refundable pet fee of 55.00 per pet applies (maximum 2 pets). The pet fee must be added to the reservation at the time of booking. Pets are not permitted on furniture. All pets must be restrained when outdoors and crated when left alone in the villa. Guests must clean up after their pets anywhere on the property. Violations may result in additional charges.
Property Damage & Cleaning
Vineyard Villas reserves the right to charge the credit card on file for any missing items, damaged property, or extensive cleaning required after departure. Guests are responsible for the condition of the villa during their stay.
Conduct & Noise
Guests agree to conduct themselves in a manner respectful of the property, staff, and fellow guests. Excessive noise between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM is not permitted. Vineyard Villas reserves the right to ask disruptive guests to vacate without refund.
Non-Smoking
All indoor spaces are non-smoking. Guests who smoke indoors will be charged an additional cleaning fee.