Question 1

What time are check-in and checkout?

Accepted Answer

Check-in is after 4:00 PM at Gran Torino Retreat and Thunderbird Nest, and after 5:00 PM at Salty Pines. Checkout is by 10:00 AM at all three. Every home has self check-in with a smart lock.

Question 2

Is there a minimum stay?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it changes with the season. On most dates it is 4 nights at Gran Torino Retreat, 5 nights at Salty Pines and 3 nights at Thunderbird Nest. The calendar on each Book page shows the minimum for your dates.

Question 3

How does booking direct work?

Accepted Answer

Pick your dates in the calendar on the home’s Book page and send a request. You are not charged until Nicole accepts it. Checkout runs on Hospitable’s secure booking system.

Question 4

When do I pay?

Accepted Answer

The first payment, a little over half the total, is charged when Nicole accepts your request. The balance is charged 30 days before check-in. If you book inside that window, you pay in full when the request is accepted.

Question 5

Is there a security deposit?

Accepted Answer

No. None of the three homes takes a security deposit when you book direct.

Question 6

What fees are added to the nightly rate?

Accepted Answer

A one-time cleaning fee ($175 at Gran Torino Retreat and Thunderbird Nest, $696 at Salty Pines), a 4% service fee and local taxes: 6% Michigan sales tax, or 10.5% in Franklin County, Florida. There is no extra-guest fee. The booking calendar shows every line before you send a request.

Question 7

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, unless you booked within 7 days of check-in. After that, cancelling 30 or more days before check-in refunds 50% of the nightly rate, fees and taxes. Inside 30 days there is no refund, so travel insurance is worth a look.

Question 8

Do I need to sign anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A signed rental agreement and a valid government-issued photo ID are required to finalize every reservation.

Question 9

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

At Gran Torino Retreat and Thunderbird Nest, yes: up to two dogs. Gran Torino takes dogs up to 55 pounds each. Booking direct, the pet fee is $75 a stay at Gran Torino Retreat and $75 per dog at Thunderbird Nest. Dogs stay out of the hot tub, sauna and cold plunge. Salty Pines does not allow pets.

Question 10

Are children welcome?

Accepted Answer

Thunderbird Nest and Salty Pines welcome children, and both Michigan homes keep a pack ’n play and a high chair. If you are bringing children to Gran Torino Retreat, message Nicole before you book.

Question 11

Are the hot tubs and saunas open in winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The saunas and hot tubs at Gran Torino Retreat and Thunderbird Nest stay open all year.

Question 12

When are the docks and kayaks available in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

The docks, kayaks and water gear at both Michigan homes are winterized from about November to late April or May, depending on the weather. Check with Nicole if you are booking near either end of that window.

Question 13

Is Salty Pines on the open Gulf?

Accepted Answer

It faces St. George Sound, sheltered by Dog Island. The water in front of the house is calm and shallow with a sandbar, so you get quiet water rather than surf.

Question 14

Are there cameras?

Accepted Answer

There are no cameras inside any of the homes. Exterior cameras watch the outside and the entry points.

Question 15

Is there wifi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at all three homes. Gran Torino Retreat also has an ethernet connection, and Thunderbird Nest and Salty Pines each have a desk. Cell reception near Gran Torino Retreat can be limited.

Question 16

Can I charge an electric car?

Accepted Answer

Salty Pines has a level 2 EV charger. The Michigan homes do not list one.

Question 17

Are parties or events allowed?

Accepted Answer

No. Parties and events are not allowed at any of the homes, and smoking and vaping are not allowed inside. Quiet hours begin at 10 PM.

Question 18

What should I know about bugs?

Accepted Answer

All three homes sit beside water and woods. The rental agreement notes monthly exterior pest treatments, and guests at the lake homes recommend bug spray for evenings outside.

Question 19

Anything about the plumbing?

Accepted Answer

Every home is on a septic system. Please flush only septic-safe toilet paper, and nothing marked flushable.

House rules, checkout and FAQ for the Ford Luxe Collection homes

The three homes side by side