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Frequently Asked Questions

In your bedroom at Guest House you will find a comfortable bed, ready-made for you on arrival, a set of towels, a clock, soap, and a cup. Extra blankets and pillows are available in each closet. Hair dryers and irons are available in our Guest Amenities Closet. There are no televisions at Guest House, but we have one telephone for guest use at the front desk. Read more about Amenities.

You should bring toiletries such as shampoo, toothbrush and paste, and shaving items.

If you plan to enjoy the outdoors, sunscreen, insect repellant, sturdy shoes, and a hat are advisable. Remember to bring a swimsuit and beach towels if you think you may visit Cedar Lake or the Long Island Sound. Read more about Guest House Grounds & Surrounding Area.

Keep in mind that this is tick country; use of insect repellant while engaging in outdoor activities is advised.[/accordion_item][accordion_item title=”What are meals like and how are they served?”]Prior to your retreat, you will receive a food preference form on which you may indicate your choice of entrees (all entrees or  vegetarian) and any dietary restrictions. Meals are served buffet style and we ask that guests bus their own dishes. Guest House prides itself on the quality and creativity of our menu. Read more about our food service.

Tea, coffee, and fresh fruit are available all day in the dining room.

Prior to your retreat, you will receive a food preference form on which you may indicate your choice of entrees (all entrees or  vegetarian) and any dietary restrictions. Meals are served buffet style and we ask that guests bus their own dishes. Guest House prides itself on the quality and creativity of our menu. Read more about our food service. Tea, coffee, and fresh fruit are available all day in the dining room.

Yes, once Guest House is informed by means of the meal form (which will be sent along with your registration information), the kitchen will make every effort to meet your needs and preferences.

A refrigerator is available for guest use 24 hours a day if you need to bring medicines or supplies. A microwave also is available.

Yes, you will have free high-speed WiFi throughout the building.

Occasionally this is possible, depending upon availability. Contact us for more information. You can find a list of nearby hotels here.

Detailed information for travelers, including recommended car and limousine services, is available on our Getting Here page.

Guest House provides conference chair seating. We also offer sets of meditation cushions for an extra charge. See Amenities for details. For some smaller meeting rooms, living room-style furniture is available.

Guest House is wheelchair accessible, and the dining room and some meeting rooms are located on the first floor. We have elevator service to all residential floors. We also have several bedrooms with wheelchair-accessible toilets and safety handles in the bathtub. We can offer a wheelchair, a walker, or a motorized scooter for your convenience.

Guest House does not allow pets to be present, except for service animals in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please note: “emotional support animals” are not necessarily service animals according to the ADA guidelines.

In respect to our other guests on retreat, children under 18 are generally not allowed. Exceptions may be made, on a case-by-case basis, with prior approval from our Director of Guest Services.

Deer ticks are present throughout Connecticut and tend to live in wooded areas and along trails in forests. Some deer ticks carry Lyme or other diseases. If you plan to walk our beautiful trails or spend time exploring the grounds, we suggest following  these recommendations from the CDC:
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET on yourself or permethrin repellents on clothing and shoes
  • Tuck your pants into your socks
  • Walk in the center of the trail
  • Do a thorough tick check and take a shower when you get home.
Guest House keeps a supply of repellent at the front desk if you forget your own.

Commuters attend the full retreat, including all meals, but are not provided overnight accommodations.

Guest House is a smoke-free facility. We have an outdoor smoking area with receptacles for cigarettes.

Guest House Retreat Center