Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

 

By making a reservation at The Lodge on Hickory Ridge LLC ("the Property"), you ("Guest") agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, along with all House Rules and Policies. Please read these terms carefully before booking. Guest Acknowledgment: By completing your reservation, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

 

1. Acceptance of Terms

By booking and/or staying at the Property, Guest acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions, all House Rules, and all applicable laws and regulations.

2. Reservation and Payment

2.1 Booking Confirmation: Reservations are confirmed only upon receipt of full payment as specified by the Airbnb platform or as agreed in writing with the host.

2.2 Payment: All payments must be processed through the Airbnb platform unless otherwise agreed in writing. Payment includes the nightly rate, cleaning fee, pet fees (if applicable), and any applicable taxes.

2.3 Additional Fees: Additional fees may apply for:

• Pets ($50/stay)

• Events or gatherings exceeding standard occupancy

• Early check-in or late check-out (subject to availability and approval)

• Damages to the Property

2.4 Taxes: Guest is responsible for all applicable state and local taxes, including Illinois state sales tax and any local hotel/lodging taxes.

3. Cancellation Policy

Cancellations are subject to the cancellation policy selected at the time of booking through the Airbnb platform. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed according to Airbnb's policies and the specific cancellation terms agreed upon.

4. Guest Responsibilities

4.1 Occupancy: Guest agrees to occupy the Property only with the number of individuals specified in the reservation. Any additional guests must be approved in advance.

4.2 Conduct: Guest agrees to:

• Conduct themselves in a respectful and lawful manner

• Comply with all House Rules and Policies

• Not disturb neighbors or wildlife

• Not engage in illegal activities on the Property

4.3 Property Care: Guest agrees to:

• Treat the Property and all furnishings with care and respect

• Report any damages or maintenance issues immediately

• Leave the Property in substantially the same condition as found

• Not remove any items from the Property

4.4 Pets: If bringing pets, Guest agrees to:

• Supervise pets at all times

• Clean up after pets both indoors and outdoors

• Keep pets off furniture unless protective coverings are used

• Pay applicable pet fees

• Accept full responsibility for any pet-related damages

5. Liability and Assumption of Risk

5.1 Outdoor Activities: The Property offers outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and exploration of 50 acres. Guest acknowledges that these activities carry inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Uneven terrain and natural hazards

• Wildlife encounters

• Weather-related risks

• Water-related activities at the pond

5.2 Assumption of Risk: Guest voluntarily assumes all risks associated with use of the Property and participation in outdoor activities. Guest agrees to use reasonable care and caution.

5.3 Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by Illinois law, the Property owner and host ("Host") shall not be liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, delay, or irregularity that may occur to Guest or Guest's property, including but not limited to:

• Personal injury or death

• Loss or damage to personal property

• Losses due to weather, natural events, or acts of God

• Issues arising from wildlife or natural conditions

• Theft or damage to vehicles or property

5.4 Indemnification: Guest agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Host from any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from Guest's use of the Property, violation of these Terms, or any negligent or wrongful conduct.

6. Property Rules and Safety

6.1 Safety: Guest acknowledges receipt of information regarding:

• Emergency procedures and exits

• Location of safety equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kit)

• Emergency contact information

• Limited cell service in rural area

6.2 Compliance with Laws: Guest agrees to comply with all federal, state, and local laws, including Illinois fishing and wildlife regulations.

6.3 Fishing License: Guest is solely responsible for obtaining all required Illinois fishing licenses and complying with Illinois Department of Natural Resources regulations.

7. Damages and Security Deposit

7.1 Security Deposit: A security deposit of 20% may be required and will be held according to Airbnb's policies or as agreed in writing.

7.2 Damage Responsibility: Guest is financially responsible for any damage to the Property, furnishings, or grounds caused by Guest or Guest's invitees during the stay. This includes but is not limited to:

• Structural damage

• Stains, burns, or breakage

• Missing items

• Excessive cleaning requirements

• Pet damage

7.3 Inspection: Host reserves the right to inspect the Property during the stay if there is reasonable belief that damage is occurring or House Rules are being violated.

7.4 Charges: Guest authorizes Host to charge the payment method on file for any damages, additional cleaning, or unpaid fees discovered during or after the stay.

8. Events and Gatherings

Events and gatherings require prior written approval. Unauthorized events may result in immediate termination of the reservation without refund and additional fees. Guest is responsible for the conduct of all attendees.

9. Right of Entry and Termination

9.1 Right of Entry: Host reserves the right to enter the Property:

• In case of emergency

• For necessary repairs or maintenance

• If there is reasonable belief that House Rules are being violated

9.2 Termination: Host reserves the right to immediately terminate Guest's stay without refund if:

• Guest violates these Terms and Conditions or House Rules

• Guest engages in illegal activity

• Guest causes damage to the Property

• Guest creates a disturbance or safety concern

• Unauthorized guests or events are discovered

10. Force Majeure

Host shall not be liable for failure to perform any obligation under this agreement if such failure is caused by events beyond Host's reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, power outages, government actions, or public health emergencies.

11. Privacy and Media

11.1 Surveillance: The Property may have exterior security cameras for safety purposes. Guest will be notified of any surveillance devices. No cameras are located in private spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms).

11.2 Marketing: Guest consents to Host using non-identifying photos of the Property (that do not include Guest) for marketing purposes unless Guest objects in writing.

12. Lost and Found

Host is not responsible for any items left behind by Guest. Host will make reasonable efforts to return lost items if contacted within 30 days, but Guest is responsible for all shipping costs.

13. No Smoking Policy

Smoking is permitted outdoors only. Evidence of indoor smoking will result in additional cleaning fees of $250 minimum and potential forfeiture of security deposit.

14. Modification of Terms

Host reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Modifications will apply to reservations made after the effective date of changes. Guests with existing reservations will be notified of material changes.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable under Illinois law, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

16. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

16.1 Governing Law: These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflict of law principles.

16.2 Jurisdiction: Any legal action arising from these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the courts of Fulton County, Illinois.

16.3 Dispute Resolution: Guest and Host agree to attempt to resolve any disputes through good faith negotiation before pursuing legal action.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with the House Rules and Policies and the Airbnb reservation agreement, constitute the entire agreement between Guest and Host regarding the Property rental.

18. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact:

The Lodge on Hickory Ridge, info@lodgeonhickory.com, 217-494-1426

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Last Updated: January 7, 2026