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Contact (760) 257-6158

Email INFO@THEKERNLODGE.COM

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Reservation & Payment Policies

Last updated on 07 Feb 2024

At a Glance

  • Government Rates: Not honored on third-party bookings; book directly with The Kern Lodge and show Government ID at check-in.
  • Payment Timing (Standard Dates): Card on file charged 100% on the 2nd calendar day prior to arrival; if declined, held until 6:00 PM PST two days prior, then canceled if no response.
  • Payment Timing (Holidays/Events/Groups): Card on file charged 100% on the 9th calendar day prior to arrival; if declined, held until 6:00 PM PST nine days prior, then canceled if no response.
  • Paying with Cash at Check-In: Prior charges refunded less $3.00 refund transaction fee.
  • Company Cards / Paying for Someone Else: Pre-authorization and ID/credit card copies required; otherwise guest must pay at check-in.
  • Cards Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express (chip reader available).
  • Gift Certificates: Non-refundable; cannot be used on sold-out weekends/holiday weekends/Whiskey Flat Days.

1. Government Employees (State or Federal Rates)

  • 1.1 Third-Party Bookings: State or Federal Rates will not be accepted if the reservation is booked through a third party. Please have your travel agent cancel as soon as possible.
  • 1.2 Direct Booking Requirement: To receive the State or Federal Rate, you must book directly with The Kern Lodge and present a Government ID at check-in.

2. Reservation Guarantee & Payment Schedule

  • 2.1 Guarantee: A valid credit card is required to guarantee the reservation.
  • 2.2 Standard Dates (Non-Holiday/Non-Event)
    • The card on file will be charged 100% of the reservation on the 2nd calendar day prior to the arrival date.
    • If the card is declined, you will be contacted via email or phone. The reservation will be held until 6:00 PM PST two days prior to your arrival date.
    • If there is no response by that time, the reservation will be considered canceled, and a cancellation confirmation will be sent automatically.
    • If you wish to pay with cash at check-in, you may do so; prior charges will be refunded less a $3.00 refund transaction fee.
  • 2.3 Holiday Weekends, Group Bookings, Special Events, and Event Weekends

    (Examples include Memorial Day, Labor Day, Whiskey Flat Days, Rod Run, etc.)

    • The card on file will be charged 100% of the reservation on the 9th calendar day prior to the arrival date.
    • If the card is declined, you will be contacted via email or phone. The reservation will be held until 6:00 PM PST nine days prior to the arrival date.
    • If there is no response by that time, the reservation will be considered canceled, and a cancellation confirmation will be sent automatically.
    • If you wish to pay with cash at check-in, you may do so; prior charges will be refunded less a $3.00 refund transaction fee.

3. Company Credit Cards & Third-Party Payment Authorization

  • 3.1 Authorization Required: Company credit cards require authorization, as well as photocopies of the ID with the credit card.
  • 3.2 How to Submit: Send the authorization form and photocopies to The Kern Lodge by email at info@thekernlodge.com or by fax at (760) 376-8960. If you need an authorization form, the property can provide one to your company.
  • 3.3 If Authorization Is Not Received: If authorization is not received, the guest will have to pay for the room at check-in.
  • 3.4 Paying for Someone Else: Subject to the same rules as company credit cards (authorization and required photocopies).

4. Early Arrival by Other Guests in Your Party

  • 4.1 Online Reservations: Add guest names and a note authorizing a charge to the card on file prior to your arrival.
  • 4.2 Phone Reservations: Provide the Front Desk with your guests' names and instructions to charge the card on file prior to their arrival.
  • 4.3 If No Prior Authorization: Your party will be required to wait until you arrive. The property will attempt to contact you for permission while they wait.

5. Cancellation Policy & Group Deposits

Please be sure to read the Cancellation Policy. Group bookings may require a deposit; contact the property for further information.

6. Accepted Payment Methods

  • Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express
  • Chip card reader available

7. Discounts

  • AAA, AARP, Military, Government (proof required)
  • Not available on Holidays / Events or weekends
  • For all other discounts, please contact the property

8. Business, Group, and Wedding Rates

For rate information, call (760) 376-2223 or email info@thekernlodge.com.

9. Gift Certificates

  • May be purchased by contacting the Front Office.
  • After purchase, certificates may be picked up in person or mailed within the United States only.
  • Non-refundable.
  • Cannot be used for sold-out weekends, holiday weekends, or Whiskey Flat Days.

10. Fees & Charges Summary (for clarity)

  • Refund transaction fee (when switching to cash at check-in): $3.00
  • Prepayment timing: 100% charged 2 days prior (standard) or 9 days prior (holidays/events/groups) per Sections 2.2-2.3. (Timing reference only; not an additional fee.)

Rules & Policies

Last updated on 07 Feb 2024

At a Glance

  • Check-In: 3:00 PM-10:00 PM | Check-Out: 11:00 AM | Office Hours: 8:00 AM-10:00 PM
  • Late Check-In: Contact Front Desk for lock box/code.
  • Late Check-Out Fees: Standard rooms $25.00/hour; Rooms #110, #301, #401: $75.00/hour (Front Desk approval required).
  • Non-Smoking: Up to $150.00 penalty for violations; smoking only in Park Area.
  • Pool: Open until 10:00 PM; 2-8 ft; no lifeguard; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Dining Late: No stores/restaurants open after 9:00 PM—bring food if arriving late.

Part A — Policies

1. Scope & Contact

  • Office Hours: 8:00 AM-10:00 PM.
  • For assistance, contact the Front Desk during Office Hours.

2. Check-In & Check-Out

  • Check-In: 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
  • Check-Out: 11:00 AM
  • 2.1 Late Check-In Guests arriving after 10:00 PM must contact the Front Desk in advance. A lock box will be set up and the access code provided.
  • 2.2 Late Check-Out Late check-out requires Front Desk approval and incurs the following fees:
    • Standard rooms: $25.00 per hour
    • Rooms #110, #301, #401: $75.00 per hour

3. Payment & Authorization

  • 3.1 Paying for Another Guest: Subject to the same rules as company credit cards.
  • 3.2 Early Arrival by Other Guests in Your Party
    • Online reservations: Add guest names and a note to charge the card on file prior to your arrival.
    • Phone reservations: Provide guest names to the Front Desk and authorize charging the card on file prior to their arrival.
    • If prior authorization is not provided, your guests must wait until you arrive. The Front Desk will attempt to contact you for permission while they wait.

4. Smoking Policy

This is a completely non-smoking property. Smoking of any kind (including cigarettes, vaping, etc.) is not permitted in rooms. Guests who wish to smoke may do so only in the Park Area.

  • Violation Penalty: Up to $150.00.

5. Accessibility

  • The lodge is one-story; however, some rooms have a few steps leading to them.
  • Ground-level access: Rooms 108, 111-116, 202, and 301.
  • Due to the property's 1955 structure, the lodge is not wheelchair accessible.

6. Fees & Charges Summary

  • Late Check-Out: Standard rooms $25.00/hour; Rooms #110, #301, #401: $75.00/hour (Front Desk approval required).
  • Ice Chest Fill at Ice Machine Room: $3.00.
  • Smoking Violation: Up to $150.00.

7. Dining & Local Hours

There are no open stores or restaurants after 9:00 PM. Guests arriving late are advised to bring food and beverages.

Part B — Guest Services & Amenities

8. Rooms & In-Room Amenities

A variety of room types are available. All rooms include at least a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee server, and air conditioning/heating.

Refer to the "Rooms" section for specific details and amenities.

Kitchenettes do not include cooktops or ovens. Full kitchens are available only in:

  • #110 Kern River (Master Suite)
  • #301 Home Sweet Home (Duplex)
  • #201 Honeymoon Suite

9. Wi-Fi

Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided. The password will be provided at check-in.

10. Parking

Each room has one designated parking spot with a Parking Permit at no extra charge. An additional dirt lot is available for extra vehicles.

11. Breakfast

Continental breakfast is not offered in order to support local restaurants. Breakfast options are within walking distance.

12. Laundry

Onsite laundry service is not offered. The River Wash Laundry Mat is located across the street, next door to the Sierra Gateway Market.

Part C — Facilities & Activities

13. Park & BBQ Area

The Park Area includes:

  • Two propane grills (propane, lighters, and some cooking utensils provided)
  • Fire pit (wood provided; hose available to extinguish)
  • Umbrella tables and swing benches

Use is first come, first served, and may be reserved with Front Desk approval.

Note: Rooms 112, 114, and 301 each have a charcoal grill. Charcoal is not provided.

14. Pool

  • Open until: 10:00 PM
  • Depth: 2-8 feet
  • Not heated (summer conditions typically suitable; winter swims not recommended)
  • No lifeguard on duty; minors must be accompanied by an adult
  • Illuminated at night

15. Ice Machine

The Ice Machine Room is located beside the Office and is free to use for guests.

  • Charge to fill an ice chest: $3.00.
  • Note: There are no vending machines on property. The Sierra Gateway Market is nearby.

16. Activities

  • Game Room: Coin-operated foosball ($1.00 to play)
  • Outdoor Games: Giant chess & checkers set

Cancellation Policy

Last updated on 07 Feb 2024

At a Glance

  • Third-party bookings: Must be cancelled/modified with the third party (The Kern Lodge cannot change them).
  • Direct bookings (standard dates): If cancelled within 3 days of arrival, charge is 1 night's stay.
  • Same-day bookings: May cancel by 6:00 PM on the day of arrival without charge.
  • Booked 2 days before arrival: 24 hours to cancel without charge.
  • Holidays/Events/Groups: If cancelled < 10 calendar days prior, charge is 1 night's stay per room; not credited back.
  • No-show: May be charged 1 full day or entire stay, depending on circumstances.
  • Early checkouts: No refunds.
  • Taxes: All rates subject to Local and State taxes.

1. Third-Party Cancellations & Modifications

(Booking.com, Expedia, Travelocity, etc.) cannot be cancelled or modified by The Kern Lodge.

Guests must contact the third-party provider directly to cancel or modify reservations.

2. Direct Cancellation Policy

  • 2.1 Standard Window

    If cancelled within 3 days of arrival, a charge of 1 night's stay will apply.

  • 2.2 Same-Day Reservations

    Reservations made on the day of arrival may be cancelled until 6:00 PM without charge.

  • 2.3 Reservations Made Two Days Before Arrival

    Reservations made 2 days before the day of arrival have 24 hours to cancel without charge.

  • 2.4 Holiday Weekends, Group Bookings, Special Events, and Event Weekends

    (Examples include Memorial Day, Labor Day, Whiskey Flat Days, Rod Run, etc.)

    If cancelled less than 10 calendar days prior to the arrival date, charges of 1 night's stay for each room cancelled will apply. These charges will not be credited back.

3. No-Show

  • Failure to contact The Kern Lodge will result in a no-show charge.
  • This may result in 1 full day's charge or the entire stay, depending on the circumstances.

4. Early Checkouts

No refunds are issued for early checkouts.

5. Taxes

All rates are subject to Local and State taxes.

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