My 6th visit to the island and definitely the very best place to stay! Very nice rooms and balconies. The rooms all look out at either the ponies or a serene courtyard. The staff is so friendly and professional. There is a cool spiral staircase that leads to the lookout. Nice breakfast served right to your room. Amazing pool in an exotic setting. Will definitely go back! read more

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I was here for a few days with some friends and had a lovely stay at the Refuge Inn. Their electronic check-in was super easy to complete before I arrived, making the actual check-in process a breeze. The room was spacious and very clean and had everything I needed for my stay. The brown bag breakfast was ideal and delivered precisely at the time requested. While I didn't partake of the pool or hot tub, they were each well kept and clean. All in all this is the ideal location for a trip to Chincoteague Assateague and I would highly recommend a stop here! read more

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This is a budget motel in a popular tourist area, and it's good for the price. I would stay there again. Location is fantastic -- literally a hundred yards from the bridge to the wildlife refuge and across the street from a couple of restaurants. Our room was clean and spacious, and all the inn's amenities were good, such as the hot tub and indoor pool. It was great to relax in the water after hiking on very windy days. My only complaint is breakfast. It's terrible. In fact, it's so bad that the inn would do better by not serving it. You have to choose it the prior evening, which is hard to remember and hard to focus on (what would I want to eat tomorrow morning?). It's delivered to your door in a brown paper bag in the morning. It is brought on-time, which is great. But we tried most things over our 3 nights, and they were all really bad, like the quality of 7-Eleven. The alleged fresh-baked pastries smelled so much like chemicals that I didn't even take a bite, just put them by the coffee for some other guest to take. The orange was flavorless, and I threw it out. Apple was soft. The yogurt was sweeter than ice cream. The only thing that wasn't toxic was Cheerios and milk. Even the coffee was a huge disappointment, as it was weak and the inn only has fake creamer. We bought our breakfasts and coffee every day at Amerin, a coffee place about a mile away. It was worth the extra $15. read more

Truly a beautiful and unique hotel with a staff that cares about the customer. My ten year old daughter and I flew into Norfolk at 8:20 and got our bags, but unfortunately the car rental counter at Hertz was understaffed and poorly managed. After 30 minutes in line at the counter, barely moving, I called the team at the Refuge Inn to tell them that we would be late. I spoke with Denise and she patiently walked me through the process of late arrival. We didn't get to the hotel until 1:30, but Denise was true to her word. My keys and a map to my room were waiting for me. We found our room, took nice hot showers, and enjoyed the comfortable accommodations. Even in the middle of the night, in our sleep deprived state, we could tell that the hotel was managed with care. We woke up and started our day, getting ready to go grab breakfast at a local restaurant. We were pleasantly surprised when we found breakfast delivered to our doorstep. The staff left cereal, milk, juice, and warm bacon, egg, and cheese croissant sandwiches for us. It was unexpected and welcome as we hadn't eaten the night before due to our rental car issues. We left our room and journeyed out to meet the ponies that live on the property. So far the Refuge Inn has made our stay in Chincoteague a warm one and we are looking forward to enjoying the rest of the week. We got to meet several of the staff and they are pleasant and accommodating. Our room is a beautiful balcony room and worth the very reasonable price I paid. I would absolutely recommend this hotel to anyone coming for the Pony Swim. read more

Refuge Inn - Curious foal saying hi! - Hotels Near Me - Chincoteague Island, Virginia

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We come to Chincoteague every summer to visit my mom. I've stayed at a few different hotels on the island and this is by far my favorite. We were on the second floor this time and I personally like the first floor when staying with multiple people because you have more room than the balcony but it's still great. The staff is super friendly and accommodating. I slept so good here and I have trouble sleeping away from home. read more

We enjoyed this location close to the beach. Plenty of parking, breakfast brought to the room daily, half indoor pool was nice on a rainy day. My only wish was if housekeeping would have swept the floors as part of their daily room clean. Sandy dirty floors happen at the beach. read more

The Saddest stop I've ever made. The ponies were in very sad shape, all have overgrown, misshapen and cracked hooves. The cremello would stand with her right rear leg kicked out to the side not putting weight on it. The Buckskin had hooves that looked like duckbills they were so badly over grown. Their manes were tangled and torn up, and they just walked from one corn bucket to the next in the small paddock looking just very sad. The water bucket was filthy and appeared to have algae growing in it. For the inns bike shop to be very up to date and well kept it looks like the horses are there as a bit of a sideshow kind of attraction and it is utterly heartbreaking read more

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We enjoyed a 2 nite stay in July 2024. The room and bath were the most immaculate I've ever seen. Great room darkening drapes, quiet, family oriented. The pool is surrounded by gorgeous tropical plants. Towel service at pool and lots of comfy seating . The entire inn is nicely decorated and landscaped. I saw nothing worn out, broken or out of place. Enjoyed watching ponies from shaded, private deck. Comfy bed and lovely bayberry soap. The only drawback was the breakfast, which is a simple continental delivered to the room. Enjoyed the fruit and yoghurt but baked good was overdone and tough one day. McDonald's is next door for more substantial fare. Love the location so close to Assateague. One minute from quirky Chincoteague museum. We've already booked for next year. This place is exceptional! read more

Clean, friendly, well run, and well maintained facility. The heated pool, live ponies, free all day local coffee (from Amarin!) and proximity to the lighthouse were all great bonuses during our stay. read more

We always do Airbnb but we're not in the mood for an expensive cleaning fee along with a list of check out chores...not relaxing at all This place was wonderful. Super friendly staff, comfy bed, clean room and quiet spot. We will def be back!! read more

Staying here felt like punishment. I was not looking for a fancy experience, just a cozy & peaceful place to crash. I really wanted to love this place but I can't justify a top notch rating and here is my 100% honest review: They price gouge in my opinion. Booked off-season (one day prior) through a 3rd party and the total was around $120 for a one night stay (deluxe with two queen beds). I reserved because I wanted to support a high-rated local business versus a chain and they are down the road from the National Park. In hindsight, it was a complete rip off because: 1) it was off-season (February) and stayed on a Sunday evening; and, 2) see details below. Note that I've put my family up in a reputable hotel in a very desirable area near DC during a major holiday for the same price per night (around $120) that I paid for this mediocre room. Other notes: **Apparently, I got the "special room" reserved for those booking through a 3rd party. My room was around the corner from the front desk, 1st floor, with a lovely view of the parking lot (no privacy with shades open so they stayed closed which left the room dark & depressing), and could hear every little sound through quiet hours of 10pm. Doors opening, closing, people coming & going. Neighbor's footsteps on 2nd floor. The bed was hard (cheap), had no support whatsoever, the pillows were just as bad (cheap) and the entire room and sheets wreaked of bleach. Was some of the worst sleep I've had in a very long time. I couldn't wait to check out. And I did first thing in the morning! The room felt sterile, uncomfortable and not a place conducive for quality rest unless you are someone who can sleep through anything and on anything. I'm a light sleeper, and brought earplugs and that didn't help. Could still hear the footsteps above me until they quieted down after 10pm. **They need to abolish their free breakfast program. I cannot even give them an "A" for effort. There are no other words. So I'd plan accordingly if staying more than one night. They offer fresh coffee from a local roaster but no real milk - just disposable fake creamer that is laden with chemicals. No thanks. And, I don't want to hear that it's because of COVID. Everyone masks and most everyone has had a vaccine. Precautions are in place. Enough already. Life is meant to be enjoyed. That said, serve milk with the coffee :) **The room had a comment card, which I filled out and walked to the front desk. I hope they replace the bed, and pillows. If not, perhaps the owner should try sleeping on it for a night and see if he/she rests well. ALL rooms in this establishment should have comfortable beds, pillows, bedding. And given the fact that most seem happy with their stay, perhaps they just keep the cheaper rooms stacked with the poor quality items. Who knows. Bottom line: I've stayed at various establishments (hotels, AIRBNBs) pre and post COVID and I'd go back and stay at 90% of them again. I can't recommend this hotel nor would I ever stay here again. read more

I stayed here with my mother and my three kids (16, 13, and 11) primarily because they had ponies on site, and I thought the kids would like that. Turns out they liked everything - including having the ponies in view from the room and being able to visit them every morning, to the pool, and the room itself. It is conveniently located just a few minutes drive from Main Street in one direction and Assateague Island in the other. All the staff were very welcoming and helpful. read more

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The absolute best place to stay in Chincoteague. Clean, quiet, plenty of towels and pillows. Friendly helpful staff! They go above and beyond for the guest. I was having leg cramps after biking all day and my husband went to the front desk to see if they had bananas, they did and gave him 2 for me! It worked! We stayed 3 nights and wished we stayed longer. It's my birthday trip. Definitely will next year! They have the best pool I've ever seen at a hotel. Washers and dryers at a reasonable price, beats packing dirty clothes! Sitting on our balcony watching the ponies and drinking my coffee was a great way to start my day. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway at a charming old school hotel that prides itself in customer service and making you feel you at home, then this is your place! We've stayed here at least 5 times at different times of the year and consider it "our place." I think we will for hopefully many more years to come! read more

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Overall a nice place but more effort could have been made, even amid Covid. Due to covid, the motel was providing a bagged breakfast in lieu of the continental breakfast that is to be offered in the lobby. It was almost embarrassing to see what was provided, especially since people are paying for a hot breakfast and they take it away from you without telling you until you get there. We were supposed to have a deluxe Queen room and all the furniture was mismatched and appeared old. The front desk people could not have been nicer. It was quiet at night and the horses they have on site were a great treat. It has a great location if you're planning on going to the national parks. The hotel is definitely dated and could use some upgrades but overall a nice little motel. read more

Refuge Inn - One of the resident ponies. - Hotels Near Me - Chincoteague Island, Virginia

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Nice location and property. Quite lovelyMy issue is that the room is musty. There's a dehumidifier in the room, so the property has tried to remedy the situation, but it's a challenge for me to sleep in a basement-smelling room. EDIT: notified the front desk. They sent someone right away. A quick cleanup and the room smells MUCH better. Review changed from 3 to 5 stars. read more

We stayed at the Refuge Inn 5 nights last week. The minute we arrived at the front desk, the staff (Trina and Margie) greeted us with such pleasantries that we already felt like we were family. They oriented us to all their facilities, the breakfast arrangements, internet services, restaurants, and even the layout of the Nature Refuge and bike rentals nextdoor. The facility was clean, warmly decorated, and had a patio with two chairs and small table when we wanted to sit outside, as well as a first floor room due to my arthritis. They actually read the note I wrote when I booked. We had a wonderful stay. They are almost at the entrance to the Wildlife Refuge. From the wildlife entrance, they are just a few miles from the public beach for the Atlantic. We were especially grateful that they mailed my friend the 3 jackets she left in the closet for $10. If we return to Chincoteague, The Refuge Inn would be the place we would stay again and again. Two of our favorite restaurants (AJs and The Village) are only about a half mile away. Oh, and coffee and hot water are always available beside the lobby, although there is a coffee maker in your room. And beautiful landscaping! - Margie and Sophia read more

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to visit Chincoteague and fifty years later my dream came true. My husband and I had a wonderful two nights at the Refuge Inn despite an impending tropical storm. The front desk was wonderful and the room clean and serviced each day. We rented bikes located next to the hotel and we're able to explore the refuge each day. Ponies are located on the premises and made our experience extra special. I highly recommend the Refuge Inn. read more

Lovely inn. Quaint hotel right on the way into the Refuge. Lovely lookout spot on the roof as well as in the marshes. The 3 ponies in the very large, comfortable paddock are VERY CUTE! You can purchase grain for them in the lobby. Great proximity to the bike rental store as well as McDonalds. The rooms were very clean, beds comfy and the breakfast was super. Check-in is easy. The hallways smell like a vacation - clean and timbery. Our room had a view of the ponies. The indoor pool is really nice. This inn is almost too good to be true. I will be back for sure!! Thank you! read more

Clean, comfortable and most importantly, quiet. Indoor pool and hot tub were clean and inviting but insufficient ventilation made it constantly rain condensation from the ceiling, so you couldn't really relax on a chaise by the pool. Nicely appointed exercise room. Check-in was easy and check-out even easier; just leave the keys in the room and go. Horses on-site were fun to feed (50 cents/bag horse food at front desk) and looked well cared-for. Breakfast was tiny and plain, bagged and left at the room door every morning. Save as a snack and go out for breakfast. I'd stay there again. read more

Quaint little motel very convenient to the Wildlife refuge. Nice and clean and comfy but not over the top. The room has a college fridge but no microwave and old style coffee maker. I definitely would stay here again the price was good and I felt safe ( staying there alone). I gave them 4 stars because the beds were not the most comfortable. read more

Refuge Inn - Hotels Near Me - Chincoteague Island, Virginia

What a lovely, unique hotel. The front desk was knowledgeable and friendly. The room was very clean and comfortable. The pool area looked like a beautiful floral greenhouse. We had a view of a pony pen! The hotel also has a cool gift shop! I will be coming here again and again! Thank you so much!!!!! read more

This inn is so cute! I loved the ponies outside, they were extremely friendly. The staff was kind, breakfast was delicious, the room was clean and well decorated. I will be definitely be returning next time I visit that area. read more

This is really a quaint Inn that is in a perfect location. It's right next to the bike rental shop, water park, and walking distance to many of the restaurants/food trucks and mini golf places on Maddox. You are also very close to the Chincoteague refuge and beach/Assateague Island. They have a nice picnic area shaded in the pine trees and a nice pool/hot tub. The fresh coffee in the morning was good. During COVID-19 they did have to modify the breakfast options which are delivered to your room bagged. It gets a little old after two days but you can tell they really are making an effort. The rooms are dated as far as the decor and furniture but the room and balcony are spacious, functional, and comfortable. The A/C in the room is loud but you get used to it. The reception staff are great and there is a gift shop too. They give you some horse feed - my son loved feeding the ponies right across the parking lot. If staying on the 2nd floor, know that there is no elevator which can be tricky with a lot of luggage and a toddler or mobility issues. Also, be sure to bring bug spray - the mosquitoes are viscous!! All in all, this is a low key place for a reasonable price in a perfect location to stay. I hope to return one day. read more

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stay here, trust me! cutest, boutique-vibe hotel & so close to the beach. the beds are comfy, the soap is nice, yummy FREE coffee, and the FREE breakfast is just icing on the cake. the pool is spectacular and the staff is so nice. best spot on the island. wake up to the horses, it's the best. read more

A true gem. Caring and friendly service. Beautiful grounds and well groomed Wonderful pool and hot tub that was Very clean. Rooms were spacious and well kept. Breakfast delivered to your door every morning. Easy access and close to the beach. Very basic and reasonably priced. If in military, book it directly and receive a discount. Housekeepers were amazing. Front desk went out of their way to make sure you were taken care of so that your stay was enjoyable. Locally owned business. The lace to stay when visiting. read more

This is one of my favorite places to stay at Chincoteague or anywhere. The hotel is clean, it is older, but it is well maintained. It has very nice pool, and wonderful staff. It is a perfect location to get over to the beach and anywhere else around Chincoteague. The ponies condition mentioned from May of last year certainly didn't match what my wife and i saw. She works with horses and i am familiar with them. Perhaps the comment got needed results for the ponies to be looked at. What we saw looked well cared for, and in good shape. As for complaints from another about the room-from directions they gave, we must have stayed in the same one. They complained about facing a parking lot, noise, and cost. We didn't care about the view, the noise, so what? Your in a hotel, things quieted down by 10pm, and cost-well since 2020-prices have been going up. But, this is my review and while i could write a great saga of wonderful accolades to match some of the long-winded griping i saw on here by others, i will just say this. 1. It was a comfortable room, we enjoyed it-and got good rest 2. The pool was great as was the jacuzzi 3. Location, location, location! 4. Great staff 5. Nice ponies-and they were healthy-pay no heed to naysayers. 6. Room was not depressing, curtains open, all was bright-sure folks could see in sometimes, but when i was dressed, i didn't care. 7. We have stayed here many times and it is always a wonderful experience. I am sorry if anyone had a bad time here, it is nice to have a non chain hotel to stay in, where they do care about you. We know, these folks will meet you half way if you have issues and not just an attitude. read more

Honestly there is nothing negative about this review. Not even 1 hair in the tub, no crumbs in the floor not even a speck of dust on the counter. This room was the cleanest room I have ever been in. They also have military discount so make sure you ask for it if you're military. They had 4 towels & 4 wash rags in the bathroom. Plenty of drying off mechanisms for a room for 2 people. Good quality towels too. The king size bed was so comfortable. Not too soft not too hard. The carpet was fluffy, soft & very clean. We also had a little breakfast table & chairs in the room and s private balcony with 2 chairs. A perfect little private oasis for 2. The tub was huge! Super deep. The bathrooms were very clean!! Maxwell house coffee in the room. Yum!! The view was pretty as well. Wild horses you can go and feed with the little corn machines outside. The AC unit worked very good in our room. Oh and our tv had NETFLIX!!!! The wifi works really good I was actually about 2 blocks away at the donut truck and still bad 3 bars of wifi. Whaaaattt We will definitely make this our go to spot!!!! Amazing room at an amazing price!!!!! 5 stars hands down I would give them 10 if I could!! read more

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Friendly staff but the resort shows its age. Not super clean and everything is fraying around the edges. Located just across the bridge to Assateague Island National Park, and next to bike rental so location is great! Several amenities at Refuge were closed- due to COVID. read more

Every time we visit the island. We always stay here. It's not the fanciest place for lodging, but it's clean, the employees are very friendly, and the morning breakfast is good also. I have always enjoyed my stays here. If you need to rent a bike, the hotel has a bike shop right next door. They will set you all up with everything and you'll be on your way :). If you need a good place to stay,'this is your place :) read more

This place has it all! My husband and I went to Chincoteague Island to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We went back and forth about where we wanted to stay and we could not be more happy that we chose to stay at the Refuge Inn! The service was great! The staff was so friendly and always helpful! The location was perfect! You can rent bikes right next door and bike right over the bridge to Assateague Island, there are resturants and shops right across the street, and they have ponies right there on the property! The rooms are super clean and they smell great! Not to mention just how beautiful each room is! They are all decorated so nicely and uniquely and have little touches of home everywhere! The pool, hot tub and fitness areas were very nice and the crows nest was an added bonus! We have stayed at nice hotels before but this one was the nicest by far! I am a perfectionist and probably one of the pickiest people you will ever meet and I have absolutely no complaints! We had the time of our lives. This place is amazing! You'll be missing out if you stay anywhere else! We can't wait to go back! read more

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Last minute decision to stay here. The website said only queens available, but decided to call and they had a king available. Not sure how that works.... The front desk staff was very friendly and recommended a couple places to eat. One of which we went to, Ropewalk, and would say it was a great recommendation. The room was extremely neat and clean. The only reason I give it a four star is because the bed was very firm and I didn't sleep well. And sleep is pretty important when it comes to a hotel. However, my husband liked the firm mattress, so honesty, it's all a matter of preference. I would definitely recommend if you prefer a firm mattress. Otherwise, ask if they have choices. read more

My husband and I stayed at the Refuge Inn for two nights in September. All staff were polite and the room was very clean. On the day we left I was concerned that a bracelet of mine (sentimental value) seemed to be missing. We searched and searched, but finally I had to go to the Front Office to notify them of this loss. We later spoke to the housekeeper. She helped us to search and even apologized although there was no evidence of the team's involvement. The Front Office promised to call me if the bracelet were to be found. At home we discovered that the bracelet was hidden behind the lining of my suitcase. All and all, we just grateful for the professionalism and kindness of our friends of Refuge Inn. Inna F. read more

Just got back from 3 rd time at the Refuge Inn. Never disappointed! Best place on the island to stay. Rooms are beautiful and so clean!! Indoor pool like a spa with all plants and hot tub! Horses in the corral for the kids to feed( or the big people)! Staff wonderful! They can't do enough for you! Love it there! Be back in May!! read more

My stay here with family just recently was very nice. This place is well located near the road that leads to the beach. It is well maintained and clean. The front desk staff is helpful and courteous. The rooms are clean and comfortable. These accommodations did not leave me wanting anything. The pool is very lovely with tropical plants and the surrounding wooded area. There are bikes for rent next door and shopping across the street. This hotel is very much like Chincoteague Island in general; quaint, quiet, relaxing and family oriented. We will return soon. I recommend this for anyone looking to relax and take in the natural beauty of this beach area. read more

The Refuge Inn is immaculate. We felt safe during the pandemic because Covid protocols are being followed and the entire inn is immaculate. I left some items in the room and was called immediately, very caring, professional staff. Sitting on your private balcony or patio, watching the horses and ponies across the parking lot while enjoying your breakfast is a treat. Five-star rating is very well merited. read more

This was an awesome experience! The owner rescued some wild horses and has some of the in a fenced in area for letting right beside the hotel. My husband, kids and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The hotel staff was super sweet and helpful and the breakfast was great, too! The rooms was very nicely done and the lookout area above the top floor is a nice addition. The pool is nice, too! read more

This is an awesome place to stay. The owners really care and take care of this hotel. Staff are so friendly and helpful. I want to go back! So close to the beach, park and horses on property! read more

I don't have one thing negative to say about this place! I had a wonderful experience here from the very beginning of booking online to checkout Sunday morning. It's located on the island in the middle of all the stores and restaurants. There's plenty of parking, horses on site as promised, check in was fast and the ladies up front were very friendly. Our room was clean, very nicely decorated and (in my opinion the most important factor) the bed was very comfortable. They had a good size heated pool open until 10pm and a hot tub. This was great for our little one. I couldn't get my hubby out of the sauna, also open until 10pm. They had a complimentary breakfast 7:30-10am which included cereal, bagels, toast, scones, eggs, yogurt, oatmeal, and sausage. It was ok. I will definitely be coming back. They made our first trip to Chincoteague Island a memorable one and I thank them for that! FYI This establishment is family owned which is why I like it even more! read more

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Super comfy feels and vibes. Looking From the outside it's an unexpected delightful discovery. Staff is so accommodating and sweet. Some aspects could be upgraded but it is clean and the beds are comfy. It feels like a camping get away. It has horses you can feed and the bicycle store is right next to it. You can walk bike to the beach. read more

Friendly staff and decent service, however watch out for the bed bugs. Stayed two nights and got serious bites all over arms and legs. Please do something about it! Bed bugs ruined otherwise good stay. read more