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Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help?

Welcome to Our Frequently Asked Questions!

Please find below our most frequently asked questions that can answer most of what you are looking for BEFORE and DURING your stay.   We suggest reading below and scrolling down and reading the topics for which you need assistance.  You can also see our comprehensive Things To Do section if looking for indoor and outdoor activities, dining and attractions.  Thank you for choosing to stay with us!

Book direct on our Website? What about Airbnb, VRBO, etc?

This is our official website.  Many guests find us and book with us via Airbnb, Homeaway, VRBO, Booking.com, Expedia and other sites.  It’s OK, we do list our cabins on these sites and we do accept bookings – it helps guests find us.

However, please don’t be confused, this is our official website where our inventory is listed real time online at the best available rates.  Sites such as Airbnb, Homeaway, VRBO, Booking.com may add booking and/or convenience fees and even mark up our rates – this is one of the ways they yield a profit – and rightfully so as they do have costs to market vacation rental homes.  So keep in mind if you book direct on our website right here you will be accessing rates that often are 10-25% lower than on Airbnb, Homeaway, VRBO, etc.   In addition, booking direct on our site gives you much easier access to deal directly with Elk Springs Resort Cabin Rentals – so if you need to modify your stay it’s much much easier as YOU don’t need to coordinate these changes with the origin channel of your booking.  Plus we only offer travel insurance direct on our site which offers you the most flexibility for changing or cancelling your stay.

*** For your convenience, if you booked via Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, Homeaway or another booking site, make sure you send to our customer service team your email address as the channel sites often mask / hide your email and it makes it very difficult for us to send to you our reservation confrimations, updates and communicate during your stay.

And a final note – if we have the opportunity to have you stay with us again, be sure to book direct on our website as a repeat guest you get 10% off all future stays – but we can only offer this if you book direct on our site.

Thank you!

Cabin Info and Details

Parking

At a minimum there is 1 private parking spot per bedroom per cabin located in front of the cabin.  Some cabins can accommodate a motor cycle trailer and it is very important that you contact our reservations team prior to booking to make sure you can bring your trailer.  We do like to accommodate those brining trailers, but we must pre-approve these on a cabin by cabin basis.  For condos, there is 1 on site parking spot in the condo unit parking area per bedroom.

Is there phone service in the cabin?

Yes, the cabins are equipped with phones that have unlimited local and long distance service.

Do you offer discount Attraction tickets?

Unfortunately we do not, but you can purchase discounted tickets at one of the many visitor centers in town or on your way into town.

What common items are not included in the Kitchens?

Unfortunately we do not provide:

  • spices,
  • aluminum foil,
  • plastic wrap and
  • condiments.
What do you include with the cabin?

A starter supply of toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, hand soap, dishwasher detergent, dish soap and laundry detergent are provided. If you are staying for more than 2 or 3 days you will probably need to bring an extra supply of these items.

Are hair dryers included?

Hair dryers are not included. You should bring your own hairdryer, curling irons and other similar items as we do not provide these.

During Your Stay

Soaps, Detergents and Paper Products

We set your cabin with a starter supply of paper towels, toilet paper, dish washing and washing machine detergent as well as hand and body soaps in each bathroom.  We suggest you bring extra should you need it.   We do not supply body wash, shampoo or conditioners.  There are several major grocery and convenience stores in the area and all carry these items given there proximity to so many rental cabins – so it is very convenient to get these items should you need them.

Theater Systems – Use and Connectivity

Many of our cabins include home theater rooms.  If your cabin does, then it will be setup to watch DVD’s, Cable TV and to connect streaming devices.  

For An overview of the system and connectivity, you can watch this video:

DVD’s – The system has a blu-ray dvd player, however, we do NOT provide DVD’s.  You can bring your own DVD’s or you can rent them at several Redbox locations in the area including at all of the Food City grocery stores.

Cable – The systems are connected to cable TV and while our cable does not have movie channels it does have most sports channels such as ESPN.

Streaming – Our systems provide an HDMI cable so you can connect to HDMI devices.  This cable has a MALE connection which connects to Apple TV’s and laptops.  The connection does NOT support connecting to Firesticks or Google streaming devices You will need to bring a male to male adapter for your device to connect to an HDMI cable.   We do NOT provide these.

*** IMPORTANT ***

You are not allowed to tamper with any of the equipment connections.  You are only allowed to connect to the provided HDMI cable.  This means you are not allowed to connect or disconnect a cable or attempt to connect directly to the soundbar, hdmi switch, TV or projector.  Attempting to connect to these devices can and often will ruin the connection and the device.  Should we find disconnected devices or a device that does not work after check out we will charge the card on file a $150 fee plus the cost of replacing any equipment.  Projectors can cost up to $1,200.   Why do we enforce this?  We simply don’t want the next guest to be inconvenienced – you could be that next guest and we want the system to work for you.

Bear Safety

Please see our comprehensive page about Black Bears where you will find everything you want to know about Black Bears in Tennessee.

Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you!

Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear is illegal in the National Park.   We suggest following these same rules at all times, even outside of the park.

Feeding a bear can result in a $5,000 fine and up to 6 months in Jail.   

Bear activity is most common from the early evening, dusk and into the night.  Please use caution and common sense if you see or encounter a bear as there have been several sightings close to cabins – even during the day.  Should you see a bear:

  • Never feed or toss any food to a black bear.  This is illegal
  • Keep children and pets under strict control and if possible bring them to safety inside a vehicle or indoors.
  • Keep the bear at as great a distance as possible. If the bear notices you and changes it behavior such as feeding or the direction in which it is moving, you are too close, back away slowly from the bear and make lots of noise.
  • Never back a bear into a corner or surround it. Being to close to or threatening a black bear can cause the bear to exhibit aggressive behavior such as you being rushed towards by the bear or the bear swatting the ground. The black bear may even make popping noises with its jaw or other loud noises which are indications the bear needs more space so you should slowly back away from the bear and remember DO NOT RUN. Running can trigger an attack mechanism in black bears.
  • The majority of black bear related attacks to humans are minor and most black bear attacks on humans are a result of the bear attempting to get to peoples food. If it appears that a bear is interested in food you or anyone in your party has, let go of the food and slowly back away from the food and the bear.

TRASH:  Given the food source problems, the bears will attempt to get into trash left in trash cans or within the plastic trash bins.  Please keep all trash inside the cabin unless you have a bear proof steel container installed outside your cabin.  Please call 866-550-1795 ext 6 and request a trash pickup if needed.

Check Out
  • Check-out time is at 10:00 am Eastern Standard Time, promptly. Please plan to vacate the unit on or before this time. In an effort to provide our next guests with a prompt on-time check-in, late check-out fees/ additional nights’ charge may apply for unapproved stay-overs past 10:00am.
  • Collect all belongings (closets, bathrooms, drawers, etc…), place all dirty towels in a central bathtub, load any dirty dishes into the dishwasher starting the cycle, bag all trash to the outside bins (or kitchen area if full).
  • Secure all doors/windows and arm security system (if applicable).
  • Call (866) 550-1795 OPTION 3 for our express check-out. Should a live representative not be available, you may be prompted to leave a voice message simply indicating your name, unit, and any feedback you wish to provide such as a maintenance issue we should be aware of. Safe travels!
Trash / Linens / Pets
  • Trash – If the outside metal trash bins become full during your stay, feel free to contact our office (OPTION 6) for a pick-up.    Please do not leave trash outside the bin overnight as this will attract Racoons and Bears – within most areas of the county leaving trash outside not secured in a bear proof container is a violation of a City Ordinance.
  • At this time, a daily linen service (towel/linen replenishing) is not provided.
  • Remember to lock all doors/windows and arm the security system (if applicable) before leaving for any length of time
  • Pets must remain on a leash at all times while on Elk Springs Resort property/managed property.
  • Please be respectful of neighbors when parking vehicles
  • Should you encounter local wildlife, remain alert, keep distance, and never approach a wild animal.
  • Valuables and personal items should be secured at all times, if left unattended in vehicles.
    Elk Springs Resort, LLC can assume no responsibility for damages or theft to personal property including valuables, vehicles, and all other personal items.
Check In

Our TARGET check in time is 3pm.  While uncommon, check-ins can be delayed due to maintenance or cleaning in process often a result to the prior check out.   We suggest planning for 3pm, but being flexible on your arrival time in case the maintenance and/or cleaning crews are working on your cabin as we want the cabin to be clean, safe and in good working order.

Following your check-in we ask that you look over the unit in its entirety and report any missing/broken items to our office. Also note any supplies that may have erroneously failed to be stocked such as the starter supply of laundry detergent or sleeper sofa sheets.

Hot Tub Safety and Usage

The hot tub at this cabin was completely drained, re-filled, cleaned, and sanitized with chemicals prior to your arrival, for your safety and enjoyment. The chemicals used are non-chlorine based, but still may cause slight skin irritation or allergic reaction to some if exposed for long periods of time.

Please review the following information to maximize the cleanliness and safety or your hot tub:

The following persons should NOT enter a hot tub:

  • Pregnant Women
  • Babies or Infants
  • Young Children
  • Persons with: Diabetes, Heart Disease, High/Low Blood Pressure, Infections (Viral/Fungal/ 
Bacterial), or anyone with an open cut or wound.

OTHER:

  • Do not use a hot tub while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
  • Use caution when entering/exiting
  • Children must be supervised at all times.
  • Exit the tub should you become dizzy, faint, or nauseous
  • Breakable objects, pets, soaps, bathing oils, bubbles, and other liquids are prohibited.
  • Remove/replace hot tub cover carefully
  • Never sit or stand on the hot tub cover. Misuse will result in a replacement fee of $350.00.
  • Keep the hot tub cover on and locked (strapped down) when not in use for safety and to maintain appropriate temperature.

Pet Policy

Pet Policy

Some of our rental units allow for pets and they are indicated as such on our web site listings. Many guests have pet allergies and as such pets are prohibited from non-pet friendly cabins. Please keep in mind each rental unit is an individually owned investment property, so please be courteous and treat the unit as you would your own, and make sure your pets do as well. There is a $50 pet fee per animal staying in the rental unit. Dogs over 50 pounds are not permitted.

The following breeds are not permitted in cabins or anywhere on the property at any time:

-Pit Bulls,
-Staffordshire Terriers,
-Doberman Pinschers,
-Rottweilers,
-German Shepherds,
-Chows,
-Great Danes,
-Presa Canarios,
-Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes,
-Siberian Huskies,
-Wolf-hybrids.

There is a $50 fee per pet, you can click here for a list of Pet Friendly Cabins.

Top Questions

Bear Safety

Please see our comprehensive page about Black Bears where you will find everything you want to know about Black Bears in Tennessee.

Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you!

Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear is illegal in the National Park.   We suggest following these same rules at all times, even outside of the park.

Feeding a bear can result in a $5,000 fine and up to 6 months in Jail.   

Bear activity is most common from the early evening, dusk and into the night.  Please use caution and common sense if you see or encounter a bear as there have been several sightings close to cabins – even during the day.  Should you see a bear:

  • Never feed or toss any food to a black bear.  This is illegal
  • Keep children and pets under strict control and if possible bring them to safety inside a vehicle or indoors.
  • Keep the bear at as great a distance as possible. If the bear notices you and changes it behavior such as feeding or the direction in which it is moving, you are too close, back away slowly from the bear and make lots of noise.
  • Never back a bear into a corner or surround it. Being to close to or threatening a black bear can cause the bear to exhibit aggressive behavior such as you being rushed towards by the bear or the bear swatting the ground. The black bear may even make popping noises with its jaw or other loud noises which are indications the bear needs more space so you should slowly back away from the bear and remember DO NOT RUN. Running can trigger an attack mechanism in black bears.
  • The majority of black bear related attacks to humans are minor and most black bear attacks on humans are a result of the bear attempting to get to peoples food. If it appears that a bear is interested in food you or anyone in your party has, let go of the food and slowly back away from the food and the bear.

TRASH:  Given the food source problems, the bears will attempt to get into trash left in trash cans or within the plastic trash bins.  Please keep all trash inside the cabin unless you have a bear proof steel container installed outside your cabin.  Please call 866-550-1795 ext 6 and request a trash pickup if needed.

Are linens and towels included?

Yes, each cabin includes sheets & towels, extra blankets and a washer and dryer with 1 starter pack of laundry detergent.

What Kitchen Items are included?

The kitchen is equipped with dishes, place settings, glassware and coffee cups. A core set of cooking utensils and pots & pans is also included. A blender, coffee maker, toaster and mixer as well as mixing bowls are also included in the cabin inventory.

Unfortunately we do not provide:

  • spices,
  • aluminum foil,
  • plastic wrap and
  • condiments.

 

Do we need to bring coffee?

Each cabin has a coffee maker and starter supply of coffee filters, however, we don’t supply coffee so you definitely should stop and pick some up on the way or bring it with you.  A few of our cabins have Keurig coffee makers and if so we do provide a few starter coffee k-cups for you.  The individual cabin listing will notate if a Keurig coffee maker is included.

We also do not supply any sweeteners or creamers, so we do suggest bringing these items as well if needed.

Do you offer a late check in?

We do a remote no contact check in.  Meaning we text you a door code when the cabin is ready and you go directly to the cabin.   There is NO check in office.  Given this we don’t need to coordinate the picking up of keys or going to an office late at night – instead, for your convenience you can arrive any time after your cabin is ready and you will have access to the cabin once the code is issued.

On the day prior to check in we will request from you a target check in time (we will send you a text and an email to confirm this).  We do kindly request that you respond with your estimated arrival time so our customer service team can ensure you have made it to the cabin.

What time is check in / check out?

We target a check-in time of 3pm, however, it is not guaranteed given cleaning and maintenance issues sometimes limit our ability to have it safe, clean and ready for your arrival at that time.   We notify you the day of check in when the cabin is ready and once ready you can go directly to your cabin.   Should the cabin not be ready by 3pm we will provide advanced notice for you with a target ready time.  95%+ of our cabins are ready at or before 3pm, we do suggest you plan for a 3pm check in but make arrangements to spend time to get groceries or other items you may need should the cabin not be ready at 3.

Check out is at 10am.  This allows us the time necessary to prepare the cabin for the next guests.   In some instances we can offer a late check-out, but we normally are not prepared to offer this until the day before checking out.

Early Check Ins / Late Check Outs

Early Check Ins:  We make our best efforts to have your cabin available as early as possible.  Given the cleaning requirements and any maintenance issues we may be working on it is difficult to commit to an early check in far in advance.  We suggest emailing our customer service team via our Contact page [..click here..] the day of check in to see if an early check in is available.

Late Check Outs:  We do need to clean the entire cabin, drain and sanitize and refill the hot tub as well as handle open maintenance issues prior to the next guests arrival.  As such it is difficult to commit to a late check out well in advance.  We do suggest contacting our customer service team during your stay to see if a late check out is available, but we are unable to commit one prior to check in.  You can contact our customer service team via email here:  [..click here..]

Is there a check in office? Can I do a no contact check in?

We do not have a check in office.  We do a remote no contact check in – meaning we text you a door code when the cabin is ready and you go directly to the cabin.   There is NO check in office.  Given this we don’t need to coordinate the picking up of keys or going to an office late at night – instead, for your convenience you can arrive any time after your cabin is ready and you will have access to the cabin once the code is issued.  When your cabin is ready we will issue you a door code via text message – so it’s really important we get your cell phone number.

On the day prior to check in we will request from you a target check in time (we will send you a text and an email to confirm this).  We do kindly request that you respond with your estimated arrival time so our customer service team can ensure you have made it to the cabin.

Should I bring DVD’s for the Home Theater system?

Each home theater system includes a blu-ray player connected to the projector and sound system.  There is a Redbox at the nearby grocery stores, however, we do suggest bringing DVD’s that you may want to watch during your stay as availability can be limited at the Redbox.

Do you provide Cribs, High Chairs or Wheelchairs?

No, however, these can be rented for a fee from Carousel Kids at 865-430-5000.

Do you provide daily housekeeping service?

We only provide housekeeping service at check out, however, each cabin is equipped with a washer/dryer and dishwasher as well as a starter supply of laundry detergent, dish soap, and dishwasher detergent. We can accommodate cleaning of the cabin during your stay at your request for an extra fee.

Is there a grocery store nearby?

Absolutely. There is a “Food City” grocery store located on highway 321 (the parkway) that is approximately 5 minutes from the resort property. It is a major shopping center and offers a pharmacy, bakery, deli and video rentals.

Are your cabins pet friendly?

Some of our rental units allow for pets and they are indicated as such on our web site listings. Many guests have pet allergies and as such pets are prohibitied from non-pet friendly cabins. Please keep in mind each rental unit is an individually owned investment property, so please be courteous and treat the unit as you would your own, and make sure your pets do as well. There is a $50 pet fee per animal staying in the rental unit. Dogs over 50 pounds are not permitted. The following breeds are not permitted in cabins or anywhere on the property at any time: Pit Bulls & Staffordshire Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Chows, Great Danes, Presa Canarios, Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Wolf-hybrids.

Is Wireless Internet Available?

Yes, each cabin is equipped with free wireless internet.