Policies

At the Scioto Inn, we believe every guest deserves a stay that is comfortable, stress-free, and enjoyable. To help us deliver the best boutique hospitality possible, we’ve established clear policies covering check-in, cancellations, house rules, and amenities. These guidelines are designed to protect the comfort of all visitors while giving you peace of mind about what to expect.

Policies may not be the most glamorous part of travel, but they ensure your visit is smooth from start to finish. Guests often tell us that our transparent approach, simple self check-in, and privacy-first housekeeping make their stay feel effortless.

Check-In & Check-Out

Checking in at Scioto Inn is designed to be as easy as walking through the door.

• Self Check-In: Upon arrival, your suite door will already be unlocked, with the key waiting in the lock. You can arrive anytime after the designated check-in window without worrying about staff hours or lines.
• Arrival Time: Standard check-in begins in the afternoon, but if you’re attending a late wedding reception or driving in from out of town, your room will be waiting no matter what time you arrive.
• Check-Out: Guests typically check out by late morning. Simply leave the key in your suite door lock on departure. There’s no need to stand in line or deal with paperwork.
• Payment: As long as a valid credit card is on file, no action is required. Prefer to pay differently? Call the Inn and we’ll arrange an alternative method.
  
  

Example: Business travelers love that they can arrive late after meetings, head straight to their suite, and leave early the next morning without delay. Couples attending weddings enjoy the same flexibility — no waiting for a desk clerk, no rushing.

Cancellation Policy

Life happens, and sometimes travel plans change. That’s why Scioto Inn maintains a 48-hour cancellation policy.

• Cancel 48 hours before arrival → no penalty.
• Cancel within 48 hours → first night’s stay may be charged.
• Special events and group bookings → policies may vary slightly; call the Inn for details.
  
  

This balance gives travelers flexibility while ensuring suites remain available for other guests. Many visitors appreciate knowing they can cancel in case of illness, weather, or emergencies without losing their entire booking.

Smoking Policy

To maintain the boutique atmosphere and ensure every suite feels fresh, Scioto Inn is a smoke-free property indoors.

• Smoking is permitted only in outdoor areas such as the porch or patio.
• Smoking in suites or common indoor areas will result in fines to cover cleaning.
• Receptacles are provided outdoors for convenience.
  
  

Guests tell us this policy is one of the reasons they choose the Inn — they can enjoy crisp linens, clean air, and allergen-free rooms every time.

Quiet Hours

A relaxing stay requires peace and quiet. To support this, we observe quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM.

• Guests are asked to keep voices and music at respectful levels.
  
  
• Families or groups are welcome, but we ask gatherings to be held with consideration for others.
  
  
• Hallway lights can be turned off if they are disruptive.
  
  

This balance allows night owls to socialize in downtown Urbana while ensuring those who value rest can sleep soundly.

Parking

Parking in Urbana can sometimes be tricky — but not when you stay at Scioto Inn. We provide two free options:

• Street parking directly in front of the Inn, unlimited and meter-free. Guests love the convenience of unloading luggage just steps from the front door.
• Private parking lot behind the building, offering added security and ease for longer stays.

With no time restrictions or fees, guests can park with confidence whether they’re staying one night or a week.

Tours & Access

To protect guest privacy and security, Scioto Inn does not allow self-guided tours of the property.

• Guests staying at the Inn are, of course, welcome to enjoy its historic character.
• The lower-level event space may be toured by appointment for those considering it for a very small private gathering or business meeting. Weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and larger celebrations should be planned through Event Vault.
  
  

This policy allows us to balance the interest in our historic building with the peace and safety of our guests.

Guest Requests & Amenities

We pride ourselves on offering the personal touches of a boutique inn. Guests may request extras during their stay by calling the Inn. These include:

• Additional blankets, pillows, or bedding for comfort
• Cribs, high chairs, or pack-n-play sets for children
• Chargers, power cords, or European plug adaptors for travelers
• Shower chairs or alarm clocks for convenience
• Everyday items like mugs, glasses, and wine openers
  
  

Example: Parents often request a crib or pack-n-play to make their stay easier, while business travelers appreciate the availability of chargers or adaptors.

Housekeeping Services

Unlike chain hotels, we don’t disturb guests daily unless requested. Housekeeping is available upon request to respect privacy.

• Fresh towels and linens delivered anytime.
• Room refreshes for longer stays.
• Full cleaning provided upon request.
  
  

This model offers the best of both worlds — professional service when you want it, uninterrupted privacy when you don’t.

Pantry & Refreshments

Our 24/7 guest pantry is a favorite feature for visitors. It includes:

• Complimentary coffee, tea, and bottled water.
• Snacks, drinks, and basic drugstore items for purchase.
• Local brochures and guides to plan your stay.
• Scioto Inn souvenirs such as t-shirts and greeting cards.
  
  

Payment is simple: place cash in the container. Guests appreciate this honor system because it reflects the Inn’s boutique, community-driven spirit.

Sustainability & Green Practices

During the 2010 renovation, Scioto Inn was modernized with eco-friendly systems to reduce its footprint. Guests benefit from:

• High-efficiency furnaces and on-demand water heaters for energy savings.
• Insulation upgrades to maintain comfort in all seasons.
• Reduced waste through thoughtful design and energy-efficient systems.
  
  

Many travelers today choose Scioto Inn because they want boutique hospitality that also cares about the environment.

Why Our Policies Matter

Policies aren’t just rules — they’re the framework that makes every stay enjoyable. By setting expectations clearly, we create a boutique environment where guests know exactly what to expect.

Guests often tell us they appreciate the ease of self check-in, the quiet nights, and the freshness of smoke-free rooms. Our honor-system pantry and privacy-first housekeeping are also rare touches that set us apart from chain hotels.