Frequently Asked Questions

Silverlaken’s Estate Manual is very comprehensive- answering just about every question a guest could think of!

• A print version of the Estate Manual is part of the welcome kit found in every rental unit.
• A digital version of the Estate Manual is found at www.silverlaken.com/housemanual

 

Table of Contents:

Welcome Message from the Bellamy Family

Contacting the Hosts

Estate Map

History of the Estate

Silver Lake Sea Serpent

Self-Check-in Procedure

Dark Sky Commitment

Parking & Indemnification

EV Charging

Quiet Hours

Medical & Severe Weather

The “No’s” To Know

Solar Power

Wi-Fi, Cell Phone Coverage & (intentional lack of) TV’s

Bedding, Housekeeping & Welcome Kit

Drinking Water

Check-out Details

Trash & Recycling

Firewood & Firepits

Swimming

Complementary Watercraft

Boat Rentals

PWC/Jet Skis

Dockage/ Launch Ramp

Lake Water Quality

Fishing

Farmland & Manure

Insects & Poison Ivy

Wild Animals

Things to Eat, See & Do

Appendix 1: Silverlaken Sauna Hours, Booking & Experience

Appendix 2: Mike’s interview on local history, culture, tourism & economic trends

As much as we would love to allow guests to bring their pets, we are afraid that our insurance agency is very strict. In today's litigious society, we need to play it safe and are unable to allow pets on the property.

During the first year of operation we made a few exceptions for "small, well-trained, quiet pets that don't shed" and it was a big mistake. The "quiet" pet barked all night — disturbing guests in the tent.  And the so-called well-trained dog ripped up a cabin and shed all over the sofa.

As much as we love pets, we sadly are forced to have a "no pets under any circumstances" policy in effect.

However, there are some very nice kennels for cats and dogs in the area ("Countryside Kennel" & "Paws PERRYdise" are 5 minutes away) and local pet sitters can be found at www.rover.com.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

 

If you like sailboats, saunas & starry nights,

If you like a little wine, rocking chairs & wrap around porches,

If you like campfires, the sound of crickets & evening breeze 

If your family likes getting up early, going offline & getting outdoors,

. . . then you will love Silverlaken!

 

If you like jet skis, cases of beer & late nights,

If you prefer highways to dirt roads & Ubers to tractors,

If you need satellite TV & high-speed internet,

. . . then we politely encourage you to consider seeking accommodations elsewhere.

Visit here for details on the infrastructure for boats, sauna, campfires and much more.

Silverlaken is minutes away from Letchworth State Park and much more. See "Things to do, see and eat nearby".

Click here to learn about the history, ownership, renovations, environmental stewardship and much more.

You won’t find TV sets or even clocks in most of the rental units at Silverlaken.

To provide an experience focused on outdoor activities and help guests “get unplugged,” we have intentionally not hooked up Cable/ Netflix/ Satellite TV.  

A password to the free (but not-so-fast) Wi-Fi network is provide at check-in.

Yes, but probably not the monster you have in mind.  Check out the facts here.

Refund Policy:  Airbnb vs Direct Booking

The two have very different refund policies in the event of a cancellation or change.

Cancellation Policy for Airbnb Bookings

As Airbnb sets the refund policy, if you have made a booking or wish to make a booking via Airbnb, please check the listing for details.

Cancellation Policy for Direct Bookings made at Silverlaken.com

Because our winters are long and the vacation season is so short in Western NY, we have a fairly strict cancellation policy for direct bookings and are unable to substitute dates or swap rental units once the booking has been made. Please consider the following before making a booking:

• Full refund (minus payment processing fee) if the check-in date is at least 30 days away.
• 50% refund (minus payment processing fee) for cancellations made at least 20 days before check-in.
• No refunds for cancellations made within 20 days of Check-in.

This includes, but is not limited to inclement weather, changes in travel plans, medical issues, personal reasons, etc. We appreciate your understanding.

Important: Please note that the banks and credit card companies apply the processing fee to both the original payment and the refund when direct bookings are cancelled. That means even a full refund will be the total amount minus 2x the processing fee of 3% (6% in total).

 

Cancellation Policy due to Weather Events

Please note bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable after the closure of the cancellation window, despite any inclement weather.

All rental units, including tents, are engineered to handle typical wind and rain.  Most, but not all rental units are heated.  Please read listing notes carefully before making your booking.

• Most fixed-walled rental units have heating.
• Most fixed-walled rental units + the two canvas cabins have air conditioning.
• Lake Tents do not have electric, heating or cooling.  The lake breeze helps cool the tents in the summer and a rechargeable fan is provided as well.  Blankets are provided in the cooler times of year, but guests should consider bringing extra blankets when the temperatures are low.
• Bubble Tents and Canvas Cabins are not heated but electric heat blankets are provided for extra comfort in the cool seasons.
• Canvas Cabins stay cool most evenings, thanks to the breeze off the lake. Fans and air conditioners are provided for the occasional muggy night mid-summer.

Covid Cancellation Policy

Please be sure to abide by current New York State mask & social distancing parameters; especially when in shared spaces such as campfire, waterfront and/or bathhouse.

As the rental units are cleaned before each guest’s arrival, please do not enter any other tents, rental units or buildings, other than the ones you have booked.

Guests testing positive for Covid are not allowed on the Estate. Guest showing Covid-like symptoms should stay at home or see a doctor.

We understand the pandemic is unpredictable and we will do our best to remain flexible with the refund policy should a member of your group come down with Covid after the cancellation deadline has passed. For example, if we are able to fill the opening with other guests, we will gladly offer a full refund (minus any payment processing fees).

Select units at the Silverlaken Estate may be rented for the entire season on a month-by-month basis.  Certain rules, regulations and preferential pricing are applicable.  Contact us for details.

Local zoning does not allow visitors to spend the night in their own RV, camping tent or any type of overnight accommodations not already in place at Silverlaken.

 

• Guests are welcome to park their RV or camper vans with us, but they can not be used for overnight accommodations, even if you have rented a cabin at Silverlaken. Sorry.  Please confirm arrangement for RV parking well in advance as space may be limited.

 

• Afraid we are unable to allow tents and pop-up pavilions to be placed near the rental units for use during the day or night, unless agreed in advance. We may be able to arrange a temporary permit for the local government in very special cases.

 

 

Forgive the long answer to this frequently asked question. We want to be very transparent with our guests about the pros and cons of Airbnb vs Booking Direct.

We are happy to pull the curtains back and shine some light on the platform fees and cancellation policies, so you can select the best fit for your particular situation.

 

1. Room Rates:  Airbnb vs Direct Booking

While the Airbnb algorithm adjusts prices up or down based on supply and demand at any given time, generally speaking, direct bookings are 8 to 15% less than booking via Airbnb. But direct bookings have a much stricter refund policy.

Direct booking rates are fixed in advance for the super peak, peak, high and low seasons. It is possible to find a last-minute deal if you book via Airbnb, but if you wait too long and there is an event in town or holiday, the Airbnb rates could be significantly higher.

Guests with bookings made via Airbnb will enjoy the same access to Silverlaken infrastructure and receive the same high level of customer service from Silverlaken staff.

2. Cancellation Policies:  Airbnb vs Direct Booking

Airbnb is more flexible with refunds and changes.

3. Payment Methods: Airbnb vs Direct Booking

The only way to pay via Airbnb is to use a credit card.

Direct booking allows for payment via check, cash or credit card.  Credit card payments up to $1,500 are accepted online at www.Silverlaken.com.  Please call us if you wish to pay via check, cash or credit card payments over $1,500.  We will be happy to hold your reservation while the check clears.

 

Bottom Line: Airbnb vs Direct Booking

Book direct with a credit card if you are confident your dates won't change.  Give us a call if you wish to pay with cash/check or your booking value is greater than $1,500.

Consider booking via Airbnb if you want to stay flexible. Airbnb's cancellation period is longer and they do not charge a processing fee if the change is made within the agreed cancellation period.

Limiting the campsites to only registered guests allows us to maintain a safe and quiet environment with sufficient access to infrastructure such as watercraft, BBQ grills, propane, hot water, sauna, parking, electric and plumbing.

Our insurance policy, zoning regulations and campground rules each require that all guests are registered and contact information collected when booking is made.  Zoning limits the number of guests allowed onsite. As such, we generally do not allow additional guests or visitors of registered guests, unless agreed in advance.

Exceptions are sometimes made during non-peak periods when the camp occupancy is not near capacity.  Arrangements should be made well in advance and a non-refundable, visitor’s fee is applicable and due in advance.

 

 

Bugs & Poison Ivy

Western NY has its share of insects and a bit of poison ivy. We don’t have many biting insects on Silver Lake and luckily the breeze keeps most of the mosquitos away. Wear bug spray in the early evenings if you are sensitive to insects.

While spiders are common outside, there are no poisonous spiders in our area. A small vacuum is provided in each rental unit to suck up the occasional bug that may find its way into your rental unit. Since flying insects are attracted to light, turn off the lights when you are away and the bugs won’t hang around your entry area.

At the parks and lakes of Western NY, poison ivy may pop up in mid-summer, usually along the water’s edge in a place with direct sunlight.  If we find it at Silverlaken, we move quickly to eradicate it.

Remember: “Leaves of three- let it be”.

 

Wild Animals

Out here in the countryside we have plenty of birds and critters, but please don't feed the animals as it is dangerous for them to get accustom to humans.

A Bald Eagle frequents the wooded side of our property. Great Blue Heron, Geese and Ducks hang out at water’s edge.

Deer, Fox, Raccoons, Squirrels & Chipmunks pass thru on an almost daily basis. You maybe even hear Coyotes at night off in the distance.

If you are lucky a Muskrat, Beaver or Turtle will swim up to the docks to say hello.  Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and various panfish patrol the docks.

Skunks have poor vision and may wander into the Estate by accident at night on the very rare occasion. Don’t startle it.  Just walk away while talking in a calm tone so it knows you are not a threat.

There are no poisonous snakes around Silver Lake on land or water.

Shy Black bears inhabit the State Park and have only wander through Silverlaken one time in the past 5 years.

Woodchucks (groundhog) are the largest member of the squirrel family. They grow to 10 pounds and live in the holes along the field on West side of Silverlaken.  It is easy to get within 30 feet of them if you move slow and don’t make noise. But please don’t walk out in the field or leave Silverlaken property as the farmer’s crops can be easily damaged.

Hot Water, Toilets, Heat & AC

Many rental units have plumbing, hot water, heating and cooling.

Some rental units have plumbing but not climate control.

Some rental units, like the bubble tent and boathouse, have external bathrooms with hot water for their exclusive use.

Some rental units, like the lake tents, have no plumbing, no climate control nor electric. Guests use the common area for toilets, showers and access to electric.

Please read the listing notes carefully before making a booking if having heat, air conditioning and a private bathroom is important to you.

For your comfort and the protection of the environment, the Silverlaken Estate does not use any composting toilets or septic systems.  All are flush toilets, connected to the municipal sewer system.

Internet Access

In order to provide an experience focused on outdoor activities and to help guests “get unplugged”, we have intentionally not hooked up Cable/Satellite TV/ High Speed Internet. The password to our free (but very slow) wi-fi network is provided in advance of check-in.

Note on Cell & Data Connectivity

Our part of Wyoming County (Perry, Silver Lake, Castile) has 4G coverage in the majority of areas and 5G in a few locations.  For example, on the west half of the Silverlaken Estate there is 5G while the eastern half is limited to 4G coverage due to location of the towers and topography of the land.

• If your phone is set for “5G only” then you will experience dead spots in coverage along the waterfront at Silverlaken as well as downtown Perry.
• Unfortunately, letting your phone automatically bounce between 4G or 5G causes problems as the Estate straddles the border between the two networks. Many phones take up to 15 minutes to reset each time the border is crossed. If you are walking around camp, it may feel like you don’t have any coverage for hours at a time. In reality the phone is constantly toggling back and forth between 4G and 5G.

Solution:  Go to “mobile networks” under your phone settings.  Select “LTE/CDMA” which is another name for “4G”.   Lock in 4G for your vacation then switch back to “Global” (5G) when you leave the area.  This simple solution works on most phones.

EV’s are warmly welcome. 

Contact your host in advance for an outlet with sufficient amperage.

Honor system - simply leave what you feels is a reasonable amount for charging in the honor box at the firewood pile.

Standard outlets are available at the camp.  Downtown Perry has fast charging stations.

We hope to have a level 2 charging station installed next season.

Silverlaken is in a quiet neighborhood on a small lake where the sounds of crickets and frogs fill the typical night.

Even if you rent the entire estate and there are no other guests to disturb, we are still very serious about quiet hours as a courtesy to our neighbors who are friends, law enforcement, first responders and government officials.

Quiet hours are in effect for all guests (including those who have booked the entire estate) from 9 P.M. to 9 A.M.

• Campfires should be extinguished before midnight.
• No loud music, raised voices or screaming kids at any hour.
• Bluetooth speakers and similar devices are not to be used inside or outside during quiet hours.

Put bluntly, Silverlaken is not the place to host a party, after-party, after-after-party or even a pre-party. Sorry.

Reunions, corporate training, church fellowship and other events that understand and respect the above polices are warmly welcome, but please note that the person who made the booking is responsible for enforcing the quiet hours policy among their group.  And per the booking agreement, the entire group will be asked to leave, regardless of the hour, without refund, should the above polices be abused.

 

 

 

Can I rent a Jet Ski?

Unfortunately, there are no PWC rental agencies on Silver Lake at this time.  However,

• pontoon boats can be rented from Silver Lake Marine.
• pedalboat rentals are available at www.PaddleSailSmile.com.
• complementary kayaks and SUP's are made available to Silverlaken guests at the Estate.

Can I bring my PWC?

While PWC are allowed on Silver Lake, due to insurance and zoning restrictions, the Silverlaken Estate does not allow PWC/Jet Ski usage at our waterfront, other than temporary dockage (15 minutes or less) to pick up passengers and drop off gear.

There is a launch ramp at the Silver Lake State Park.   Overnight parking for your PWC's trailer can be arranged at Silverlaken with advanced notice.

Registered guests are welcome to dock (free of charge) during daylight hours under normal weather conditions at the Silverlaken Estate.  First come first severe. Book in advance.

As our docks are light weight residential grade, guests with boats should arrange an overnight slip at the local marina or use the launch ramp at Silver Lake State Park to pull out for the night or during heavy weather in the daytime.

Overnight parking for vehicle and trailer is available at Silverlaken when confirmed in advance.

Share a picture of your boat and we will advise on a suitable daytime dock slip at Silverlaken based on water level at that time.

Please note that guests are responsible for using and securing their craft safely. Guest takes full legal and financial responsibility for any damage or injury to boat, docks, other boats, infrastructure and persons.

Swimming

Due to insurance and safety reasons, we do not offer a swimming area at Silverlaken, but guests are welcome to paddle out and cool off via the complementary kayaks and paddleboards. Another spot to launch kayaks is at the Perry Public Beach is just a few miles away at the north east end of the lake as well.

Lake Water Quality

Silver Lake is fed primarily by underwater springs and enjoys clear water. However, the clear water allows sunlight to reach the lakebed and this allows lake grass to grow, especially in the late summer.   Luckily, Silverlaken happens have a gravel lakebed which prevents the lake grass from growing as dense as most places on the lake.

However, in mid to late Summer, you will most likely need to paddle out past the docks another 20 feet into deeper water to get past the lake grass.

Silverlaken has constructed multiple decorative ponds, not just for scenic beauty, but because they also catch the excess nutrients from the farms upstream before it hits the lake.

The lake grass is an essential part of the lake’s ecosystem. As an example, it provides coverage for smaller fish to hide from predators. It is not feasible nor environmentally sound to cut lake grass like a lawn.

Unlike other lakes in the area, Silver Lake has not experienced a harmful algae bloom in a decade, despite global warming. The farms around Silver Lake carefully manage the amount of nutrients going into the fields, which will later find their way into the lake through runoff. This is important, as large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water create suitable growing conditions for harmful algae.

The lake “turns over” a few times a year. This is also a natural phenomenon and not to be confused with harmful algae blooms.

Simply put, lake turnover is the seasonal mixing of the entire water column. For many lakes deeper than about 20 feet, thermally stratified, distinct layers of water form during different seasons. These layers prevent the lake from mixing and aerating. However, when temperature or wind conditions are just right, the layers are mixed and nutrients rise to the surface where they react with sunlight to turn the lake surface a light green for a few days before the system resets itself.

Silver Lake turnovers are notoriously hard to predict but generally don’t occur more than 3 times per year for a few weeks in total.

You may find small panfish (perch, sunfish, bluegill, rock bass) right under the docks at Silverlaken! Depending on your fishing skills, you may not be able to catch them, but you can almost always see them!

Larger game fish (smallmouth bass, northern pike) inhabit the deeper water about 50 feet off the shore, along the weed bed.  You may be able to cast from the docks out to the edge of the lake grass depending on the season. Kayaks can also be used.

A valid New York State fishing license is required for ages 16 and up.

While guests are welcome to fish off our docks, we kindly request you:

1. Please do not fillet your fish at Silverlaken. This will prevent nuisance smells and avoid attracting animals into camp.
2. Never dispose of fish guts on the Estate grounds or trash bins.
3. Guests must be very careful when fishing from our shore or docks to never leave sharp hooks and tackle on the ground.
4. Please be careful with your casting to avoid snagging tents, inflatable boats, boat canvas or even yourself and others!

 

If you are serious about fishing, the Silver Lake State Park at South End of the lake offers 1000 feet of shoreline, more suitable for fishing than Silverlaken.

Our guests have remained safe and dry despite major storms and micro-bursts experienced to date. Obviously, a tent doesn’t provide the same protection as a house with a fixed foundation and basement.

As such, guests are encouraged to monitor the weather reports during their trip and be prepared to leave the area on short notice if they feel necessary.  The Sauna cabin is the heaviest building on site (that is always unlocked) in the event you are unable to leave the area when the emergency networks advise you to seek immediate protection from high winds and similar events.  Tent guests may consider riding out lightening and hail storms in their car or the Sauna Cabin.

Remember:

• Most lightning storms pass over in a matter of minutes.
• Most storms blow out of the west in this part of NY.
• If the time between when you see the lightening and when you hear it is getting longer with each strike, then the storm is moving away from you.

 

For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/lightning/safetytips.html

Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillow cases) and a starter set of towels, toilet paper, soap and shampoo is provided.

Complementary smore’s (chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows) await you.

Each room also receives a gift certificate package from local businesses.

Please Note:

• As we do not have full time staff, we are unfortunately unable to provide refills of the above items, but know that additional toiletries and snacks can be purchased locally 24-7 at Crosby’s Convenience Store.

 

• Please give advance notice if you wish to have housekeeping services and/or a change of linens mid-stay. We will make every effort to accommodate, but please note that standard housekeeping rates would apply.

 

• The majority of guest prefer soft pillows and we have outfitted our units accordingly. If you prefer a harder pillow, it may be best to bring that with you from home or contact your host in advance.

“Silverlaken” is simply a stylized way of expressing “Silver Lake” using a variation of the Latin word for “lakes”.  Interlaken (“between the lakes”) Switzerland may come to mind.

The “a” in “laken” is soft and pronounced like the “a” in “father” but paying customers are welcome to pronounce “Silverlaken” anyway they like as we are just happy you found us!

In Europe, “laken” has historical roots as a topographical surname for people living near a stream or lake.  In modern Scandinavia, “laken” is the standard word for a “bed sheet”.   We loved the idea of creating a Silver Lake NY brand that was inspired by both the lakes of Europe and clean hotel sheets! We were also inspired by the “Häagen-Dazs” brand which is entirely made up, yet manages to create a specific brand image.

The name choice also provided trademark and marketing advantages.  “Silverlaken” is a stronger and more protectable brand than the common phrase “Silver Lake”.  Adding the "n" allows folks to easily find us on a map or Google search. As a small, family-owned business, with limited resources, we needed a way to differentiate our brand from the vacation rental businesses and camps located on the dozens of "Silver Lakes" across America.  In New York alone, there are 2 Silver Lakes!

While a small percentage of folks may get confused by the “n”, the focus groups indicated that the vast majority of target customers feel "laken" adds a positive point of differentiation and carries connotations of Scandinavian influenced rustic luxury,  which is very much on brand for us.

For a vacation rental renter, a written agreement with the host is an essential part of the booking process because it guarantees the specific terms of the stay, legally protects your payments and sets clear expectations regarding house rules and amenities.

It ensures transparency, prevents disputes over security deposits, and clarifies check-in/out procedures.

A digital version of the Short Term Rental Agreement can be downloaded here as a PDF.