Frequently Asked Questions Everything you need to know before you arrive at Hillcrest Retreat

Check In and Check Out

What time is check in? Standard check in is 4pm. Hunter's Package guests check in at 8am. If you need an early check in for a specific reason contact Brian directly and he will do his best to accommodate you.

What time is check out? Standard check out is 11am. Hunter's Package guests check out at noon. Late checkout requests are considered on a case by case basis depending on the booking calendar.

How do I access the property? Self check-in with a key code or lockbox. Full access instructions are sent to you before arrival. If you have any trouble Brian is always reachable by text.

The Properties

How many properties are at Hillcrest Retreat? Currently the Hillcrest Manor Cottage is the primary rental. The Skyview Cabin opens Fall 2026. The Historic Pub Unit is coming soon. All properties share the same historic 5 acre estate.

Are the properties private from each other? Yes. The cottage sits privately on the estate with its own entrance and parking. The Skyview Cabin sits on the upper field above the main estate — completely separate from the cottage. Guests in different properties do not share spaces.

Is there WiFi? Yes. High speed WiFi is available at both the cottage and the Skyview cabin.

Is there air conditioning and heat? Yes. Both properties have full air conditioning and heating.

What is the maximum occupancy? Cottage — 5 guests. Skyview Cabin — 4 guests. Pub Unit — 6 guests.

Pets

Are pets welcome? Absolutely. Both the cottage and Skyview cabin are pet friendly. Bring the whole family including the four-legged ones. The WMA provides over 2,000 acres for dogs to run. Bird dogs are particularly welcome during hunting season.

Is there a pet fee? Check your booking confirmation for current pet fee policy.

Are there any pet restrictions? Please keep pets off the furniture and clean up after them on the property. Let us know in advance how many pets you are bringing.

The Hot Tub

Does the cottage have a hot tub? Yes. The cottage has a private 6 person hot tub with a lighting system on the deck.

Does the Skyview Cabin have a hot tub? Yes. The Skyview Cabin has a private hot tub with open field and sky views. Opening Fall 2026.

What temperature is the hot tub kept at? Typically 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a preference let us know before arrival.

Can children use the hot tub? Children under 12 should not use hot tubs. Please supervise children at all times near the hot tub.

The Pub Experience

What is the Hillcrest Pub Experience? An optional add-on for overnight guests. A 64 ounce growler of Hillcrest Real Ale brewed on the premises by Brian plus locally sourced food from our favourite Chester and New Cumberland establishments waiting at the bar when you arrive. $50 per person minimum 2 guests.

Can I book the pub as a standalone experience without staying overnight? Yes. The standalone pub rental is available Thursday through Sunday evenings from $75 for 1-2 guests. BYOB plus Brian's homemade cottage food snacks. Contact Brian directly to book.

Does Brian brew the ale himself? Yes. Brian is a dual American and British citizen who spent 10 years in England learning the real ale tradition. Every batch is brewed on the premises using traditional British methods.

Can we bring our own alcohol? Absolutely. BYOB is always welcome beyond the welcome growler.

The Wildlife Management Area

Can guests hunt on the WMA? The Hillcrest Wildlife Management Area is public land managed by the WVDNR. Any licensed hunter can hunt there. Hillcrest Retreat guests have the advantage of direct walk-out access from the estate property line. A valid WV hunting license is required.

Can dogs run on the WMA? Yes. Dogs are welcome on the WMA. Bird dogs are specifically permitted during hunting seasons.

How far is the WMA fishing lake? Approximately a half hour walk from the estate through the WMA. A secluded natural lake well worth the walk.

Is there cell service on the WMA? Signal varies. Download offline maps before heading into the WMA. The Avenza Maps app has an official WVDNR map of the Hillcrest WMA available for download.

The Location

How far is Pittsburgh? One hour to downtown Pittsburgh. 30 minutes to Pittsburgh International Airport.

How far is Mountaineer Casino? 15 minutes.

How far is Tomlinson Run State Park? 5 minutes.

How far is The Pavilion at Star Lake? 25 minutes.

Is there a grocery store nearby? Yes. Chester and Weirton both have grocery stores within 5-15 minutes of the estate.

What is the nearest hospital? WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glen Dale WV — approximately 25 minutes. Heritage Valley Beaver in Beaver PA — approximately 30 minutes.

Parking and Access

Where do I park? The estate has a large parking area adjacent to the main property with space for multiple vehicles. Skyview Cabin guests park at the base of the access road and walk up or drive up depending on conditions.

Is the access road paved? The main estate access road is gravel. The Skyview Cabin access road is a gravel lane up the hill to the upper field. Suitable for standard vehicles in most conditions.

Can I bring a trailer or RV? The parking area is large and can accommodate trailers for boats, ATVs, and hunting equipment. Contact Brian in advance for RV accommodation.

Events and Weddings

Can I host a wedding at Hillcrest Retreat? Yes. Hillcrest Retreat hosts intimate weddings and events for up to 30 guests. Two venue spaces are available — the lower garden venue near the farmhouse and the upper Skyview field. Contact us for event enquiries.

Is catering included with wedding events? Hillcrest Retreat is a BYOB and self-catered venue. We have relationships with excellent local caterers and can provide recommendations. Tent and event rental vendors are also available through our preferred vendor list.

Are porta potties provided for events? Yes. Portable restroom facilities are provided for all events.

General

Is smoking permitted? No smoking inside any Hillcrest Retreat property. Outdoor smoking in designated areas only.

Is there a minimum stay? Two nights minimum across all properties.

What is the cancellation policy? See your booking confirmation for current cancellation terms.

Can I request an early check-in or late checkout? Contact Brian directly. We accommodate where possible depending on the booking calendar.

What if something goes wrong during my stay? Text Brian directly. He is always available and always responds quickly. Charlene is an RN and both are on the property — genuine emergencies are handled with the same calm competence that generates 4.99 stars.

Can I contact Brian before I book with questions? Absolutelyor contact through Lodgify. Brian responds to every message personally.