Top 5 Things to Consider When Booking a Rental Cabin

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Booking a rental cabin for your summer getaway promises relaxation and adventure, but picking the right one requires careful thought. At O’Connell Cabin Co., our four lakefront cabins in Stone Lake, Wisconsin—Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, and Cattail Cottage on Lower Holly Lake, and Little Sand Lodge on Little Sand Lake—deliver the perfect escape. Here are the top five things to consider when booking a cabin, ensuring a seamless stay with us or any rental.

1. Location and Amenities That Fit Your Vibe

The cabin’s location and amenities shape your trip. First things first: WiFi. It’s a must-have these days, however if you’re looking for a cabin in the woods, you can’t assume every property has it. Some might have internet, however due to the remote location, it could be limited or slower than you need. Be sure to verify or you could be in for a big surprise after you check in. All of our cabins have unlimited high-speed internet included with your stay. 250+ Mbs to be exact. Plenty of speed and capacity for streaming. For location, choose a spot near activities you love, like hiking or fishing, and verify important features. Our cabins, minutes from Stone Lake Wetland Park and a 30-minute drive from the Trego Nature Trail, suit nature enthusiasts. Included kayaks, canoes, gas grills with LP tanks, and fire pits with dry stacked firewood make lake days and barbecues a breeze. Whether at Cattail Chalet or Little Sand Lodge, you’re steps from Lower Holly Lake or Little Sand Lake fun.

2. Guest Capacity for Your Group

Ensure the cabin fits your group comfortably. Count adults and kids to avoid tight spaces. Also, what are the cabin's sleeping arrangements?  Listings should have information about the beds in each bedroom (king, queen, etc.) along with photos in the photo gallery that clearly show the sleeping arrangements.  If they don't, it could be a red flag.  Cattail Cabin sleeps up to 8, perfect for smaller families, while Cattail Chalet, Cattail Cottage, and Little Sand Lodge each sleep 10, ideal for slightly larger groups. By the way, we have king size beds in the master bedroom at all of our properties.  Also, spacious living areas, full kitchens, and decks make our cabins great for reunions or friend trips. Cattail Cabin’s game room, with Pac-Man, Golden Tee, and classic Nintendo, keeps everyone entertained. Check capacity and sleeping arrangements to match your crew.   

3. Cancellation Policy and Traveler Insurance

Cancellation policies can vary widely from one host to the next.  Be sure to find a cabin with a cancellation policy that you are comfortable with, because they're all different, and sometimes confusing.  At O’Connell Cabin Co., our policy is simple: free cancellation up to 14 days prior to arrival, and a 50% refund up to 7 days prior. For added peace of mind, we also offer low-cost, hassle-free traveler insurance, easy to purchase during booking. It protects you if you need to cancel inside of 14 days for any reason, ensuring flexibility. Always review cancellation terms and consider insurance for stress-free planning.

4. Pet Policy for Furry Companions

If you are trying to find a pet-friendly cabin, confirm the cabin’s pet policy, including fees or rules. Our pet-friendly cabins welcome up to 2 dogs, letting your furry friend enjoy Lower Holly Lake or Little Sand Lake with you. Verify leash rules and any other special requests from the host for a smooth stay. Our clear pet policy ensures everyone, paws included, has fun at O’Connell Cabin Co.

5. Timing Your Booking

Book early to secure preferred dates, especially for peak summer, and especially if the owner has a flexible cancellation policy.  This allows you to book what you want, and if something comes up, you can always cancel and get your money back.  At O'Connell Cabin Co., we allow our guests to book up to a year in advance.  Early booking locks in your spot at Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, Cattail Cottage, or Little Sand Lodge and often saves money.  Enjoy WiFi for sharing photos, board games for evenings, or fishing for bass off your dock.  Plan ahead -- summers fill fast! 

Book Your Perfect Cabin Today

Ready for your Stone Lake getaway? Visit oconnellcabinco.com to check availability for Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, Cattail Cottage, or Little Sand Lodge. Use these tips to book the ideal cabin—reserve now to secure your next adventure!
Pro Tip: Create a checklist of your group’s needs (e.g., Wi-Fi speed, pet rules) before booking for a stress-free cabin experience!