How Booking Works

Hilltop Haven is available through Airbnb, Vrbo, and directly through this site. The process is the same regardless of where you book, with one difference: booking direct saves you money.

Once your booking is confirmed, here's what happens next.

Step 1: Guest questionnaire
We'll send you a short questionnaire through our guest portal. It takes about two minutes and helps us understand your group so we can prepare the property and make any relevant recommendations before you arrive.

Step 2: Identity verification
We use a complimentary identity verification step for all guests. We cover the cost. It takes a few minutes and helps us maintain a safe and trustworthy experience for everyone.

Step 3: Documents
We'll send three documents to review and sign before your stay: the rental agreement, the recreational equipment and hot tub waiver, and the guest list confirmation. All are sent digitally and require a signature before your booking is complete.

Step 4: Digital guidebook
Once your documents are signed, we'll send you access to your digital guidebook. It covers the property in detail, local area recommendations, check-in instructions, and everything else you'll need for a smooth and enjoyable stay.

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Booking Requirements

Age. The primary guest must be at least 25 years old and present for the duration of the stay.

ID verification. A valid government-issued photo ID is required through our verification process.

Documents. The rental agreement, recreational equipment and hot tub waiver, and guest list confirmation must all be signed before your stay begins.

Security hold. A credit card hold is placed two days before arrival and released within five days after checkout. No charge is made to your card unless there is documented damage beyond normal wear. Hold amounts are $500 for the 1-bedroom layout, $750 for the 3-bedroom, and $1,250 for the 5-bedroom.

Guest list. We require the names, ages, and relationship of all guests including children before arrival. Maximum occupancy is 5 guests for the 1-bedroom layout, 11 for the 3-bedroom, and 18 for the 5-bedroom.

For the full booking policy, see the House Rules page.

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Check-In and Check-Out

Check-in is at 4:00 PM. Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Early check-in and late check-out may be available depending on the schedule. Contact us in advance to request either. A fee applies.

The property has two keypad access points: the front door keypad (front steps are to the right of the garage) and the small garage bay keypad. Your door code and full arrival instructions will be in your arrival email, sent a few days before check-in.

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What's Included

Every stay includes access to the private island and footbridge, the wraparound deck, and the outdoor grounds as configured for your layout. The 84-foot pier is accessible spring through fall and is removed for the winter season. Certain areas of the home are locked by layout, and some outdoor areas are restricted for safety. Your rental agreement and arrival email will detail exactly what is accessible for your specific booking.

Every stay also includes:

Indoor cedar hot tub, year-round.

Complimentary watercraft, subject to availability, weather, and seasonal schedule: one double kayak, two single kayaks, two stand-up paddleboards, one pedal boat, and one floating mat. Watercraft are removed mid-November and return in spring.

Four adult bikes, two teen bikes, and two kids' bikes with helmets, subject to availability.

Life vests in all sizes.

Complimentary firewood for the island fire pit.

High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the home.

Digital guest guidebook sent after documents are signed.

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Optional Add-Ons

Pontoon rental. Our 24-foot pontoon boat, The Hilltop Cruiser, is available as a separate booking from May through October. Visit pontoon.hilltophaven-sylvanlake.com for rates and availability.

Early check-in or late check-out, subject to schedule. Contact us to request.

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Cancellation Policy (Direct Bookings)

The following policy applies to reservations made directly through this site. Cancellation policies for Airbnb and Vrbo bookings are governed by those platforms and may differ.

Full refund, less a $150 cancellation fee, if canceled more than 45 days before arrival.

50% refund, less a $150 cancellation fee, if canceled more than 21 days before arrival.

No refund for cancellations made within 21 days of arrival.

24-hour grace period: if you cancel within 24 hours of booking and your arrival is at least 21 days away at the time of booking, you'll receive a full refund.

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Why Book Direct

You pay less. OTA platforms charge guests a service fee of 12 to 15 percent on top of the nightly rate. When you book direct, there is no platform fee. We pass the savings to you while keeping our rates consistent.

You reach us directly. No platform messaging filters. You book with David and Christine and communicate with us from day one.

Returning guests get a discount. If you've stayed with us before and book direct for your next visit, we offer a returning guest rate. Just mention it when you reach out.

Payment is secure. All direct bookings are processed through Stripe. Your card information is handled securely.

To book direct, use the availability calendar on this site or contact us at bookings@davinavista.com or (260) 854-4501.

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Questions?

We're happy to answer anything before you book. Reach us at bookings@davinavista.com or (260) 854-4501. We typically respond within a few hours.

David and Christine