Checking In
Is there a front desk at The Cedar?
No — and that's by design. The Cedar is a fully self-service micro resort: no front desk, no lobby line, no key pickup. Before you arrive, we email you a personal door code for your room's smart lock, plus directions and parking instructions. You let yourself in any time after 3:00 PM and enjoy the place on your own schedule.
Need anything during your stay? Text us at (419) 515-2729 — our team is on-site or nearby.
How does self check-in work?
Shortly before arrival you'll get an email with your room assignment, your personal door code, directions, and where to park. Every room has a Schlage smart lock — punch in your code and you're home. The code works for your whole stay, and there's nothing to return at check-out. Check-in: 3:00 PM · Check-out: 11:00 AM.
Is there an age requirement to book?
Yes — the primary guest must be at least 21 years old and staying at the property during the reservation. A valid government-issued photo ID may be required.
The Rooms
What makes The Cedar different from a regular hotel?
Every one of our 12 rooms is individually themed and designed — a vinyl listening lounge, a movie room, a stargazer's retreat, a captain's room, and eight more. Stay in 12 different stories, not 12 identical rooms — many guests come back specifically to try a different room each visit.
The whole property sits on the Sandusky Bay waterfront, with tables and chairs along the bay for all guests — and Tique's Bar, our outdoor waterfront bar, right on site.
What's in every room?
Each room has a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a smart TV with streaming, an in-room coffee maker, and a mini-fridge. Rooms sleep 2 or 4 depending on the room — each room page lists its exact occupancy.
Please note: The Cedar does not have a pool. With Sandusky Bay at your doorstep and Kalahari's waterparks 15 minutes away, we've never missed it.
How much does a room cost?
Nightly rates start around $129 depending on the room, season, and date, plus a $35 cleaning fee per stay. Booking direct always gets you our best available rate — you skip the 14–16% service fees the big booking platforms add on top.
Do you offer monthly or extended stays?
Yes — from fall through spring. Rooms are available as furnished monthly stays for $1,100 a month, all-in: utilities, WiFi, linens, laundry room access, private bath, keypad entry, free parking, and dogs welcome. 30-night minimum, then month-to-month, with all monthly stays ending by June 1. Popular with travel nurses at Firelands (10 minutes away), contractors, and people between homes. See monthly stays and check availability.
Dogs, Parking & Policies
Is The Cedar pet-friendly?
Yes — dogs are welcome in every room, not just a designated few. Up to 2 dogs per room, each under 50 lbs, disclosed at the time of booking, with a $50 pet fee per stay. ADA service animals stay free. Please keep dogs leashed in common areas, clean up after them, and don't leave them alone in the room.
Is parking free?
Yes, free on-site parking is included. Rooms 1–6 (waterfront side) use the front lot; Rooms 7–12 (courtyard side) use the rear lot — your pre-arrival email tells you exactly where to pull in. One vehicle per room is standard; message us ahead for extra vehicles or boat trailers.
Are the rooms smoke-free?
Yes — all rooms and indoor areas are strictly non-smoking (including vapes). Smoking is permitted outdoors in designated areas. Full details are on our policies page.
What's the cancellation policy?
For direct bookings: cancel at least 7 days before check-in for a full refund of the room rate. Within 7 days, bookings are non-refundable — though we'll always try to rebook the dates and offer a credit when we can. Airbnb and VRBO bookings follow the terms shown on that platform when you booked.
Getting Around
How far is The Cedar from Cedar Point?
About 10 minutes by car. We sit on Sandusky Bay in Bay View, directly between Sandusky and Port Clinton — which also puts Kalahari Resorts about 15 minutes away and the Lake Erie island ferries within a short drive. See our things to do guide for the full lay of the land.
Can I get to Put-in-Bay or Kelleys Island from here?
Easily. The Jet Express in downtown Sandusky runs to both Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island, and the Kelleys Island Ferry runs from Marblehead — both a short drive from The Cedar. Spend the day on the islands, and be back on our waterfront for sunset.
Is Tique's Bar open to the public?
Yes! Tique's Bar is our outdoor waterfront bar right on The Cedar's property, and everyone's welcome — hotel guest or not. Open Wednesday–Friday, 2:00 PM to sunset and Saturdays & Sundays, 11:00 AM to sunset (closed Mondays & Tuesdays), pouring handcrafted cocktails, local Ohio beer, wine, seltzers, and zero-proof drinks with a front-row seat on Sandusky Bay.
Where can I eat nearby?
Rayz on the Bay — a waterfront bar and restaurant famous for burgers and Lake Erie perch — is about two blocks away, an easy walk. Downtown Sandusky's restaurant scene is a 10-minute drive, where you'll also find our sister spot, Paddle Bar, a waterfront tiki bar with live music and fresh-squeezed cocktails.