Guest Guide
Everything you need for a smooth, easy stay in Bala — from booking to checkout.
Pre-Arrival
Welcome
A contemporary boutique retreat awaits you in the heart of Muskoka. Thanks for choosing The Dudley Inn — we're looking forward to having you.
We're a small, family-feel motel just outside Bala, close to The Kee, the Cranberry Marsh, and everything Muskoka has to offer.
Check-In
We're a contactless property — no front desk, no key pickup, no in-person check-in.
Prior to arrival, you'll complete a registration and check-in 2-step process. Once both steps are completed, you'll receive your room number, door code, and Wi-Fi details.
Watch for your check-in link — you'll receive it the morning of your arrival around 9 AM. That's the link you'll use to complete the registration process.
Step 1
Upload your photo ID
Step 2
Complete check-in
Please complete check-in before 4 PM on your arrival date. This gives us time to help if anything comes up — we want to make sure you can get into your room smoothly, not deal with issues after hours.
Check-in: from 4:00 PM • Check-out: by 11:00 AM
Early check-in at 3:00 PM may be available upon request, subject to availability — a small fee may apply.
Key Policies
Cancellation: 50% non-refundable deposit at booking. Remaining balance charged 3 days before arrival.
Damage authorization: Pre-authorization placed on your card the morning of check-in. Released after departure if no damage.
Booking age: The person booking must be at least 21.
Pets: Well-behaved dogs welcome ($45/night, max 2 per room).
Full policy details ↓Getting Around
Bala is a small town a short drive away with coffee shops, restaurants, The Kee, The Falls, and some public waterfront areas to enjoy.
Taxi cabs are available for Kee events — best to book in advance, especially on show nights. There's no Uber or Lyft service in Muskoka.
Taxi Services
Muskoka Cab
Muskoka Lakes Taxi
Bala Taxi & Tours
Torrance Taxi
What to Pack
What we provide
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap
- Bottled water, coffee pods, tea
- Coffee machine, kettle, microwave
- Mugs, glasses, spoons, mini fridge with creamers
- Hair dryer, iron and ironing board
- Bath towels, hand towels, face cloths
- Toilet paper, tissues
- Wi-Fi
What to bring
- Personal toiletries
- Phone charger
- Insect repellent (May–September)
- Sunscreen
- Bathing suit if visiting lakes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lighter or matches for the firepit (seasonal)
- Milk if you take it in your coffee
Where to Eat & Drink
Reservations are highly recommended in summer, especially on Kee weekends. Some spots are seasonal — we've flagged those below.
- Oliver's Coffee — local coffee shop in Bala
- Jack & Stella — locally owned coffee shop with a lakeside back patio
- Bala Falls Pub — family pub with classic homemade fare and a small front patio
- Clear Lake Brewing Co. — craft brewery with bottle shop, back lawn, live music
- Bala Bay Takeaway Pizza Nova — pizza and quick eats
- Blue Willow Tea Shop — traditional high tea at Muskoka Wharf, lakeside
- Boston Pizza — large two-level patio on Lake Muskoka
- Dock of the Bay Steak & Seafood Grille — casual fine dining at Muskoka Wharf (seasonal)
- Tulo's Taqueria Muskoka — lakeside indoor/outdoor casual dining (seasonal)
- Water's Edge Restaurant — on Lake Joseph, wine bar and grill with public docking (seasonal)
- Turtle Jacks — casual pub-style dining (seasonal)
- Pie Pizza — wood-fired pizza (seasonal)
- Bass Lake Roadhouse — casual dining near Port Carling
- El Pueblito — authentic Mexican with a small patio on the main street
- Chuck's Roadhouse — classic Canadian roadhouse, casual dining
- Boston Pizza — pizza, pasta, and family favourites
- The Old Station — Bracebridge restaurant in a historic setting
- Wabora — popular Japanese restaurant with great sushi. Reservations recommended.
- Bala Freshmart — closest, in Bala
- Foodland — Port Carling
- Gagnon's Your Independent Grocer — Port Carling
- Sobeys — Gravenhurst
- Terry's Your Independent Grocer
Things to Do
Muskoka is at its best outdoors. Some spots are seasonal — we've flagged those.
- The Kee to Bala — legendary concert venue since 1942. Schedule at thekee.com.
- Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery — cranberry marsh, wine tastings, year-round trails
- Muskoka Steamships — Lake Muskoka cruises, Gravenhurst (seasonal)
- Muskoka Beer Spa — your quintessential Canadian spa (seasonal)
- Hardy Lake Provincial Park — 3 km or 8 km loops between Bala and Gravenhurst
- Huckleberry Rock Scenic Lookout — one of the best sunset spots in Muskoka
- Torrance Barrens Reserve — Canada's first Dark Sky Preserve
During Your Stay
In Your Room
Fresh linens, real coffee, heated bathroom floors, reliable Wi-Fi. Each room is set up with everything you need to settle in and unwind.
Need a quick room tidy, fresh towels, or more supplies? Just message us by 10 AM — housekeeping is available 9 AM to 3 PM.
Property Layout
Eight unique rooms across seven acres. Once you've checked in, here's how to find your way around — your room, the firepit, parking, and the Country Farmhouse.
Room Amenities
Wi-Fi
Your Wi-Fi network and password are provided once you've completed self check-in. You'll find them with your door code.
Door Code
Your door code is unique to you and active for your check-in and check-out window. All entries and exits are logged for security.
TV & Streaming
About 1,500 channels through the on-screen Guide. Sign in to Netflix, Disney+, or any streaming service directly on the TV.
Coffee & Kitchen
Coffee machine with pods, kettle, microwave. Mugs, glasses, spoons, sugar, sweetener, and creamers in the mini fridge under the cabinet.
Heating & Cooling
Independent heating and A/C in each room. Keep doors and windows closed when running them. Weather permitting, open the front door and back window for fresh air.
Housekeeping
Available 9 AM to 3 PM. For a tidy, fresh towels, or more supplies, message us by 10 AM. Our team won't enter your room unless requested or in an emergency.
Laundry
There are no laundry services on-site.
Septic System
We're on a septic system. Please flush only toilet paper — no wipes, tissues, paper towels, or hygiene products.
Garbage & Recycling
Use the designated containers. If your room bin is full, message housekeeping or use the outdoor bins.
Firepit
Wood is provided (seasonal — not available in winter). Must be attended when lit and fully extinguished before you head inside. Bring your own lighter or matches.
House Rules
Quiet Hours
10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. We're in a residential country setting — please be considerate of guests and neighbours.
Smoking & Vaping
Strictly prohibited inside guest rooms. $500 fee if detected. Permitted outside — please fully extinguish and dispose of cigarettes properly.
Pets
Dogs must be supervised at all times. When you leave the property, your dogs leave with you — they cannot be left unattended in the room. Leash required on property. Clean up after them.
Security
Please lock your room when leaving. Surveillance cameras monitor the parking lot and property perimeter for your security. No cameras inside rooms.
See Section 4 — Policies & Details for full pet policy and other specifics.
Emergency & Safety
In any emergency, call 911 first.
Then contact the manager on duty at 705-706-5245.
Fire
If safe to do so, use the fire extinguisher in your closet. Otherwise exit immediately, close the door behind you, alert other guests, and call 911 for FIRE. State your location: 3440 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala.
Power Outage
The motel has a backup generator that provides power for lights, water, heating, and A/C.
Nearest Hospital
South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, Bracebridge — about 25 minutes away. 75 Ann St, Bracebridge, ON.
Reach Us
Text or call: 705-706-5245
Email: info@thedudleyinn.com
Departure
Check-Out
Check-out is by 11:00 AM. Late check-out may be available for $30 per hour, subject to availability — just ask.
- Remove all personal items
- Dispose of garbage and recycling in their designated bins
- Turn off all lights
- Lock the door behind you
A quick text to 705-706-5245 confirming your check-out is always appreciated.
Thank You
We hope you had a wonderful stay. If anything wasn't right, please let us know directly so we can make it better.
We truly appreciate online reviews — they help us reach more guests like you. If you'd consider leaving us a few stars on Google, TripAdvisor, or Expedia, we'd be grateful.
And if you'd like to stay in touch for special weekends and new news, follow us on Instagram or Facebook.
Policies & Details
Cancellation Policy
A 50% non-refundable deposit is taken at the time of booking.
The remaining balance is charged 3 days before arrival, at which point 100% of the booking is non-refundable.
If you need to cancel, please reach out as soon as possible so we can do what's reasonable for your situation.
Damage Authorization
On the morning of check-in, we place a pre-authorization on your credit card:
• Standard rooms — $250
• Country Farmhouse — $750
• Country Farmhouse with pets — $1,000
This pre-authorization is released automatically a few business days after departure, assuming no damage is discovered during housekeeping.
Booking Age
The person booking the room must be at least 21 years old. Children are welcome when travelling with an adult.
Pet Policy
Well-behaved dogs are welcome — $45 per night, maximum two dogs per room.
All dogs must be registered before arrival. Dogs must be supervised at all times and on a leash while on the property.
When you leave the property, your dogs leave with you — they cannot be left unattended in the room.
Please clean up after your dog. A $500 minimum charge applies for any pet-related damage.
Smoking & Vaping
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside guest rooms. A $500 cleaning fee applies if smoking or vaping is detected.
Smoking is permitted outside on the property — please fully extinguish and dispose of cigarettes properly.
Security & Surveillance
For your security, surveillance cameras are positioned in the office area, monitoring the parking lot and the perimeter of the property.
There are no cameras inside guest rooms.
Lost Items & Valuables
The Dudley Inn does not assume responsibility for the loss of valuables.
We are not liable for items left in guest rooms after check-out. However, every effort will be made to return any items found by our staff.
We kindly ask that all items provided during your stay be left in the same condition and location as when they were found. A fee may be charged for any missing items.
Need Anything?
705-706-5245
info@thedudleyinn.com
thedudleyinn.com