Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located and how do I get there?

We are at 33 Bayview Walk in the Cherry Grove community on Fire Island. Cherry Grove is only accessible by taking a ferry from Sayville, NY. You can get to the Sayville Ferry by car or by taking the LIRR to Sayville and then a 5 min shuttle bus to the ferry terminal. Once you disembark the ferry in Cherry Grove, we are a 5-7 minute walk from the dock. The Belvedere is visible from the ferry and the dock so you can’t miss us.

What time is check-in? Can I arrive earlier?

Check-in is at 3pm however you are welcome to arrive any time after our office is open at 9am and store your bags in our lower lobby. We have public bathrooms if you need to change or shower and you can enjoy our amenities and/or the island until your room is ready. We do our best to have rooms ready as guests arrive however during peak season there is high turnover so your room may not be ready until 3pm.

What time is check-out? Is late check-out available?

Checkout is at 11am and you may store your bags in our lower lobby and continue to enjoy our amenities up until 6pm. Late checkout is sometimes available the day of for an additional fee but can only be requested after 9am the day you check out. We cannot grant late check out if another guest is arriving for the room and we accept new bookings even over night.

I’m supposed to switch rooms during my stay, how does that work?

We strive to make switching rooms as seamless as possible. If you are switching rooms, we just ask that you have your belongings packed up by the regular check out time of 11am. You are welcome to leave your bags in the room and housekeeping will move your bags to the new room once it is ready. Housekeeping prioritizes room switches so that you’re not without a room for very long.

Any advice on what to bring?

We provide towels for the pool area that may be taken to the beach as long as they are returned to The Belvedere. We have an area near our courtyard where past guests have left beach chairs and umbrellas however these are available on a first come, first serve basis so we cannot guarantee availability. You may want to bring these items with you or purchase them at one of the local stores. Sunscreen and bug repellant are highly recommended and also available to purchase at the local stores.

Do you serve food or have an on site kitchen?

We do not serve food or have a full kitchen for guests but we do have kitchenettes throughout the property with sinks, mini-fridges and microwaves. Paper plates and plastic cutlery are available upon request. We also have two, cash only vending machines on property with snacks and beverages.

Is breakfast included?

During high season (Memorial Day-Labor Day) we do provide breakfast items including pastries and granola bars as well as coffee/tea service in the mornings in our lower lobby. Coffee is typically available by 6:30am and food items by 8am.

Do you require a key deposit?

Yes, we require a $10 cash key deposit per key. All guests staying in the room are required to have a key since it is also the key to main entrances. Cash is preferred so that we may simply hand it back to you at checkout or you have the option to leave it as gratuity for housekeeping.

Is it clothing optional anywhere on the property?

Yes, the entire property is clothing optional. The only exception is when we have wine & cheese or our annual BBQ’s in the grand salon and on the back deck. We do ask guests to wear clothes for these occasions.

Can I walk from one beach to another?

Yes, Sailor's Haven to Cherry Grove is about ¾ of a mile and from Cherry Grove to the Pines it is another mile.

How long are the boat rides over to Fire Island?

One way trip is approximately 20 minutes.

Can I bring my bike over to Fire Island?

No, bikes are not permitted on the walks.

What is the difference between Sailor's Haven and Sunken Forest?

The Sunken Forest is a nature trail located at Sailor's Haven. Taking the boat to Sailor's Haven brings you to the Sunken Forest.

Can a round trip ticket for the ferry be used any day?

Yes, a round trip ticket is valid no matter the day returning.

Do Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove use the same ferry tickets?

Yes, the tickets can be used at either beach.

Where is there short-term parking available?

There is a parking lot across the street that has a daily parking rate. For information call 631.589.7548

Can I pay for the ferry using a credit card?

Yes, credit cards are accepted in the Cherry Grove Office.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

No, there are no bathrooms on the boats. There are bathrooms at the ferry terminal in Sayville.

How do I get from the train station to the ferry terminal?

Shuttle taxis are available from Sayville LIRR station and generally meet the arriving trains. They are $6 cash only each way.

Can I hire a special boat to take me from the mainland?

Yes, you can call (631) 589-0810 in advance and ask to speak with a ferry manager about booking a special trip.

Are dogs allowed on the ferry and beach?

Yes, as long as they are properly leashed and stay in the designated areas.

Can I take a Water Taxi from Sayville to Fire Island?

No, Water Taxis generally travel from beach to beach parallel to Fire Island. The H20 Limo Service is sometimes available for trips to and from the mainland.