Question 1

Is the bathroom in or attached to the tipi?

Accepted Answer

No. It’s not. And trust us — you don’t want it to be.

Let’s start with the obvious: a tipi is a canvas tent. The bathroom is a real, site-built structure. If you can figure out how to elegantly and safely merge plumbing, ventilation, and moisture-resistant construction with a cone of fabric held up by wooden poles, you might just be the next architectural prodigy. Until then, no, it’s not attached.

Also — just to paint a picture — do you really want a toilet five feet from where you're sleeping? Maybe with only a thin sheet of canvas between you and whoever’s using it next? Yeah, we didn’t think so.

Instead, the bathroom is a short walk away, clean, private, and equipped with real walls, real plumbing, and actual separation from your sleeping space. You get the best of both worlds: nature and comfort. Just not ... weirdly mashed together.

Question 2

What do/don't your tipis have?

Accepted Answer

Our tipis do NOT have:
 • Private chefs
 • TVs
 • Indoor fire pits
 • Wifi
 • Attached bathrooms
 • Heaters
 • Air conditioners
 • Sound-proof walls
 • Plumbing of any kind
 • Windows
 • Long-term rental options
 • The ability to provide perfect weather
 • Basements
 • Stairs
 • ADA-compliant doorways
 • Blackout curtains

They do have:
 • Excellent views
 • Comfy king bed
 • Queen futon
 • All necessary linens
 • Private bathroom (that you walk to)
 • Basic electricity
 • Mini-fridge
 • Keurig w/ k-cups
 • Microwave
 • Lamp
 • Box fan
 • Small table w/ two chairs
 • A couple of games
 • Rugs
 • Rainfly to keep you dry (do not open or remove this)
 • Outdoor picnic table
 • Outdoor Adirondacks
 • Hammock
 • A zipper front entry door (DO NOT pull velcro open)
 • A zipper front screen door (again, DO NOT use velcro to open)

Question 3

What coffee options do you have?

Accepted Answer

Cabins
Each cabin is equipped with a Keurig, French press, and a coffee grinder. Each also has a variety of k-cups, coffee beans, and coffee grounds.

Tipis
Each tipi is equipped with a Keurig and k-cups.

Lodge
The Lodge is equipped with a Keurig w/ cappuccino/latte frother, French press, coffee grinder, k-cups, coffee grounds, and coffee beans.

Question 4

Are pets allowed at Highland Meadows Resort?

Accepted Answer

There are NO pets allowed at Highland Meadows Resort. Please don't ask for exceptions as they will be denied. Our units are tailored for human use and comfort only.

If there is evidence that a guest has brought a pet into one of the units, they will be charged $200 for deep cleaning and the cost of any damage done by the pet.

Question 5

How are your cabins heated and/or cooled?

Accepted Answer

Cabins at Highland Meadows Resort are heated with baseboard heaters. You can adjust the heaters using the thermostat on the unit.

Window air conditioning units are installed about May 1 each spring depending on weather.

Question 6

How do you deal with items that guests have left behind?

Accepted Answer

Our policy is to hold onto forgotten items for two weeks. If no shipping or pick-up arrangements are made in that timeframe, we donate or dispose of them. The cost to ship items back is no less than $30 +estimated shipping.

Question 7

Do tipis have heaters or air conditioners?

Accepted Answer

Our tipis do not have heaters or air conditioners but they are equipped with fans. Be aware that tipis do reflect the outside temperature so if it's hot outside it will be hot inside. Even in summer months, tipis do cool off at night once the outside temperature drops.

Many of our guests still enjoy sleeping in the tipis even during warmer months. They tend to participate in outside activities during the day and return in the evening.

Question 8

Do you offer cleaning/restocking services during our stay?

Accepted Answer

Due to our business category registered with the state (campground and short-term rentals), we're able to provide the initial supplies you will need for your stay. We are not able to provide cleaning or restock supplied during your stay. If you have an emergency situation or have a need, please contact us via phone and we'll help you how we can.

Question 9

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you book directly through our website, we offer a full refund if a reservation is cancelled at least SIX days prior to check in. If you are within five days, we cannot offer a refund. We have already paid processing fees and scheduled our cleaners.

If you book through third party (i.e., Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com you MUST visit their site and follow the cancellation process through their website (cancellation policies vary). We CANNOT cancel your reservation through third parties directly.

Your reason for cancellation does not affect our policy. A weather event in your area is not reason for a full refund within seven days of check in. An illness, your grand-nephew's school play, or a friend's sudden invite to a party ... no refunds within seven days.

Highland Meadows Resort is the premier resort Hot Springs, SD. When you reserve a room, other guests are unable to book it. When you cancel a booking, the guests who would have reserved it have moved on and have missed out on the opportunity you're now giving away. We have to reschedule our cleaning crew, we lose time, and we lose revenue. This isn't a sustainable business practice — so we appreciate you being thoughtful about planning ahead and allowing us to conduct business in a way that allows us to continue providing a superior experience.

If you're concerned about weather, please check your extended forecast and plan ahead. If you're concerned about illness, take some extra Vitamin C.

Question 10

Why is Highland House unsuitable for children under 12?

Accepted Answer

The Lodge is set up for adult guests with higher-end furniture and decorations. There's no space for children to simply play. There are easily accessible knobs on the stove, easily accessible heater knobs near the floor, and cleaners and other items in easy reach.

The Lodge is set up as a luxury space for adults to gather and enjoy — and we'd like to keep the quality and experience as such.

FAQs