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 GENERAL QUESTIONS

Do you have wireless internet?
Yes, at the Main Lodge and the Hilltop House

Do you accept Visa?
Yes, we accept Visa and Master Card?

Why do you suggest that guests do NOT use GPS or MapQuest?
These tools are not accurate with directions on country roads.  We have many, many lost people that have used these tools.
Please use the directions provided on our website. They can be found under "Contact Us" with the drop down menu of Map and Directions.

Do you have television reception at the Lodge?
No. We have televisions for DVD but no television reception.

Is there Cell phone coverage at the Lodge?
At the Main Lodge, only AT&T has coverage.
At the Hilltop House, AT&T has minimal coverage. If you have AT&T and are at the Hilltop House, we may be able to give you extended coverage. Give the office a call.

We do have landlines at both the Hilltop House and the Main Lodge.  But be prepared to bring a phone card for long distance charges.  There is WiFi for Skype!

How long does it take to get from Portland to the Lodge? From Seattle?
It is about 1 hour from either the I-5 bridge or the I-205 bridge.
We are about 1hr from the Interstate Bridge or the Glenn Jackson Bridge.
We are about 3 hours south of Seattle.

Is the lodge open year round?
Yes!  We are popular for winter outings as well as summer, fall and spring.  Connecting with friends and family is fabulous no matter what the weather is!

Are there laundry facilities at the Lodge?
Yes, at both the Main Lodge and the Hilltop House

What is the quality of drinking water at the Lodge?
We have excellent drinking water!  Please note that massive amounts of water bottles create an environmental hazard.  Please bring reusable bottles and fill them with our wonderful tap water!

Where are the hot tubs?
The health department does not allow facilities such as ours to have hot tubs for guest use.  Therefore, we no longer have hot tubs.

If I pay a deposit and need to cancel my date, can I get my deposit back?
No, all deposits are non-refundable.

Do you allow pets?
No pets are allowed in any buildings or on the property of Anderson Lodge.  There is a fee of $50 if anyone mistakenly brings a pet on the property.

What do we do with all our trash from our event?
Your wedding group has been allotted 10 trash cans. Please limit your waste to this amount.  Please transport and dispose of any accumulation above this amount to a waste disposal site.  If you have recycling items; water bottles, liquor bottles, soda cans, cardboard packaging, decorations, etc. that you no longer want, transport to a waste disposal site or recycling center.  A deduction will be made from your cleaning/damage deposit should there be excessive trash to be removed.

What is my cleaning/damage for?  Do I get it refunded if I don't break anything?
If there is:  excessive soiling of the carpet, cleaning/bedding/catering services are needed, damage is detected, excessive trash, furniture/supplies are not in original locations, or if user rules have not been followed, the amount will be taken from this deposit.  You will receive your refund after your event.

Do you have a Lost and Found?  How can I get my item back?
We do have a lost and found.  Call the office if you forget a belonging.  (360 247 6660) There is a $15 fee plus postage for mailing an item to you.

When do I make my final payment for my wedding?
You final payment is due 14 days prior to your check in date.  You must provide an exact count of all services you are requesting (wait staff, bedding, catering, cleaning) well before that 14 day deadline so a final bill can be calculated.  No admittance to the property will be permitted until your final bill is paid in full.  If you are paying by credit card or check, time is needed for funds to be verified.

What is the tax rate?
There is a 9.6% tax rate on lodging and kitchen fees.  There is a 7.6% tax rate on all services we provide.

If we live in Oregon, do we have to pay tax?
Yes.  Taxes can only be waived for retail items that you are taking back home with you. 

What are the sites of interest in the area of Anderson Lodge?
Check out our "Links" web page under ABOUT US on our website.  There are links to websites such as:  The Ape Caves, Mt. St. Helens, Cedar Creek Grist Mill and the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.

CATERING/SELF CATERING QUESTIONS 

Do you have an ice maker for our use?
No. It is best to buy ice in Woodland or Cougar.  We have freezer space for ice.

If we have catering through Anderson Lodge, do we get to have the leftovers from the meal served?
No, you will not have access to the leftovers.  The caterer brings extra food, above the number you have given as your exact count.  This way, they are able to accommodate for any extra people that were not included in the original order.  Therefore, the leftover food should not be considered part of your requested meal.

If we have catering through Anderson Lodge, when do we give our count for the number of people to be served?
You are in direct contact with your caterer to choose meals, times and number of people.  You are to give an exact count for your meals 20 days prior to your event for a wedding.  If you are to have catering for a retreat or other function, an exact count is due 7 days prior to your event

What kind of glassware is available for our use?
We do not have glassware.  We do however have acrylic tumblers for your use.  Many wedding clients rent wine glasses and goblets for the main event and use our acrylic tumblers for other meals during their stay.

What table linens are available for us to use?
On the tables at this time, we have a cloth-backed vinyl table covering.  Those are for your use during your stay at Anderson Lodge.  If you would like linens for your main event, you would need to rent them.

How is the main event meal set up if we choose Anderson Lodge Catering for our wedding?
Our catering, whether you choose our Grand Buffet or our delicious BBQ meal is served buffet style.  Your caterer will set up a beautiful buffet wherever you like.  They will use linens you have rented and your flower arrangements in their display.  See Catering under the Wedding tab of the website to learn of the details of our catering offerings.

Do you offer tastings of the Grand Buffet?
We will offer 2 tasting events every year.  Our tasting this year was March 20.  Another Tasting Event is scheduled for November.  You must have a reservation to attend.  This tasting is for clients who have already booked Anderson Lodge for their wedding.  The cost is $5pp for the bridal couple if they have already booked catering with Anderson Lodge.  The charge is $10pp if they have not booked catering from us or are bringing more than 2 people.  You may refer to the sample menu of the Grand Buffet and request a certain dish if you wish.  Again, this is by reservation only.  Call Anderson Lodge to reserve your place.

Can we self-cater or do we have to use your catering?
You can use our kitchens to provide your own meals.  There is a kitchen fee for self-catering.  See our website for details of catering options and kitchen fees.

Can we use an outside caterer?
Yes, but there is a kitchen fee for this.

I would like to rent wine glasses, water goblets and cocktail glasses.  Can Anderson Lodge rinse and pack them after my event?
Our caterer will take care of all dishes that are generated from catering for your event.  Should you rent extra glassware or any other item, it is your responsibility to gather the items, rinse them and pack them up.  

We may have staff that would be available to help with the rinsing and packing of your rented items. This would require advance notice.  An hourly rate will be charged for these staff members.  Contact lodge office if you are interested in this option.

If I bring up pizza or lasagne (for example) do you have staff that will help with preparation, serving and clean up for the meal?
Our caterer cannot prepare or serve food someone else has purchased.  Liability insurance held by the caterer does not cover that.  We do not have addtional staff with food handlers' licenses to prepare or serve outside purchased food.

Is a gratuity included in the price of your catering?
Gratuity is NOT included.  You are to give your gratuity directly to the lead caterer to dispurse to the servers.

How will the servers be dressed?
Our servers are dressed in black and white with black aprons.

What kitchen items are available if we are self-catering?
It is hard to list all what we have in our kitfchens. Both facilities have commercial refrigeration and dishwashers. The Main Lodge has a large commercial stove/oven/griddle plus a standard sized stove/oven.  The Hilltop House has 2 standard ranges plus 2 built-in ovens. Both have free standing freezers.

There are the basic kitchen items: peelers, knives,cuting boards, dish towels, dish soap, foil, ziplocs, spatulas, wine openers, whisks, measuring cups, tongs, etc. You can expect to find large pots, skillets, cookie sheets and glass casserole dishes. Serving dishes include: platters, serving bowls and serving utensils.  There are a multiple numbers of: coffee carafes, water pitchers and salt/pepper shakers. We have both Mr. Coffee makers with filters (12cup) and large coffee urns. We do NOT have chaffing dishes, food processors, large mixers or deep fryers.

We consider our kitchens well-stocked but we realize we cannot provide everything. We tell our guests, if a particular item would make or break your meal, it is best to bring it with you.

CEREMONY/RECEPTION QUESTIONS

What if it rains when I have my wedding scheduled?
You can hold your event indoors.  Every wedding package includes the use 2 conference rooms.  One is carpeted and the other has laminate flooring.

What do your wedding packages include?
There is no set limit on numbers of people who can come to your event or that can spend the night.  You may wish to discuss the amount you have in mind with Arvid or Vicki just to make sure your numbers can be accommodated.  We supply all the tables and chairs, china and flatware, serving dishes, and exclusive use of the facility.  You have access to our guest rooms and cabins, kitchens, recreational areas, the entire grounds and 2 large conference rooms.  It is great to have the conference rooms if it rains or if your event is in our colder months.  We even have space if any of your guests have RV's.  There are many other amenities that come with booking our site as well.  Please see our website  for further details, photos, pricing, catering, etc.

How many does the conference room at the Hilltop House hold?
If you are setting up with rows of chairs, perhaps for a wedding, the Hilltop conference room will hold up to 200 people at the most.  If you are wanting tables in chairs for a reception, the conference room will hold approximately 100 people.  You may have to split the reception into 2 rooms if you have over 100 people.  Most wedding clients have the buffet in the conference room, and have the guests dine in both large rooms if they have 100-200 guests.  The exception to this is for summer months when the weather is good.  Then outdoor dining is such a great option!

How many does the conference room at the Main Lodge hold?
If you are setting up with rows of chairs, perhaps for a wedding, the Main Lodge conference room will hold up to 175 people at the most.  If you are wanting tables and chairs for a reception, the conference room will hold approximately 100 people.  You may have to split the reception into 2 rooms if you have over 100 people.  Most wedding clients  have the guests dine in both large rooms if they have 100-175 guests.  The exception to this is for summer months when the weather is good.  Our outdoor dining patios in the forest are so beautiful!

Do people get married in the conference room or the reception pavilion when they want indoor weddings?
It is your choice entirely.  Some choose the spacious pavilions and some choose the carpeted conference rooms. 

Where can we get a marriage license?
You can go to any court house in the state of Washington to get your marriage license.  It will be a $64 charge.  Call (360) 577-3006 if you have any questions or use the link to get details.  Remember, the lodge is in Cowlitz County.

Are there rules for decorations?

• No tape or tacks may be used on the indoor or outdoor walls/siding of the lodge.
• Do not use tape on the rafters or ceiling.
• Do not remove pictures from the walls.
• Do not move the piano.  EVER! I repeat: NEVER MOVE THE PIANO! NOT EVEN A LITTLE BIT.
• Do not move the entertainment armoires.
• All candles must be in glass or fireproof containers that exceed the height of the flame by 2 inches.  This rule applies to candles indoors and outdoors. Never use exposed candles indoors or outdoors.
• Do not set items on the baby grand piano at the Hilltop House
• No confetti or silly string.

What rules do you have for beer kegs at events?
If you are having beer kegs, place them on CEMENT ONLY and clean up area thoroughly. 

Do you have any suggestions for florists, DJ's, wedding planners, photographers or videographers?
Just look in our "LINKS" section under ABOUT US on our website.  Here you will find a list of vendors that have come to our lodge and have received positive reviews from our clients.

Who washes and takes care of the cake table?
It is the client's responsibility to set up, serve and clean up the cake and cake table. 

Do you have outdoor lighting?
Yes.  First of all, all pathways at the Main Lodge and the Hilltop House are lit.  There are clear "twinkle" lights in both Reception Pavilions. The rock patios have outlets so you can use any lights you bring in.  And, we have 5 white floor lamps with 4 white globes on them for the patios.  These are obtained by request only.

We have rented a one night package for our wedding.  Can we come in the day before just for a rehearsal?
Your one night package does not include a rehearsal the day before.  You may call the lodge to see if the previous day has been rented or not. There would be an extra day charge for rehearsing the day before if it is available. There may be an option for an early arrival on the day of your event, to have a rehearsal if there is no one renting before your date.  Call the office for this option.

Do you have a sound system?
No, we do not have a sound system.

How many tables do you have for my event?

LODGING QUESTIONS

If I rent bedding from you, what does that include?
If you rent bedding, the bedding sack has sheets, blanket, pillow and pillowcase for your bed. You also receive a towel and washcloth. If it is a double bed, there will be towels and pillows for two; if it is a twin bed there will be one towel and one pillow.  Both are the same price, $12/bed.

How many beds are there at the Main Lodge/Hilltop House?
There are 47 twin beds and 6 double beds at the Main Lodge. The Dalarna Cabin is included with every wedding rental.  It has an additional 4 double beds

There are 12 double beds and 8 twin beds in the sleeping house of the Hilltop. Each of the 3 cabins at the Hilltop has a sofa that converts to a double bed & 2 twin mattresses in a loft.

I noticed blankets on the beds. Do we use these blankets for our bedding?
On the beds when you arrive, are a fitted sheet and a blanket. These are for protection for the mattress only and are not meant to be used for bedding.  You are to bring your own bedding (sleeping bag?) or rent bedding from us to use on the bed.  When you leave, you are to leave that protective sheet and blanket covering on the bed.

Is there parking for RV's or trailers?
Yes.  At the Hilltop House there are 5 sites with full hook-ups.
At the Main Lodge, you may park near buildings in parking slots. We may be able to give you water and electricity in certain sites.

What suggestions do you have if we need more accommodations than Anderson Lodge offers?
There is a great company called Trailers To Go that has a fleet of trailers for rental.  They bring the trailer to our site, set it up, and transport it back at the end of your stay.  They are fully equipped with bedding and kitchen supplies.  Check out their website for details of the trailers and pricing.

 Do you have wedding packages that do not include an overnight stay?
We do not have any packages that are day use only.  Our packages have an arrival time of 1pm and a departure time of 10am the following day.  If you wish to make it day use only, by arriving at 1 pm and leaving that evening, that is fine.  This overnight feature is extremely popular for our bridal parties.  With such a special event as a wedding, we want to make it the best possible event.  And for most people, spending more time with their family and friends makes the best possible event.
 
There are other advantages:

• More time to enjoy your wedding and reception
• No one is forced to drive after alcoholic beverages are consumed
• No one is forced to drive late in the evening
• No set time for a reception to end (although bringing the music indoors helps in late hours)
• Most find staying at the lodge is less expensive than motel rooms
• Relatives can stay together, at one place, to gather and reconnect
• Bridal couple can stay in a cabin of their own on their first night without having to drive somewhere
• The list goes on I am sure.