Business Hours
Monday 8:00am - 10:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 10:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 10:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 10:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 10:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 10:00pm
Year Established
1973
Listed In: Hotels
The Refuge Inn is an island retreat where there's as little or as much to do as you choose. This local family owned and operated hotel is within walking distance of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and only minutes from the beaches of the Assateague Island National Seashore. Nestled in… The Refuge Inn is an island retreat where there's as little or as much to do as you choose. This local family owned and operated hotel is within walking distance of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and only minutes from the beaches of the Assateague Island National Seashore. Nestled in whispering pines, the Inn is open year round and offers comfortable rooms and suites with private decks, balconies or patios, an indoor/outdoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, exercise room, sun deck, a Tesla and universal EV charger, and a guest laundry. In addition, guests are welcome to take advantage of bicycle rentals, a gift shop, hibachis, and picnic areas. A meeting room holds 30-40 and is ideal for small conferences, meetings, and celebrations. Perhaps the most unique feature of the Refuge Inn is their resident herd of Chincoteague Ponies. The ponies greet guests in the pasture year-round and are always glad to visit with guests and islanders alike. Read more

By bird5682 on July 19, 2026 Verified by Email
We have stayed at the Refuge Inn 3 times within the last year for short / weekend trips. November, March, & now July. This is such a cozy and comfortable family owned place in great location! We are a family of 4 with 2 young girls. Close/ walking distance to wildlife refuge, museum, shopping, & some restaurants. The amenities here are so convenient and nice. Place your breakfast order outside your door by 8 pm and it will be delivered the next morning ! Breakfast croissants, yogurt, fruit, baked goods, cereal, juice, & milk are all options. The pool is indoor in colder months ( inside of a greenhouse structure ) and half outdoor in summer with part of the covering removed. What lush foliage they have that make for such a beautiful pool area. The font desk is very informative and offer helpful tips. We bought postcards stamps from them and they mailed our daughters letters from the hotel. Lots of lovely items in the gift shop also. Rental bikes on the other side of parking lot, ponies on site!!! Bring your quarters to buy corn kernels from the outdoor candy machines for the ponies and foals on site! This place is perfect for families, couples, girls’ trips etc! Look no further! I certainly won’t!!
By pamelagA1211LM on July 19, 2026 Verified by Email
The Refuge in is always a home to return to, after a day at the beach, to relax, swim, and our rooms have always been very comfortable and well attended.
Having breakfast delivery each morning is a special treat to look forward to as we begin our day.
Everyone is welcoming and ready to assist with any questions. This is a family-centered Inn, with a full range of ages.
We look forward to our return next summer. It is hard to go.❤️
By sandrasD2926XR on July 15, 2026 Verified by Email
What a wonderful overnight get away!!! This is a family owned local hotel that strives for a restful and comfortable stay. All of the small extras in the room add up to an experience that most hotels miss. They literally think of everything from the flashlight, to the extra trash can liners, and to the ink pen and paper to name a few. The morning coffee starts at 7am and in the lobby all day long and surely the best on the island. There is a breakfast delivered to your room at your specified time options and even if you want a knock or not when it is delivered. The beds are super comfy that allows for a restful night after exploring the island and if you want to see ponies, there are in a paddock right across from the parking lot!! Each room is decorated differently and very clean and options for first floor or second floor since there is not elevator. The heated outside/inside partly covered pool is a great amenity which we enjoy all year round. This hotel is staffed with some of the nicest and friendliest we have met on the island. One standout was Doug, who was extremely helpful in answering all questions and pointed us in the right direction with dinner recommendations. This hotel has become our favorite place to stay and they even give you a coupon for an off season free night as a great value!!

By karenlY4496FX on July 14, 2026 Verified by Email
Still a good place-- after five years-- since I first visited the area. The location is quiet in a wooded area with a family atmosphere. (Bring insect repellent in the summer.) A special pony family is among the treats this resort offers, also a swimming pool, roof deck, and private patio or deck. A basic breakfast is offered at your door.
I would recommend the owners build a screened in porch area, so everyone can enjoy the outdoors, especially in the evening, without getting eaten by large mosquitos.
The location is great. The Refuge Inn is the last hotel on the road leading to Assateague, a national protected wildlife area, including wooded trails and a sandy beach on the Atlantic. Many birds to see.
By Seaside02153366461 on July 14, 2026 Verified by Email
The Refuge Inn is quaint, well-kept, and the location is perfect! We rented bikes from right on their property and got to enjoy parts of the island we might have missed if we had to drive. The pool, hot tub and sauna were amazing after a day at the beach.
By Elizabeth Keefe on July 7, 2026 Verified by Google
The Refugee Inn is a welcoming family owned inn and perfect for our family of six. We have stayed here two years in a row. The staff are warm and friendly. Courtesy coffee and homemade pastries throughout the day. Ideal location just minutes from the national park. Ponies on-site and a large heated pool. We rented the suite and it was perfect and provided everything we needed to prep meals-down to dishwasher pods. Wouldn't stay anywhere else.
By Patti S on July 1, 2026 Verified by Google
Excellent location. Our stay was wonderful. The pine suite was larger than expected. We had to work a bit on this vacation and had a nice large table to connect. Wifi was perfect. We relaxed in the evening at the comfortable couches and chairs. The bed was comfy as well! The microwave, fridge and coffee maker in the suite was appreciated. Bagged breakfast every morning hit the spot. The staff was very friendly as well. The Refuge inn is well loved and its obvious! The grounds were well maintained; the flowers were beautiful. Can't wait to come back!
By Judith Basye on June 9, 2026 Verified by Google
What a wonderful stay and a great family vacation, all thanks to The Refuge Inn! The Inn has such a good location on the island, close to everything. The staff was super friendly and helpful. I loved the heated, green house style pool and free coffee all day. My children loved seeing and getting to feed the ponies located on site. Looking forward to our next visit!!
By Brittany Wise on June 1, 2026 Verified by Google
Love the room decor, love that you can see ponies right from your room. I love the indoor pool and hot tub. They also have this cool observation deck area hidden away. I wish the beds were softer. The pillows were great. The hotel was so quiet and nice. Overall 9/10 I would stay again! Breakfast delivered to the door was amazing.
By David and Marianne B on May 3, 2026 Verified by Google
My wife and I recently celebrated our anniversary at the Refuge Inn and, from start to finish, it was exceptional. The staff was hospitable and friendly and could not do enough to help us. Our room was big, clean, comfortable and quiet and had not one but two sets of tables and chairs for relaxing and eating and a third set on the small balcony. They serve you breakfast in your room by having you fill out a form the night before to select your food, the time you want it delivered and whether you want a knock on the door when it comes. The building itself feels very natural and is very interesting with great landscaping, an observation deck on the roof you access by a spiral staircase, a couple of lending libraries, a heated indoor pool, a dry sauna and a workout room. Free coffee and tea is available all day. They have a coin operated washer and dryer on both floors if you need them. The gift shop is filled with very tasteful things. There are clearly posted rules to follow about quiet times and other things that ensure everyone has an orderly, pleasant stay. The inn is located right near the entrance of the wildlife refuge which we love. It is also located right next to a wonderful bike rental store and you can reserve your bikes when you reserve your room. So every day, we hopped on our bikes, peddled over to the wildlife loop on the Refuge and had the time of our lives seeing a whole slew of birds and animals while we got some great exercise! It is a magical place to stay!
By 945traceyp on April 3, 2026 Verified by Email
My husband and I enjoyed our stay at the Refuge Inn. Our King room was spotless, spacious, and quite comfortable. The balcony had 2 Adirondack chairs and a small table, making it easy to enjoy the free breakfast and coffee outside. The lobby has free coffee and baked goods available all day, as well as a lending library of books and puzzles. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. The Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge is within walking distance. perfect for getting in plenty of steps! We highly recommend the Refuge Inn.
By 846bettyannm on March 30, 2026 Verified by Email
The staff is fantastic, they make you feel at home. The Inn is spotless, pool and hot tube beautiful, bed comfortable, and the breakfast brought to your room is a nice added touch. Would definitely recommend The Refuge Inn.
By M9668VOrobl on March 29, 2026 Verified by Email
Extremely close to the beach, all staff are always friendly and helpful, the lush wooded area around the Refuge Inn are amazing. Indoor pool and hot tub are always clean and well maintained. I would recommend this location to anyone who want not just a vacation but an experience.
By 372marggis on March 27, 2026 Verified by Email
Our room was in perfect condition! Maybe it had been recently refurbished, but it was clean, well-decorated, had everything a guest could use. Not a stain or scratch. The bed and pillows were comfortable. They provided a small bar of Bayberry soap, which we brought home. The other toiletries were in eco-friendly containers, which we appreciated. The curtains were fresh -- a room darkening curtain and a lighter curtain. They provide breakfast in your room, it was everything we could want. The Inn is family run and the staff was very warm and friendly. They have formerly wild horses on the grounds. It is in the form/shape of a motel. It is very easy access to the National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse. Easy to get to restaurants. Great place, highly recommend.
By R2790TQdianep on March 26, 2026 Verified by Email
We just returned from a two night get away down to Chincoteague, VA. If you go, you ought to try staying at the Refuge Inn. It’s a great, friendly place to stay. Coffee in the lobby and complimentary breakfast included! It’s very close to the entrance to Assateague Island, walk or bike if you like. All the rooms are clean, speaking for the three times I’ve been there, and quaint and homey. Stay on the “pony side” and watch the lighthouse at night: )

By waltero162 on March 23, 2026 Verified by Email
Awesome place to stay. Right outside of the wildlife refuge. Hot tub, sauna and indoor pool. Breakfast delivered to your room every morning. Staff are friendly and helpful. Rooms are super clean. Best place to stay on the island.

By Sightsee557369 on March 16, 2026 Verified by Email
The Refuge Inn is my favorite inn not only in Chincoteague but anywhere in the world. Nature is at your doorstep. The rooms are extremely clean. The staff is friendly and personable. Free baked goods in the lobby, coffee 24-7, breakfast delivered at your door when you want it.

By Netgain2 on March 14, 2026 Verified by Email
First time staying here and I loved it! The room was very clean and I liked the outside area. The pool room was pretty with all of the plants around. Breakfast was good and I liked how it was delivered to the room. There was also an observation deck where you can see the water. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back again.

By Catluvr1015 on March 14, 2026 Verified by Email
Quiet, comfortable and affordable accommodations. The staff is very friendly and helpful. This was our second stay and we loved it.
By Flyer35253704354 on March 11, 2026 Verified by Email
Excellent all around! We'll be back!
By Walter Osbon on March 9, 2026 Verified by Google
Family-Owned hotel that treats You right. The rooms are nice and very clean. They bring you breakfast every morning. The hot tub, sauna and indoor heated pool were amazingly clean and well kept. The staff are the greatest. They are so friendly and welcoming. I wouldn't consider staying anywhere else on the island. Just a couple minutes away from Assateague Island National Seashore
By Grace Peterson on March 2, 2026 Verified by Google
Amazing staff, beautiful rooms, luxury amenities, and a worthwhile stay. This was not my first stay on the island, but my first stay in a hotel on the island. The Refuge Inn is not your average hotel, they go above and beyond to set themselves apart and helped create a nice relaxing weekend, (so good we even added an extra day!) The hotel was family friendly, but was still tranquil. I cannot recommend this place enough!
By Carlena Jelley on January 25, 2026 Verified by Google
What a wonderful experience for my personal art retreat. The staff was incredibly friendly, attentive, and helpful. My room was spotless and offered a beautiful view of the wooded area, which was especially stunning at sunset. The value was exceptional, and the hot, homemade breakfast included each morning was a lovely bonus.
The library was a delightful and unexpected surprise, offering a peaceful space to relax and reflect. I truly can’t imagine a better combination of location, comfort, value, and tranquility for an art retreat. This will absolutely be my first choice for the group art retreat I have planned in the future.
By Maverick on December 26, 2025 Verified by Google
Amazing place! Will definitely visit again.
My wife and I visited during winter time (off-season for the town) and Refuge Inn welcomed us and provided a free room upgrade, which we didn't expect and were so grateful of. The staffs were so nice, and we loved their gift shop too.
The room had screened porch areas, which was very convenient to check out weather and enjoy the view. The inn had rooftop deck for observation, swimming pool, hot tub, complimentary coffee and tea.
They provided guidance on local sightseeing and material for birdwatching and hiking. I talked to one of the employees who has been making monthly birdwatching guide for a few months, and it was great to have it so conveniently.
The Inn is located very conveniently--very close to the Chincoteague refuge, and close to shops (Pony Tails Taffy has good apparels and taffies, and Family Dollar store has many everyday-life items) and restaurants (Asian Express was convenient and tasty, and Captain Zack's Seafood had good seafood).
The inn has some ponies in front of the property--so you get a chance to see ponies very close by. The first photo is one of the ponies in the property. Other photos are taken in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
By Jessie F on December 1, 2025 Verified by Google
The Refuge Inn is a fantastic, nostalgic vacation getaway. It's only a walk or bike ride to the Chincoteague island wildlife reserve. It also features It's own ponies to visit just right outside your room. Its pool and hot tub area is a romantic sauna. It's super warm and surrounded by flowers and potted fronds. All day coffee is another great feature. It has friendly staff and a fantastic breakfast brought to your door. My family and I really enjoyed our stay. We've been to several hotels on Assateague Island and this one is my new favorite.
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