Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Home Away From Home in Chincoteague Island
Refuge Inn has been a family-owned and operated hotel on Chincoteague Island, Virginia since 1973. Founded by Donald and Martha Leonard, our establishment combines Southern hospitality with a deep connection to the island's natural beauty and iconic Chincoteague ponies. Located at the entrance to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, we offer 72 individually decorated rooms, including suites and accessible options, all designed to provide comfort and coastal charm.Our amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub, wild pony encounters, bike rentals, and a therapeutic dry sauna. We pride ourselves on maintaining the legacy of our founders through personalized service, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating memorable island experiences for every guest.
Services
Accommodations
Pool & Hot Tub
Wild Ponies
Bike Rentals
Meeting Facility
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer three generations of family-run hospitality expertise
- Our location provides direct access to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
- We maintain 100% guest room cleanliness standards
- Our property features unique wild pony encounters
- We provide 24/7 guest support during operating hours
What people say
Most charming hotel
Clean and comfortable rooms
Friendly professional staff
Great location for exploring
Amazing wild pony experience
Services
Accommodations
Our 72 individually decorated rooms offer coastal charm with modern amenities including private balconies, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary breakfast. Options range from standard rooms to spacious suites accommodating up to six guests. All rooms feature comfortable bedding and island-inspired decor.
Pool & Hot Tub
Enjoy our seasonal indoor pool with ADA accessibility and a covered hot tub with therapeutic jets. The pool area features shaded and sunny sections with depths ranging from 3-8 feet. Both facilities maintain strict cleanliness standards and operate daily from 8AM-10PM.
Wild Ponies
Experience Chincoteague's iconic ponies up close at our on-site pasture. Guests can interact with these wild horses through designated feeding boxes while learning about their unique history and adaptation to island life from our staff.
Bike Rentals
Explore the island on our Beach Cruiser bicycles available for $5/hour or $20/day. Rentals include safety equipment and route recommendations to Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge and Assateague National Seashore with complimentary maps and adjustment services.
Meeting Facility
Our versatile meeting room accommodates up to 40 guests with full kitchen facilities, audiovisual equipment, and wheelchair accessibility. Ideal for family reunions, weddings, or group retreats with advance booking and security deposit.
People
Donald Leonard
Founder
Established Refuge Inn in 1973 with his wife Martha. Developed the property's unique wild pony tradition that continues to attract visitors. His legacy of hospitality remains central to the business.
Martha Leonard
Co-Founder
Brought Southern hospitality to Chincoteague Island through her leadership at Refuge Inn. Cultivated the property's welcoming atmosphere that guests still experience today. Her handwritten notes remain part of the inn's history.
Arthur Leonard
Former Manager
Took over operations in 1990 and served as mayor of Chincoteague. Played key role in downtown revitalization while maintaining family commitment to hospitality excellence.
Michael Leonard
Current Operator
Continues third-generation leadership at Refuge Inn. Manages daily operations while preserving family traditions. Trains next generation to maintain the business's legacy.
Hunter Leonard
Tour Guide
Third-generation employee offering local expertise as a tour boat captain. Demonstrates family commitment to hospitality through personalized guest experiences and island exploration opportunities.
Questions
What room types are available at The Refuge Inn?
We offer Deluxe Rooms with two queen beds or one king bed, and two suite options: The Veranda Suite and The Pine Suite with various sleeping capacities.
Are the wild ponies accessible to all guests?
Yes, our on-site pony pasture is accessible during operating hours. Guests can interact with the ponies using designated feeding boxes located throughout the property.
Does the hotel provide breakfast options?
We deliver a complimentary continental breakfast to rooms daily, including fresh-baked goods, coffee, juice, and other breakfast items.
What recreational amenities are included?
Our amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub, dry sauna, bike rentals, and access to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge trails.
Can I host events at The Refuge Inn?
Yes, our meeting facility accommodates up to 40 guests with full kitchen access. Reserve in advance with a $200 security deposit.
Is the property accessible for guests with mobility needs?
We offer ADA-compliant rooms, pool access with lift, and wheelchair-accessible meeting facilities to accommodate all guests.
