Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Meals, kids, rooms, music, groups and getting here — the questions our office hears most.
Gavin’s is an all-inclusive, family-run Irish resort in East Durham, NY: your rate covers the room, three home-cooked meals a day, live music and activities. Reservations are by phone, text or online request — never an online booking engine.
Is Gavin’s really all-inclusive?
Yes. Your rate covers your room, three home-cooked meals a day (starting with dinner on arrival and ending with breakfast on departure), live Irish music and on-site activities. NYS sales tax and gratuities are additional.
What meals are included?
A 7 AM coffee and tea service in the Tea Room, a full breakfast buffet (8–9:30 AM), a lunch buffet and a three-course dinner (6–7 PM) with several entrées. Spring and fall package weekends include five home-cooked meals. See the dining page for the weekly menu.
Do you accommodate dietary needs?
Yes — children’s menus and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Mention it when you book.
How much do kids cost?
Children have their own rates on every room type, and on many 2026 group and package stays kids 14 and under stay free (spring/fall weekends) or stay and eat free Sunday–Thursday (summer midweek groups). See room rates and group rates.
Are pets allowed?
No. Pets are not allowed and all rooms are non-smoking.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Your stay starts with dinner on arrival and ends with breakfast on departure. Arriving early? You’re welcome to park and enjoy the grounds while your room is readied.
When is the resort open?
Guests stay roughly March through late November (2027 bookings are “March thru November”). The reservation office is open all year.
When is the pool open?
The heated outdoor pool is open Memorial Day weekend through the fall. The Pool Bar is open about 12–8 PM most summer days.
How do I make a reservation?
Call 518-634-2582 option 1, text 518-755-7488, or request dates online. We do not take online bookings — a team member calls you to confirm.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. Your reservation is not guaranteed until a deposit is submitted. Once your dates are confirmed, pay on the deposit page.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancel 30 or more days before arrival for a refund of your deposit, less a $25 processing fee. Within 30 days of arrival, your deposit can be applied to a future stay within 12 months. Group, wedding and holiday-weekend bookings may have separate terms in your confirmation. Call 518-634-2582 option 1 with questions.
Is the pub open to the public?
Gavin’s Pub is for in-house guests nightly and open to the public on announced nights — check the calendar for “open to the public” events.
How often is there live music?
Every night all summer (roughly mid-June through Labor Day) and every package weekend in spring and fall. See Live Irish Music.
How far is Gavin’s from New York City?
About 2.5 hours. Albany is about 1 hour away, NJ and CT about 2.5–3 hours, Syracuse about 2.5 hours and Boston about 3.5 hours.
Where exactly are you?
118 Golden Hill Road, Cornwallville, NY 12418 — in the East Durham area of the Town of Durham, Greene County, in the Northern Catskills. Most people know it as East Durham, “the Irish Alps.”
Do you host family reunions?
It’s what we’re known for. Over 50 reunions are already booked for 2027, and we regularly host two or three reunion weekends at the same time. See Family Reunions.
What is the minimum for group rates?
Midweek group packages generally require 10+ rooms (we may offer June midweek packages for 5+ rooms). Weekend group packages are available March–November. Email Bernadette.
Do you host weddings?
Yes — wedding weekends with lodging for your guests, catering from our kitchen and live Irish music. See Weddings.
When is the best time to book a reunion?
For the best availability and pricing: May, June, September and October non-peak weekends, or Sunday–Thursday in July and August. March, April and November are wide open.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available. Rooms have a telephone for outgoing calls only.
Is there parking?
Yes, on-site parking is available for guests.
Are rooms accessible?
We have ground-floor rooms with no steps to the entrance, close to parking, the dining room and the pool deck. Our buildings are historic, so some areas have steps — please call 518-634-2582 before booking so we can match you with the best room for your needs.
Do you have cribs and rollaways?
Yes — cribs are $20 per stay and rollaway beds are available on request, along with irons and ironing boards.
Can I buy a gift card?
Yes, in any amount or for a specific package. Call 518-634-2582 option 1 or email reservations@gavins.com. See Gift Certificates.
What is the Irish Box?
A $39 gift box from our kitchen: homemade Irish soda bread, brown bread, two Gavin’s mugs, local jam and an Irish pin, shipped Priority Mail Monday–Thursday. See the shop.
What is there to do nearby?
What is Gavinstock?
Our own Irish music festival held on the grounds in mid-August. See Gavinstock.
When is Guinness Fest?
Every Columbus Day weekend. 2027 is the 20th anniversary, October 8–11. See Guinness Fest.
Is Gavin’s a luxury resort?
No, and we don’t try to be. We offer comfortable, heartfelt hospitality — the kind you’d expect at grandma’s house — with recent renovations to many rooms and suites.
Who owns Gavin’s?
The Gavin family, since 1961. Today third-generation innkeepers Brian and Bernadette run the inn with their family. Read our history.
Reservations open all year