The Equestrian Hotel Policies

THE EQUESTRIAN HOTEL POLICIES 

Updated: January 13, 2026

NON-SMOKING POLICY: The Equestrian Hotel is a non-smoking hotel. We do not permit smoking tobacco, marijuana, illegal drugs, e-cigarettes, vape pens, vaping, cartridges containing the liquid of nicotine, hookahs, incense, cooking, cigars, candle burning, the use or diffusing of patchouli oil or other strong-smelling plant-based essential oils or synthetic products in our facility. A $250.00 cleaning fee will be charged to any guest who violates the non-smoking policy. Additional charges apply if the room is unsellable due to required cleaning or restoration.  

DAMAGE TO ROOM: Damage to rooms, fixtures, furnishing and equipment including the removal of electronic equipment, towels, artwork, etc. will be charged at 150% of full and new replacement value plus any shipping and handling charges. Any damage to hotel property, whether accidental or willful, is the responsibility of the registered guest for each particular room. Any costs associated with repairs and/or replacement will be charged to the credit card of the registered guest. In extreme cases, criminal charges will be pursued. 

ALCOHOL POLICY: Registered guests of legal age who choose to bring their own alcoholic beverages must consume those in their room. Alcohol is not allowed in public areas such as the lobby, halls, pool area, etc. unless purchased from designated food and beverage outlet sanctioned by the hotel. 

DOG & PET POLICY:  
The Equestrian Hotel is an ADA-compliant hotel. Non-working dogs of any size, or any other pets, are not permitted in guest rooms and suites. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our guests. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to transit through the lobby of The Equestrian Hotel, excluding the indoor dining establishments. Owners will be responsible for any damage caused by their pets. 

Per the Florida Department of Health, non-working dogs, or any other animals, are not permitted inside our dining establishments. This includes all restaurants with indoor dining areas, including but not limited to Emma’s Patisserie, Yellow Pony Pub & Garden, and Stirrups Restaurant at The Equestrian Hotel; Viola & Dot’s, Filo’s Mexican Cantina, Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop and Miss Tilly’s Lollipops; and The Polo Pony, The White Willow, Genievieve’s and Emma’s Patisserie at The Equestrian Manor. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the outdoor terraces and patios when available and open for public seating. Dogs should be attended to and leashed at all times. Owners will be responsible for any damages caused by their animals.  

Registered and working service animals are allowed to accompany their owner throughout all areas of the facility. Service animals should be leashed or harnessed unless such devices interfere with their ability to perform their designated role. 

Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.  

For additional information, please review the ADA Requirements on Service Animals on ADA.gov. 

To book pet-friendly options at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, consider The Riding Academy Hotel or our Home Away from Home units, which offer convenient three-bedroom, two-bath accommodations. Hotel Guest Services can also provide a list of local boarding kennels in the Ocala area. 

MINIMUM CHECK-IN GUEST POLICY: Guests must be 21 years of age or older to check-in. 

GUARENTEE POLICY 

A valid credit card is required at the time of reservation to guarantee accommodation. 

ADVANCED DEPOSIT POLICY 
An advance deposit equal to one night’s room and tax is required at the time of booking for all individual reservations. The deposit will be charged to the credit card provided and applied to your stay at check-in. 

For individual reservations, the advance deposit is refundable if the reservation is canceled by 4:00 p.m. EST at least 72 hours prior to arrival. 

PAYMENT POLICY 
Your reservation is guaranteed with the credit card on file. Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and cash are accepted forms of payment. 

In accordance with our advance deposit policy, a deposit equal to one night’s room and tax is charged to the card on file and applied to your stay.  

At check-in, we will authorize the remaining balance of your stay and $100 per night for incidentals on your card. Final room, tax, and incidental charges are processed at check-out, and any unused authorized funds are released by your bank. 

Guests who wish to pay in cash may do so at check-out; however, a valid credit card is still required at check-in for the authorization hold. 

CANCELLATION POLICY 
For individual reservations, cancel by 4:00 p.m. EST at least 72 hours prior to arrival to receive a refund of the advance deposit. Cancellations made within 72 hours of arrival, as well as no-shows, will result in forfeiture of the advance deposit, equal to one night’s room and tax. Cancellation terms may differ for special events, restricted dates, and group reservations. Please refer to the policy outlined in your group agreement or provided by your dedicated Group Sales Manager. 

EARLY DEPARTURE POLICY 
A penalty charge equivalent to one night’s worth of room rate and taxes will occur when departing earlier than the reserved departure date. 

GENERAL POLICY 
Check-In Time: 4pm *Early check-in is subject to hotels availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance. 
Check-Out Time: 12pm *Late check-out is subject to hotels availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance. 

TAXES 
State: 6% tax 
County: 1.5% tax 
Tourism Development: 4% tax 

The Equestrian Hotel is an ADA-compliant hotel. 

HOTEL PET POLICY
At this time, non-working dogs of any size, or any other pets, are not permitted in guest rooms and suites. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our guests. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to transit through the lobby of The Equestrian Hotel, excluding the indoor dining establishments. Owners will be responsible for any damages caused by their pets. 

To book pet-friendly options at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, consider The Riding Academy Hotel or our Home Away from Home units, which offer convenient three-bedroom, two-bath accommodations. Hotel Guest Services can also provide a list of local boarding kennels in the Ocala area. 

Registered and working service animals are allowed to accompany their owner throughout all areas of the facility. Service animals should be leashed or harnessed unless such devices interfere with their ability to perform their designated role. 

Please Be Advised: Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.  

For additional information, please review the ADA Requirements on Service Animals on ADA.gov 

World Equestrian Center Restaurants Pet Policy 

Per the Florida Department of Health, non-working dogs, or any other animals, are not permitted inside our dining establishments. This includes all restaurants with indoor dining areas, including but not limited to Emma’s Patisserie, Yellow Pony Pub & Garden, and Stirrups Restaurant at The Equestrian Hotel; Viola & Dot’s, Filo’s Mexican Cantina, Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop and Miss Tilly’s Lollipops; and The Polo Pony, The White Willow, Genievieve’s and Emma’s Patisserie at The Equestrian Manor. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the outdoor terraces and patios when available and open for public seating. Dogs should be attended to and leashed at all times. Owners will be responsible for any damages caused by their animals.  

Registered and working service animals are allowed to accompany their owner throughout all areas of the facility. Service animals should be leashed or harnessed unless such devices interfere with their ability to perform their designated role. 

Please Be Advised: Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.  

For additional information, please review the ADA Requirements on Service Animals on ADA.gov 

PARKING FEE | Effective January 1, 2026 
Overnight valet parking available: $30 per night, plus tax.