Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Family-Owned Chincoteague Island Hotel
Founded in 1973 by Donald and Martha Leonard, Refuge Inn has grown from a 40-room motor inn into a beloved 72-room family-owned retreat on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Our legacy is built on Martha's Southern hospitality and Don's lifelong connection to the Chincoteague ponies, which remain a cherished part of our guest experience. Over three generations, we've expanded our accommodations while maintaining the warmth and personalized service that define us. Our property features individually decorated rooms, modern amenities, and unique offerings like on-site wild ponies and bicycle rentals. Located at the entrance to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, we provide direct access to outdoor adventures while ensuring every guest enjoys comfort and convenience.With decades of combined experience, our team takes pride in creating memorable stays through clean, quiet accommodations and thoughtful touches like our Beach Books lending library. We've hosted countless returning visitors who appreciate our commitment to quality, from freshly baked breakfasts to ADA-accessible facilities. As active members of the Chincoteague community, we contribute to local revitalization efforts and celebrate milestones like our 40th anniversary celebration with guests and staff. Our family's dedication to hospitality remains unchanged since our founding, ensuring every visitor experiences the island's magic through our authentic, welcoming environment.
Services
Accommodations
Pool Access
Bike Rentals
Meeting Facilities
EV Charging
Pony Viewing
Fitness Center
Sauna Access
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer three generations of family-run hospitality expertise since 1973
- Our rooms feature unique coastal decor with modern amenities
- Direct access to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
- On-site wild Chincoteague ponies for guest enjoyment
- Complimentary continental breakfast with locally roasted coffee
What people say
Most charming hotel
Clean and comfortable rooms
Friendly professional staff
Great location
Plenty of linens
Services
Accommodations
Our 72 individually decorated rooms offer coastal charm with modern amenities including private balconies, flat-screen TVs, mini-refrigerators, and complimentary breakfast. Choose from queen or king rooms, connecting options, and accessible accommodations designed for comfort and convenience.
Bike Rentals
Explore Chincoteague and Assateague Islands with our Beach Cruiser bicycle rentals ($5/hour or $20/day). The Bike Depot provides maps, equipment adjustments, and beach accessories like umbrellas and boogie boards for convenient outdoor adventures.
Meeting Facilities
Host gatherings up to 40 guests in our versatile meeting space featuring kitchen facilities, AV equipment, and a screened-in porch. Ideal for family reunions, church groups, and small weddings with advance booking and security deposit.
Wild Pony Encounters
Experience Chincoteague's famous ponies up close at our on-site pasture. Guests can feed them corn and sweet feed through provided boxes while learning about their history and connection to founder Don Leonard's legacy.
EV Charging
Access Tesla and Universal EV charging stations with reserved parking. Non-guests welcome with registration, supporting eco-friendly travel while visiting Chincoteague Island's attractions.
People
Donald Leonard
Founder
Established Refuge Inn in 1973, combining his love for Chincoteague ponies with hospitality. His legacy continues through family-run operations and on-site pony exhibits.
Martha Leonard
Co-Founder
Brought Southern hospitality to Chincoteague, shaping the inn's welcoming atmosphere. Her handwritten rates on original brochures reflect the family's personal touch in business operations.
Arthur Leonard
Former Manager
Took over operations in 1990, continuing family legacy. Served on town council and as mayor while maintaining the inn's connection to Chincoteague's community and culture.
Michael Leonard
Current Operator
Manages the Refuge Inn and adjacent Bike Depot, involving next generation in family business. Balances tradition with modern amenities to preserve the inn's unique character.
Carol Sue
Retired Staff
Longtime employee celebrated for her distinctive laugh and warm guest interactions. Represented the dedicated staff who contribute to the inn's welcoming atmosphere over decades.
Questions
What room types are available at The Refuge Inn?
We offer Deluxe rooms with two queen beds, king rooms, and suites with separate bedrooms. Connecting rooms and accessible options are also available.
Are the Chincoteague ponies accessible to guests?
Yes! We maintain a small herd on-site for guest enjoyment. Feed boxes with corn and sweet feed allow safe interactions with these iconic wild ponies.
What amenities are included with my stay?
All rooms include continental breakfast, flat-screen TV, refrigerator, coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi. Pool access, fitness center, and sauna are also available.
How close is the inn to Assateague Island attractions?
We're located just minutes from Assateague National Seashore with easy walking or biking access to beaches and wildlife viewing areas.
Do you offer bicycle rentals for exploring the island?
Yes, our Bike Depot rents Beach Cruiser bicycles ($5/hour or $20/day) with maps and equipment adjustments for exploring Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.
What meeting/event spaces are available?
Our meeting room accommodates 30-40 guests with kitchen facilities, AV equipment, and outdoor space. Reserve in advance with a security deposit.