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Pollywogg Holler Eco-Resort
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Pollywogg Holler Eco-Resort

Traveller (11)
Mickey serving breakfast in the outdoor covered "Pizza bar"
Dining (1)

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About

#1 of 1 resort in Belmont
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Location
3.4 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
2.6 of 5 bubbles
Value
3.1 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
3.9 of 5 bubbles
Service
3.4 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Since 1987, Pollywogg Holler Bed & Breakfast creators Bill and Barb Castle have been entertaining guests at their Eco-lodge with an emphasis on art, nature and being kind to the environment. Now managed by their oldest son, Mickey & his wife Tammy.Book an overnight stay for the full experience, or come by to visit on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons for Pizza and see the new projects that are in progress
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Property amenities
Free parking
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Spa
Room features
Fireplace
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Mid-range

Reviews
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Detailed Reviews
scot104 wrote a review Jul 2014
Belmont ny
3.0 of 5 bubbles
If you go to Pollywogg Holler for rest and relaxation.....
be aware that it is now a New York State licensed bar
.Sundays can be a big crowd day...300 plus people. lots of drinking and noise
.Not a great atmosphere for children.
Rule # one is $5 is charged at the gate to enter to cover the band weather you like their music style or not.
You can no longer enter just to visit with friends with out paying this fee, Or you leave.
Having supported by beloved friends Bill and Barb Castle,founders, for over thirty years i am not interested in going to the Holler any more on sundays or wed when the bar crowd flourishes.
the Bouncer/gatekeeper was extremely rude and insulting to me and my wife on july 6 when we went there and no apology has been made.
Micky is the manager and should have done this.
It is still a beautiful place to go but if you want a bucolic setting for an event rent the space on a non event day [sun + wed]
If you enjoy a low bar crowd smoking and drinking and consider that fun than Sunday it your.
day.
I am posting this for those who have not been to the Holler yet ,but have heard great things,and for those who have not been in a long time. It has changed.
And also I do not like being called a "phucking A hole" by hired help and having the management condoning it by not apologizing do me and most importantly, to my Wife who i Love dearly and am saddened she was put through this.
Scot Marechaux
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Date of stay: July 2014Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott B wrote a review Jun 2015
3.0 of 5 bubbles
We recently visited the site, it is a very cool place, lots to see, lots to do, great for kids, but God forbid do not show up early, the camp officially opens at 1 pm on sunday and we had an elderly lady with us so we wanted to be there before it opened, the camp is about a 15 minute walk through the woods, so we requested the use of a golf cart to transport my mother-in-law provided by the original owner who was very friendly, we did get to use one, but not before a receiving a tounge lashing from those in charge, on top of that we were treated rudely while there, it's a great place but my sense is the place was created to have a relaxed atmosphere but it seems the next generation doesn't see it that way, we had planned on bringing a larger group in the future but we will reconsider now
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Date of stay: June 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tammy C, Manager at Pollywogg Holler Eco-Resort
Responded 17 Jun 2015
Not sure why people can come to a business & do whatever they wish?? The cover charge goes to the band & what bar/restaurant have you ever been to that allows outside food to be brought in. Sorry you were not happy with your experience, but we will continue to enforce our business policies for all customers.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dan C wrote a review Jul 2009
Boston
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Traveling down the dirt road, we started to feel apprehensive. We had been told to “bring flashlights”, which tipped us off that we weren’t staying in the usual motel. We parked in the dirt parking area and went across the street. We were greeted by Bill, looking like what Jerry Garcia would be today – long silver beard and a gentle way.

Not realizing what we were in for, we hadn’t packed for one night. We loaded 2 weeks of suitcases onto an electric golf car and piled in – and on: Bill, my wife, my 8 year old daughter, and me. Off into the woods we went on a muddy track, bouncing and, I was sure, destined to get stuck or maybe hear banjo music. Neither happened.

About 1/4 mile in, we arrived at a delightful group of rustic buildings, each unique and interesting. We were shown to our “Wood Loft”, an accommodation above the wood shop. Built by hand from logs, we had a comfortable queen sized bed with nice sheets, plus a twin bed and a pair of “window seat beds” at the end of the room, in front of a huge recycled steel-framed window, which covered the entire end of the room. There was a stained glass window and many subtle touches, like a branch left on a timber post to form a coat hook.

My daughter immediately claimed the window-seat bed and absolutely loved it. Then she climbed the logs forming the cathedral ceiling and played jungle gym. Heaven to her.

We were shown the essentials – the “Pizza bar”, an open-air room with a wood-fired pizza oven and lots of seating; the “Wine bar,” an open-air room with a cozy wood stove and various fruit wines on the menu, and the “bath house.”

Yes, there is one communal bath house. It has a 2-person solar shower with propane backup. Mickey will heat up the water if the sun hasn’t been cooperating. Yes, there is a “composting toilet”, but it is no outhouse. The room has absolutely zero unpleasant odor. A clever design uses the heat of decomposition to draw air down through the toilet and out a high ventilation stack. The floor is tiled, and the seat is nice wood and there’s a window to look out. It was not in the least off-putting to use, and actually loved it. Of course, you can pee in the woods, too.

Because there was a large family reunion pizza party that night, we ate at the wine bar. While the usual fruit wines were a bit sweet for my taste, Mickey had found a case of great Barolo and was very generous dispensing it to me. I don’t know if a regular production grape wine is usually available, so I wouldn’t count on it. You might bring a bottle of your favorite, or, for that matter, a bottle of scotch.

Mickey started a charcoal fire and fired up a small propane stove to cook us dinner. He set to amusing my daughter, who was having a great time. Mickey has a huge collection of music on his iPod, which feeds a solar-powered music system. He seems able to handle most any request. Our dinner was very good, especially given the rustic surroundings. Yes, we had crudites for an appetizer, but it was fun. Our steak got overcooked because Mickey got a bit distracted, but with such a generous host, I couldn’t have cared less. The Cornish hen was good – precooked and heated over the wood smoke. It’s not “Foodie” food, but, hey, it’s in the middle of the woods. If you’ve been camping, you know that everything tastes better in the woods!

Just because the compound is off the grid doesn’t mean that there isn’t ice and fresh food. They bring in coolers from the road with whatever they need. The salad was cold, as was the wine. This is how they charge their golf carts too.

We struck up a conversation with Ricky, a mason who was trading his work for – well I’m not sure, accommodations, I guess. Ricky took me on a tour, showing me the lean-to accommodations (very romantic and private, for two, as well as the sauna, lodge, stage, recycling center (they recycle everything), ponds, etc. Artwork is everywhere – from “old man winter” carved into the end of one of the logs on the sauna to sculpture of giraffes in the wood, to “pants”, trees cut and turned upside down to give the impression of a lower torso. All very cool.

Chatting with the friendly folks having the Pizza reunion, it turns out we have a connection through my niece. Small world!

The weather had been very wet, but there were no bugs. Apparently the huge number of frogs living in the ponds eat them. We didn’t use bug dope.

We went to bed a bit on the early side (maybe 10 or 11). Conversation was lingering in the bar, and, when asked, they lowered their volume to a whisper. It was a minor inconvenience to have to get up to pee at night, negotiating the rustic steps in the dark. The bath house was lit with torches, an oil lantern, and some candles – very nice actually. I might bring flip-flops next time.

In the morning, Mickey made us a nice bacon and egg breakfast. Yes, the pastries weren’t right from France, but, again, you’re eating them in the woods in a beautiful setting. Mickey brought out some peanuts in the shell, and my daughter had great fun feeding them to “Mr. Nuts”, a trained squirrel. Afterward, Mickey offered to let her drive the golf cart (huge thrill), and took her around. The generosity of the hospitality is a huge attraction.

Two other commenters have noted the cost. They charge per person, but my daughter was free and they made her a special off-menu dinner (homemade Mac and Cheese, warmed on the charcoal grill). Our $220 charge included everything (except tax and tip), including quite a bit of dinner, wine (and in my case, quite good wine), and breakfast. I’m not sure what tip, if any, was expected, but I was so grateful, I tipped generously.

By way of analogy, a Holliday Inn is a dinner that you bought at Walmart. Pollywogg Holler is a hand-thrown ceramic plate bought from the artist. It is definitely not for everyone. You have to enter with an adventurous spirit and an open mind and a flexible mindset. In return you will get an experience that I doubt you will ever forget. That is not something that you can say about a Holliday Inn stay, or perhaps even a stay at the Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons.

Highly recommended if it’s “your kind of thing.” Also, it would be a great family reunion spot. They can sleep about 35 people dormitory style, or 7 parties in privacy. We plan to return.
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Date of stay: July 2009
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather C wrote a review Jul 2014
Clearwater, Florida, United States
1.0 of 5 bubbles
We decided to spend my mother's 60th birthday at Pollywogg Holler. We had a great time until the end, however was not surprised with ending from the observations I made throughout the night. Mickey is the pizza chef/owner. After the first hour of business he was extremely rude with an Asian couple who approached the pizza bar. 30 minutes later a male in his 50's approached the pizza bar as he could not hear what name was called when Mickey went off on him, If that wasn't enough he then came out from behind the counter to continue to belittle this customer. At the end of the evening he came over and asked who our party was for, I proceeeded to tell him it was my mothers 60th birthday, he went over to her with his headlamp blinding her in her face and began to lay into her for bringing such a large party (50) up there at once without prior notification. She explained to him she made several attempts in the prior weeks to notify him and finally left a voice mail message witout a response. At a 5$ cover charge and $9.00 for a paper plate size pizza they made plenty of money. I have never seen a business that would get upset to make money and be busy, I would assume it would be Mickey's dream. If you ever decide to partake in this establishment do not take anyone with you because you may overwhelm Mickey. It's obvious Mickey lacks in people skills, and maybe he should hire a manager to deal with the customers because he cannot handle it.
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Date of stay: July 2014
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joannamartine wrote a review May 2015
Buenos Aires, Argentina
1.0 of 5 bubbles
What happened to Pollywog Holler? As visitors over the years it was really sad to go today and find it so run down and the new hosts so grumpy. No food was available and although out party had spent over $100 in cover charges and drinks, and although we tried to buy food on site, we were then told off for bringing in some food off site, and feeding our children in a spot very very far away from bar area. People were smoking marijuana in the open but one of our children were chastised for not wearing shoes in a grassy area by the pond! At shutdown many drunk people were getting in their cars and driving away, and we were again told off- this time for disposing of our trash in the trash cans. A shame that a place built on an eco principle has lost it's love.
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Date of stay: May 2015
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Insulted49 wrote a review Jul 2011
Brockport, New York
2.0 of 5 bubbles
After reading as much as possible about Polly Wogg Holler I was truly looking forward to finally getting there and spending some time away with my husband. I made the reservations in May for 1 night with dinner & breakfast. I was told by the owners son that I was the first to reserve for that night so I had my choice of lodging, I chose the Woodshed. When my husband and I finally got there we were very impressed by the craftmanship of the cabins & compound. After meeting with the owners son Mickey we were informed that 2 other couples would be joining us and staying in the Woodshed & the Sugarshack. We were told we would be staying in the Sauna. The Sauna was to small to comfortably accommodate my husband who in 6'3". We ended up sleeping in a leanto. I was told that even though I reserved the Woodshed we got bumped because the other couple bought the more expensive package. This was blatant bait & switch. So anyone that plans on buying the lower price package be prepared to be dissapointed.
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Date of stay: July 2011
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
2.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: will need to pay more
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blair W wrote a review Aug 2008
Buffalo, New York
2.0 of 5 bubbles
The property is truly unique and really, really rustic. But I agree with the previous reviewer. This is in no way an eco-resort, and the prices charged made our stay feel like we had just been mugged at gunpoint. It could be termed an eco-campground, perhaps. Their website is incredibly misleading. The wine was surprisingly good. The home-made entrees for dinner were of good quality, but were served with convenience-store bread, wilted store-bought lettuce and store-bought salad dressings, generic bagged baby carrots. Breakfast was also bad – frozen mini-bagels, generic store-bought cranberry juice and apple juice, and a very, very small bowl of oatmeal. There are few luxury resorts in New York State that we couldn't have stayed in for the money we were charged for one night at Pollywogg.
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Date of stay: August 2008
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
1.0 of 5 bubblesCheck-in / front desk
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ayapua wrote a review Apr 2012
Rochester NY
3.0 of 5 bubbles
My boyfriend and I went here because we wanted a truly unique experience and the eco-resort, rustic, free-minded nature suits us.
The pros: There's nothing else like it. The Sauna Loft is really neat, and feels like you are living in the Hobbit. Good dinners. We were the only ones staying there on this fall night and the owner's son was interested in making us feel welcome and was generous.

Cons: The biggest con of Pollywog is that it is in DIRE need of some picking up and repairing. Especially for the price. This is a splurge for most people - it's not a cheap eco-resort- and if I'm paying this amount of money for an overnight, then the grounds should look maintained. It's rustic. That doesn't mean there should be old barrels and rusty tools laying around, shoved behind buildings (and not hidden at all).

While we loved the Sauna Loft, we booked the Phantasy Dome - a geodesic dome, all alone on a private pond, with 360 views. It was confirmed.

When we got there, we were told we were being put in the Sauna Loft. It was too cold for the dome and it needed some repairs.
We went with it.

Trekking around the next day we went into the dome. There was no way it was fit for someone to sleep in - the hanging bed was broken. Sides ofthe dome ripped. Water damage. It looked as if it had not been functioning for a long time. So why book us in there?

They knew we would not be able to stay there when we booked and said nothing.

We also booked the package where we would get a wine cellar tour .... to be told that it was not in operation. AGain, after we were there.

Wanted to be alone more than we were. Very gregarious host.

Sunday pizza nights looked interesting and maybe worth a drive down this summer - but until someone ACTS like they care about the place they created and that they want to provide a true experience based on what they claim on the website, no more expensive overnights.
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Date of stay: November 2011
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: The Sauna Loft is by the neatest place to stay. Confirm you will actually be staying in the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dale C wrote a review Jul 2015
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Okay but nothing special. Be prepared for a hike and wear lots of bug repellent.
Food was good but prices were excessive especially for small pizza. (Only food available)
Drinks prices (beer and home made wine by the bottle) were average.
Band was good but there was a small cover charge.
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Date of stay: July 2015Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maytrxx wrote a review Sept 2017
Rochester, New York
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband and I just spent the weekend at Pollywog Holler. This was our first time there and it blew us away! Amazing! We spent the night in the sauna hut, which is a tiny two story log cabin with a sauna on the first floor and a cute loft bedroom on the second floor with stained glass windows and a cute little second story porch. It was a cold evening outside but we kept the stove in the suana running and the temperature was perfect! A delicious 4 course meal was served to us on the deck of the main cabin (along with a yummy bottle of Pollywog Holler wine) and in the morning a picnic basket FULL of breakfast treats, orange juice, water, coffee and tea were delivered to our doorstep in. We stayed until the band started playing Sunday at 1pm and ordered their famous pizza, which was DELICIOUS! We fished in one of the ponds and caught two catfish! The grounds were beautiful - with hiking paths abound and tons of artwork. The owner Mickey was so nice and shared all about the history of Pollywog Holler. This place is magical. I highly recommend staying the night! We left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to head back into the "real world" but are definitely looking forward to our next stay!!
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Date of stay: September 2017
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erica F wrote a tip Jul 2015
San Antonio, Florida8 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Woof Loft was awesome!"
Read full review
ayapua wrote a tip Apr 2012
Rochester NY53 contributions50 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"The Sauna Loft is by the neatest place to stay. Confirm you will actually be staying in the lodging you request and are confirmed .... some may not be open or in working order and you may be surprised when you get there. Some lodging is run down ... muchmore than in the website (ie: Love Shack)"
Read full review
Insulted49 wrote a tip Jul 2011
Brockport, New York1 contribution12 helpful votes
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"will need to pay more"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Belmont area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
pollywogg holler eco resort
LOCATION
United StatesNew YorkBelmont
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
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POLLYWOGG HOLLER ECO-RESORT | Reviews (Belmont, NY) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Pollywogg Holler Eco-Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Pollywogg Holler Eco-Resort?
Nearby attractions include Alex's College Spot (7.2 km), Gallery 2 (7.2 km), and Harrington Field (7.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Pollywogg Holler Eco-Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a spa.
What food & drink options are available at Pollywogg Holler Eco-Resort?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Pollywogg Holler Eco-Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Pollywogg Holler Eco-Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Collegiate Restaurant, Terracotta Coffee House, and The Rosebush.