Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Wilder House currently open?

Yes, the Wilder House is open and operating at full capacity (6 bedrooms with 2 shared bathrooms).

Are there changes due to the pandemic?

At this time, there are no restrictions on Wilder House use and we're open as a mask-friendly facility.  However, we request you monitor your symptoms and cancel your reservation should you feel ill with a fever, cough, sore throat or any other symptom listed by the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.  

Should any changes be necessitated by campus, local, state, or federal transmission or guidelines, we will update this page accordingly.

Rates and Reservations

How many rooms are available in Wilder Guest House?

Wilder has six guest rooms.  Fresh linens are provided in each room, and each bed will be made up by the IWU custodial staff prior to a guest’s stay.  If an extended stay, linens can be replaced upon request.  A common floor bathroom (equipped with a door lock) is located on each level.  

What is the nightly rate?

Beginning January 2, 2024, the rate for each guest room will be $45 per night.  The current rate of $40 per night will apply for any requests received prior to January 2, 2024.  The room rate does not change based on the number of guests occupying the room. 

Are reservations required?  How can they be made?

Reservations are required and should be made by filling out the reservation form on the Wilder website.  When making reservations, please have the following information ready:

• night(s) of stay
• room preference
• guest name(s), cell number(s) and email(s)
• dept/person being billed, billing information and email (if applicable)

What is the cancellation policy with regard to reservations?

To cancel a room, 48 hours notice must be given or the first night’s stay will be charged. If guest is a ‘no show’ or the room is not canceled 48 hours before reservation, the first night’s stay will be charged.

How is payment made?

Individual guests may pay for their stay with a check mailed to the following address:

Illinois Wesleyan University 

Attn: Conference Services/Michelle Wu 

1312 Park Street 

Bloomington, IL 61701

Checks and cash payments can also be dropped off at the Conference Services office in the Memorial Center, Room 167A Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30am - 5:00pm.

Credit card options are available upon request and may incur additional fees.  Please contact our office for details.

IWU Departments may direct bill guest stays at Wilder House by providing a University account code with their reservation.  The account will be billed upon guest departure.  If a department-sponsored guest fails to pay for their stay, payment will be expected from their institutional host.

If Wilder is unavailable, are there comparable facilities nearby?

The following hotels are within five miles of the university and offer a range of options:

Check In and Check Out

When may guests check in?

Check-in time is 3:00 pm or after. Room keys are available at the guest house via a key box located on the porch just outside the front door. A key box access code will be emailed with confirmation materials to each guest for each confirmed stay.  An outside door key and room key are provided for guest’s use.  The room key will open only the room assigned to the guest. Please be reminded that security in the guest facility is a shared responsibility among its patrons, and to secure individual room doors and exterior doors at all times. 

By when must guests check out?

Guests must check out by 10:00 am.  Custodial staff will prepare rooms for the next guest’s stay starting at that time.  Should a guest be unable to check out by 10:00 am, please arrange an extended check-out time by email conferences@iwu.edu; an additional night may be billed.  Keys should be left in the designated space in the room at departure.  Failure to return keys at check out will result in another night’s charge.  If keys are not returned within 72 hours or are lost, the guest will be charged $150.00 for key replacements.

Internet and Telephone

Is there wireless in Wilder Guest House?

Guest wireless is available in Wilder Guest House. Please follow the instructions in the email to connect (an email address is required). Individuals are expected to comply with institutional guidelines around internet usage.  

Are there phones available in guest rooms?

Individual room phones are not provided. Guests are encouraged to make use of personal cell phones, or a shared phone available in the kitchen. To reach an outside local line using the kitchen phone, dial 7 and the number.  

Policies

Are there guest house policies of which to be aware?

Residents of the guest house should conduct themselves in accordance with University policies. To that end, IWU does not permit:

• the possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages by minors,
• illegal drugs,
• weapons,
• animals (other than service animals) for reasons of public health within the facility

In addition, our expectation is that house damage and/or loss of items will not occur in Wilder House.  However, if this does occur, restitution will be expected from guests, or in their absence, from their institutional host.  Guests involved in damage or loss, or who disrupt the house and other guests in any way, will not be allowed to use the guest house again.

Is the Wilder House open during University breaks?

During times the University is closed (Thanksgiving-Wed-Sun; Winter Break-approximately Dec 22-Jan 2), Wilder House remains open as needed.  However, during these periods, stays are restricted to only relatives of students with approval to stay in their residence hall, or long-term guests of staff and faculty.