The owner of the hotel emailed me, she is on vacation this week, but will sort out all of the details about how/when people need to confirm their rooms when she gets back. I have reserved almost the entire hotel, and people will need to confirm rooms ahead of time. Normally the hotel is booked solid that weekend, it's a pretty busy time of year up here still.
She is giving us a discount iff the regular rate, plus waiving the pet fee. Also, they only have one section of hotel that is for pets, but will make extend that to other areas if needed as reservations come in.
I will also post info about cottage rentals in the area for people that are making a longer vacation out of this.
We are very close to Algonquin Park, for those that have never been. The fall colours will be starting, not near their peak by any means, but it is a beautiful time to go to the park....and no bugs!