About Us
A Little Bit of History
Willard Richards lived on this property with his family until the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints left for the Salt Lake Valley in February 1846. Due to Joseph Smith's financial involvement with constructing the home, the original deed to the property was never officially transferred to Willard Richards' name. The lot remained recorded as owned by Joseph & Emma Smith jointly, and then became the sole property of Emma Smith after the death of Joseph Smith on June 27, 1844.
Elder Willard Richard's home was the meeting place for the Church leaders from the day it was completed. Joseph Smith spent many hours closely working with Elder Richards at his home to complete the History of the Church and the Life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. After the death of Joseph Smith, Elder Richards' home served as the headquarters of the Church for a short time.
Willard Richards was among the original nine men who were in the Red Brick store when Joseph revealed for the first time the Temple Endowment ceremony and all the associated ordinances. Since the Nauvoo Temple was still under construction during this time, there were often prayer meetings, which included the exercise of new ordinances, sealing couples, and endowment ceremonies, held in the upper floor of the Willard Richards home. This group of nine was often referred to as the Anointed Quorum and it was recorded that they met almost every day to pray and hold special council meetings.
If you would like to know more about Joseph Smith or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, you can visit their website here.
Our Policies
1
Booking & Cancellation Policy
During the month of July, our cancellation policy is 30 days prior to check-in. All cancellations within the 30-day window forfeit the deposit of the value of the first night. Reservations can be modified during that timeframe for other dates, but the initial deposit will remain non-refundable. During the rest of the year, our cancellation policy is that the reservation must be cancelled 48 hours prior to check-in for a full refund.
The Willard Richards Inn is not responsible for weather conditions, personal emergencies, or schedule changes.
2
Breakfast & Housekeeping Service
During your stay with us, we do provide daily breakfast with made-to-order eggs, fruit, and other items (varies day-to-day). Please contact us if you have booked your reservation and have any dietary needs so we can be prepared to create a menu that works for your needs.
We also provide stay-over service for all guests staying more than one night. Should you need additional towels or supplies for your room, please let us know during breakfast so we can ensure they are delivered to your room.
3
Parking & Pets
All parking is free at the Willard Richards Inn. Please note that the Willard Richards Inn is located on a one-way street and during pageant, you will have to let the parking attendants know that you are guests at the Inn so they can open the barricades.
The Willard Richards Inn does not allow any pets on the premise in order to maintain the historic nature of the property. Should you have any questions or have a service animal, please contact us so we can assist in accommodating you at another property that allows pets.
Additional Policies
Hotel Booking Policies
Early check-in may be available subject to prior reservations except during the months of June and July; however, we cannot guarantee an early check-in will be available. We can usually accommodate your bags in a secure location until your room is ready.
Late check-out may be available based on a rate of $10 per hour, but is subject to availability and upcoming reservations. Late check-outs are generally not available during the months of June and July. Check out past 3:00pm will be subject to an additional night's rate. Exceeding check-out times without notifying the front desk in advance will result in extra charges, including, but not limited to, late check-out fees and/or an extra night's charges being applied to your bill.
All early departures prior to the date agreed at the time of booking or check-in will be subject to a one-night room and tax departure charge.
Damages
You are liable for any damage caused (whether by the deliberate, negligent, or reckless act to the room(s), Bed & Breakfast's premises, or property caused by you or any person in your party whether or not staying at the bed & breakfast during your stay. The Willard Richards Inn has the right to charge the credit/debit card in such amounts as it shall in its sole discretion deem necessary to compensate or make good the cost or expenses incurred or suffered by the Willard Richards Inn as a result of the aforementioned. Should this damage come to light after the guest has departed, we reserve the right to contact you and charge your payment method for any damage incurred to your room or the bed & breakfast property during your stay, including and without limitation for all property damage, missing or damaged items, smoking fee, cleaning fee, guest compensation, etc. We will make every effort to rectify any damage internally prior to contracting a specialist to make the repairs and therefore will make every effort to keep any costs that the guest would incur to a minimum.
We are a 100% Smoke-Free Bed & Breakfast. For safety and to assure that our hotel is not exposed to items or actions that create an odor which is unhealthy and objectionable and that is difficult to remove from the air, carpets, walls, and furniture, we do not permit smoking tobacco, marijuana, illegal drugs, e-cigarettes, incense, or cigars. Guests are encouraged to notify the Innkeepers immediately if they smell cigarette, marijuana, or other objectionable odors. A $1,000 cleaning fee will be charged to any guests who violate our smoking policy.
Contact
950 White St.,
Nauvoo, Illinois, 62354
800-860-1215 ext. 300