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Riverboat Inn: Traveller Reviews

906 E First St, Madison, IN 47250
Hotel amenities
Riverboat Inn
Ranked #3 of 8 Madison B&B and Inns
4.0 of 5 stars 57 Reviews
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57 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this B&B/inn
  • Ohio river(3)
  • King bed(3)
  • Great time(3)
Traveller rating
    26
    15
    8
    4
    4
Only show reviews for Family (7) | Couples (27) | Business (5)
Date Rating
Pendleton
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Great Place for us.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 December 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Just returned from a long weekend In Madison, which is made even better by our stay at the Riverboat Inn. We fell in love with town for a quick get away several years ago we have stayed at several other hotels and Inns in the area and the Riverboat was suggested by some friends that we sent to Madison for a nic get away. The staff from Kathie and Jane Michelle are the friendliest. The rooms are decorated very nice and the beds are comfortable. The sheets are not what you would expect here, soft luxurious, not the normal bleached white scrathy standard hotel fare. The View from the Balocony and veranda is great. Watching the river roll by with the occaisional Barge is relaxing and just something you don't get everyday. If you want scratchy sheets, white towels anad grumpy staff go to a chain. However if you want a friendly staff, good view and a warm friendly staff this place is for you. Get a riverfront room, and enjoy the view and the other guest as the river rolls on. Ed and Marsha

Room Tip: Riverfront is the way to go.
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
1 review
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Overpriced....”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 October 2011
3
people found this review helpful

We booked a room at the Riverboat Inn because it was close to where we needed to be. The building we stayed in (not the main building) actually appeared to be government housing thay had been converted to hotel use. The room (condo) smelled musty and smoked in, and did not have an iron or ironing board.

The TVs had one remote between the two of them, and it didn't work for either tv. After two nights, we had to request new towels, and were told that they just hadn't made it to our room to clean yet, so we didn't need to get towels, they would be provided. The room was not visited by housekeeping once during our stay.

Upon checking out, we requested a copy of the bill, but were told the lady that could make that happen didn't come in until four that afternoon....really?

The price would indicate a luxury hotel...for 49.95 a night...you wouldn't hear one complaint from me..for $100+, I'd keep looking.

  • Stayed October 2011
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Helopilot4292 about Riverboat Inn
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Albany, Indiana
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Annual Trip”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 September 2011

Each year, my husband and I travel to Madison with his parents and while the men fish, "us" ladies shop. Afterwards, we meet back at the river, pack the fishing poles, tackle boxes, and everything else into the trunk and go back to the "Riverboat Inn" to refresh ourselves before traveling to the upper part of Madison to dine. The very first time we stayed at the hotel, it was under original ownership and named the "President Madison". That "place" was disgusting. Now that Kathie has bought the hotel and renamed/remodeled it...it's a great place to stay. I agree with some other reviewers about the nasty breakfast and the cleanliness of some things but, overall, it's really a great place to stay. My only other complaint would be there are no alarm clocks, stationary/writing instruments, or telephones in the room. The main things we love about staying at the "Riverboat Inn" is the excellent quality of--both--the bath/bedding and the mattress (which allows you the best rest/sleep you'll ever have) and the view of the river. Also, Kathie was only there once this time and she usually is there most of our stay. Kathie has two small dogs and we sure missed them this trip. :(
**We just returned this past week from our "Annual Trip" and we thought it was interesting that while guests aren't allowed to smoke anywhere (other than outside)...the cleaning lady smokes her cigarettes (and plenty of them) while she's carrying fresh bedding/linens from room to room! If Kathie smelled smoke on those guests items, would their credit card be billed for the dry cleaning fees? Just sayin'...**

Room Tip: Room 114 or Room 116 are the two rooms we've gotten in the past and I would chose to have them w...
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  • Stayed September 2011, travelled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask anrandwln about Riverboat Inn
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Hebron, Kentucky
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“My home away from home”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 September 2011
4
people found this review helpful

River Boat Inn- What can I say except, I love this hotel. I have been staying at the River Boat Inn since 2008. My husband and I have stayed here probably a total of 50 times in three years. We continue to stay here because of many things. You need to realize this is not like the typical hotel chains. The staff goes over board to make your stay a pleasant one. The rooms are smaller than hotels chain, however the view and social experience makes the River Boat Inn the best in our books. The beds are extremely confortable and the sheet are very fresh and soft. The pool is small, but great to relax in. I have recently stayed at the hotel and spoke with several of the people who stay there frequently. I heard many people saying, "Oh, I use to stay at the Holiday Inn In Carrolton, but I love coming here for the quiet cozy atmosphere present while staying at the Inn." We love to sit out on the veranda and talk with other people who also love staying here. The music on the week ends is also a treat. The Key West Shrimp house is the best. So if you want a fancy new hotel in which you stay in your room and look at the walls then I would say, the River Boat Inn is not for you. The nostalgia of this hotel and the friendliest staff is what keeps people coming back. Book a room at the River Boat Inn and decide for yourself. Steve and Cindy Rusconi, Hebron, Ky.

  • Stayed September 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Chicago, Illinois
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
“Great Find”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 August 2011
2
people found this review helpful

We stayed at the Riverboat Inn for several nights. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and plan to spend a few nights there on our vacation next year.

The hotel is not located right in town, maybe a 20 minute walk. It was extremely hot out and the hotel has golf carts that you can use to drive yourself downtown. That was such a great perk!

Breakfast isn't the greatest, but as I have written before in hotel reviews... When did it become an expectation to get a fantastic free breakfast with a hotel stay? There were freshly baked biscuits, gravy in a crockpot, bacon and eggs that needed to be microwaved, cereal, milk, juice and coffee.

I would recommend this hotel to anyone that plans on being in the area.

  • Stayed August 2011, travelled with friends
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about Riverboat Inn

906 E First St, Madison, IN 47250
Price range (per night):* 97 AUD - 190 AUD

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