My husband and I recently stayed at the Ramsdell, and we could not have asked for more. It was a fantastic experience all the way around. I read the reviews here before we stayed, and I cannot imagine why these guests would have so many complaints! Do not let these deter you! We stayed in the Ramsdell Suite, so I cannot vouch for the rest of the rooms. If you do decide to stay at the Ramsdell, it is absolutely worth the cost to stay in one of the two suites. My husband and I have had the opportunity to travel extensively and stay in many wonderful hotels; however, we have never stayed in a room as nice as the Ramsdell Suite.
When we arrived, the staff was extremely friendly and happy to check us in early. They provided us with much helpful information and even wine glasses and an opener when we returned in the afternoon with a bottle of wine to enjoy in our sitting room. The lobby is open until 8 PM, and all guests can come and go as they please with their key anytime. If the staff needs to be contacted, the numbers are provided in the room for after 8 PM. The entire Inn is beautiful and meticulously cared for. I have never seen a room and restroom so clean!! The bed was incredibly comfortable. I did not have to bring a hairdryer, which was nice to pack less, since one was provided in the room. We were able to up the windows to a 1/4 of the way open to catch a wonderful breeze, which was relaxing! There are not screens on the windows, but we did not notice many "intruders". Our favorite room memory is reading in the sitting room with the breezing coming through and relaxing music playing from the radio that we moved from beside the bed into the sitting room. Yes, traffic noise is audible from the room, but to us it was not at all bothersome. It certainly is very quiet at night, and we had no trouble sleeping. There is a small drawbridge across from the hotel. We did hear it go up several times, but it is not an irritating noise. It is much like the sound of a train crossing signal, and it was faint. In the morning, we brought breakfast up to the room. I noted that another guest complained that a full breakfast was not offered. I do not see how this could be expected considering that the Inn is not equipped to do so, and the breakfast items of muffins and other danishes and such were plentiful and satisfying, along with coffee and tea to choose from (which by the way are available in the lobby anytime). If you are looking for a full breakfast, there is a little shop called Goodys that sells this fare down the street that we really loved. It is true that there is not an elevator; however, it is only twenty-something steps up to the first floor of rooms, and only twenty or thirty more up to the top floor where we stayed. It would not be ideal for those who have difficulty with steps, but it certainly is not the climb that some have made it out to be. But if steps are a problem for you, then it is important to note the steps. Also, we had two small steps in our room when you enter and go down from the small hallway.
The Ramsdell Suite overlooks the downtown area with water in the distance. The beach is only a 15 minute walk down the riverwalk, and it could not be nicer! There are many wonderful shops and restaurants. Be sure to try the pub under the Ramsdell, which is also run by the Inn. There are at least three restaurants that overlook the riverwalk that were wonderful, as well as other wonderful little shops that sell books, special culinary items, local items, cigars, candles, artwork, etc. If you are looking for a one to two night Michigan getaway, you have found a fantastic place to visit. Be sure to stay here, and be sure to book the Ramsdell Suite.