Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Ramsdell Inn, Manistee, Michigan, USA
Nominated By: Sarah and Michael Christenson, Cadillac, Michigan, USA, June '08

Price Range: US$109-$199 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 10 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes the Ramsdell Inn so Darn Good? The Ramsdell Inn is a lovely, converted bank building in Manistee's historic downtown. My husband and I were intrigued by the old woodwork, polished marble lobby, and hospitality. There is a tiny gift shop in the old brass vault, and long, elegant corridors to wander, complete with brass radiators and dark woodwork.

Location: The Ramsdell Inn is in the center of Manistee, a Victorian-era seaport town designated a National Historic Landmark. The Inn is within walking distance to plenty of restaurants and independently-owned shops selling everything from kitsch to kitchenware. A stroll along Manistee’s Riverwalk, just a stone’s throw away from the Inn, will lead you to Lake Michigan, and the city’s beaches, pier, and lighthouse.

Rooms: Each room has its own decor theme, but all are comfortably shabby chic. Our room had ornate stonework right outside our window and a lovely view of the Manistee River. The most comfortable, thick pillows and blankets covered our bed and the bathroom was scrupulously clean with some tiny lil’ decorations.

Food: For breakfast, we enjoyed muffins, crackers, and fruit, which was enough to get us going for the day. A constant supply of hot water for tea, cider, and cocoa was available in the lobby, and since we stayed here during the subzero Michigan winter, we were extremely grateful for that!

Vibe: The Inn’s lobby is utterly gorgeous, and even has an area where the corporation of old used to hold their meetings - complete with an ancient letter of recommendation for an employee and some photos of the staff! The Inn has a tower with lovely, etched glass doors and upholstered seating. We sat here and enjoyed our library books and hot tea while we snuggled and looked out over the cold Michigan morning. When we left, I honestly had to shake off the feeling that I was stuck in the 1920s!

Things to Keep in Mind: Marble is slippery under a layer of icy snow. From experience :) Also, this four story historical building has no elevator, so be prepared to walk up some stairs.