Old Rittenhouse Inn

As mentioned in the room descriptions, you can stay at the main inn or at the Chateau location. There is also a smaller cottage. Be sure to think carefully about what you want when choosing a location. As there is no elevator (to be expected in properties of this age), I booked a room on the second floor of the main inn. The Chateau only had availability on the third floor. This would have been okay except for hauling luggage. *Main inn: You will be onsite for check-in/check-out and breakfast. Staff is right there to assist you with any questions. This is convenient. The parking lot is level and adequate. I was always able to find a spot. You are fairly close to downtown, but must be able to walk up a hill. I was able to walk to the ferry docks, boat cruises and restaurants. Unfortunately, the rooms do not have fridges, and there is no guest fridge. To be fair, the room description does not mention a fridge. I had to ask staff to put my cooler items in the staff fridge. They accommodated the request. I ended up buying non-perishable items for my picnic lunches because I didn't want to impose on them all the time. The main inn is a busier spot. The restaurant is very popular, and the clientele who come are dressed up a bit. The restaurant clientele will be sitting on the porch drinking wine before or after dinner. I felt a bit awkward reading out there in my sweat pants, but that's just me. The porch had comfy seating and nice views. The gardens are beautiful. *Chateau: This is also up a hill. It also has a porch with a view. Other reviewers mentioned that the parking situation is trickier. I can't speak to that. They also mentioned that there's a fridge specifically for guest use. The desk clerk at the main inn told me the Chateau is quieter. I think this might have been a better fit for me. Overall, the staff was very pleasant and professional. Stephanie (sp?) is a gem. The property is well-maintained. Breakfast was delicious. It is included in the price. This is technically an inn and not a B and B. At B and Bs, from my experience, the owner usually serves everyone at a large table and is not tipped. At this property, you will be at your own table with a server, so do plan on tipping. Other than the fridge situation, the only other thing that really bothered me was the quality of my mattress and pillows. I could feel the springs and lumps. For $300 a night, I was hoping for some pretty plush bedding. I ended up folding the comforter in half and placing it under the fitted sheet in order to get some cushioning. I would probably stay here again, but would book earlier to get a room at the Chateau on a lower floor. I would also bring a mattress pad, but hopefully the mattress situation is not an issue in all of the rooms.

This inn is perfect - perfect location to the water, beautiful views, well kept up, friendly staff, terrific food, unique rooms and comfy beds. Relaxing on the porch with a bottle of wine or a coffee is highly recommended. We will certainly be visiting again!

Our experience was beyond excellent! This B&B,and all the staff, deserve the highest rating. Accommodations exceeded our expectations, food was delicious, staff was welcoming/kind, and the communication between shifts/staff were the best we have ever seen (we are seasoned travelers). If Old Rittenhouse Inn wasn’t so far away from Nebraska, we would be regular guests here. Hope to return again in the near future.

This was not our first visit to the Inn but it has been many years since the last. We had a large room with a view of Lake Superior and a private balcony. The bed was very comfortable and the shower was great. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinners and breakfasts - the variety of selections on the menu was good and the food was delicious. All in all, it was a lovely place to celebrate our 56th wedding anniversary!

We stayed here for our honeymoon. We got the XL Suite. Very large suite. Our stay was amazing! The food was excellent. Very quiet. This was our first stay at a Bed and Breakfast. It was amazing. Staff was friendly. Love this place. We will be back for sure. Thank you for a memorable honeymoon!

Beautiful 19th century home, now inn, with all the modern conveniences. My room was spacious and clean. Excellent bedding and quality towels. One of the owners escorted us to our room and shared stories about the history of the house and the furniture in our room. So interesting! The morning breakfast was beautiful. The staff terrific. The inn is well placed in Bayfield with ample parking (something that is oftentimes an issue at inns.). Easy walk along the Main Street to the waterfront, the ferries etc. Also a quick and easy drive along the “fruit loop” trail. Loved my two nights and would have happily stayed two more!