Old Rittenhouse Inn

We travel quite a bit, and the trip we most look forward to each year is the assuredly relaxing, worry-free and welcoming long weekend at the Old Rittenhouse Inn where we've been staying for ten years. It is no exaggeration to say the Phillips family was instrumental in pioneering modern tourism, historic preservation, dining, arts and culture in Bayfield and today the second generation is keeping that tradition of excellence strong. Two properties comprise the inn and both offer comfortable, well-appointed rooms. The staff is warm and gracious, and the dining experience is unmatched in the area. Bayfield faces many of the challenges that have threatened small tourist towns across the country. But Bayfield stays strong because it continues to be anchored by the natural beauty of its protected waters and forests and by the high quality of its commercial businesses. The Old Rittenhouse Inn is a pillar among them and truly captures and celebrates the essence of the Bayfield experience. I could list for you a dozen fun things to do in the area, winter or summer, but that would take all the fun out of interacting with locals and other visitors to discover them for yourself -- we make new discoveries on each visit. This is our favorite destination hotel in the country and I especially recommend it for couples, special occasions, romantic getaways, or for an annual vacation as we and many others have been doing.

Historic Inn with all the old world character you would expect. We stayed in the turret room in the Le Chateau property. Spectacular outlook to the bay and lovely suite with sitting space. The whole house is available for guests staying so if you want to dine in style or sit on the veranda and feel like you are a country resident you can. The restaurant at the main house offers a locally sourced quality dining experience and good breakfast. Well located for the lovely town of Bayfield and visit to the Apostle islands. Although the staff were very friendly we did have to manage luggage without assistance at the house were there are only stairs for access to the higher floor rooms. If you are looking for mod cons and satellite TV this is not the property for you. If you are looking for a step back in pace and digital detox this is a great choice.

We loved our stay at the Old Rittenhouse Inn! We stayed in room 1 at the main inn, and found it snug but serviceable. We spent a lot of our down time on the big porch rather than in the room, so keep in mind the weather when you choose a room! Parking and access to businesses was perfect and easy. The staff were very friendly, especially the morning breakfast crew - I could never be that chipper at 7:30am. We will be back!

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.

From the first view driving in we knew we were going to be staying at a very special beautiful place. The landscape outside is stunning and groomed carefully. The staff, accomdations, food were all 5 star. We loved everything about our visit

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.