My husband and I recently spent a night at the Riverbend Hotel & Suites in Ashtabula, Ohio, and our experience was fantastic from start to finish. We travel with our cat, so I called early in the morning to ask about pet policies, and the front desk person was incredibly helpful—even at 7 AM. Despite my hesitation, she encouraged us to book, and I’m so glad she did. Her warm welcome set the tone for the rest of our stay, which was just what we needed after a long week on the road. Our room had a river view, and while snow and ice covered the river and lake, the bridge was still impressive—especially when it lit up at night. The room itself was spotless, and the beds were wonderfully comfortable. Both of us love our pillows at home, but the ones here were just as good. The shower had excellent water pressure, and though I don’t usually notice hotel towels, these were extra soft. When we checked in, the clerk mentioned that the bar on the 5th floor opened at 5 PM. As weary travelers, we headed there around 5:30, hoping to find not just drinks but also something tasty so we wouldn’t have to venture out again. It turned out to be a perfect choice. The view of the river and bridge was spectacular, and the two bartenders were some of the most talented I’ve ever seen. Watching them work while keeping every guest happy was a treat. Although they didn’t have hard cider, the bartender recommended a Sourberry Mash from Cloven Hoof Brewery, and it was an excellent substitute. Live entertainment that night featured a man singing and playing guitar, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. We sat at the bar, and our server was fantastic. She let us know they were out of chicken pot pie, but the guacamole dip and flatbread pizza we ordered instead were both delicious. The next morning, we enjoyed the complimentary breakfast, served on the 5th floor. There was bacon, sausage, egg bites, muffins, make-your-own waffles, and more—everything fresh and delicious. We even met the cook, who made sure we got into the section with the best view. He told us the hotel had only been open since July 2024 and, like every other employee we encountered, was an outstanding ambassador for the property. It was clear how much pride the staff takes in their work, always going the extra mile to make guests feel valued and well cared for. I’m not sure when—or if—the cat and the two of us will make it back to Ashtabula, but if we do, I wouldn’t consider staying...
Read moreI will disclose that I am one of the three owners of Riverbend Hotel. With that said, I stayed at the hotel this past weekend to welcome more than 200 people who wanted a tour of the hotel. I am attaching pictures of the hotel for your review. The entire hotel is beautifully designed, inside and outside. The lobby is bright, spacious, and modern while at the same time highlighting the area's history.
The guest rooms are much larger than what one would typically find in a hotel. Most of the rooms are designed as suites, with a king bed or two queen beds along with a sofa bed. Many of the suites offer a kitchenette. The guestroom bed is extremely comfortable, even heavenly, as are the pillows. The bathroom linens are both plush and absorbent. The art throughout the hotel, including inside the guest rooms/suites, highlights the area's history. Even the art in my bathroom was of a mountain of coal, reflecting the historical importance of coal to this region.
The fitness room is larger than what many would expect to find in a boutique hotel and the name, "Lift Up", is a tribute to the Lift Bridge just outside the door of the hotel.
The 5th floor bar, "The Lift Bar", and event center, "The Sky Room" are beautifully decorated and offer outstanding views of Ashtabula's working harbor, including the Lift Bridge, people kayaking on the river, boats leaving the yacht club and, of course, the coal arch which so defines the harbor's skyline. I will add pictures of the 5th floor as that area is completed over the next two weeks.
This hotel has been designed as an upscale, boutique hotel, offering very high-quality finishes and amenities, including elevated service levels. To that end we welcome Michael Woodin as the general manager, who has an impressive history working with boutique hotels and cruise lines.
I encourage you to walk or drive over to the Riverbend Hotel to ask for a tour. It is my hope that you love...
Read moreIt's a beautiful hotel, however, one side looks out at a decrepit house and a dumpster. Front desk person lied about other rooms being "sold out."|Other front desk person - Jay or Jae, fixed me up with the river view. |It's very noisy on the fourth floor. The fifth floor if where the bar/breakfast area is. Tile floor, heavy wooden chairs dragged across it, people getting breakfast ready stomping around. |The first morning the noise and vibrations from activity woke me at 6:15. Early for vacation. |The second morning it was 5:45.|The second night, they had a cabaret singer upstairs in the bar. Very loud. |The third morning it was 4:45! Yes, that's right. wake up time was 4:45. Breakfast didn't start until 7! Breakfast prep woman was very crabby. I decided to skip breakfast and head down the road and find coffee elsewhere, not at all rested for my 800 mile drive. |Employees like to smoke by the front entry doors. |If you don't care about noise or bed shaking, room vibrating, you'll be ok. |I got less than 2 nights sleep over the course of my 3 night stay. |The draw bridge is pretty cool to see, but it operates 24 hours a day and often sounds a siren when the bridge goes up. Midnight, 2am, 4am....|Beautiful Hotel. Super noisy. |I write a note to the hotel manager. No response. Typical NE Ohio attitude. It's unfortunate. ||PS, if you decide to stay anyway, choose the second floor and make sure you insist on...
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