Edgewater Inn — Hotel in Charlevoix

This is a cautionary tale regarding the problems with staffing the front desk from 9 am to 5 pm, along with key code access only outside these hours.

During our recent stay I encountered an older couple who had forgotten the key code, at approximately 9 pm. If I hadn't come along they would have struggled for a long time to get someone to assist them. They had their phone out looking for a number to call. There is an after hours number posted at the front desk but you can't see it from outside. Luckily it wasn't winter.

I myself had an extraordinary situation where I was in a car accident and could have really used some local assistance with my car destroyed and wife on the way to the hospital. Maybe an offer of a ride to the hospital? As noted this was an extraordinary situation. I arrived back at the hotel after the accident just before the lobby closed, went to get some ice for an injury then returned 5 minutes later to find the desk person gone.

What's the plan if you need to evacuate the building for a fire alarm in the middle of the night? What's the plan if something in the units goes wrong after hours? What's the plan if someone gets hurt in the pool area after 5 pm?

We really think that management needs to take a close look at the current approach, and strongly consider a 24 hour on site presence.

We like the Edgewater however this is really a hotel set up. The collective private owners of the units need to take an in depth look at how this location is operating.

Additional comments following owner response...

Thank you for your response. I want to emphasize the Edgewater is not inherently unsafe, or a fire trap. It's provided with automatic sprinkler protection throughout. However pre incident mitigation only goes so far, and response plans are needed to ensure your mitigation measures are effective as possible.

As you consider your options I highly encourage you to adopt the principles of Highly Protected Risk, and adapt them to...

My husband and I recently booked a 2 bedroom 2 bath Condo for the weekend. We have stayed many times in Charlevoix but never at Edgewater Inn. We were pleasantly surprised and happy that we had chosen such a beautiful location. Working with Lahna was so helpful as she txted with answers about the accommodations. Her expertise in customer relations was very apparent. The kitchen was well staffed with everything we needed for meal preparation. The living room area had the most amazing views of the draw bridge and channel leading out to Lake Michigan. The bedrooms and bathrooms were spacious and the beds were so comfortable. The amenities for personal care were a good brand and well stocked. We enjoyed the convenience of the very short walk to town for shopping and restaurants. After we left, I realized I had left two pairs of very sentimental earrings. I panicked until I was able to check with the hotel the next day. I was so relieved to hear that Grace who had cleaned up after we had checked out had found them and placed them safely away in the office. My goodness, hotel staff needs a huge shoutout for their honesty and the professional job they do for people they may have never even met. We will definitely use Edgewater Inn whenever we need a room in Charlevoix. The company who oversees these condo rentals really need to know they have hired excellent,...

(Building review) I would have given the property 3 stars, but because I believe the Inn has potential, and I heard they have new owners within the last 5 years, I gave 4 stars. When you first walk in, it has a very musty smell throughout the hallways in every direction, along with it appears that they are doing renovations and it has trickled out into the hallways with dust, dirt, and cardboard on the floors in front of several units. They lock the place up tight after 5 pm, and if you forget your 4-digit code to get in, you gotta wait for someone else to show up because nobody answers the phone at the front desk. I get it, you're not a hotel, but you need a better system,cso if people get locked out of the building. (Unit 118C Review) The unit we stayed in was very nicely decorated, and as soon as you walk in, you can see the view of the water with the ferry boats and the drawbridge, which made that part of the stay even nicer. Nice sized King bed and large TV in the living room. Refrigerator was very noisy, but I was told that they were replacing it. A few small amenities would have been nice for the price. Real coffee or coffee pods and enough cream and sugar for at least 2 people. Those little perks make a huge difference...