Kingsley Inn — Hotel in Fort Madison

This is a very surprising jewel of a hotel, we felt lucky to have found it, and will add it to our yearly itinerary. For such an out of the way location, we were astonished at the careful, expensive, and high quality renovation that had been done to it before it opened under new management a few months ago.. It is not really on the way to anywhere, but right on the west bank of the Mississippi River, and the 3rd floor rooms are high enough to overlook the river, the levee, and the restored Fort. Fort Madison has its own bridge, which not every town along the river does. The building is old, spacious and done with tasteful decor, with an elevator, a billiard room, a parlor with breakfast for guests, and a restaurant and bar on the first floor. For the price ($60 a night if you call the hotel, $90 if you book it through a reservations website) it was an incredible bargain. Chain motels with nothing to recommend them except their proximity to a highway cost much more. The manager was there when we got up at 6 AM, and very graciously fed us coffee and pastry, answering all our questions about the process of opening the hotel. The bar downstairs was welcoming and had high quality local microbrews. The only thing that could be considered a drawback was the noise from the trains running by, and the heating/cooling equipment outside, but the building was fairly soundproof, and for people bothered by train whistles, earplugs were provided in the room. By comparison to the Rodeway Inn we paid $90 to stay in the following night, this place was incomparably better. Strongly recommended, and our dog agreed. As a side note, I would recommend this place to Mormons who are traveling as tourists to Nauvoo, just across the river, even though they may not get to enjoy either the coffee service or the beer. But on the other hand, the Words of Wisdom have no force beyond the Utah state line, as everyone knows, so...

Chi was very knowledgeable of the Ft. Madison area. This unique Bed and Breakfast is a one of a kind! If you're a train enthusiasts you need to checkout their live 24 hour YouTube train cam. I am not a train enthusiasts but even I thought that was a great way to get train enthusiasts to the bed and breakfast. The camera is directly attached to the bed and breakfast and you can be seen live to family and friends watching if you go out the front door. While watching trains come into the depot or train yard. Pretty cool! Now I am a person for customer service and I received above and beyond customer service with Chi and Vanessa. The bed and breakfast is connected to the bar with a great option of adult drink beverages. Down the street is a brewery but being Monday both were not open. But Chi and Vanessa agreed to open the bar for a couple of hours to the guest only of the bed and breakfast. Vanessa stayed attended the bar, our couple of hours turned into 3.5 hours, perfect for a few drinks and still able to function in the morning to see all Ft Madison has to offer. Mississippi River, railroad history, and interesting shops around town. During our time at the bar Vanessa was so friendly and personable! Stayed past her shift just to keep the guest entertained, hydrated, and happy! My wife and I stayed at the Kingsley Inn not for trains but a getaway after visiting St Louis for our anniversary 💙! Yes we will be back! All because we were treated amazingly and Kingsley Inn is a great getaway with great clean rooms and great host! Thanks Chi and Vanessa for being part of our anniversary! You 2 were amazing!!! Top class CUSTOMER SERVICE!!...

Update: This place makes you feel like a family member staying with beloved relatives. It is just a comfortable feeling. Fort Madison and the Lake Cooper region of the Mississippi River keeps improving with new attractions and restaurants. We are looking forward to coming back. Prior visit review: We stayed at the Kingsley Inn over the Fourth of July this year. For me, being in a midwestern town over that holiday is special. The Mississippi River, the parks with bandstands and bunting, the old railroad depots add to the charm. This was our second visit to the Kingsley Inn. We have kept-up with the innkeeper, Chi Easton, since we last stayed there two years ago. It is full of what you look for in a place with midwestern, small town, charm. The rooms are comfortable, clean and Victorian. The Mississippi River is out your window. The staff, including Chi, Bonnie and Cass are outstanding. If you love train watching, river watching or hanging in a Mississippi River town with tons of history, I recommend this place. Fort Madison is a hidden treasure and a great base if you are looking to explore Nauvoo, or the...