Long Ships Motel — Hotel in Sault Ste. Marie

I was caught between 2 & 3 stars. The motel’s vintage charm and historical character are truly special, but it’s in need of a refresh to replace worn-out elements. Preserving its unique history while updating outdated furnishings, fixtures, and amenities would elevate the experience and honor its legacy. The location is great - you can step out your door and see the big ships coming into the locks! Motel personnel are very nice. The property overall needs an infusion of cash. The exterior is looking tired. They have a great vintage sign, but need to redo their concrete/blacktop. It was cracked and full of weeds so it looked neglected. They have a grass/lawn area which could have made a nice outdoor space, i.e., manicure the lawn, put out a cornhole game set, hammock, picnic/patio table with umbrella. Lots of potential. Also, sitting outside your room during the day if it's sunny out or raining is pretty much impossible because there is no canopy or awning for protection. A planter box between each unit would give the place a much needed pop of color and help define space. I stayed in Room 18 which is not remodeled. The room is drab and old. It needs a serious update/makeover. My husband thought it was fine and loved it! Some maintenance is needed on the front door as the siding is coming loose and my foot would hook it when I'd walk into our room. The room being so old had a musty smell. The AC also had a smell and was loud. There was no attempt at room decor (given the location a nautical or Great Lakes theme would fit right in). Some old-fashioned acoustic ceiling tiles were buckling. The bathroom is harvest gold and some of the paneling was peeling away. The bedding seen better days and could stand a refresh. There was not a comfortable chair in the room to relax in. Overall, old and tired. I'm wondering if the owner could make 2 rooms into 1 and charge a higher price? Offering a suite-style room would be nice. This place has some cool historic vibes but it needs a makeover and freshening up---keep the history, but get rid of...

This motel is awesome! They are very attentive to their guests and we would stay there again. Our visit was for 3 nights and we had booked a remodeled room on their website. The pictures on the website was exactly what we walked into. It was much nicer than some of the "big" hotels we have stayed at in our travels over the years. The bed was comfortable, the room was spotless and you will find the staff takes great pride in not only the appearance of the motel but in making sure the guests are taken care. The location is just where you want to be! You will be within walking distance of the main entrance to the locks and museum, the gift shops and you have a fine array of restaurants and treat shops. It was a great time and we sure enjoyed the location after the long drive traveling to Sault Ste Marie it was refreshing not having to get in a vehicle again to see the sights. Lastly, I am sure you are wondering about the noise level, just as I was before the visit. Well I could step outside my room and see ships pass through the locks but, they do not pass through 24/7. When they come through they will sound their horn once, and you will hear the locks and the ship may sound their horn upon departing. I only heard one ship's horn the first night and the rest of the nights I slept soundly, my husband did not hear a thing. Enjoy this location it...

We loved this motel. From the check in with Becky at the front desk and all through our two day stay everything was wonderful. The room was spotlessly clean, comfortable beds, nice shower with good water pressure, nicely decorated. We especially liked stepping from our car right into the room. This confidence was a bonus for us. Becky helped with local information and suggestions for restaurants and such. She was great to chat with and I enjoyed her friendliness which was another added bonus for us. ||The motel was in close proximity to activities and sites that the Soo has to offer yet on the far end our of the traffic and busyness of the town. Our favorite activity by far was the locks and dams observation platform. We spent close to two hours on the top level watching ships lock through the dams. Things were so close to the hotel driving was not necessary. ||This motel did not offer a breakfast which most hotels provide these days, but that was just fine for us. We were happy to grab breakfast along our daily journeys. A refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot were in the room so if having breakfast at the motel before you set out for the day is important to you, bring along some items for the fridge and microwave. ||We really, really enjoyed this motel and will choose it again when...