Der Ruhe Blatz Motel — Hotel in Shipshewana

DON'T GET ROBBED. If we could give this a minus rating, we would. DO NOT WASTE your hard-earned money on this outdated fleabag of a motel trying to pass itself off as Amish. It's gone so far downhill since we stayed here 4 years ago, it's now a classic example of greedy owners who cheap out on everything, from air conditioners to breakfast. On our 1st day of a pre-paid planned 2-day stay, we put AC on in afternoon as it was a super hot day and we were out until late evening. On our return, the room was still stifling hot, windows don't open, had to climb on chair to clean off 1/4" dust on ceiling fan but it didn't help anyway and AC began making a loud screeching sound every 60 seconds without cooling at all - and continued that way all night long! Front office door was locked, website said they were sold out and making a ruckus at that time of night would have disturbed all of the guests in rooms next to us, so we suffered through an exhausting and miserable sleepless night. Packing up to go to an early morning meeting, we advised the front desk we had to cancel due to this AC disaster. But all we got was a weak "sorry about that," guess they'd have to get maintenance guy to look into it as they didn't know about it - then she asked if we wanted to change rooms! We declined, not trusting any other room would be any better and knowing such a major AC -problem wouldn't be reparable quickly, plus supposedly they were sold out. Clerk said she'd ask manager about a refund but it took the whole day before we received an emailed folio showing we had been charged a HALF DAY'S ROOM RATE for "cancellation penalty," as we hadn't cancelled 24 hours in advance per their policy. Returning our emails and calls, the manager finally called the following day but only to confirm "I AM going to charge you half the room rate as a penalty fee," despite our trying to explain how it was not our fault that their maintenance failure had caused the situation and made it impossible for us to give them 24 hours' notice of cancellation. That we were returning guests who had previously given them great recommendations and that we were also senior citizens in our mid-70s who were literally sick and exhausted with our 2-day trip ruined, made no difference to her. She was as arrogant, unapologetic, uncaring and rude as she is obviously greedy. DO NOT FALL for their advertising that this is some welcoming Amish "home away from home" - the only thing at home here is INEXCUSABLE...

I initially had a positive impression of Der Ruhe Blatz Motel. The man at the front desk during check in was helpful and reassured me that the area was safe & secure. He also told me I could leave my belongings in the room while I went out for a meal, which I appreciated. The room itself was basic but clean and reasonably priced for the area. However, things took a turn the next morning. The man at the desk called me unexpectedly, waking me before my alarm to ask if I was checking out (odd), especially since I hadn’t requested a wake-up call, but I did mention I might stay another night so perhaps he thought that was appropriate to call like that. I was completely shocked. Shortly after, staff were outside my door ready to clean before I had even left. It wasn’t even check out time yet. I believe I had about 10 min longer.

Then with the surprise call I left behind some very valuable belongings, but they never called me about them all day. The experience worsened during my attempted second stay. While checking in, the man (I believe the spouse of the female that was booking a room for me) aggressively came from the back room, was activated & scolded me with aggressive body language claiming I had been “mean to his staff.” … then said maybe it wasn’t me, it was the person I was with - I was alone 🙄🤦🏼‍♀️

I was completely baffled & taken back. I remember being frustrated from being woken early but don’t believe I had said anything disrespectful or mean to anyone. I cleaned my room, used manors, like this news was so unsettling and hurtful to hear. I ended up leaving to go to my car to process … the came around my car were yelling at me then left a trash bag with my two belongings I left behind on top of my hood, and left. I saw the bag and bawled … What? They never called me… 🥹what would’ve happened if I didn’t return? They would’ve thrown my things out. So disrespectful!! I ended up canceling the second stay and sleeping in my car instead.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend staying here. While the first impression seemed fine, the follow up behavior was aggressive, unprofessional, and unsettling. I would be cautious getting into a trust contract with someone who runs their...

First off I can’t believe this place has gone down hill I always enjoyed coming here with my friends but this stay was the last stay for us me and husband first off the manager was so rude talking back my husband fell on a wood ramp which it has been raining and it was slick he scratched his 400 dollar watch and went to tell the manager what happened the first thing out of her mouth was why didn’t you watch where you was walking so that made my husband mad all he was trying to do was tell them so no one else would get hurt mind you that is not up to code I have been worked in this field so I know what good management is she didn’t ask if he was ok just kept yelling at him in front of our friends and family she then called one of the other rooms to play the manager card but my friend and all of us told her it was not up to code I can’t believe she yelling at me to control my husband I said he had every right to be mad now we come up here alot so we are going to another hotel they have lost more than a few of customers Oh don’t ask for ice after 10 you will not get it my friend said there was no sign saying they are closed at 10 they should realize that the concerts run late bad service bad attitude they need to take a corse in customer service because they have none will not be coming back don’t waste...