Old Harbor Inn — Hotel in South Haven

First stay at this older Inn on the harbor and I am so happy we did. I was not aware that it comprised several buildings spread out along the harbor. I called ahead and asked about checking in as we would be a later arrival and parking and the desk person was very helpful. We could park in front and unload and then park anywhere in the close free lots or on street. When we arrived she was very gracious and made sure we knew where we were going and also gave us a $25 meal voucher for any participating restaurant during our stay. We had Room 3 and did not realize how far down the harbor walk our room was from lobby and got confused as to which one it was. A gentleman saw us looking confused and immediately asked if he could help. He took my bag and guided us to our correct building and then took the bag up the stairs for me. Later we discovered he worked at the hotel. Our room was listed as a Budget City Room. So I was not expecting what we got. What am amazing room. It was huge, had a sitting are, a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, toaster and plates, silverware etc. And we had a big screen TV, two king size beds with many pillows and a super clean full bath. The closet had extra blankets, pillows, an ironing board and iron with lots of hangers. The view out the back was actually the harbor so that was unexpected. The lights and TV were on and the room was super clean and ready for us upon arrival. The dinette table had water, wine glasses and an ice bucket. Only caveat that we didn't need is the ice is in the main lobby quite a ways from our room. The beds were very comfortable and we had so many towels I was amazed. All were done in cute "wraps" like sea shells. And we had soap and shampoo and a hairdryer. It was such an amazing room for what they called BUDGET. Only downside for some people would be the narrow inside stairs. I believe there were at least 15 maybe 20. Didn't count. No elevator but we knew this when we booked. In the morning I discovered a free parking lot right across the street so I went and got the car and put it there. The AC/Heat worked great and was very quiet. I can honestly say that this was such a wonderful experience and stay that we will definitely book here again. Couldn't have...

I just wrote numerous 4 and 5 star reviews from our week long vacation. We stayed at 2 inns, ate out twice daily, and did lots of things. This inn is my only 3 star review so far. |So, they don't lie. I guess i didn't remember reading that they don't have an elevator, but that was a lot of stairs with no help. 2 suitcases, a cooler, overnight bag and tote to drag up like 20 stairs. There's a 5 minute unloading zone by the office, but no spaces near our room. We parked half a block away, as that was our only no ticket option. The room was clean and roomy, and housekeeping is very good. However, after traveling with my husband for 30 years, we've never had a kitchenette with a stove and zero pots or pans. We also have never had a kitchenette with zero dishcloths or towels. Do we wash dishes with that old sponge, and air dry? And i pulled the mini blind up, to get more sun, but there was an inch of pigeon (?) Poop, so i put it back down. It is in a very convenient spot to all the downtown activities and restaurants. |We spent 3 nights here. We had been at The inn at Bay Harbor for the first part of our trip. It was slightly more expensive ( about 20%), but it was lovely, and we had everything we needed, including an elevator, free parking, great free breakfast, kitchen supplies, a pool, beach, and an attentive staff. They even sent fancy strawberries up to our room. Here, nothing, although i mentioned it was our anniversary....which it was. And as i was leaving, i asked the lady if i could have a copy of our receipt, and she said, "You got a copy when you checked in." I said, " oh. Ok. I must have shoved it in my purse." Then, i went outside and waited on my husband to pull up for our 5 minute loading session. After i stood there for a good 5 minutes, she came outside and said, " i went ahead and made you a copy." You know, once i was charged gor a cabana that i didn't rent, so that's why i asked her for the copy. I do not care if you gave me 10 copies when i arrived. But....i was nice. This is my only negative review. I even tipped housekeeping. But we would not recommend this particular...

I discussed my issues with the management and they refunded me generously. I am leaving the original bad review, but I will preface there is a quieter location and the manager revealed that if you call direct they will get you the best situation for your stay. I would give them another opportunity. So, what follows was my original, angry review.

I'll say that location is good, but no parking keeps it from great. I can't imagine how bad it would be in the middle of the summer. Tons of places to shop, eat, and hike, this location is amazing.

After spending over 600 dollars for a two night stay, I would expect someone to greet me with a smile, make me feel welcome, you know a general feeling of hospitality. NOPE. The lady at the front desk couldn't be bothered, looked bored, and irritated that I interrupted her. The only other person I encountered from this hotel was slightly more interested, tepid. Hospitality rating, zero.

Part of the hospitality problem is, there are zero staff at night. Someone literally had a party in the reception area until 2am on our first night, the front desk was flummoxed as to what that could be. Second night, kids were running throughout the entire hotel playing some version of tag. I know that is more of a poor parenting problem, but no staff, no one answering the phone? Maybe, mom and dad had a night out and locked the kids in hotel harbor inn, hoping they would never leave. Quiet and peaceful stay, zero.

The room is nice. I really don't mind the creaking floors, the amenities were solid. Whirlpool tub is six jets, OK. View of the Harbor, great. Curtain rod held up by tape? Fail. Very clean, smelled great and very spacious. I like the room key, could be classy place.

All in all, I think the amount of travelers in the area will always meet demand. So, room rates will continue to be a premium while service is outclassed by motel 6. My recommendation, call before you book or make the...