Old Rittenhouse Inn

Wanted to get away before the busy summer tourist season, and chose to stay at the Rittenhouse's LeChateau in Bayfield. The whole weekend was magical! Gorgeous room, with views of the bay. Exquisitely clean old-world lobby, with a sunny window seat, piano, and cushioned carpeting on the stairs so one doesn't hear other guests coming & going. The ice had just broken, so we could watch the ferry traverse to Madeline Island. Breakfasts were included with the room, and oh my! They were a gourmet treat, with excellent, attentive service. Despite it still being winter, daily temperatures were warm enough for us to explore town (lots of cute shops, eateries, and interesting architecture) and nearby hiking trails. Best of all, our room had a working fireplace, and we cozied up to soothing flames in the evening. Perennial plants were just starting to peek out of the ground -- can only imagine how beautiful this place would be in spring and summer! Even in winter, it was just what we needed.

We travel quite a bit, and the trip we most look forward to each year is the assuredly relaxing, worry-free and welcoming long weekend at the Old Rittenhouse Inn where we've been staying for ten years. It is no exaggeration to say the Phillips family was instrumental in pioneering modern tourism, historic preservation, dining, arts and culture in Bayfield and today the second generation is keeping that tradition of excellence strong. Two properties comprise the inn and both offer comfortable, well-appointed rooms. The staff is warm and gracious, and the dining experience is unmatched in the area. Bayfield faces many of the challenges that have threatened small tourist towns across the country. But Bayfield stays strong because it continues to be anchored by the natural beauty of its protected waters and forests and by the high quality of its commercial businesses. The Old Rittenhouse Inn is a pillar among them and truly captures and celebrates the essence of the Bayfield experience. I could list for you a dozen fun things to do in the area, winter or summer, but that would take all the fun out of interacting with locals and other visitors to discover them for yourself -- we make new discoveries on each visit. This is our favorite destination hotel in the country and I especially recommend it for couples, special occasions, romantic getaways, or for an annual vacation as we and many others have been doing.

Would definitely recommend!! Everything was amazing. The room was clean and comfortable. Everyone was nice and welcoming. And breakfast was terrific. We are already planning to stay again hopefully during the summer for another get-away.

While we have visited Bayfield many times and stayed at the Old Rittenhouse on a couple of occasions, this was our first Christmas time trip. We spent two nights in room 7, which has a partial lake view. It was very clean and the king bed was very comfortable. The first morning, coffee was brought to our room before our 9AM breakfast. Breakfast was excellent with a nice choice of Entress. The main reason for our trip was to take in the Wassail dinner. This was a great experience. The dinner was excellent and the entertainment was outstanding. Eight world class singers provided us with all kinds of Christmas songs throughout the meal. What a great way to celebrate the holidays. Our second breakfast was as good as the first. We were fortunate to have Maria as our server for all three meals. Her excellent and friendly service only added to our great time at the Old Rittenhouse.

Enjoyed our stay. The staff was friendly. The inn was charming.

The Inn is beautiful and historically decorated, staff were friendly and efficient, breakfast (included) was delicious. The room and bed were comfortable. Loved the seating on the wrap-around porch and the view from porch swing was lovely. The flower and herb gardens added to the delightful ambiance. Location was close to shops and the ferry to Madeline Island. We had a lovely 2 day stay.