We started going to the Old Rittenhouse on a nearly annual basis about 30 years ago. We would pick a weekend either one week before or after the famous Bayfield Applefest when the population of about 800 soars to 30,000. The Rittenhouse is with out a doubt the best B&B we've ever been too. It and another old Victorian Mansion, Chateau Bouton(where we stay) are on the hill in Bayfield overlooking Lake Superior and several of the Aposle Islands. Check in is easy(when we first started going, there were no room keys!) You have the run of of both facilities(Chateau has a music room complete with piano) We stay in the same room complete with a fireplace and directly overlooking the Lake. If you choose to eat at the Rittenhouse, you get a superb, slowly served 5 course meal(when we started going there, the menu was recited by the waiter) A wonderful continental breakfast is included and lunch is available as well. Bayfield has no fast food places and is wonderfully stuck in the past like the little fishing village that it used to be. A long weekend here, is just what the Dr. ordered for relaxing. You can either do nothing but sit out on the lawn/porch and read a book, or you can hike, fish, tour the Apostles, go by ferry to LaPointe, shop, kayak, etc. The Rittenhouse was open by a young couple from Madison and the second generation has now taken over. They also sponsor special weekends for wine/beer tasting or a mystery, or wasailing, etc. Gonna keep going!

We had our honeymoon here and it was absolutely wonderful. My folks had stayed here years before, so we had high expectations and they were fulfilled. We were treated like family, and the food and accomodations left nothing to be desired. Add in a beautiful and cool lake and town and you have a destination that must go on your travel itinerary.
Dave and Judi
New York

There is something about the Old Rittenhouse Inn that is beyond description. I could go on endlessly about the beautiful Bayfield setting, the fantastic "curb appeal" of the inn, the fabulously decorated rooms, the wonderful staff, the incredible food... but there is something that I can't put into words, and that is the feeling- the atmosphere- of the entire experience. I have read all of the reviews on this site, and just shake my head at the negative ones that complain of too many antiques and no TVs in the rooms... really? If you are looking for modern and need your television every day to be happy, then sure- avoid the Rittenhouse. If you appreciate beauty and class, and want to relax and slow down, then you've found your place. Every time I have been there, it is almost like stepping into a different world- where the everyday stresses of life are left behind. A weekend, or even a night at the Old Rittenhouse Inn is a "can't miss". I highly recommend it.... and wish I could go at least every other month, just as "therapy"! :)

We had dined here over the years when visiting Bayfield by Sailboat. We had always wanted to stay here and finally did so this fall. We loved our stay. The room was comfortable, the service excellent and we had a great view of the Apple Festival events and the lake. In the evening, several sailing friends joined us for drinks on the porch. We had a wonderful dinner and breakfast. Highly recommend.