Thank you to Jerry, Mary, Julie, Mark, Wendy and your awesome staff for wonderful accommodations for the wbba board meeting. I felt like a princess in the third floor suite complete with steam shower, a beautiful view of the lake. The food was totally awesome--scallops, French toast with bumbleberry sauce was out of this world. I'm happy to be serving on the board to have this opportunity to visit your incredible inn!
Donna, thanks so much for your review. It was an honor to host the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association. Your review means a little more somehow, as we are well aware what a fantastic innkeeper you are. Folks, if you're ever in Sparta, WI, do yourself a favor and stay at Justin Trails Resort B&B! Have a great summer, love Mark and Wendy
My wife and I have always wanted to go to the Old Rittenhouse so I booked a long weekend in suite X. Upon arrival we were greeted by a VERY friendly staff member and escorted to our suite. What a fantastic suite we had with a great view of Lake Superior, the Harbor and Madeline Island. Its the original ballroom for the mansion with one of the original fireplaces. Being a wood worker I liked seeing all the original wood in the room and the coziness it gives. From the comfortable bed you can see the lake and the two sided fireplace. Breakfast each morning was fantastic, where else do you get a gourmet breakfast included with your room and a view of Lake Superior. The entire staff was extremely friendly and were always helpful to answer a question. When it was time to leave we didn't want to go but we will be back.
Thanks for your review and your stay at the Old Rittenhouse Inn. I have said this before in other review responses, but Suite X is my favorite room at the Inn. It was my bedroom as a child, and it was sure great to have all that space for books and toys and to let my imagination roam wild! Of course every kid gets kicked out of their bedroom some point so it can be made into a guest room, usually when they go to college. In my case it has happened many times, but X will always be my favorite for those reasons. We are so pleased you enjoyed the accommodations, food and views, and hope that you'll return for another visit someday. Best wishes, Mark and Wendy
We have been going to Rittenhouse Inn for 30 years now (they've been open much longer) and I don't know where else a bed and breakfast can keep the same staff and provide exemplary service and really good food and not go backwards in service or product.
It is awesome to see the owners invest in their 130 year old property and making sure it is a great experience for decades to come! This is a place were my wife and I have had excellent memories. And what I love best about this Inn (situated in a town with NO stop lights) is NO TV!! Praise the Lord!
I say that because we learned a long time ago if you want to have a romantic get away and strengthen your marriage tv is the one kill joy for that. I'm grateful the owners have refused the pressure to install them. It gives space and room to communicate with one another without the distraction.
Thanks Rittenhouse Inn for consistently having a great product!
I love this review, and I think I will quote it in the future whenever someone complains we have no TVs (actually there is a big flatscreen TV w/cable at the Rittenhouse Cottage, but that's the only one). It was a choice my parents made when they started the inn over 40 years ago not to have TVs in the rooms and we will stick with that as long as I am the innkeeper here. Our hope is that, without the distraction of TVs, our guests will have an opportunity to reconnect, refresh, communicate, and rejuvenate their relationship. It is always rewarding when someone appreciates and acknowledges this.
We also appreciate your comments about "not going backwards." Hospitality is a rewarding field in many ways, but its also a lot of work. There is a real danger of 'burnout' for people in our industry. Sometimes the most important thing is to NOT let things slip. On the other hand, It's easy to get complacent and say "this is the way we've always done it." As an owner, you must realize that changes and updates to the Inn are necessary, but you also need to hold on dearly to the things that make you unique.
Ok, enough of my rambling on... thank you for your review, and for your continued patronage. We appreciate your recommendation very much, and look forward to your return. Sincerely, Mark and Wendy
Last minute trip during the "dead season" did not disappoint. Stayed in room 4-very nice. Two wonderful breakfasts and fantastic dinner on Saturday night. Our dinner waiter, Lance, was outstanding and knowledgeable. Lance's wine recommendation was perfect (Decoy). Julie was as attentive and hard-working as ever-pulling both server and chef duties on Monday morning.
Thank you for your stay and for taking time to write a review. We're glad that Lance and Julie took good care of you, and we look forward to seeing you again.
My husband and I decided to getaway with a stay at the Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield. I exceeded all of our expectations. The room had the most amazing view of downtown Bayfield, the bay, Lake Superior and Madeline Island. Wonderful breakfast and a perfect getaway. Will come again
Wendy and I are so happy you and your husband enjoyed your stay at Old Ritttenhouse Inn. Thank you for taking time to write a review. It is always most rewarding to hear that we have exceeded expectations. We look forward to your return to Bayfield. Warmest regards, Mark and Wendy
