Bell Tower Hotel

This hotel is highly regarded for its prime location directly on the University of Michigan campus, making it an exceptional choice for visitors attending university events, exploring downtown Ann Arbor, or needing proximity to the U of M hospital. Guests frequently commend the hotel's friendly and helpful staff, who are often described as attentive and accommodating. The property maintains a classic, old-style charm, with many appreciating its clean and well-maintained appearance, despite its age. The inclusion of a complimentary breakfast is a significant draw for many, adding convenience to their stay. This hotel is particularly well-suited for university visitors, families of students, and medical visitors due to its unparalleled accessibility. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room away from street-facing areas to minimize potential noise, and be prepared for the hotel's traditional approach to certain amenities.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a welcoming and comfortable lobby area, providing a pleasant space for guests to relax. A notable convenience is the continuous availability of tea and coffee, along with complimentary apples and cookies in the reception area, which guests greatly appreciate. While the hotel does feature a fitness center, some guests have noted it is minimally equipped and located in the basement with limited airflow. The elevators are occasionally described as slow, which can be a minor inconvenience. Many rooms are equipped with a Keurig coffeemaker, a valued amenity. However, some guests have pointed out the absence of a refrigerator or microwave in their rooms, which can be a drawback for longer stays. Additionally, the hotel utilizes an old-school room key system, adding to its classic character.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's superior cleanliness, describing rooms as super clean, tidy, and meticulously maintained. The beds are frequently highlighted for their comfort, often featuring high-quality bedding and soft, fluffy pillows, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most. However, feedback on room condition is mixed; while some find them charming and recently updated, others describe them as small, cramped, or showing their age, with occasional musty smells. A significant recurring concern is noise, particularly from street traffic, garbage trucks in the early morning, and sometimes from the heating/air conditioning system, though some rooms are noted as quiet and a white noise machine is provided. Issues with hot water taking a long time to arrive and low water pressure in showers are also mentioned by several guests.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel provides a complimentary breakfast that is generally seen as a convenient and valuable inclusion. The breakfast area itself is often described as clean, nicely decorated, and spacious. Most guests appreciate the variety of options, which typically include eggs, sausage, bagels, muffins, and cereal, with some mentioning the availability of fresh fruit and gluten-free choices. However, feedback on the quality of the hot food is quite mixed; while many find it delicious and satisfying, some guests have reported that items can be cold or unappetizing, with weak coffee. Despite these inconsistencies, the availability of breakfast on-site is a definite advantage for many travelers.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is its most celebrated feature, offering unparalleled access to the University of Michigan campus, including the U of M hospital, and placing guests within easy walking distance of downtown Ann Arbor's numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions like Nickels Arcade and State Street. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot. Valet parking is available, which many guests find convenient, especially given the central setting. However, the cost of parking is a point of contention for some, and a few guests have noted issues with valet staff being unable to operate manual transmission vehicles, requiring them to park their own cars.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature, with many guests highlighting their attentiveness and willingness to assist with requests. The housekeeping team is often commended for their thoroughness. However, there is significant mixed feedback regarding the hotel's policies and flexibility, particularly concerning check-in and check-out times. Many guests express frustration with rigid policies that do not allow for early check-ins or late check-outs, even when rooms appear available, or impose substantial fees for extended stays. While the valet service is often efficient and friendly, some isolated incidents of unhelpful or curt interactions with front desk personnel have been reported.

Additional Information
The hotel is frequently described as having a charming, old-style character, with many guests appreciating its unique, non-chain feel, akin to a classic inn. While some areas have undergone recent updates, the property's age is noticeable, contributing to its distinct ambiance. Guests often enjoy the thoughtful touches, such as the use of real room keys, which adds to the nostalgic experience. The hotel is family-owned, and this often translates into a more personalized and attentive approach to guest service. Despite some perceptions of the hotel being expensive for its offerings, its unique charm and prime location often outweigh these concerns for many returning guests.