Coombs Inn & Suites

The hotel offers a distinctive experience, characterized by its historic Victorian architecture and the unique charm of an old mansion, making it a memorable stay for many guests. Its signature feature is its ability to transport visitors to a bygone era, with beautifully preserved details and spacious rooms. The property's prime walkable location in the heart of downtown is consistently highlighted, placing guests within easy reach of local shops, restaurants, and attractions. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and adults seeking a quiet getaway, as well as couples looking for a romantic escape. However, guests should be prepared for a largely self-service model, as the hotel operates without on-site staff, relying heavily on a digital key system for access. To ensure a smooth arrival, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the digital check-in process beforehand and consider bringing your own snacks and beverages, as on-site amenities are limited.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides several amenities, though their functionality and availability can be inconsistent. Guests generally have access to Wi-Fi, though some report connectivity issues. The air conditioning system is centrally controlled, which means individual room temperature adjustments are not possible, leading to some rooms being too warm or too cold. Common areas such as porches with rocking chairs and a spacious living room are available for guests to relax in, adding to the historic ambiance. However, the ice machine is frequently noted as being broken or non-existent, and there is no on-site access to ice. Some guests appreciate the availability of complimentary bikes for exploring the local area. While the property aims to offer convenience, the lack of consistent functionality for some amenities can impact the guest experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. Many guests find the rooms spacious and appreciate the comfortable beds, often noting the presence of king beds and high ceilings. However, some report issues such as squeaky beds, lumpy mattresses, or beds that are unusually high. While rooms are generally described as clean, some reviews mention instances of dust, stains on bedding, or dirty floors. In-room amenities typically include a coffee maker, but guests sometimes find a lack of coffee pods or only decaf options. Televisions are provided, though some guests report them not working correctly. Noise can be a significant concern due to the building's age and thin walls, with guests frequently hearing street noise, sounds from neighboring rooms, and slamming doors. Bathrooms receive mixed reviews, with some being spacious and well-appointed, while others have issues like broken fixtures, rust, mold, sewer smells, or high steps.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel, which historically operated as a bed and breakfast, no longer offers any on-site dining services, including breakfast. This is a significant point of disappointment for many guests who expected a morning meal as part of their stay, leading to a need to find external options. While coffee makers are provided in the rooms, guests often note the absence of creamer, sugar, or a sufficient supply of coffee pods, particularly caffeinated options, which can be an inconvenience for those relying on in-room amenities. There are no common area provisions for coffee or other beverages, further emphasizing the self-service nature of the property. Guests are advised to seek out local establishments for their morning meals and coffee needs, as nothing is available directly at the property. This change in service model means guests should plan accordingly for their dining arrangements throughout their stay, impacting the overall convenience for some.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently praised as a major advantage, offering exceptional walkability to the vibrant downtown area. Guests find themselves within easy strolling distance of numerous shops, restaurants, bars, and local attractions, making it convenient to explore the town without needing a vehicle. The property is also well-situated for those looking to visit nearby natural attractions, with a short drive providing access to St. George Island and its beaches. Parking is generally available on-site, often directly in front of the property, which adds to the convenience for guests traveling by car. While the location is highly regarded for its accessibility to points of interest, some guests note that the property's proximity to a main road can result in occasional street noise.

Staff & Service
A defining characteristic of the guest experience is the hotel's reliance on a virtual check-in process and a digital key app, as there is no on-site staff presence. While some guests find this system convenient and seamless, many report significant frustration and difficulties with the app, often requiring calls to an off-site number or a trip to a sister property to obtain a physical key, sometimes incurring an additional fee. When staff are reached by phone, they are frequently described as helpful, friendly, and accommodating, particularly in resolving issues like room changes or key access problems. However, responsiveness can be inconsistent, and some guests report unaddressed concerns. Housekeeping services are infrequent, typically offered only every few days or upon departure, leading to complaints about rooms not being cleaned during stays or a lack of fresh towels. An unexpected cleaning fee is sometimes noted upon checkout.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several unique aspects of staying at this historic property. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, though some guests have reported confusion or issues regarding this. A recurring theme in reviews is the presence of a distinct sulfur smell in the water, which some guests mitigate by running the taps upon arrival. While the historic nature is a major draw, it also means the building may have quirks such as thin walls, contributing to noise, or structural unevenness. Guests have also noted various additional charges, including early check-in fees and fees for obtaining a physical key instead of relying on the digital app. Furthermore, an unexpected cleaning fee is sometimes applied at checkout, which can be a point of contention given the limited daily housekeeping services.