Lakeside Inn

This hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its picturesque lake views and the vibrant on-site bar with live entertainment, making it a unique destination. Its convenient location serves as an excellent base for sightseers exploring nearby attractions like Boston and Salem, while business travelers appreciate the quiet work areas and accessibility. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff and the generally comfortable beds. For couples seeking a romantic getaway, the serene lakeside setting is a significant draw, and event organizers have praised the venue's service for workshops. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room with a lake view, and if you are sensitive to noise, be mindful that the on-site entertainment can be lively on weekend evenings. It is also advisable to bring your own extra towels and toiletries, as daily housekeeping services are not consistently provided.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several amenities, though some are inconsistent or have limitations. A frequently mentioned point is the absence of an elevator, which can be challenging for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage, especially for rooms on upper floors. The on-site bar and restaurant are popular features, providing entertainment and dining options, though some guests note that the bar can be noisy, particularly on weekends. While free Wi-Fi is available, some reviews indicate slow speeds. The ice machine is often reported as out of order, requiring guests to seek ice from the front desk or restaurant. Parking is generally described as easy and plentiful, though some areas may experience flooding during heavy rain. The availability of mini-fridges and microwaves in rooms is inconsistent, with some guests finding them present and functional, while others report their absence or being broken. The swimming pool is frequently mentioned as being closed or unavailable.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests find their rooms to be clean or very clean, with some praising the comfortable beds and new beds that ensure a restful sleep. However, a significant number of reviews highlight concerns, including dirty carpets with visible stains, stained sheets and towels, and the presence of mold, particularly on bathroom ceilings and around tubs. Rooms are often described as dated with old furniture and a general run-down appearance, with some reporting broken fixtures like toilets or televisions. Guests also mention unpleasant odors, such as smoke or mustiness. While some rooms are noted as quiet, others experience considerable noise levels from the on-site bar, fellow guests, or even plumbing noises and creaking floorboards. In-room amenities like mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers are inconsistently available or reported as non-functional, and thin towels and small soap are common complaints.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive mixed but generally positive feedback. The complimentary breakfast is a significant feature, with many guests describing it as good, amazing, and freshly prepared, offering a variety of hot items like pancakes, French toast, sausages, eggs, and potatoes, alongside cereal and fruit. However, some guests found the breakfast to be mediocre, with limited options, noting issues such as powdered eggs, undercooked potatoes, or stale muffins. The use of plastic dishes and utensils for breakfast is a common point of environmental concern. While coffee is available during breakfast hours, some guests miss having 24/7 access in the lobby. The on-site restaurant and bar are frequently praised for their excellent food quality, with specific mentions of tasty burgers, steak tips, and codfish, and generally good prices. However, guests should be aware that the restaurant may have limited hours, sometimes being closed on certain weekdays.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a major draw for many guests, offering a convenient base for exploring the region. It is situated with easy access to major highways, including I95 and 128, making travel to nearby cities straightforward. Guests appreciate its proximity to popular destinations, being approximately 30 minutes from Salem and 30 to 40 minutes from downtown Boston, as well as about 25 minutes from Boston Logan Airport. The hotel's setting directly on a lake provides picturesque views and opportunities for walks along the surrounding trail. For those relying on public transportation, a bus stop is conveniently located right outside the hotel, offering connections to Boston's metro system. Parking is widely available and generally described as easy and plentiful, with many guests appreciating the free parking. While some guests find the neighborhood to be quiet and safe, a few have noted concerns about the surrounding area.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, often being highlighted as the most positive aspect of their stay. Reviewers frequently describe the team as friendly, helpful, professional, welcoming, and accommodating, contributing significantly to a pleasant experience. The check-in and check-out processes are generally reported as efficient and quick. However, a recurring and significant issue is the inconsistency of housekeeping services. Many guests report that their rooms are not cleaned daily, and fresh towels or linens are not provided unless specifically requested at the front desk, leading to frustration for longer stays. Despite this, when requests are made, the staff are typically responsive in providing necessary items. Some guests have noted isolated instances of unhelpful or rude interactions, but the overall sentiment regarding staff attentiveness and willingness to assist is overwhelmingly positive.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several miscellaneous but important details. An early check-in fee may be applied if arriving before the standard check-in time. The hotel has a strict no-refund policy, which has caused frustration for some guests who needed to cancel or experienced issues during their stay. While the hotel offers event space that is well-regarded for workshops and gatherings, this can sometimes lead to loud music or noise from parties, especially on weekends, which may affect rooms located directly above the entertainment areas. There is no 24/7 coffee or water available in the lobby, and the swimming pool is frequently reported as closed. Some guests have encountered plumbing issues in their rooms, such as slow drains or toilets filling with dirty water, and occasional problems with televisions or the absence of a phone in the room. Other minor inconveniences include the lack of a luggage rack or alarm clock in some rooms, and the presence of goose droppings around the lakeside outdoor areas.