The Inn at 97 Winder

This historic mansion offers a unique and memorable stay, renowned for its old-world charm and beautifully restored interiors that transport guests back in time. Its signature feature is its unparalleled proximity to major sports and entertainment venues, making it an ideal choice for sports fans, concert-goers, and sightseers looking to explore the city's vibrant downtown. The hotel appeals to couples and solo travelers seeking a distinctive, historic experience. While many guests praise the hotel's unique ambiance and convenient location, feedback on room comfort and service can be mixed. To ensure a smoother experience, guests are advised to familiarize themselves with the hotel's strict check-in policies and inquire about room temperature control upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel, a converted mansion, lacks an elevator, meaning guests staying on the second or third floors must use the stairs, which can be challenging for those with heavy luggage. While a shared kitchen is available, offering access to a refrigerator, microwave, ice machine, and glassware, individual rooms often lack basic in-room amenities such as hair dryers, hand soap, shampoo, and drinking glasses. The Wi-Fi signal can be inconsistent, with some guests reporting poor connectivity in their rooms. A significant concern is the reliance on space heaters for warmth, which has led to circuit issues and insufficient heating in some areas. Additionally, many windows are screwed shut, raising fire safety concerns and preventing fresh air circulation. Some guests also reported non-functioning TVs.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness is mixed; while some guests found their rooms clean and well-kept, many reported issues such as dust, dirty floors, stained rugs, and even hair on beds and in showers. Some bathrooms showed signs of neglect, including black mold and dirty showers. The room condition varies significantly; some rooms are described as spacious and beautifully decorated, while others are noted as run-down with worn-out furniture, broken blinds, and non-functioning lights. Bed comfort is highly inconsistent, with some guests finding beds comfortable, but many experiencing uncomfortable or lumpy mattresses, thin comforters, and cheap linens. Noise levels are a significant concern due to thin walls and poor sound insulation, leading to street noise and sounds from neighboring rooms being easily audible. A major recurring issue is temperature control, with rooms often reported as freezing cold or excessively hot due to a lack of individual temperature controls and reliance on inadequate space heaters.

Dining & Food Quality
A continental breakfast is offered, with mixed reviews on its quality. Most guests found it to be adequate and a nice touch, featuring items like bagels, muffins, fresh fruit, yogurt, and cereal. While the coffee provided is generally well-received, with some guests specifically praising its quality, others felt the overall selection was basic or lackluster, not fully meeting expectations for a bed and breakfast experience. The breakfast is typically available from 9 AM to 10 AM, which some guests found to be too late, especially if they had early departures or plans, limiting their ability to enjoy the meal before heading out for the day.

Location & Accessibility
The location is consistently praised as excellent, offering unbeatable proximity to major sports venues like Comerica Park, Little Caesars Arena, and Ford Field, as well as theaters such as the Fox and Fillmore. This makes it ideal for event-goers who appreciate the easy walking distance to attractions and downtown areas. While the location is highly convenient, guests should be aware that rooms are located on the second and third floors, and there is no elevator, requiring the use of stairs. On-site parking is available for a fee, which some guests found convenient, though others considered it expensive. There were also reports of security concerns regarding the parking lot, including gates not being closed and incidents of vehicle damage, leading some guests to opt for street parking despite potential ticketing risks.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the staff is notably mixed. Many guests experienced friendly, helpful, attentive, and accommodating service, particularly highlighting individual staff members who went above and beyond. However, a significant number of reviews describe staff as rude, unprofessional, inflexible, and unwilling to help, leading to highly negative interactions. The check-in process is a frequent point of contention, often described as overly strict and non-standard, with staff rigidly adhering to policies and showing little flexibility for early arrivals or specific guest circumstances. Some guests reported being denied access or even accused of trespassing due to these strict rules. While some guests found staff responsive to immediate requests, there are numerous complaints about a lack of communication and unanswered calls or emails, particularly regarding issues like room temperature, refunds, or general inquiries outside of direct interaction.

Additional Information
The hotel is a historic mansion that has been restored, offering a unique and charming experience with old-world decor and period furnishings. Guests should be aware of the strict check-in window, typically from 4 PM to 8 PM, with no accommodations for late arrivals or early check-ins, which has led to significant inconvenience for some. The thin walls and floors mean that noise from other guests and outside traffic can be easily heard, impacting the quietness of the stay. Rooms lack individual thermostats, with temperature centrally controlled, often resulting in rooms being either too hot or too cold, despite requests for adjustments. The availability of a shared kitchen and common living spaces adds to the bed and breakfast feel, allowing guests to relax and interact.