The Thistle Inn

This charming colonial building offers a unique self-service experience, highlighted by its central location and the convenience of an excellent non-affiliated restaurant on-site. Its signature feature is the seamless self-check-in process, allowing guests independent access to their rooms. The property is ideally suited for sightseers and couples looking to explore the area on foot, as well as families who appreciate the spacious room layouts. Independent travelers will find the lack of on-site staff conducive to a private and unassisted stay. To ensure a smooth arrival, guests should closely monitor their email for check-in instructions, which are typically sent on the morning of arrival, and be prepared for potentially steep stairs, as there is no elevator or assistance with luggage.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests report a mixed experience with the in-room amenities. While a Keurig or Nespresso machine with a good selection of coffee is often appreciated, the refrigerator may not always function properly. The air conditioner and heater units are noted for being effective but can be quite noisy, potentially disrupting sleep. Some rooms feature a futon couch, which guests found to be uncomfortable. Concerns were raised about the security of door locks, with some lacking deadbolts or chains, and the general condition of items like the iron, which was sometimes unusable. Additionally, the absence of outdoor lighting in seating areas at night can make the property feel dark and uninviting.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests found their rooms and adjoining bathrooms to be spotless, matching online photographs, and appreciated the comfortable beds. However, some reported issues such as grimy wood floors, stiff sheets, and rooms being ice cold upon arrival, taking a long time to warm up. The bathrooms can be tiny with small showers, and some noted exposed nails on floor trim. Noise levels are a significant concern, especially for rooms directly above the restaurant, with sounds from closing, clean-up, and early morning deliveries. First-floor rooms also suffer from a lack of privacy due to foot traffic outside windows, which can only be mitigated by closing curtains that then block the air conditioner.

Dining & Food Quality
The on-site restaurant is a prominent feature, frequently praised by guests as being excellent and among the best in the area, despite being a separate business not affiliated with the lodging. While the food quality receives high marks, some guests found it to be overpriced. Interactions with the restaurant staff were mixed; some guests reported unwelcoming or rude behavior, particularly when using the outdoor seating area without dining. It is important to note that the restaurant has specific closure days, which can impact dining options on certain weekdays.

Location & Accessibility
The property boasts an excellent and central location, making it highly walkable to all that the town has to offer, including the harbor and various attractions. Guests appreciate being able to easily access downtown areas on foot. The property is situated directly on the main street into town, though most guests found the noise level from the street to be manageable. Parking is available and generally considered convenient, often located on-site or across the street, depending on restaurant operations.

Staff & Service
The self-check-in process is generally described as easy and efficient, utilizing lock codes for room access. However, a significant aspect of the guest experience is the complete absence of on-site staff or security, which can be disconcerting for some. Communication regarding check-in instructions has been inconsistent, with some guests not receiving necessary email instructions in advance and having to call for assistance. The lack of responsiveness to emails or phone calls during the stay is a common complaint. Guests should be aware that there is no housekeeping service for multi-night stays, and no one is available to provide luggage assistance due to the self-service model.

Additional Information
A critical piece of information for prospective guests is the presence of steep stairs to access rooms, particularly for those on higher floors. There is no elevator, and the stairs can be narrow, making the property unsuitable for individuals with accessibility challenges, walking disabilities, or those traveling with heavy luggage. Guests also noted issues with the overall building maintenance, including rotted exterior siding and sticky door locks. Furthermore, there were concerns about the lack of clear emergency evacuation instructions within the rooms, which some guests found to be a safety oversight given the self-service model of the property.