Stearns Hotel

We had a nice-sized room, and the whirlpool worked well and stayed hot. The bathroom, though, was cramped, and the shower floor felt too slippery. I also liked the old-fashioned key, but wasn’t very confident in how secure the lock was. The location is a real plus. Shops downtown and a good meal are only a couple of blocks away, and the area has lovely beaches and an amazing State Park with lots of accessible trails. When our toilet stopped working, we reported it around midday. By the time we came back from dinner, maintenance had replaced the whole tank and left the bathroom spotless. Great work. The staff were friendly and professional throughout, and we’ll stay here again when we’re back in Ludington.

I was most frustrated by the noise late at night. Teens and young adults were partying in the back parking lot until 2 a.m. I called after midnight because I was trying to sleep, but was told there was nothing they could do since it was a bar night. To me, that’s about what the property allows, not the bar night. I wouldn’t book here again, and anyone hoping to sleep before 2 a.m. may have a hard time. The lobby is cute, and the rooms were clean, but they’re very outdated. Our tub also drained poorly and had a musty smell. I left highly disappointed; the rooms felt somewhat gross.

It’s a neat historic hotel, and walking in gives you the feeling of being in the early 1900s. We enjoyed having both a fireplace and a jacuzzi tub in our room. I just wish they’d freshen up the guest rooms with new flooring or carpet and furniture.

The room was immaculate, with a comfortable bed, a nice view, and a Jacuzzi tub that felt like a real treat. A special thanks to the staff for making the stay feel as luxurious as it was meant to. I’m a tour guide, so I had fun imagining it was the early 1900s and that my distinguished lumber baron husband and I had stopped here on a long trip. I even pictured packing our valise and bags. You can still feel the opulence when you step inside. Stearns is the last remaining luxury hotel in Ludington from the lumber Baron era. It’s dated, yes, but still grand, like a woman past her prime in fine clothes and feather boas, confident in her beauty. The rates are reasonable. If you want something from another era, with a hint of mystery and privilege, book a room here. Five stars, recommended.