The Courthouse Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

This historic hotel offers a unique and memorable stay, distinguished by its beautifully preserved architecture as a former courthouse, which provides a grand and characterful ambiance. Its central location, often boasting stunning views of Lake Superior and the iconic Sleeping Giant, makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and travelers seeking a distinctive experience. The hotel is also well-suited for history enthusiasts and business travelers who appreciate its blend of heritage and modern comfort. Most guests find the rooms spacious and clean, though some note inconsistencies in heating and noise levels. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor to maximize the scenic views and be prepared for potential temperature variations, especially during colder months.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a well-equipped fitness center, though some guests note it is small. While there is no swimming pool, the unique historical setting and spacious rooms are often highlighted as compensating features. Free Wi-Fi is generally reliable, allowing guests to stay connected. Some guests mention the presence of ice machines, though these can be noisy, particularly for rooms located nearby. The building's conversion means some areas, like the main entrance, are not easily accessible for luggage, with an alternative ramp entrance located in the basement, which some found inconvenient or poorly marked.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are generally described as spacious and clean, with many guests praising the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. The bathrooms are often noted as large and well-appointed, though some specific issues like slow drainage or shower design flaws have been reported. A recurring concern, especially in colder months, is the heating system, with many rooms, particularly those on upper floors or in the basement, struggling to maintain a comfortable temperature, sometimes requiring the use of noisy space heaters. Noise can also be an issue, with guests in lower-level rooms often hearing footsteps and chair scraping from the breakfast area above, and some experiencing hallway noise or sounds from adjacent rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast receives mixed reviews. Most guests appreciate its inclusion, but many describe the offerings as basic and limited in variety. Hot items like eggs, bacon, and French toast are frequently criticized for being unappetizing, cold, or overcooked. Guests often note a lack of options such as juice or milk, and some find the fruit selection to be old or stale. While the coffee is generally well-regarded, the overall quality and presentation of the breakfast items often fall short of expectations for a hotel of this caliber. There is no on-site restaurant or room service available.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location in downtown, making it convenient for guests to explore the area. It is within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, the waterfront, and the casino. Guests appreciate the scenic views of Thunder Bay harbor and the Sleeping Giant from many rooms. Parking is available, but it can be a tight squeeze and is sometimes occupied by non-guests, leading to frustration. While the location is generally considered safe, some guests have noted concerns about the surrounding area. The main entrance involves steps, and the more accessible ramp entrance is located at the back, which some found inconvenient.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the staff and service is varied. Many guests commend the friendly staff for their helpfulness and accommodating nature, particularly during check-in or when addressing specific requests. However, some guests report experiences with indifferent or unprofessional staff, noting slow check-in processes or a lack of responsiveness to issues like room maintenance or cleanliness. Housekeeping consistency is a point of contention, with some guests finding their rooms serviced daily, while others report infrequent cleaning or a need to repeatedly request basic supplies. The hotel's pet-friendly service is appreciated by those traveling with animals.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their animals, though some note challenges in finding suitable outdoor areas nearby. Guests should be aware that the hotel is a converted historic building, and while this contributes to its unique charm with original woodwork and high ceilings, it can also lead to issues like creaky floors and occasional noise transfer between rooms. Some rooms are equipped with bathrobes and slippers, adding a touch of comfort. Security is a concern for some, with reports of exterior doors being unlocked overnight, allowing unrestricted access. The hotel also hosts events, which can sometimes impact parking availability for guests.