Name: Stearns Hotel
Address: 212 East Ludington Avenue, Ludington, Michigan, United States of America, Ludington, Michigan, US
Price range: US$115–US$216 per night
Rating: 8.4

What guests think

Stearns Hotel is a historic, centrally located property with friendly, accommodating staff and generally clean rooms, appealing to travelers who enjoy vintage character, while several reviews note dated furnishings, smaller rooms in places, and building elements that show their age.

Many guests like the walkable downtown location near shops, restaurants, beaches, and the ferry. Rooms are typically clean and beds comfortable, but recurring comments mention musty odors and worn fixtures such as peeling tubs or tired carpets. On-site dining is minimal—often just coffee—with a weekend Tiki bar or nightclub that can be noisy late, and the elevator feels old or occasionally unreliable. Expect a charming, convenient stay with vintage quirks rather than modern polish.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

An on-site Tiki bar/nightclub operates mainly on weekends and can be loud late; several reviews note the elevator is old and occasionally unreliable.

Related guest reviews

8

Linda

18 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was clean, linens were great. Only downfall was the music from TIKI. It was loud until 2:05am. I swear bed vibrated along with the music.

2

Brian

26 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This Hotel needs to be gutted and redone! Dilapidated & drab run down. Terrible gym. No breakfast. They offered pre-packaged garbage snacks for something in the morning...

10

Simon

24 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is the most gorgeous Hotel I've even stayed at. I must return on a Fri/Sat when the Tiki Lounge is open!

10

Alicia

6 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We loved our stay at the Stearns. For years we have been using other hotels and motels in the area but I will always check availability at this one first - from now on. It has a very "fancy" feel, for a very good rate. The staff was super-friendly. Lots of cool areas that offer great backgrounds for photos or selfies. If you like a nightcap, there is a very cool bar inside but - open only certain days. Parking is no problem and it is right around the corner if you plan to take the U.S.S. Badger!

6

Dale

7 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Not to the hotels fault the elevator broke

8

Donald

28 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Quaint and historic. We stayed during the week and it was very quiet. The Tiki bar is only open on the weekends so we went downtown for a drink and dinner.

8

Michael

14 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel very dated but acceptable. We were on the third floor and water pressure was weak. Otherwise good.

8

Scott

8 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Unique in style of a 1940s hotel.... Pretty clean.... elevator needs to be updated maybe carpet and dining space

10

Quintin

17 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

An historic hotel, everything was clean and staff was friendly. Enjoyed the night club that’s inside of the Sterns.

6

Edward

22 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This is an old hotel that shows its age. One rickety elevator and the whole hotel is very outdated. The best thing about it were the comfortable beds if you could find them due to almost nonexistent lighting.

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Cleanliness

Many guests praise very clean rooms, while others report musty odors and visible wear such as peeling tub paint or aged finishes.

Related guest reviews

10

Hildy

12 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very clean. We really liked that the hotel was walkable to downtown Ludington

4

ERIC

28 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel needs some vast updating. The bathroom was severely old and the paint that they had applied on the tub was peeling. The carpet was very worn. The furniture look like it was from the 1970s. It generally needs some severe updating. We will not be staying there again.

10

Lee

26 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very good, id say cleanest hotel we have been to in awhile.

10

Peggy

4 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The building is quaint and charming, but in desperate need of upgrades - old cracked paint on bathroom doors, stained ceilings, peeling finishes on bath tubs, etc.

4

WILLIAM

13 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I like the location. The exterior of the building needs repairs. The room needs to be updated. Shower / tub is in very poor condition.

8

Bruce

14 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

iThe room was very comfortable, clean and quiet. The bed was comfortable and the pillows great.

4

James

6 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

We spent 3 nights at Stearns Hotel, and will not be back. The hotel was very shabby and had a pervasive foul smell throughout, particularly in the entire lobby area. It was something like a mixture of really bad coffee, stale cigarette smoke and a poorly maintained latrine. The coffee in the room and the lobby was as bad as we've ever had, and our room had a smell the A/C unit could not dispel, even when cranked down low with the fan constantly roaring on high. Fortunately the bed was comfortable, but that's the best thing our stay had going for it. We spent as little time at the hotel as possible, staying out later then we normally would just to avoid going back there. I also think it was unreasonably expensive for such poor quality. We only chose it because we needed to be close to the marina where our friends live on their boat, which was not large enough to accommodate guests, and there were no other options close by.

10

Jeffrey

4 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This property was very clean

8

Sandra

29 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It’s authentic to the era it was built in. Very quaint. Has a musty smell when you walk in the door.

10

Gary

12 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Enjoyed our 1 night stay prior to taking the ferry the next day. The room was small but that was expected from previous reviews. Met all our needs. Very clean and comfortable.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms range from very small to spacious; decor is vintage and often dated, with limited outlets or lighting in some. Beds are usually comfortable, though AC or heat can be loud and weekend bar music may carry.

Related guest reviews

8

Linda

18 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was clean, linens were great. Only downfall was the music from TIKI. It was loud until 2:05am. I swear bed vibrated along with the music.

8

Kathleen

18 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location is great - Close to downtown and the river. Bed was very comfortable. But the fixtures and furnishings in this hotel very much need updating

8

James

14 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great older property in excellent condition. The only issue we had was the AC unit fan ran all night long and was loud!

10

Nicole

29 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was nice and big, beds were comfortable, room was very clean. We were there on a Monday night in July and didn't even see anyone else in the hotel!

6

Peter F

21 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The lobby may be historic but the room was just old. Door opened with one of those keys you can drop in any mailbox if you forget to turn it in. Could probably pick the lock with a Bobby pin. No secondary locks at all. Tiny room. Finish wearing off the tub and paint cracking and peeling on doors. Furniture looks like stuff your grandmother brought to goodwill. TV was good and bed comfortable but small.

8

Neil

24 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I liked the feeling of a previous era and still providing everything I would have needed or desired. Only one thing I would mention is that the air conditioner unit was rather loud. Otherwise I was very happy with my stay.

8

Robert M

28 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Nice staff. Older and tired. Very small rooms.

8

Diane

17 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It is clean, and the staff is nice, but it is a very old hotel. I’m pretty sure they want to show off the old charm, but they could update some of the furniture in the rooms and also the bathtubs. There was a king bed, two small side tables, and one very small round table with two chairs, one luggage rack and a few hangers in. Really nowhere for two people to put their clothes. Also, not enough outlets.

6

Edward

22 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This is an old hotel that shows its age. One rickety elevator and the whole hotel is very outdated. The best thing about it were the comfortable beds if you could find them due to almost nonexistent lighting.

8

Bernard

12 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was quite small but sufficient as we only stayed the night. Had to keep the thermostat very low because the heat blew right on the bed. All in all was pleased with our stay.

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Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and accommodating, with several instances of extra help. A few guests mentioned less friendly service.

Related guest reviews

10

Michelle

1 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Was here for a funeral and staff was very accommodating.

10

Mikelle

4 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I cant say enough positive things about our experience with the staff at Stearns. We were in town for a wedding doing hair all day. We needed to check in to the hotel early to get ready . There was a mistake on my part in booking and they went out of there way to get us in the right room. I will definitely stay and recommend them. They went way above and beyond to accommodate my mistake.

10

Lee

24 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very nice room. Friendly staff. Good price.

10

Fred

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The nice lady working the desk went in and turned up the heat in our room b4 we arrived.

10

Jason

4 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful old hotel, with friendly staff.

10

Quintin

17 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

An historic hotel, everything was clean and staff was friendly. Enjoyed the night club that’s inside of the Sterns.

10

Paul

26 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Me and my crew of 8 were passing through doing the Lake Michigan Circle Tour on our Harleys from Chicago. This was our first overnight stop and was really nice. I didn’t get her name but the young lady who checked us in was great, very hospitable and professional. Will definitely stay here again if we’re passing through.

10

JODIE

11 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel is affordable, and convenient. The staff is always kind and friendly.

10

Robert

20 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The young lady that checked us in was so kind and extremely happy. She shared how much she loves this older hotel and it really rubbed off on us. We will definitely stay again!!

6

Dorine

29 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The check in person was not friendly. I feel the room was to small, the floor was slanted by the bathroom and it through me off. The music Saturday night I could hear until late. I was told that the were the rooms were full and I don’t think they were.

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Location

Central, walkable location near downtown shops and restaurants, with easy access to the ferry and beaches.

Related guest reviews

10

Hildy

12 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very clean. We really liked that the hotel was walkable to downtown Ludington

10

Judy

24 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

accessible to area shopping and activity.

10

Edward

17 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice historic hotel in Ludington. Short distance from the ferry. Room was cute and clean.

8

Kathleen

18 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location is great - Close to downtown and the river. Bed was very comfortable. But the fixtures and furnishings in this hotel very much need updating

10

Carol

29 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location!

8

MARK

29 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location within walking distance of Ludington's downtown.

10

Linda

29 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great downtown location in Ludington!

10

Jennifer

8 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is a step back into Ludington history. Very clean, well appointed and close to downtown shopping, restaurants and beaches! Great location.

10

Kathryn

20 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice historic hotel in downtown Ludington - highly recommend!

10

Michael

16 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved being able to stay within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants.

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Dining

Breakfast is not provided; most mention only coffee, which several found weak or disappointing. There is a Tiki bar open limited days but no full-service restaurant.

Related guest reviews

10

Allen

11 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

coffee was like water

8

Linda

18 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was clean, linens were great. Only downfall was the music from TIKI. It was loud until 2:05am. I swear bed vibrated along with the music.

8

candayce

15 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I appreciated the style and vintage embience, but coffee in room was disappointing.

2

Brian

26 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This Hotel needs to be gutted and redone! Dilapidated & drab run down. Terrible gym. No breakfast. They offered pre-packaged garbage snacks for something in the morning...

8

cynthia

26 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed on a Sunday night which meant the hotel and the area was quiet. The desk clerk was supremely helpful giving us restaurant options that were walkable - we chose Jamesport Brewing Company - up on deck, it was a beautiful summer night with a view of the water. The view out our windows - we had a corner room - was of the rooftop. . . Bath products were wonderful. a lovely old hotel - thanks for the coffee in the morning!

10

Simon

24 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is the most gorgeous Hotel I've even stayed at. I must return on a Fri/Sat when the Tiki Lounge is open!

6

Judy

31 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It’s an older property but fairly clean. Should offer more in the way of breakfast

8

Donald

28 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Quaint and historic. We stayed during the week and it was very quiet. The Tiki bar is only open on the weekends so we went downtown for a drink and dinner.

8

Karen

9 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The history of the hotel and entrance and lobby is very nice. There is no restaurant attached or continental breakfast served. Bed wasn't the most comfortable and the room isn't the most convenient to have two people get ready in the morning.

6

James

2 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nothing but coffee for breakfast. Showers were bad. Small rooms. Close to beach though.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15 $216	16 $115	17 $115	18 $124	19 $124
20 $115	21 $115	22 $115	23 $115	24 $115	25 $124	26 $124
27 $115	28 $115	29 $115	30 $115

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $115	2 $124	3 $124
4 $115	5 $115	6 $115	7 $115	8 $115	9 $124	10 $124
11 $115	12 $115	13 $115	14 $115	15 $115	16 $124	17 $124
18 $115	19 $115	20 $115	21 $115	22 $115	23 $124	24 $124
25 $115	26 $115	27 $115	28 $115	29 $115	30 $140	31 $124

Select dates to see prices and availability

About this property

Location

Room options

Deluxe Single Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Double Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Single Room, 1 Queen Bed

Guest reviews

Very good

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

FAQs about Stearns Hotel

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