Master Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn

Great potential; needs to improve customer service. Positive: Beautiful room and setting. Great potential. Negative: First obligation of hospitality is to provide a comfortable bed. Jailhouse failed. Bed was narrow and mattress was soft resulting in both of us rolling into the center and colliding. There was no staff person on hand to greet us and show us how the shower worked (complicated) or adjust the thermostat. It turns out the thermostat is in a public area and we had no idea how to find it, so we spent a 45 degree night without heat. The promised “manual” was not to be found. Finally, the instructions to break down the bed, empty the trash, etc., were a big surprise. This was not advertised as an AirBandB or VRBO, so these instructions were inappropriate.

Positive: It was unique, so comfortable, clean, beautiful, and filled with fun new memories - delightful surprise after getting stuck in the snow!!!

Positive: A really interesting old building with lots of great modern amenities. My room was very comfortable and I enjoyed my stay.

Positive: The rooms were filled with lots of beautiful things, paint pallet was warm and inviting, the jail cell area was totally awesome, the kitchen was made for a master chef, and our bathroom was spectacular in the master suite. It's a bathroom I've always dreamed of. This makes a spectacular get away, wedding venue, or a large extended family gathering. The jail area was so very perfect. It had a bar, nice sofa, and the jail cells. It's a great photo opportunity for senior pictures or a huge family photo. And if people are up late in the jail cell area or kitchen you would never know, because the walls killed all the noise. I had to call my husband from the jail to the kitchen! The woodwork on the walls in the dining room and the lighting at the top of the ceiling gave it such a warm feeling and awesome look. What an amazing job they did restoring this venue. Also the price was less than a hotel and we got a huge amount of living space and a grand bathroom! Negative: The mattress could have been better, but I would still give this a 10 out of 10!

Positive: Very authentic Negative: Had a shuffleboard table and pucks but no sand