St. Clair Inn

Loved the view and the employees.

The view. Excellent location next to Palmer park boardwalk.

Two years ago we had a really fun getaway here.  So we decided to do it again.  We're sorry we did.

We booked a river balcony room two hours before we arrived and he gave us one without a balcony.  We asked for the balcony room and he said they were sold out.  So we went online and booked another balcony room and gave him our confirmation number.  Surprise!  There was a balcony room that housekeeping was almost done readying.  

But he said we couldn't cancel the first room.  We took the balcony anyway.  Muka checked us in.  She’s wonderful.

Drove to a great restaurant on the river.  Then to an outdoor free concert across from the hotel.  Sat on the balcony with some wine.  Lovely!

Until we tried the TV.  It wouldn't work.  Tried the room’s phone to call about the TV.  It wouldn't work.  Called from my cell.  Maintenance was busy but would help soon.  

An hour later I walked to the front desk.  They forgot.  Radioed maintenance.  Skyler came to help.  He is wonderful.  The guy at the front desk was supposed to tell us that the TV had just been installed and wasn't programmed yet nor connected to wifi.  It arrived hard coded not to work until connected to the hotel system by installed by an engineer.  Ugh!!

Later I tried to change the room temperature, and that seemed locked down too.

Went online.  No more rooms.  Front desk: No more rooms.  Holiday weekend with fireworks, sold out.  And they had given away our no-balcony room with the TV that works.

We live an hour away.  But really couldn't just throw up our hands and go home after the wine.

The room is super clean and the bedding is divine.  The common areas are like being at an upscale resort.  There is a very friendly and upbeat staff, so management has created an excellent culture.

This wasn't a Marriott before.  So maybe the transition has some challenges.  We loved this place the last time, and we love Marriott BonVoy.  We don't love it this time.   I hope they figure things out.  

By the way, I sent this to a manager in reply to their email that asked about my stay.  And I posted it on the BonVoy web site.  But after a couple of weeks I have heard back.  The manager has been replying to other reviews, but not to ours.  Too embarrassed, I guess?  Still, we expected more.

Well, started off rough with check in. Gentelman had booked a riverfront room. Which apparently they did not have any. As I gave them my reservation info, I also had booked a riverfront room, which I booked on the Marriott App. I was also advised they had no riverfront rooms available even though the app says they do. We were switched to a city view, not the end of the world. We were also advised at check in that we did not control the AC in the room ? Strange.
The room itself was very nice and very clean.
After a good nights sleep I awoke to the realization there was no coffee maker in the room nor complimentary coffee anywhere.
All in all it was an ok stay, definitely have some kinks to work out

Staff were terrific. Views were superb

The fireworks

The food was tasty. Just wish we had more time to try everything.

A friend kept recommending this Marriott property as a great nearby getaway - and I can see why. The decor / style / appointments in the room (which was spotless) fit well with my preferences (handheld and rainfall showerheads, clothes steamer), and the history and walkway along the river - quite enjoyable.
In addition, the staff is polite, professional, and helpful. While the 6 to 10 am coffee bar had great coffee and tea, upon a mere mention that decaf works better for me Cindy brewed a small amount and delivered it to me on the beautiful patio, which is directly on the Huron River.

The location is excellent with restaurants and shops in walking distance. The view of the river is beautiful. Having a bar/restaurant on site is a plus.

Letter sent to management:

Dear St. Clair Inn Management,

I am writing to express my concern regarding a $250 incidental charge we received after our recent stay at the St. Clair Inn in St. Clair, Michigan.

During our stay, our autistic daughter ate dinner in the room and created a mild mess related to eating. Her other mom and I cleaned the majority of it ourselves before leaving. While we understand that hotels must maintain rooms and address excessive damage or unusual cleaning needs, this situation did not involve damage, destruction, or anything beyond a manageable food-related mess from a child with a disability.

What is especially concerning is that our family has traveled extensively, both in the United States and internationally, with our daughter. She has created similar—and in some cases greater—food-related messes in hotel rooms, restaurants, and travel accommodations. We have never been charged an incidental fee for this type of situation. That contrast made this charge feel not only excessive, but also deeply discouraging as parents of a disabled child.

Families like ours already navigate a great deal when traveling. Autism can affect eating, sensory regulation, communication, and behavior in ways that may not be immediately understood by others. We do our best to be respectful guests, and in this case, we cleaned up the majority of the mess ourselves. Being charged $250 for what appeared to be a mild, disability-related incident sends the message that families with disabled children may not be fully welcome or understood.

I am asking that management review this charge and reconsider whether it was reasonable, necessary, and consistent with how similar situations are handled for other families. I am also asking that this experience be used as an opportunity for greater disability awareness and sensitivity among staff, particularly when assessing “incidentals” involving children with disabilities.

This letter is not written to attack your staff or your business. It is written because hospitality should include understanding, fairness, and compassion. A family traveling with an autistic child should not feel penalized for a manageable situation that was largely cleaned by the parents before checkout.

We would appreciate a response explaining the basis for the $250 charge and whether it can be refunded or reduced. More importantly, we hope the St. Clair Inn will consider how policies are applied in situations involving disabled guests and their families.

Thank you for your time and attention. I hope this can be resolved thoughtfully and respectfully.

Location

Bonus sparkling wine.

I like the view of the river and the town. Great location