St. Clair Inn

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

Kim at the front desk was so helpful even helped me with my suitcase.

Location and old style of the inn... very clean. Wonderful happy helpful staff

Beautiful old fashioned Victorian feel, great views, two beautiful fireplaces in the lobby area

Every staff member I crossed paths with was fantastic! They were enthusiastic, knew a lot about the Inn, made recommendations, went out of their way to make our stay memorable, talked about the major renovation currently occurring. The renovations in no way impacted our stay - we heard no noise, we weren’t inconvenienced in any way and in fact got to have a look at the ballroom. Service in the restaurant was very friendly and efficient and the food was very good. The view was spectacular and we really appreciated fresh hot coffee by either of the two fireplaces, as well as watching the sunrise on the courtyard terrace. Bonus that a few freighters came by and we felt like they were right beside us - so close and so large. Amenities in the room were nice. The entire building has been renovated and they kept the feel of 100 years ago while also offering appropriately updated amenities to go with the overall design. I stayed in a suite which was really nice - good size with a separate sitting area. I wouldn’t recommend that couples share an original room in the Inn, I think they would find it too cramped. Definitely worth upgrading to the suite. The newer addition does not have that issue, rooms are sized to current standards.

It was a very nice place very clean. Staff was wonderful. Very accommodating. Rooms were very clean. It was quite.

The location was great, hotel was clean and I loved that there are a few different restaurants in the building.

Breakfast pastries and fruit were perfect. Loved the charming wallpaper in room. Obviously the pool right on the shoreline was exceptionally enjoyable and much needed with 90 degree weather. Dinner at your restaurant was delish. Staff was cordial.

Lovely breakfast- delicious coffee. Very old world setting with lots of charm.

Great location