The Historic Rapids Lodge

We stayed one night with our friends- the 'last 2 rooms' available. We went to a play in town and when we arrived home, we discovered that both of us (in different rooms) had no hot water. Our friends had no water at all coming out of the hot water faucet. I learned my lesson staying at an 'historic' inn- that means hard bed, slanted floor, and rustic that is just old. The worst place we have ever stayed at this ridiculous price.

It is really unfortunate because there is so much potential. I would have given a zero if possible. There was no identifiable parking. All signs around the building indicated parking was for some other condos/apartments/businesses. Unfortunately this is not what is advertised. The room is extremely overpriced for what is received. Stayed one night. Would not have stayed another even if booked. This is more a boarding house than the touted “ luxury” hotel. Not one person was on site so we checked in with a key left on a cup hook at the front porch. If I wanted Airbnb service I would have went to one! There was no Ice available and no way to get another blanket. The carpet in the room was filthy and the ceiling above the shower was in need of repair. More concerning is there was no visible fire extinguisher on the second floor and there was only one exit. If there was a fire in the only exit we would have no escape because the second exit was LOCKED to the front lobby. We could not even enjoy the beautiful river flowing along side the hotel because it was roped off on both sides. No way to enter. The restaurant was closed but advertised it was open. When we called the hotel to report all of this to them, there was not one iota of concern. Their reason/explanation was “this is a small town”. This is the lamest excuse for poor quality I have ever heard. I came from a small town and the service was ALWAYS exceptional and people go out of their way to be hospitable. You are a service industry. You provide a service. Take ownership for your outdated, unsafe, boarding house you call a luxury hotel.

We have stayed at the Rapids Lodge three years in a row (all in mid July). The place is old but charming and extremely clean. We loved staying in a room facing the river. We stayed in the Columbine room our first time and it was nice but a little small. The last two years we upgraded to the Riversong room and really enjoyed the extra space to unpack our things, the couch to sit on, and the more spacious bathroom. There is no AC but you don’t need it. Just open the windows and let the cool mountain air in. You will also have the best white noise for sleep, that is, the river! The location is excellent, allowing you to walk to the restaurants in town, the lake, church, etc. Make sure to try their restaurant. It is nice during the day because the tables are set by the river and it is absolutely lovely. Dinner is more upscale and you can see it in the prices. A couple of things they can improve: 1) the mattress was overdue to be replaced (sagging), 2) there is no mini fridge in the room. I would still return and highly recommend this place!