I’ve stayed in Stillwater a bunch. Summer, fall leaves, and one very cold January. I brought a toddler once. I came for a wedding once. And I had a solo reset that felt like a deep breath. If you want the ultra-detailed, play-by-play version of those weekends, I broke it all down in this expanded journal as well.
So, yeah. I’ve slept in these beds. I lugged bags up those stairs. I found the quiet rooms and the noisy ones. Let me explain.
Hotel Crosby — Warm wood, big tubs, easy smiles
I booked Hotel Crosby for a snowy weekend. Walking in felt like stepping into a cabin that learned how to dress up. Wood beams. Leather. A calm buzz.
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What I loved:
- The rooftop hot tub in the snow. I sat there with steam in my face and the river lights down the street. Magic.
- Big showers, some rooms with soaking tubs. Mine had the kind of water pressure that makes you stay too long.
- Staff gave me a list of local trails without me even asking. Nice touch.
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What to watch:
- Street-facing rooms can pick up weekend noise. Ask for a back room if you’re a light sleeper.
- Parking is tight near Main Street. I used the back lot and walked.
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Who it’s for:
- Couples. Friends. Folks who want to stroll to dinner and not think too hard.
You know what? I’d book this again in winter just for that hot tub. I still think about it.
Lora — Moody and stylish, with a “carved into the bluffs” feel
I stayed at Lora in the fall for a wedding. The place has this modern cave vibe. Cozy but chic. Dark walls, soft lamps, and that “whisper” kind of quiet.
A lot of what I loved about Lora’s moody design mirrors the city-meets-retreat energy I felt during a stay at Hotel Julian—different city, same “I could live here” vibes.
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What I loved:
- Steps from the lift bridge path. I walked at sunrise with coffee and fog on the water. Felt like a postcard.
- The on-site spot served simple, Midwest plates. I had walleye and wild rice that hit the right notes.
- Pet friendly. I saw two very proud dogs getting pats in the lobby.
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What to watch:
- Rooms run dark by design. I liked it. My friend wanted more daylight. If you need bright, ask for a room with bigger windows.
- Some rooms sit on odd angles. Charming, but your suitcase may play Tetris.
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Who it’s for:
- Design fans. Folks who like quiet mornings and slow evenings.
I wore boots and a wool coat and felt like I was in a movie. Silly, but true.
Water Street Inn — River views, old bones, and a lively scene
Summer trip. Windows open. Boats drifting by. The Water Street Inn is right on the St. Croix, so the view does a lot of the work. Travelers who crave that classic “main-street charmer” atmosphere might also appreciate the stay I had at Hotel Royal Oak—similar vintage spirit, different zip code.
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What I loved:
- Balcony facing the river. Coffee out there at 6 a.m. The water was glass.
- Easy hop to the lift bridge and the river walk. Zero planning needed.
- There’s a rooftop spot with pizza and a breeze. Sunset was packed, but worth it.
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What to watch:
- It’s historic. Floors creak. Some rooms feel a bit worn. Mine had a lovely fireplace, but the closet was tiny.
- Weekend nights can be loud outside. Think music, chatter, the usual summer buzz. Bring earplugs if you’re picky.
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Who it’s for:
- People who want the river, front and center. Wedding guests. Big families.
I’d pick this in July. I wouldn’t pick it if I had a 7 p.m. bedtime.
Lowell Inn — Old-school charm, tea vibes, and a few quirks
I booked the Lowell Inn for a quick, quiet spring stay. It felt like your grandma’s fancy parlor, but in a good way.
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What I loved:
- Four-poster bed and a sweet little sitting area. I read an hour with the window cracked.
- Breakfast felt calm and classic. No rush, no fuss.
- Staff knew the town’s history and pointed me to a tiny park I’d never seen.
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What to watch:
- Some rooms show age. My bathroom was clean, but small.
- Walls are thin in spots. I heard a suitcase roll by and laughed. It passed fast.
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Who it’s for:
- People who like charm over flash. Parents visiting kids. Tea people.
It’s not trendy. It’s not trying to be. I respected that.
Rivertown Inn — A grown-up treat with chef-made breakfast
Anniversary trip. No kids. We saved up and went big. The Rivertown Inn felt like a storybook house with themed rooms and lots of quiet.
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What I loved:
- Chef-made breakfast that tasted like care. Fresh fruit, warm eggs, great coffee.
- Fireplaces and soft chairs in the common rooms. We actually talked. Wild, I know.
When you’re on a romantic getaway, half the fun can be the playful build-up—maybe you’re swapping flirty snaps while one of you grabs another glass of wine downstairs. If you want to keep those moments private and safe, the detailed guide at this breakdown of Snapchat nudes walks you through best practices for secure sending, clever lighting, and avoiding common privacy pitfalls—handy insights that help your spicy photos stay just between the two of you.
- Themed rooms without being cheesy. Ours had a deep tub and a stack of books.
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What to watch:
- It’s spendy. And it’s not really for kids.
- Fills up fast on peak weekends. Book ahead for fall colors.
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Who it’s for:
- Couples. Friends who want hush and good food.
We walked the hills after breakfast and waved at old homes. Simple joy.
Chains off Highway 36 — Easy parking, family-friendly, low hassle
I’ve done Country Inn & Suites and GrandStay on busy weekends when downtown prices spiked. Both were clean, had pools, and free breakfast that kids actually ate.
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Why it worked:
- Free parking, quick check-in, and large rooms for a pack-and-play.
- Five to ten minutes’ drive to Main Street. Not bad.
- Quieter at night than downtown on a Saturday.
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Heads-up:
- You’ll drive for dinner. And you’ll miss the river walk vibe.
- Decor is basic, but hey, the coffee was hot.
Good for sports teams, families, or anyone who wants simple and steady.
Little things that made my stays better
- Ask for a quiet room away from Main Street on weekends.
- Bring a light jacket, even in summer. The river breeze can surprise you.
- Parking can be weird downtown. I kept cash for a small lot, just in case.
- If you want leaf views, book six to eight weeks out for October.
- Coffee tip: grab a latte before the lift bridge walk at sunrise. Trust me.
If you want a quick snapshot of rates across Stillwater properties, I’ve had luck using the comparison tool at Fortune Hotel, which often surfaces last-minute deals the brand sites miss.
Side note: if your Midwest wanderings ever morph into a cross-country road trip that drops you in central Washington, having a one-stop classifieds hub on hand can spare you a lot of googling—Backpage Ellensburg curates up-to-date entertainment listings, personal ads, and local services so you can plug into the Ellensburg scene quickly and spend more time exploring than searching.
So, which one would I book again?
- Winter: Hotel Crosby. Rooftop hot tub plus cozy rooms.
- Fall: Lora. Moody style and easy walks.
- Summer: Water Street Inn. It’s the river, always the river.
- Quiet escape: Rivertown Inn. Breakfast alone sells it.
- Budget or big group: Country Inn & Suites or GrandStay. Zero drama.
Honestly, Stillwater makes it easy. The town carries you. Pick what you need—view, vibe, or value—and you’ll be fine. And if you see a woman with wet hair and a goofy grin in the snow near a hot tub? That was me.