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2-star hotel

Great Water Inn (formerly “At Ship’s Quarters)

Stay at Great Water Inn, a 4.5-star hotel in Bayfield, WI offering free Wi-Fi, parking, and easy access to Apostle Islands and Big Bay State Park.

20 N Broad St, Bayfield, WI 54814, United States View on map
9/10
Exceptional Based on 26 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Parking Air-conditioned Kid-friendly Golf course
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable, Convenient, and Clean Accommodations

Recent visitors highlight the hotel's excellent location in downtown Bayfield, cozy and well-maintained rooms, and attentive communication from owners. While amenities are limited, the stay suits travelers focused on local exploration and relaxation.

Guests often praise

  • Prime downtown location within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the ferry line
  • Clean and comfortable rooms, with standout features like jacuzzi tubs and local artwork
  • Thoughtful touches such as mini refrigerators, microwaves, and Roku TVs enhancing convenience
  • Friendly and clear communication with property owners before and during stay
  • Well-maintained and family-friendly environment with smoke-free policy

Worth knowing

  • No daily maid service, so guests should plan accordingly for longer stays
  • Lack of on-site restaurant and pool; guests rely on nearby dining options and outdoor activities
  • Parking available both in the alley and on street, but limited to no pet-friendliness
  • Rooms tend to be on the smaller side, which some guests find cozy while others note size constraints
  • No waterfront views due to central downtown location

Best for

  • Visitors seeking easy access to Bayfield’s attractions and natural parks
  • Couples or small groups looking for a quiet, comfortable retreat with convenient amenities
  • Travelers who appreciate local charm and personalized service
  • Families requiring kid-friendly accommodations without unnecessary frills
  • Guests valuing cleanliness and practical in-room features over luxury extras
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About this property

Welcome to Great Water Inn (formerly “At Ship’s Quarters)

Located in the heart of Bayfield, Wisconsin, Great Water Inn (formerly known as At Ship’s Quarters) offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the surrounding area. The hotel boasts a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews, highlighting its clean and well-maintained rooms paired with thoughtful local touches such as artwork and coffee mugs reflective of the region. Guests note the presence of amenities including free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a golf course nearby, and kid-friendly services, although it does not provide a pool, pets are not allowed, and there is no on-site restaurant.

The property’s setting puts guests within easy walking distance of downtown’s shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks, a feature frequently praised by visitors. While the rooms are described as cozy and on the smaller side, several reviews mention the inclusion of practical elements such as mini refrigerators, microwaves, and large jacuzzi tubs that enhance the comfort of longer stays. Parking options include spots in a rear alley as well as street parking, accommodating most guest needs despite no dedicated valet service.

With a focus on sightseeing, recreation, and accessibility, the inn appeals to visitors eager to explore outdoor attractions nearby. Big Bay State Park, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area are all within a short drive and offer scenic landscapes and multiple activity options. For travelers arriving by air, Gogebic – Iron County Airport is approximately an hour and twenty minutes away by car.

Guest feedback underscores the strong communication from the property’s management, which facilitates smooth check-in and stays, though some note the absence of daily housekeeping during longer visits. While some guests mention that a waterfront view is not possible given the inn’s downtown location, the proximity to local amenities and attractions often outweighs this for visitors. The Great Water Inn is suitable for travelers looking for a practical, centrally located hotel that combines local character with essential conveniences.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Golf course
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Pet-friendly
Restaurant
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

AR
Amanda Raitanen Apr 03, 2026
10

The room was gorgeous, the bed was really comfortable, and the big jet tub was a bonus. I loved the little nook with the loveseat, and all the local touches in the room; from the name of the room and what it means, to the artwork, soap, coffee, and mugs! It was truly a fantastic place to stay and will definitely be staying again.

LS
Lynn Sprague Mar 27, 2026
8.0

The location was easy walking distance to everything. It would have been nice to know there was no maid service. We stayed 4 nights; with jacuzzi tub it would have been nice to have clean towels after second or third night. We brought most of our own food so appreciated mini refrigerator and microwave. There is limited restaurant availability due to COVID, which we expected. Room was very clean.

JS
Jeremy Smith Feb 28, 2026
10

Stayed Friday and Saturday for a couple's getaway. Great communication with the owners who made it easy to check-in. Great location. Only a 2-3 min walk to downtown. Stayed in the "Northland" room. It was very nice and clean. We were very happy with our stay and would definitely stay there again!

AS
Alex Spychala Feb 28, 2026
10

My fiancé and I stayed in the “Olaf” room for 3 nights. It was simple and cozy with an unbeatable location being so close to shops and the ferry line. The room is on the small side but was definitely worth the price. I’d stay here again

HM
Hannah M Feb 23, 2026
10

What a great location and experience! The Great water Inn is middle of downtown where you can easily access restaurants, shops, and historical landmarks. There were three spaces in the back alley but they also had street parking in front. We did not have any issues finding parking and were able to park in the alley spots. We stayed for 4 nights and it was the perfect room set up with a mini fridge and microwave too when we had leftovers. This is such a great find at such a great price! If you’re looking for a place to stay, this is it!

PP
Paula Parker Feb 06, 2026
10

Very clean, in walking distance to most things in Bayfield, and well maintained. The only thing that would have made it better would be a waterfront view, but it is not possible in that location. Very satisfied and would recommend to any family or friends.

KW
Kylie W Jan 18, 2026
10

I loved staying here. The Roku TV that automatically signs you out of streaming services after you leave is awesome, the big jacuzzi tub is awesome, the room is CUTE, I love how everything is local (the art, the coffee, the mugs). And I really do appreciate the owner calling us to make sure we got all the information to access our rooms. If you are ever visiting the Bayfield area, I highly recommend staying here.

JDM
Jeff De Meyer Dec 31, 2025
10

This darling room with attached private bathroom and jacuzzi tub was fantastic. When we arrived the place was very clean and comfortable. The communications prior to arriving were very clear and did not need any further communications. Everything was done by email and/or text so there was no need to play phone tag with anyone. The location is about perfect. It is not right on the lake, but you can practically fall out of bed and roll down the hill to the shops, restaurants, ferries, and cruises. I have no complaints about the accommodations. If I had to make one suggestion of how to make it even better, I'd simply say replace the Queen bed with a King, and that is only because I have a King size at home so getting used to a Queen was a bit of an adjustment. The Queen size bed was comfortable, though, just a little bit more snug for my wife and I than usual. :)

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Great Water Inn (formerly “At Ship’s Quarters)

Bayfield, Wisconsin, USA

Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around

  • Gogebic - Iron County Airport 1 hr 21 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Wisconsin. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Big Bay State Park 1,053 reviews

Big Bay State Park

2402 Hagen Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850, United States

4.8 · State Park
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore 837 reviews

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814, United States

4.8 · National Reserve
Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area 134 reviews

Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area

32525 Ski Hill Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814, United States

4.6 · Ski Resort
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