Roam-Inn Review
Roam-Inn Review
Recently my wife and I had the good fortune to spend a weekend at the Roam Inn, in Munising Michigan, for a winter getaway. We had heard so many good things about it from friends but had not yet gotten an opportunity. To say we were satisfied with our stay, is an understatement.
A welcoming and warm invitation greeted us at the front desk by a smiling Erin, who not only checked us in but gave us a run down on things to do in the area, and a little background on the Inn and Tracey’s, the restaurant. A top to bottom restoration has made the Roam a top- notch boutique hotel. Original columns and beams help showcase the lobby and bar area. Curly maple wood tabletops glisten and add warmth to the room as well.
Heading down a wide hallway to the hotel rooms, the walls are decorated with large, vivid metal photography, displaying outdoors scenes from the Munising and Pictured Rocks area. Also, one wall has large maps, as murals of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It’s easy to gaze at these and decide where one wants to venture for sight-seeing.
The warm theme continues when you see the hotel room doors, as they are constructed, by local artisans, from thick slabs of curly maple as well. They help make your stay even more pleasant by blocking any sounds from the hall. The rooms themselves are very welcoming with a beautiful combination of rustic and urban. Top of the line heating and cooling systems keep the room the perfect temperature. The bed was a highlight and was the most comfortable bed I’ve ever been in. We missed it our first night back home. They also have a mini fridge and a great selection of snacks and soft drinks in the room.
In the evenings, we stopped into Tracey’s for dinner and drinks. Reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings. Their dinner menu, which can be found online, will make you hungry just looking at the inspired meals. If you’re in the mood for an ice-cold beer, it is stored just above freezing. One of the features I liked was the separation of rooms in the restaurant. They have a separate room just for large groups, which keeps the rest of the dining room quiet. It’s a wonderful place to not only dine but to enjoy quiet conversation with one another.
Most mornings, Tracey’s provides a continental breakfast, but on Sunday they have a brunch from 9 to 11. We took advantage of that and it made me wonder if we should drive the five hours to Munising every Sunday just for brunch, as it was that good. My wife had French toast, which was served layered, with cream and raspberry jam. It was the only time I’ve seen her photograph her food before she ate it! Our waitress Tracey, was excellent at describing some of the items on the menu to us. We spoke with the owners, Tom and Ana Dolaskie, Sunday morning and they filled us in on the history of the renovation. They were also very pleasant and enjoyable to talk to. They have really poured their hearts and soul into the Roam and it is evident throughout. It was great to hear them talk about how much local talent they used to restore the Roam. Providing employment to locals and providing such care to their guests is not something many do right. With their great attitudes and their love of Munising, the Roam should be serving guests for many years to come.
The Roam is an ideal place to celebrate an anniversary, have a romantic weekend, or to honeymoon. Especially for people who enjoy outdoor activities as Munising has so much to offer, for any season. We visited the Sand Point Ice Curtains, the Eben Ice Caves, and several of the local water falls. My wife was dubious about spending time in the Upper Peninsula, in winter, but after staying at the Roam, she would like to go back next winter.
Sunday morning came quicker than we would have liked. Munising had received around 5 inches of snow on Saturday night and we were surprised, when we went to load our car, to discover that Roam employees had already brushed all the snow from our car. That was a nice touch that definitely had us admiring the Roam even more than we already had. Suffice it to say, we are already looking forward to our next visit!
Interior Photos
(Sorry for the quality - taken with my iphone)
Main HallwayHallway art work by Thomas J. Dolaskie IV
Standard Room with King Size Bed
Solid Maples Doors Throughout
Map Wall in Hallway
One of the dining areas in Tracey's
French Toast as Sunday Brunch