Most of the Ann Arbor bed and breakfast inns are comfortable and close to the downtown area. The Library B&B and First Street Garden are two of the best.
Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of the major cultural centers of the Midwest, boasting several museums, outdoor art installations, galleries, the University of Michigan, the President Gerald R. Ford Library and Museum, several public parks and a botanical garden and arboretum. If you don’t want to miss any of the major attractions you’ll defiantly want to check out some of the great Ann Arbor bed and breakfast Inns and book a multi-day stay.
The First Street Garden Inn Ann Arbor Bed and Breakfast
The First Street Garden Inn is only a five-minute walk from downtown Ann Arbor and all of its attractions. It sits on a quiet, tree-lined street and is the perfect place to stay if you’re planning on attending a U of M football game – it’s a mere five-minute walk to the stadium! The prize garden that is featured on the property earned the Ann Arbor Department of Parks and Recreation Golden Trowel Award for 2000 and was featured in the Ann Arbor branch tour of the Women’s National Farm and Garden Association.
This Ann Arbor bed and breakfast inn offers two bedrooms, the master suite having a queen-size bed and sitting room and featuring an antique “claw foot” tub and steam shower. The Art Deco bedroom is filled with artwork and Art Deco furnishing including the queen-sized bed. This room also has a dedicated bathroom. In addition to the two bedroom choices there is a full service dining room and a parlor with a piano, stereo and afternoon tea. The ent
re home is outfitted with stained glass windows, hardwood floors and artisan quality woodwork. The most important new feature is complimentary wireless internet fulfilling the First Street Garden Inn’s dedication to comfort without sacrificing productivity.
For reservations contact (734) 741-9786.
The Ann Arbor Inn Bed and Breakfast
The Ann Arbor Inn is located on Lans Lake near the heart of downtown Ann Arbor just minutes away from the shopping district and U of M stadium. The rooms are quiet and comfortable, each with its own TV, DVD player, ceiling fan and wireless internet. The Palm room with its mauve accents and natural beige and green décor soothes weary travelers as they curl up in the plush king-sized bed. Just off the Palm room is a shared bath with both shower and tub facilities. The Lakeside room offers two twin beds and a magnificent view of Lans Lake through dual windows.
The centerpiece of the Ann Arbor Inn is a huge Frank Lloyd Wright style dining table at which to enjoy any of the local carry out cuisines. The Music parlor offers a grand piano for guest enjoyment while the informal sitting room, with a large projection screen television, allows for keeping up with the news, local sports, or even just enjoying an evening movie. Off the back deck is a beautiful English garden complete with a fountain that overlooks the lake. Step off the deck and walk down to the lake to take in a beautiful sunset.
Reservations can be made by calling (734) 214-6614.
The Burnt Toast Inn Bed and Breakfast
When it comes to a traditional bed and breakfast the Burnt Toast Inn may be the closest thing in the whole of Ann Arbor. It is located in the historic West Side of Ann Arbor just a few blocks from Main St. It has four room options, two singles, a master suite and an attic suite. There are two resident dogs, Bo and Buddy, that are, according to the owner Sarah Okuyama, “very sweet.”
The Burnt Toast Inn describes its mission as to make the guest feel as though they have gotten away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. To accomplish this there are no telephones, no televisions, no computers, no modern day vampires that suck the minutes out of our days. The Inn does have wireless internet for those who absolutely need it, but this is, first and foremost, a retreat.
The master suite features a four-post queen bed, balcony and private bath. The bed and all other room furnishings are antique and give a Victorian feel to the room. Amenities in the room include bath robes, slippers, yoga mats and free weights for a light workout in the morning or just before bed. The Gold and Purple rooms are essentially single person rooms unless you and your partner like to snuggle really close. Both rooms feature antique furnishings and the same complimentary amenities as the master suite. They do, however, share the two full bathrooms in the house. The attic suite is far larger than even the master, covering the entire top floor of the house. It has both a queen and single bed and a private bath with tiled floor and a meditation area.
There are a few special considerations when looking at this particular Ann Arbor bed and breakfast inn. The first is that there are no children allowed unless you are renting the entire house. Second, there are discounted rates for multiple days booked, and third, this is one of the few B&Bs that offers an online availability chart. A great little place to stay; check out the Burnt Toast Inn at (734) 662-6685.
The Library Bed and Breakfast in Ann Arbor
If you’re a bibliophile then this is the only place to stay. The Ann Arbor bed and breakfast market is chock full of choices but this one is like staying in an actual library. The rooms are filled, floor to ceiling in some cases, with shelf upon shelf of books. The hostess, Joan Knoertzer, is a gifted storyteller and you can lose yourself for hours just listening to her recount stories about the locals.
There are three themed rooms to choose from; a poetry room, a fiction/mystery room and the children’s Pop-Up Miniature room. The living room is chock full of rare and antique books and the kitchen could easily double as the Betty Crocker live in library of food preparation. Joan is a great cook and offers up delicious breakfasts morning after morning. Then after a hearty meal take a short walk into the downtown district and visit one of the many attractions within a mile.
The owner does have several cats so if you have allergies, or just don’t like cats, this is the only reason to avoid such a spectacular B&B. For more information or to book reservations call Joan at (734) 668-6815.
Steller House B&B of Ann Arbor
If you’re looking for a place to stay on the North side of Ann Arbor then the Steller House B&B is a great choice. Originally called Gleaner Hall, the Steller House was the first Ann Arbor Township Hall. It had a second incarnation as a Beer and Dance hall from the early 1910’s to 1968. It is even rumored that Bob Seger used to play there in the days before the Silver Bullet Band. Today the star of the show is the locally grown menu prepared by Chef Hillary. She will discuss the current in season items with you and give tailor made options for the next morning’s breakfast.
There are two modern rooms available, the Solar and the Lunar rooms. Each room has central air, wireless internet, canopy beds and cable television. In addition to the breakfast, served between 6-8 am there is an afternoon tea from 3-4 pm including fresh baked goods and tea or coffee.
There is a community living room available 24 hours a day with a large TV and stereo system. For especially cold times of the year there is a gorgeous fireplace in the living room to sit in front of while enjoying a hot cup of cocoa.
For Reservations call (734) 369-3106.