Historic Anderson House Hotel
A 168-year-old historic hotel offering an authentic step back in time with vintage decor, friendly staff, and river views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Historic Anderson House Hotel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 168-year-old historic hotel offering an authentic step back in time with vintage decor, friendly staff, and river views.
"Feels like you are going back in time and experiencing a time capsule of history but can still appreciate modern conveniences."
🛏️ Embrace the Vintage Charm
Enjoy the authentic 1940s feel, including slightly uneven floors. It's part of the historic charm!
👻 Consider a Ghost Tour
Many visitors rave about the unique and captivating ghost tours offered.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Period Furnishings
Guest Rooms
Step into the past with authentic 1940s decor and furnishings. A true time capsule experience.
River Views
River-facing rooms
Wake up to stunning sunrises over the bridge and river, sometimes with a mystical sea smoke.
Ghost Tours
Throughout the hotel
Explore the hotel's haunted history on a captivating and unique ghost tour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History (and Quirks!)
Dining Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛏️ Embrace the Vintage Charm
Enjoy the authentic 1940s feel, including slightly uneven floors. It's part of the historic charm! +1
👻 Consider a Ghost Tour
Many visitors rave about the unique and captivating ghost tours offered.
☕ Be Patient with Dining
Service can be slow, especially during peak times. Manage expectations for dining.
☀️ Request a River View
Waking up to a river sunrise is a memorable experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛏️ Embrace the Vintage Charm
Enjoy the authentic 1940s feel, including slightly uneven floors. It's part of the historic charm! +1
👻 Consider a Ghost Tour
Many visitors rave about the unique and captivating ghost tours offered.
☕ Be Patient with Dining
Service can be slow, especially during peak times. Manage expectations for dining.
☀️ Request a River View
Waking up to a river sunrise is a memorable experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests praise the Historic Anderson House Hotel for its authentic, time-capsule atmosphere and the friendly, family-like service from the staff. The river views and unique ghost tours are also highlights. However, some visitors have experienced significant issues with dining service and preparedness, particularly during busy events, leading to unmet expectations for the price.
"I am reviewing the dining experience, mostly. A party of three of us went over to Wabasha, from Wisconsin, for the Thanksgiving Buffet. The condition of the building is something that needs work. All areas that we saw need repair. The food tasted good, but when our time to be seated came, the buffet had run out of nearly everything. The one cook could not keep up. We went back after seeing a number of things being re-filled - sometime later. There were some menu items that must have just been out. Never saw those things re-filled. We had one glass of warm-ish tap water to drink and never got a re-fill. No one there to ask, once we were seated. My husband did get an initial cup of coffee, but the coffee ran out and there was no more made - for anyone to have. We saw the empty pots on the burners from our table. There were no servers, no people to re-fill the buffet, other than the one cook. The man seating people was dressed like he was at a truck stop - jeans and a t-shirt. We expected so much more at a Thanksgiving Buffet at $75.00 for the 3 of us. I am a former food and beverage manager and could say more, but I think they just were not prepared, not staffed and lacked some industry standards. I hope they work on some of these things. The potential is there!"
Dawn Robinson
"Authentic 1940s hotel updated with private bathrooms, firm beds, TVs and some with refrigerators. Love the vintage stairs (no elevator) and slight angle to the floors in spots. The games in the foyer were a nice touch at reminding you that they did not have a television back in the day. Very cute and authentic!"
Rebecca Looker
"I just stayed at the HISTORIC Anderson House Hotel. For a 168 year old historic hotel, it was an amazing experience. The owner and the staff are very friendly and it feels like you are amongst family (the best of family, of course) while you are staying there. The hotel and rooms are decorated in period style furnishings. My room faced the river and I was lucky enough to watch the sunrise over the bridge and river with some sea smoke in the distance. You feel like you are going back in time and experiencing a time capsule of history but can still able to appreciate and marvel at the modern conveniences (plumbing and bathrooms to rooms that previously had nothing) that the previous owners have been able to bring into the existing structure. What an absolutely amazing experience this was. I didn't want it to end and I can't wait to stay here again. Olive was so much fun to play with too."
Julie Meadows
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Historic Anderson House Hotel is located in Wabasha. Driving is the most common way to reach it. Check local maps for the best route from your starting point. Parking is typically available on-site.
Public transportation options directly to Wabasha might be limited. It's advisable to check regional bus or train services that connect to nearby larger towns, and then arrange local transport.
Parking is generally available at the hotel. It's recommended to arrive a bit early during busy periods to secure a convenient spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking your room in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to ensure availability.
Standard check-in and check-out times apply. It's best to confirm the exact hours with the hotel directly when making your reservation.
The hotel hosts various events, including popular ghost tours. Check their official website or social media for schedules and booking information.
While staying overnight is the primary way to experience the hotel, some events or tours may have separate admission fees. Inquire directly with the hotel for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
No, the Historic Anderson House Hotel does not have an elevator. Guests should be prepared to use the vintage stairs.
Rooms are updated with private bathrooms, TVs, and some include refrigerators. They maintain a vintage 1940s style.
Due to its historic nature and lack of an elevator, the hotel may present challenges for those with significant mobility issues. The uneven floors can also be a factor. +1
The atmosphere is described as feeling like you're amongst family, with a friendly owner and staff creating a welcoming, historic ambiance.
One review mentioned 'Olive was so much fun to play with too,' suggesting that pets might be welcome or that there's a resident animal. It's best to confirm pet policies directly with the hotel.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The hotel offers dining, but experiences can vary. Be aware that during busy events like holiday buffets, food availability and service might be limited.
While some guests find the food tastes good, others have noted issues with buffet items running out and a lack of replenishment.
One reviewer reported not receiving drink refills and that coffee ran out, indicating potential staffing or preparation issues during busy times.
One guest felt the Thanksgiving Buffet at $75 for three people was not worth it due to lack of food and service, suggesting the hotel may not have been adequately prepared or staffed.
📸 📸 Photography
The vintage decor, historic architecture, and river views offer many picturesque opportunities. The foyer with its games and period furnishings is also a great spot. +1
If you are attending an event or tour, you can certainly take photos. For general sightseeing without being a guest or attending an event, it's best to inquire with the hotel.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is acceptable. However, professional photography or filming might require prior permission.
Natural light from the river-facing rooms can be beautiful, especially during sunrise. Interior lighting will vary, so consider bringing a small portable light if needed for darker areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a room with a river view for a memorable morning experience.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Beyond organized tours, the very atmosphere of a historic building can lend itself to a sense of the uncanny. The vintage decor, uneven floors, and sense of stepping back in time all contribute to an environment that paranormal enthusiasts often find particularly compelling.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Step Back in Time: The Historic Anderson House Hotel Experience
Reviewers frequently highlight the warm and friendly atmosphere created by the owner and staff, who are often described as making guests feel like part of the family.
While the hotel excels in historical charm, it's important for visitors to manage expectations regarding modern amenities and service consistency. Some guests have reported that dining experiences, particularly during busy events, can be understaffed or unprepared, leading to issues with food availability and service.
Navigating Dining and Events
Service consistency is another area where guests have had varied experiences. Reports of unattended drink refills and coffee pots left empty suggest that staffing levels or operational preparedness might not always align with guest expectations, particularly given the price point of some events.
Despite these challenges, the hotel's potential is recognized, with hopes that improvements will be made. For those planning a visit, it's advisable to confirm event details thoroughly and perhaps opt for simpler dining occasions or focus on the hotel's other strengths, like its historical ambiance and unique tours, to ensure a more satisfying experience.
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