Not for the faint of heart. Say goodbye to room service, elevators (2nd & 3rd floor rooms), and…read more24hr staffing. Say hello to history. I'll start with noting this property has changed ownership (& names) frequently. It's back to being The Karsten (nest) Hotel as of about 5-6yrs ago. There is no website so you'll be booking 3rd party online or calling in your reservation. The desk isn't always manned so calling may take some persistence. You'll also be getting called around 9pm, if you haven't made it in yet (there is a number to call on arrival if the office is unmanned.) We booked 3rd party pay on arrival through Expedia for $198 (2ni) in a Deluxe Q lake view on arrival we paid $202 [the owner initially thought it was just 1ni & was ready to adjust pricing, thinking we were being overcharged - i appreciate that kind of honesty) On entering, we noted it was a basic Q room & it appeared housekeeping had gotten distracted when cleaning the bathroom as it was partially completed, with the tub missed (had a presumably used towel, near empty & lid removed shampoo & a used bar of soap, along with hair from assorted body parts. The owner was quick to respond, noting the Expedia booking was rate coded as Basic room & he immediately offered a new room. Alex, the owner & manager has had the place for 5yrs. He takes great pride in the property & is happy to exchange stories. We thoroughly enjoyed the talks. His integrity is certainly note-worthy. The lobby is filled with historical info & the closed bar is a marvel. Operation is more like a BnB than hotel. Meaning, the office area is often unmanned & much is on the honor system, including the dining area where water, soda, juice, fruit, bars, cereal, breads & accompaniments were available. The rooms vary in size & all include tubs, some jetted. I could actually envision a less is more take, removing some of the eclectic decor to really let the historical property sing. As well as hiding mini-fridges in the wardrobe (which is designed to hold a mini-fridge) or removing them completely. Though I'm sure many want the fridges. I'd recommend replacing shower curtains with washable ones or even glass, for easy cleaning and a good vinegar soak to free up the shower head flow. What the property lacks in luxury, it makes up in character & definitely isn't for every traveler. It's old, no denying it. Still, the bedding was fresh & the rooms were odor-free. Windows don't open, though the temperature control works great & each toom controls their comfort level. The front door remains locked & you're given a key for that door, as well as your room. Unoccupied room doors are left open, so you can explore. Room 310 was Agatha's, a long-term housekeeper & 1 of at least 3 ghosts who reportedly decided to spend their afterlife here. As for the ghosts, i heard 4am running in the hall... was it little Billy, the youngest spirit? It could have been or maybe it was another guest... There are plenty of noted experiences to go through in the lobby & I'm sure Alex could tell you even more.

Do not even waste your time! This beautiful old building has been taken over by a crook with no…read moreconcern to uphold the integrity of the building nor the reputation this business once had. Nothing is as represented. There was no heat on. No lights on. Very strange schotzkis everywhere. Cheap Howard Johnson furnishings and bedding. By the way. Some of the bed spreads had cobwebs hanging to the floor. This place needs to be closed down. What a disgrace. It's truly unsafe for people to stay there. I fully intend to pursue my concerns further!

Coho Motel and Suites was the perfect fit for what we needed on our way south from northern door…read morecounty. We like to travel on a whim but oftentimes we have a hard time finding lodging. This was one of those times. There was nothing incredibly opportunistic while at Coho Motel outside of a stray hair in our tub, I am weird about hygiene and cleanliness, and we must have been in the old building which would explain the musty smell. Outside of that, the staff was welcoming upon check in and on our way out. The space was what we needed and nothing more; a place to sleep. Thanks guys.

Owners really take great care of this Motel. Stayed here after a Packer game. It's an older motel…read morebut cleanliness and quality were better than many new spots. Well worth the value.

My wife and I were so involved in events in Texas, we both forgot our 24th anniversary. What to…read moredo? Where to go? We are weird as we like to treat ourselves to restaurants out of our own city. I had researched the Stebbins before. It seemed like a worthy place for our celebration. So we called and made a reservation (good thing we did, as they were turning people away without one); and took the scenic drive to Algoma. We got there early and sat at the bar. We told the barkeep we were there for our anniversary celebration. That was the right thing to say as the staff fawned us after that. We had a couple of Tanqueray and tonics that were sufficiently stout. The bar area was fairly raucous as the Brewer's game was on. Then we found out we could eat at the bar. So we ordered some onion rings. I know they're not that good for you; but they are my guilty pleasure. Their onion rings are pretty dang good. At our appointed time we were shown to the dining room, which we found surprisingly small. Our waitress was a perky and friendly lass and her service was great. 99% of the time I'm an ovo-lacto vegetarian. On that one percent I'll channel the pescatarian in me. So will my wife. So I ordered a shrimp dish and she ordered fish. Both of our meals were excellent. My side was baby red potatoes. My wife had a twice baked potato. Just a tip to the restaurant, the presentation and meal would have benefited with a green vegetable on the plate, broccoli, please. As I said our waitress was very efficient and pleasant. After our meal she said "I hear it's your anniversary, don't go away". In a few minutes she brought us a rather large strawberry short cake. It was delicious, the perfect end to a fine meal. It was on the house! We look forward to returning for another meal and perhaps a two night stay, as the hotel seems to be 19th century classic. All in all it was a great experience. If you are looking for a special place it would behoove you to check this place out. Kudos

I just stayed here for 3 nights and had a nice visit.. cute town, near beach, nice staff cute room,…read moreclose to Door County for the drive up. I had a little issue with a noisy group shooting pool and playing music late but staff on duty took care of it. Maybe they could post a sign in the room that the pool room closed at say 10 pm on weeknights or just lock the door. As for the decor, I've noticed comments on here about it being outdated... that's the charm people! It's got a retro feel.. that's what I loved about it. It's an old hotel in an old established town . But it has been updated! They've just kept the retro charm. The staff was very kind and friendly. I'd stay again

Great time. Great home cooked breakfast. Wonderful views of Lake Michigan. Amazing hosts. Star…read moregazing at night was spectacular. I really can't think of anything negative to say. We had a wonderful time.

We stayed in the Northwoods Suite and it was so comfy and cute! We arrived really late (but had let…read morethem know) so when we got there, there was a note with our key & directions on how to get to our room (as well as time for breakfast in the morning). There was a private outdoor stairway to our cozy room, so we didn't feel like we were disturbing anyone with our late night arrival. We settled in, took showers, and fell asleep to the waves crashing on the shore right outside of our room. Woke up in the morning in time for the delicious breakfast that Kari had made. My partner and I knew that we'd enjoy this place when she walked out in a KISS shirt and worn jeans. :-) She served delicious Mexican Egg Casserole (the gentleman next to me had 2 full servings!) with sides of fresh blueberries (soooo good), sausage links, cantaloupe, and strawberries. Everything was so good and the Coffee was nice & black! I would have eaten more, but my stomach was already expanded as much as it would allow. Delightful conversation with Kari, as well as with the other guests (return visitors). And outside, along the shoreline - HAMMOCKS! And fire pits. :) This would be a great 4th of July destination or even just a long weekend. We really enjoyed ourselves and the hospitality was so wonderful. Next time we come this direction, We'll definitely stay here for longer than 1 night.

This is a little-known property in Door County, WI. The property includes 3 rental options. I will…read morebriefly touch on each of the 3 options. This review is primarily for the smallest cottage, the Firefly, built in 1948 by the owner's father and grandfather which my husband and I have stayed twice (2011, 2012). For those of you who haven't visited Door County, it is the "thumb" that juts out from the mitten-shaped state of Wisconsin. A peninsula, it's chock-full of nostalgia and quintessential locales that are down right Norman Rockwell. The Firefly cottages are situated just outside the largest city in Door County, Sturgeon Bay, WI. The property is on a very private lot with beach-side cottages in a quaint spot just north of one of the most picturesque lighthouses on the peninsula. It faces the lake side of Lake Michigan so the water is colder than the bay side and referred to as "the quiet side" of the peninsula. While it is perfect for a quiet getaway, it is not directly within walking or biking distance of shops or restaurants, unless you're an avid cyclist. We have stayed at this property 2 years in a row now, both times around the 4th of July. As I mentioned, this property includes three different rental options, so you will have other renters with you on the property however it still remains very private. The newest and most modern construction rental option and also the largest is called the hideaway (https://sites.google.com/site/fireflycottages3/the-hideaway-cottage). It sits the furthest back from the shore behind the firefly cottage and has more modern amenities. I have not stayed in this particular unit. It sits behind the firefly so may have more obstructed views of the lake but is bigger, more modern, and has a cool fire pit in the yard. The larger of the cabins, the Viking (https://sites.google.com/site/fireflycottages3/the-viking), is a quintessential summer family getaway. There is a big, open great room that includes living room, dining room, kitchen. It's very well maintained by its loving owner. The house also includes a bedroom and a lofted sleeping area with two double-beds. There is also a full bath with tub so it's great for families at all stages and of all sizes. I would recommend trying to rent the Viking if you have more than 2 adults or more than 3 people. The smallest of the cottages, the Firefly is just perfect for a small family, romantic getaway for a couple, or individual reflection retreat. We have had the most lovely time both times we have stayed here. There is literally no (AT&T) cell phone service so be prepared to be totally unplugged. Took me a day or two to get used to this and I totally recommend doing it. Hey, you only get away once or twice a year. The emails can wait. And if you really need access, you can go into "town." The Firefly cottage is basically a one-room cottage with a little porch on the front (see my pics!). There is a little kitchen that we found to have everything we needed. There is a queen size bed in the main room, and a small, non-working fireplace makes the place feel even more quaint. The front porch has a couch that pulls out into a bed. We brought along an extra camping mattress and put it on top of the pullout mattress the year the boys came along with us and they seemed to sleep very comfortable - and they are big teenage boys! The beach: sandy and beautiful. We spent many days just sunbathing or playing bocce ball along the beach. It is stunning! The only downside we found is that every few years the ale wife (minnow) die off. This results in a beach littered with dead fish (yuck). We still had a great time and just had to do a little tidying of the beach. There's no way to tell when this death of thousands of fish will occur so there's no point in trying to worry about it when you make your plans. The locals don't give it much of a thought. If you are a dog lover, this is a perfect spot for you. Irene allows pets and our dog had a stellar time chasing seagulls and snapdragons the entire weekend. Love. The Firefly is more suited for an individual or romantic retreat for a couple than for a family of 4 but could work for a small family if the children are small. The shower is small so swim and enjoy!!! (drafted July 2012)

This place is what you think of when you think of a little cottage in door county. It is rustic and…read morecharming and has everything you need to have an amazing week. Across the street is Lake Michigan and a little fire pit on the beach that is perfect to gather groups around and catch up. The sunsets are amazing. Literally look like something out of a movie. Stay here. It will be one of the most memorable vacations.

Gorgeous indoor and outdoor space. We went to a wedding there and we were blown away by elegance…read moreand natural beauty.

Excellent wedding venue. Beautifully landscaped outdoor area and tastefully decorated reception…read morespace. Pleasant staff.

Always a great experience when traveling with Bablers. Been on several trips and hopefully many…read moremore!

Fantastic from start to finish. Great equipment, captain and crew we're amazing. Lots of sore…read moremuscles the next day but we're in our 60's. Ended up limiting out. I'm hooked, can't wait to try again.

Awesome boat, crew experience. Nice enclosed cabin in case…read moreof inclement weather. Captain Byron and crew Tim were great. Very professional and engaging. Unfortunately one of our group was suffering from an intestinal ailment (no not sea sick!) The captain had no issues pulling up the gear and getting us back. If I'm up here again. They will be called!