I'm a huge supporter of independent, local businesses and have never before written a negative review of a hotel or Inn, but my young son and I were made to feel like an inconvenience at the Ashwood. We received a text saying that contactless check-in (due to Covid, even though it's March 2023), meant the door to our room would be left unlocked with the key inside. Given that this is a pitch-dark country roadside motel (under the guise of the name "Inn") , I felt this was creepy. Anyone aware of the check-in system could have been waiting inside the room. I'm a woman, and was travelling with my child. As we approached the suite, we noticed a huge can of cigarette butts perched on the windowsill. The door from outside turned out to be locked, so we entered through the deserted lobby. We found the inside hallway door to our room unlocked. The outside door was jammed. On our second trip though the lobby to bring our luggage inside, two women emerged from behind the front desk (from what appeared to be their home) and announced (in a friendly way) that we'd need to come and go via the outside door to our room because the front desk and entrance were closed 8pm-8am. It was around 8:45pm at the time. I explained that the door to our room was jammed, but they did not offer to check it or put us in a different room, even though we appeared to be their only guests for the night. Next, we discovered what appeared to be a blood stain on the quilt, right where a person would sit. Because we'd been informed in no uncertain terms that the front desk was closed, we simply removed the quilt and turned up the heater, which was extremely loud and smelled of hot dust. There were no extra blankets to be found. When I politely brought these issues to the Inn's attention at check-out, the response was defensive, implying I should have contacted the front desk or done a better job of searching for blankets (apparently housed in the TV cabinet, the drawers of which were also jammed -or painted- shut). Apparently, everything is the customer's fault at the Ashwood. You're probably thinking, why didn't you just cut your losses, run screaming from this apparent dive and find a good, safe hotel? The answer is, freezing rain. I recognize that it's low season in a beach town, but under no circumstances in any season would I be okay with finding a stain like this on a bedspread, with being made to feel unsafe and unwelcome from the moment of arrival or with having to deal with broken/jammed door locks. Before leaving, we walked past the advertised indoor pool, out of pure curiosity. It was out of order, and the hallway leading to it smelled strongly of mold and mildew. The Inn had every opportunity to make this situation right for us. I provided honest, polite feedback. Instead, they took no responsibility, offered no refund, discount or even future stay (as most respectable hotels would have done). My follow-up text (still polite) went undelivered (I assume my number was blocked - they already had my money). This is why I'm choosing to post a public review. Do not be fooled by the cute, beachy-vibe photos of this place. Apart from the stain, it was relatively clean, comfortable and quiet. However, the service we received was nothing short of abysmal. The baby muskrat was cute and harmless, though. read more

The Ashwood Inn - Blood (?) stain on quilt. - Hotels Near Me - Bayfield, Ontario

See all

The pictures are a lot better than reality. The rooms are quaint but it is all basically one big room so if you are in a group, don't expect any privacy. Even upstairs is connect with an open balcony. If that is your thing then great, but not good for young kids as the stairs are dangerous. There is no real beach nearby. There is a small breach in the down across the river but any half decent beach is a 20 min drive. Due to covid, they are only allowing one family to be in the pool per hour which you need to make a reservation. This is a good idea but you really need to plan ahead. read more

This review is not based on their food, as we seemed to have stopped in after the kitchen was closed. I'm reviewing this as a nightlife spot as we stopped in for a drink at night, only to find a packed house and rocking funk band on stage which was a refreshing change of pace from what I'm used to expecting in this neck of the woods. I've always felt indifferent about nightlife in this area of cottage country. My previous experiences include places like The Docks that always felt empty as the room is so big and usually had mediocre music acts, so the place always felt lacking in energy and I'd always just end up sitting on their patio. The Black Dog admittedly just never really locked in a nightlife type of vibe despite efforts of the past and getting higher quality musical bookings. The Ashwood seems to have found the sweet spot though. The room is just big enough that it gets busy and there is an energy amongst those in attendance, and its management has a lot of experience with booking musical acts for the town in the past which will surely work in its favor. Looking at the drink menu, you'll find an arms length of various bourbon options which is true to being a bourbon bar. Myself being a beer guy, I settled in with a craft brewed pint of Spearhead Sam Roberts Band Session Ale which was on tap alongside a variety of other curated beer options including Steamwhistle, Blanche de Chambly, Boddingtons, PBR, and some other lesser memorable options. I'd give their beer list credit for trying - not falling victim to being the same boring main brands. I will admit that a proper IPA would round out the list better, but I'm just nitpicking at this point. The only true downside I can actually think of is that getting to the bar can be tough since there is a small gap between the bar and then rows of chairs facing a small separating wall with drink ledge before the seats and tables fill the main space, and lots of people like to just get their drink and stay bunkered down at the bar not giving much room to work within. But in the end, I think Bayfield may have found its best option for nightlife yet and for that, 5 stars it gets. Next time I'll just have to get there before the kitchen closes. read more

First time at this place, as we were visiting Bayfield on a little vacation. We were a group seven and went for drinks and dinner. It's an odd little place that has an unassuming exterior, and is attached to a motel. Apparently the interior was just redone, which is quite nice and features some pretty nice solid wood tables and bar. Service was slow and nothing to write home about, but still friendly. Likewise, the food was good but nothing magical. Probably amongst the best you'll get in the area. We found the portioning of the entrees to be a bit strange, as the chicken was huge and enough to feed two, while the trout left many of us wanting a snack afterwards. They also have a nice cocktail list with a decent draught selection. read more

Would have felt better about the whole experience if our server had a little bit more life in her. My experience of eating out is helped lots by staff being friendly or at least have some respect for me as a fellow human being. Me and a friend had searched other places late last week for somewhere anywhere to eat. We were told to visit Ashwood and loved the decor. The food was quite good but with a room full of 8 others, getting a drink or anything like simple service was like pulling teeth. Will go back for a second try. read more

I came here for the first time and I really love what they have done with the place. All aspects exceeded my expectations and I will be back! The service was exceptional and you can really tell that the workers, In the hotel an restaurant, really try to make your stay the best it can be, and then some! The food was beyond tasty, it was really elegant and it really makes you feel like you're living the high life. The patio that is currently in the makings is looking fabulous and will create such a lovely atmosphere, no matter the occasion. Whether coming in after a fancy event, or just looking for a place to dine in quaint little Bayfield, the atmosphere makes you feel so welcome for a lovely and relaxing evening. read more

Came here for breakfast on a weekend getaway to grand bend. Simply blown away. Big patio in the midst of nature, superb quality with local organic ingredients and small simple seasonally inspired menu. We were told that the place is great for dinner and drinks as well. read more

Just went to lunch and had a fantastic way meal! Best tomato bisque I have ever had. Loved the quality of service and cool ambience. Will definitely be back. Also a venue for great bands with an amazing summer line up. Check out the cool Ash bar! read more

Dinner & drinks turned into a party! Staff was so friendly, from fun pickup on the Ashwoody bus (Amy) to a lively server (Esther). Of course food & drink were great too. We will be returning for some of the games & entertainment! read more