Hotel Kilbourne Sandusky: A Boutique Hotel Review

Have you ever taken a trip for the sole purpose of staying at a hotel? A recent visit to Hotel Kilbourne Sandusky was the reason for a quick trip to Lake Erie. The hotel offered so much more than a place to rest our heads for the night. Here’s the scoop on what we loved and what you can expect when you visit.

Road trips have become a way of life for my family. Whether it’s a two-week long jaunt down the East Coast or a quick, overnight stay, packing the car and hitting the road can be exhilarating and refreshing. Our latest road trip to Sandusky and the Hotel Kilbourne was a fun way to break up the winter. It was also a cool home base for checking out Sandusky proper and finding out what’s new and hot in town.

Hotel Kilbourne Sandusky: A Room Overview

So let’s get the stats out of the way right now. Hotel Kilbourne offers nine rooms (I told you it was a boutique hotel!) with two view styles: city or bay. Yep, it sits across the street from Sandusky Bay and, if you book a room with a bay view, you’ll thank yourself.

Mr. Locke and I had a Luxury Lake View King Room and, from the moment I walked in, I found myself drawn to the view. mind you, it was still very chilly when we visited, but the view of Lake Erie and even Cedar Point was refreshing.

Tip: Each of the nine guest rooms has a king bed, so no worries about having to downsize from your bed at home.

Hotel Kilbourne Guest Room Amenities

If I think for a sec about what a cool guest room would look like, I could do no better than our room at Hotel Kilbourne.

I’m not kidding.

You won’t find a landline telephone on the nightstand or decorative pillows on the bed. Truth? I always put them on the floor anyway for fear that 1000 other guests have used them. You also won’t find a tub in the bathroom.

What you will find are super comfy mattresses with soft sheets and pillows, a mini fridge, closet to put your stuff, and large, flatscreen tele. You’ll also find a large, walk-in glass and brick shower, large vanity and sink area, and fluffy towels in the bathroom. Did I mention free wifi? Yeah, that, too.

If you love a good caffeinated beverage in the morning, no worries there, either. A Nespresso machine sits on the desk with plenty of options.

Check the mini fridge for free bottled water, too. Hungry? The front desk area offers flavored water and snacks to keep you going until you can grab a bite to eat.

Hotel Kilbourne Sandusky Dining Options

Fitting well with the hip, laidback vibe of Hotel Kilbourne, OH Taco is the property’s onsite restaurant. The menu has plenty of creative versions of the classic tacos, craft brews, and some of the best tortilla soup I’ve ever tried.

As for a good spot to relax, Moseley’s Public House is where Mr. Locke and I finished out the night during our visit. Through the week you’ll find it pretty quiet, but when the weekend hits it’s filled with out-of-towners and locals wanting great craft beers and good company. No worries if you’re not staying at the hotel – both are walk-ins as well.

Tip: Moseley’s Channel is on the lobby floor. During holidays, warmer and events, Moseley’s Rooftop is opened.

What’s Around Hotel Kilbourne?

Plenty, especially if you like mom and pop shops. We spent a couple of hours walking around Downtown Sandusky looking for unique shops and dining and found both.

Just a couple of doors down from Hotel Kilbourne is Soda Pop’s, an old fashioned candy store with a back room complete with antique toys and old school video games.

Walk a block or two up the street and you’ll find the brand new Paddle & Climb, an outdoor-lover’s dream shop. Not only can you rent paddle boards, you can try your luck on its indoor climbing wall.

If you dig classic theaters, a quick walk to Columbus Street and the Sandusky State Theater is a must. With live concerts and shows (the week we visited comedian Ron White was in town), the theater has been around since 1918 and its classic look and feel is lovely.

Columbus Street Dining

Then there are the restaurants on Columbus Street. We like to try a little something different when we visit a new city, so we asked the locals where we should go for a good meal. The answer? Small City Taphouse. At first sight, it looked like a tap room meets bar food-style restaurant.

After looking at the menu, my mind was completely changed. Check this out: it has 60 craft brew taps, a Pan-Asian menu (think sushi and really good noodle bowls) and a family-friendly atmosphere. It also tends to get pretty packed so make sure to score a table early.

And last, but far from least, if you’re over 21 like to partake in a classic adult beverage, check out Volstead Bar. Based on an underground speakeasy, you won’t find a “bar” sign outside, but will find traditional cocktails, early 20th Century music,  and intimate seating inside. Mr. Locke’s favorite? The classic Old Fashioned.

When you visit, make sure to get the scoop on the building’s history: it was everything from a winery to a brothel. I can’t make that up.

In a Nutshell

Honestly, there are plenty of hotel options in and around Cedar Point, if that’s what you’re going to the city for. But if you’re going for a laidback visit filled with cool spots to dine and shop, then Hotel Kilbourne Sandusky is the place for you. We had a lovely visit and I’d go again in a hot minute.

Disclosure: Thanks to the gang at Hotel Kilbourne for hosting us to give you fine folks the scoop on what makes the property so great for visitors.