Original Springs Hotel

Run down, dirty (needs a good cleaning). Paint chipping, musty old carpet. No working smoke detector in our room (unplugged). Front deck said she would report but there was a detector in the hall. They had to put a different TV in our room. Old mattress with stained up box springs. Please cover those nasty box springs, yuck. We arrived to the bath house for our mineral bath to be told it was cancelled due to mechanical problems. Restaurant food (dinner and breakfast) came with mixed reviews. The hordoures and wine were very good. The seafood on my platter was so overcooked I could only eat about half. This was an anniversary trip we wasted good money on. Should have stuck to a good restaurant as we usually do.

My wife and I decided on our first "spur of the moment" semi-retired mini vacay to head to southern Illinois and stay at this hotel for the weekend. True there is not much around to do and true, the hotel would be ripe for renovations but I argue that this is an experience you are likely not going to easily repeat again. Here are the positives you will find. Without exception the staff are friendly and helpful. The restaurant food is very good and what a value!?? $12 for an all you can eat Sunday Breakfast Buffet that is tasty and plentiful??? The hotel was quiet during our stay. In our case the room was clean and comfortable enough for our needs. The stairs are steep and the floors seem a little "wonky" but hey, 100 years ago people were treading those same stairs without complaint. The "Mineral Bath" is a nice experience again harking back to times gone by. My wife and I personally hope we never lose little gems like this that allow us to experience what our forebears have experienced, with a little "luxury" thrown in albeit a little toned down. Good luck to the hotel, owners, workers and town. We hope you manage to be with us for another generation.