Olde Mill Inn: Clarkston's Most Romantic Getaway (Waterford, MI)

Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston Waterford (MI) United States

Olde Mill Inn: Clarkston's Most Romantic Getaway (Waterford, MI)

Olde Mill Inn: Clarkston's Romantic Getaway – My Real, Unfiltered Take (Waterford, MI)

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind stay at the Olde Mill Inn and, well, let's just say it's left its mark. Forget the sterile, sanitized reviews you usually read. I'm talking real feels, the good, the slightly wonky, and the "OMG, I need another mimosa" moments. This is for anyone considering a romantic escape, specifically in the Waterford, Clarkston, or general Metro Detroit area. Let's just dive in, shall we?

First, the Vibe: Romantic, But Not Pretension

The vibe at Olde Mill Inn is definitely… romantic. Think fireplaces, cozy nooks, and that whole "escape the world" thing. It's the kind of place where you could wear a silk robe all weekend and no one would bat an eye. But, thankfully, it's not the snooty, overly-perfumed romanticism. It’s refreshingly real.

Accessibility – Okay, Let's be Honest…

• Accessibility: Okay, I didn't personally need any accessibility features, but I dug deep, ok? They list facilities for disabled guests, but I'm not getting the sense it is super user-friendly. They are on the lists though. So like, if you need to confirm it, call the property directly.

The Room: Where Dreams (and Sleep) are Made

We snagged a room with a fireplace (YES!) and, oh my god, the bed. Listen, I’m not kidding – the bed was like sinking into a cloud of pure bliss. Seriously, I think I spent half the weekend just trying to figure out how to replicate that mattress at home. The rooms have all the usual suspects like air conditioning, a coffee maker, a mini-bar (essential!), and free Wi-Fi (more on that later). The important stuff? Yes, they have blackout curtains and a bathtub (important for late-night wine rituals). Extra points for the bathrobes and slippers – essential for any true romantic getaway.

Let's Talk Wi-Fi. Oh Boy…

Alright, here's the thing. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Absolutely. But… the signal strength… could be slightly patchy. I mean, I'm a digital nomad, and I was feeling the pain when I was trying to upload some pictures. This is where the internet access – LAN comes into play.

• Internet, Internet [LAN]: They had a wired internet which was pretty solid.
• Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas : Wi-Fi was available in public areas, however, the lounge area was the best place to get a good signal, not being able to work in the hotel room was the only complaint i will make in this review.

Food, Glorious Food (And Booze!)

• A la carte in restaurant: I made a reservation at the restaurant.
• Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: The restaurant has a large mix of cuisines.
• Bar, Poolside bar: The bar was amazing.
• Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service: The breakfast buffet was an experience.
• Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: They had a coffee shop and coffee/tea in the restaurant,
• Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were amazing.
• Happy hour: The happy hour prices were very friendly.

The food situation is pretty darn good. I would definitely recommend an overnight stay.

• Restaurants: Multiple restaurants.
• Room service [24-hour]: They had a robust 24-hour room service.
• Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: The salad and soup was above average.
• Vegetarian restaurant: They had some vegetarian options.
• Bottle of water is free.

Relax and Unwind (Or, My Spa Obsession)

Okay, this is where the Olde Mill Inn really shines. They have a whole spa situation, and I, a self-confessed spa junkie, was in heaven. I went all in. I am not one to relax, but boy did I ever.

• Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: A full body scrub, massage, and body wrap.
• Fitness center, Gym/fitness: They have a small fitness center.
• Pool with view: The view from the pool was amazing.
• Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: These things are all at the property.

The Spa Experience – My Soul Said "Ahhh"

The massage? Oh. My. Goodness. I went for Swedish (classic, right?) and my therapist was amazing. She actually listened when I said I wanted a medium pressure (so many places go too light!). I actually fell asleep. Which, for me, is the ultimate compliment. The sauna and steam room were hot and steamy (just how I like it), and the outdoor pool gave you an unreal feeling. It was the kind of pampering that makes you feel like a brand-new person. Seriously, I left feeling like I’d shed ten years (and a whole lot of stress).

Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe & Sound

In these current times it's always good to know safety protocols:

• Anti-viral cleaning products: Yup
• Cashless payment service: They offered that.
• Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays: They are taking this very seriously.
• Hand sanitizer: They have hand sanitizer all over the place.
• Hot water linen and laundry washing: Yes.
• Hygiene certification: Likely.
• Individually-wrapped food options: Available.
• Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They are asking you to keep your distance.
• Professional-grade sanitizing services: Apparently so.
• Safe dining setup: The dining setup was safe.
• Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yes.
• Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff was very trained.

Things to Do – Beyond the Room (and Spa!)

• Things to do, ways to relax: This place is mostly a place to relax.

Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter

• Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
• Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: They have facilities for meetings.
• Cash withdrawal: There is a machine on site.
• Concierge, Doorman: They have a concierge service.
• Contactless check-in/out: They have contactless check-in/out.
• Daily housekeeping: They have daily housekeeping.
• Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Dry cleaning, ironing, and laundry services are available.
• Elevator: Yes.
• Facilities for disabled guests: They have dedicated facilities.
• Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop: Food delivery and gift/souvenir shopping are available.
• Indoor venue for special events: They have an indoor venue.
• Luggage storage: Yes.
• Safety deposit boxes: They have safety deposit boxes.
• Terrace: The terrace is amazing.

For the Kids (If You Must!)

• Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Kids facilities: Kid-focused services are available.

Getting Around (And Parking!)

• Airport transfer: Airport transfer is available.
• Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Plenty of parking options.
• Taxi service: Taxi service is available.

The Small Details (That I Notice)

• Bottle of water: Free bottled water! Always appreciated.
• Additional toilet: Yes.
• Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.

The Quirks and the Not-So-Perfect Bits

Look, no place is perfect. While the overall experience was fantastic, here's what I'd consider constructive criticism:

• The Wi-Fi: As I mentioned. Improve the Wi-Fi!
• The Location: Be aware: It's a bit off the beaten path. You'

Unveiling Ritz Heritage Lonavala: India's Hidden Luxury Paradise!

Book Now

Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston Waterford (MI) United States

Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're diving headfirst into… well, the Olde Mill Inn in Clarkston, Waterford, Michigan. Prepare for a rollercoaster. (And maybe pack some antacids, just in case.)

The "Get Real" Olde Mill Inn Expedition - AKA My Brain on Vacation

Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh God, I Forgot My…" Syndrome

• 1:00 PM (ish) - Arrival at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW): Okay, so I technically arrived. After battling the TSA (let's just say my carry-on is now apparently "suspicious" due to the sheer volume of emergency snacks I packed), I finally stumbled out into the glorious, humid embrace of Michigan. My first impression? "Wow, that air conditioning feels GOOD." And then it hit me… the **OH GOD I FORGOT MY CHARGER! ** I am destined to be disconnected from the world. Wonderful. Let the digital detox BEGIN (kinda).

• 2:30 PM - Rental Car Debacle: The rental car place. Always a classic. This time, they tried to upsell me on a monster truck. "Sir, you need this for the potholes." I'm pretty sure I have the same potholes at home. I ended up with a very sensible rental car. Named her "Bertha." She seems a little grumpy though.

• 3:30 PM - Arrival at Olde Mill Inn: Driving through the tree-lined streets towards the Inn, I felt a pang of "Is this real?" and I immediately start taking pictures of everything. Seriously, what is wrong with me? The exterior is charming, all brick and ivy-covered… and the sign says "Established 1848". My brain did a little happy dance. I was expecting a slightly musty smell, instead, it's fresh and clean!

• 4:00 PM - Check-in/Room Exploration: "The staff is so friendly. My room is small and cozy, the bedspread is… well, let's say it's seen some things, but the overall vibe is quaint. I swear, there’s a faint smell of old books. YES! This is exactly what I hoped for. I might just live in this bed all weekend. It's so soft… wait, IS THAT A GHOST (just kidding, probably…)"

• 4:30 PM - First Walkabout: I immediately go outside and start exploring the grounds. The gardens are gorgeous, a riot of color that feels a world away from the concrete jungle I usually inhabit. I start to feel this wave of calm wash over me. I decide to sit on a bench, close my eyes, and just… breathe. Until a rogue wasp decided my face was the perfect place to land, and I yelped like a banshee. So, the "calm" lasted about 30 seconds. Michigan, you're keeping me on my toes.

• 6:00 PM - Dinner at the Inn's Restaurant (The Mill Room): Okay, this is where things get… interesting. I'm starving, so I ordered the prime rib. I'm pretty sure this prime rib may be the best I've ever tasted. It melts in my mouth AND the service is divine. I'm a little bit in love with this place! After a long day of travel, this is exactly what my soul needed

• 7:30 PM - Evening Stroll and Bedtime Brainstorm: Walk outside once more, feel the breeze and watch the colors change. I also have a plan for tomorrow.

Day 2: A Whirlwind of History, Heartbreak (Maybe), and a Whole Lot of Food

• 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Inn (Coffee, oh glorious coffee!): The breakfast buffet is… well, it's breakfast. Scrambled eggs. Bacon. Sausage. Toast. Standard fare, but enough to get me going. The coffee, however, is a revelation. The smell of the coffee! It's like a warm hug first thing in the morning, so I spend a little too long at the coffee.
• 9:00 AM - Historical Exploration - The Clarkston Area: So, I had the brilliant idea of diving deep into the history of the Clarkston area. I'm picturing dusty archives, faded letters, and maybe a really cool old church. I end up getting lost in the historical society archives! I wasn't expecting so much small-town charm.
• 12:00 PM - Lunch at a Local Diner: A recommendation from the innkeeper led me to a diner. I went rogue and ordered the "heart attack on a plate" (bacon cheeseburger with onion rings). No regrets. In fact, let's just say it was the best part of history and let's just leave it at that.
• 1:00 PM - The "Accidental" Antique Shop: I had a strong urge to wander. This led me to a cute little antique shop. It’s the kind of place you get lost in for hours, surrounded by the ghosts of the past. Not only I did buy a bunch of things but I saw a woman CRY over an item because of what it meant to her. It's as if a tiny piece of history got a hold of me. It was strangely emotional.
• 3:00 PM - Nap Time (Because, Vacation): The antique shop combined with a large lunch and history is tiring, let's give it a rest.
• 4:00 PM - Afternoon Tea (and Emotional Detachment): I decided to try the Afternoon Tea at the Inn. I'm not usually a tea person, but there were tiny sandwiches. This was the highlight of the afternoon. It was actually not nearly as stuffy as I feared. The staff were so nice, and this tea was amazing. I even felt a little posh.
• 6:00 PM - Dinner at the Inn's Restaurant (The Mill Room): The prime rib was so good the first time, I decided to do it again. The portions were perfect. I'm pretty sure I can get used to this whole "fine dining" scene.
• 7:30 PM - Evening Stroll and Bedtime Brainstorm: I sit on the porch, watch the sky change colors, and think about how much I'm loving the quiet. The night is warm and the air smells of freshly cut grass. Tomorrow, I have to get back to reality but the beauty of this moment is making that difficult. I make a solemn promise to return.

Day 3: The Farewell and the "I'm Already Planning My Return" Blues

• 8:00 AM - "Last Supper" Breakfast: The final breakfast is bittersweet. I try to savor every bite of bacon, knowing this paradise is ending soon.
• 9:00 AM - Final Walk of the Grounds: Before I leave, I make sure I walk the entire property one last time. After a bit of a walk, I reach the gazebo. I sit down, and close my eyes, feeling every last bit of the stillness before the chaos resumes.
• 10:00 AM - Check-Out and the "Goodbye, Olde Mill Inn" Sob: Checking out is surprisingly difficult. I feel like I'm saying goodbye to a good friend. I promise to come back soon. The staff are all so kind.
• 10:30 AM - Departure for the Airport: The drive back to Detroit flashes by in a blur of highway.
• 12:00 PM - Goodbye, Michigan! (Until Next Time!): Back at the airport and waiting for my flight, I can't help but already start planning my next trip back. This place is a little bit of heaven on earth, and I can't wait to experience it again.
• 1:00 PM - The Flight Home…

This itinerary is a mess, but that's how memories are made. They're messy, they're imperfect, and they're wonderfully human. Take the risks, get lost in the details, and savor every moment. You never know when you'll be back! (And maybe, just maybe, I'll remember my charger next time.)

Escape to Goa: Monkey Mind Hostel's Paradise Found!

Book Now

Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston Waterford (MI) United States

Olde Mill Inn: Clarkston's Most Romantic Getaway - Or Is It? My Messy FAQ

Okay, is this place REALLY romantic? Like, are we talking Notebook-level tears and declarations of love, or more like 'awkward dinner with your in-laws' romantic?

Alright, let's get REAL here. "Romantic" is in the eye of the beholder, right? And frankly, my eye, after a few too many glasses of the house wine, can see romance in a soggy ham sandwich. But the Olde Mill Inn (Waterford, MI) *tries*. They really do. The ambiance is definitely on the right track. Think low lighting, fireplaces, and those ridiculously fluffy robes that make you feel like you should be sipping hot cocoa and judging everyone's life choices from the comfort of your own… well, your own bedroom. My boyfriend (now husband, because, you know, love and stuff) and I went a few years back. I'd been wanting a romantic getaway all year but honestly, things had been so frazzled at work. So, going into this, I was a bit stressed, and frankly, exhausted and not fully feeling the "magic." We get there, gorgeous setting, cozy room. He opened the door and the first thing he did was trip on the rug! Perfect, eh? But then, he just started laughing. That's when I realized how good it would be. Then we sat by the fireplace. But then... ...the fireplace smoked! Like, filled the whole room with the scent of char and old wood. Talk about killing the mood. We had to open the windows! That kinda killed the cozy vibe we were hoping for. BUT, when we looked at the stars from the open windows. It was magnificent. So yeah, *sometimes* it's Notebook-level... if you’re into slightly smoky declarations of love under a breathtaking sky. Other times? It's more like 'awkward giggle' level after the rug incident. Overall? Mostly romantic, just be prepared for a few charming imperfections.

What's the deal with the food? Is it actually GOOD? Or is it just expensive, pretty, and... disappointing?

Alright, the food. Ah, the food. Okay, the Olde Mill Inn has a restaurant and, if I'm being honest, it's where things get a little… uneven. One night, I swear I ordered the steak. It was cooked perfectly! Melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I ate it like I was a starving werewolf and it had just come out from the oven. I'm talking serious "satisfied sigh" level goodness. The other night, I ordered the same steak. It was a different night, and a different experience. The steak came out more like shoe leather. Like, I could have bounced it on the floor. I sent it back, politely (*cough*), and they were apologetic, but the replacement still wasn't as good as the first one! So my advice? Go with the specials. Those seem to be where the chef's heart (and skills) are. Or be prepared to take a gamble. Maybe pack a few snacks. Seriously. I felt like I should have brought some jerky and trail mix as a survival mechanism. Maybe it was just me, though. But the disappointment of the steak can sour an evening pretty fast. But, the dessert was heavenly. Always.

Let's talk pricing. Is this place going to make me weep when I see the bill?

Yes. Absolutely. Prepare for some wallet weeping. The Olde Mill Inn is definitely a splurge. It’s not, like, Buckingham Palace expensive, but it's not, "let's go grab a cheap burger" affordable either. Consider it an investment in… well, romance, supposedly. Or at least in a weekend where you *pretend* to be carefree and wealthy while quietly calculating the interest on your credit card. Do a good search for deals and think about when you want to visit. Book in advance, that always helps. Try to relax and just enjoy the moment. Even if it costs you a small fortune. Sometimes, you just have to do it for a little romance and quality time.

What are the rooms like? Are they all the same, or do you get a better room if you book in advance?

The rooms? They vary! There are different types, suites etc. The photos they show online are pretty accurate. They are trying for a certain ambiance, and they hit the mark. Some have fireplaces, some have whirlpool tubs (those are *definitely* a plus). Some (like our first!) have the aforementioned smoking fireplace incident. I'd say research the rooms before you book. See if you can call and ask about location, and be really clear about what is important to you in a stay. This is *not* a place where you can just show up and expect everything to be perfect. I've heard some horror stories about rooms being not up to par. That might have been us, but, honestly, I think it kind of adds to the memory! But do the research first. Do book in advance. The better rooms definitely go first. And if you can snag one with a whirlpool tub? DO IT. Soak your worries away in warm bubbling water! That’s my advice is to just go for the full extravagance factor. Just relax. It's supposed to be *romantic*, remember? I remember thinking, "I NEED this," and that's what I did. I needed the relaxation.

Are there any activities near the Olde Mill Inn? What can you *do* besides eat, sleep, and make googly eyes at each other?

Okay, so, the Olde Mill Inn itself is focused on… well, the Inn. As in, staying *in* the Inn. Eating, sleeping, and googly eyes, that's the primary directive. But, and this is a big BUT, there *are* things to do nearby. Clarkston and Waterford are pretty close. You've got some cute little shops, a few decent restaurants (in case you don't love the Inn's food 100%), and, depending on the season, outdoor activities. I've spent a good few hours in the shops, and a good few days going hiking. If you're into outdoorsy stuff, there are some trails nearby. You can go for a walk, see the scenery, and pretend you're in a romantic movie. There are a few golf courses as well. Be prepared to drive a bit. Make sure you have a car, and make sure you have a plan. If you don't you might spend hours looking at each other and wondering what to do. Which is fine. But plan it out!

What's the service like? Is it attentive and friendly, or are the staff just going through the motions?

Service is… a mixed bag. Again! It *mostly* is generally friendly and pleasant, but you’re also dealing with a place that’s trying to maintain a certain level of, well, "charm." This can sometimes translate into a slightly… slow pace. Be patient. The staff wants you to enjoy yourself, but they aren't always the most *efficient*. And if the service is a little slow, just relax, and soak it in! You're on a romantic getaway, right? Be the calm that the rest of the guests needs. Also, tip accordingly! A little extra kindness and the staff will bend over backwards to try to give you aBook For Rest

Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston Waterford (MI) United States

Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston Waterford (MI) United States

Location:

Share :