The hype
Travelers love the mid-century aesthetic and the incredible staff, but everyone agrees the noise isolation is lacking.
The Oxbow Hotel
$110-250/ night
Book this if You want a hipster-approved, music-centric basecamp owned by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, right in the heart of downtown.
Why People Love It
- In-room record players with a curated vinyl library in the lobby
- The Lakely — an on-site jazz bar and farm-to-table restaurant that punches way above its weight
- Free bike, kayak, and canoe rentals to explore the nearby Chippewa River
Quick Take: A cooler-than-thou motel conversion that trades soundproofing for vibes and standard amenities for vinyl records.
Reviewed by @urbanbirddogs: I’m obsessed with how truly dog-friendly this spot is—my pup claimed the bed immediately! We spent the evening on the patio by the fire pit, then chilled in the room spinning vinyl records. It felt like a cool apartment, not just a hotel room.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Main House' rooms are above a lively bar/venue; if there's a show, you're part of the audience whether you like it or not.
- You own more than 50 vinyl records
- You prioritize a lively lobby scene over dead silence
- You want to walk to the Pablo Center or Phoenix Park
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable, though some long-term dust has been noted on baseboards.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but older grout lines in the 'Flats' bathrooms can look dingy.
- Maintenance: Most things work, but the vintage aesthetic sometimes masks actual wear and tear.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and standard quality; nothing ultra-luxe but perfectly acceptable.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like woodsmoke (intentional) and coffee; rooms are generally fresh, though some dampness noted in ground-floor units.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Live jazz and bass from The Lakely (Main House rooms)
- Hallway conversations and slamming doors
- Street noise in The Flats (motel-style exterior corridors)
Before you book
Good to know
- The $10 resort fee is actually good value if you use the bikes and kayaks
- Breakfast is very light (bagels/fruit/coffee) — plan to eat brunch elsewhere
- Parking is free but the lot can fill up during events; overflow is across the street
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (non-negotiable)
- Your favorite vinyl record (to play in your room)
- Walking shoes for the sculpture tour and river trails
Room Genie
Best picks
- Main House Suites for interior corridors and more space
- Top floor of 'The Flats' for a shared balcony and less foot traffic overhead
Rooms to avoid
- Main House rooms directly above The Lakely stage (unless you're attending the show)
- Ground floor Flats rooms near the parking lot (headlights and foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love a room in the Main House on the top floor, as far from the elevator and The Lakely stage as possible for quiet. If in the Flats, top floor please.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is no pool. Some third-party sites are wrong. There is occasionally a sauna for special events only.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, but only in 'The Flats' (motel building) patio/balcony rooms. $50/night fee applies.
Does the room have a fridge?
Yes, all rooms have a mini-fridge and a fully stocked minibar with local Wisconsin treats.
Is breakfast included?
Technically yes, but it's a 'light continental' (bagels, fruit, yogurt) on weekdays. Don't expect eggs and bacon.
How much is parking?
Free self-parking is included in the $10 experience fee.
Who owns the hotel?
It's co-owned by Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver fame), which explains the heavy focus on music and local art.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask the front desk for the 'Vinyl Library' list — you can check out records to play in your room.
- ✨
The 'Koldtbord' at The Lakely is a must-order: a Scandinavian-style charcuterie board that changes daily.
- ✨
Guests get priority access/discounts for some events at The Lakely; check the calendar before you arrive.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Main House' and 'The Flats' are two totally different vibes: one is a historic hotel, the other is a renovated motel.
💡The bathroom tiles in older rooms can look a bit tired (grout issues reported).
💡There is no elevator in the Flats building — pack light if you're on the second floor.
💡The 'Experience Fee' is charged even if you don't touch a bike or a record player.
💡The lobby coffee (Wonderstate) is actually excellent, not generic hotel sludge.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Oxbow Hotel is located and what's nearby.