From this cheerful inn located in the heart of the village of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, you can walk to the best restaurants and historic train depot. Clean, comfortable rooms and genuine hospitality make for a delightful stay at this Elkhart Lake WI lodging. Christi’s Inn is your practical alternative to Elkhart Lake hotels and Elkhart Lake resorts.
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Location
The inn is located in the center of Elkhart Lake village, just behind the historic train depot, where the Elkhart Lake farmers market happens every Saturday throughout the summer. It’s a block-and-a-half walk to two of Elkhart Lake’s finest eating establishments, Lake Street Café and The Paddock Club, and close to the Elkhart Lake Tiki Bar. In the mornings, you can stroll to Off the Rail coffee shop for your favorite made-to-order brew or from-scratch homemade deli treats. Breakfast ends at 11:15 when lunch begins.
It is less than a five-minute drive to Road America, Elkhart Lake, and The Osthoff Resort from Christi’s Inn. Siberian Outpost dog sledding is only 30 minutes away. The Osthoff Resort allows non-guests entry to their award-winning Aspira Spa, so be sure to book a relaxing body treatment if you enjoy pampering.
Style/character of this unique Elkhart Lake lodging
The large front porch and welcoming entry presents an air of hospitality for this Elkhart Lake lodging. That shouldn’t be a surprise since the sizeable inn was purpose-built as a boarding house back in 1921. The large Victorian was an Elkhart Lake bed and breakfast for many years, but breakfast is no longer offered. “It always was a boarding house,” said innkeeper Christi Lueck-Sadiq, whose family owned the Siebkens Resort just down the road until 2019. “I’ve been in the hospitality industry all my life.”
The interior of the Victorian foursquare is decorated in a hip, eclectic style. The sitting room— designed for lingering—is furnished with a fun combination of mid-century modern pieces, a pinball machine and a vintage Victrola. When I asked my host for the backstory of the Paul Newman movie poster on the wall in the comfortable community space, she lit up.
In the 1980s, when actor Paul Newman raced cars at Road America, he would stay at the Elkhart Lake resort that Christi’s parents owned. “We got to be family friends,” the innkeeper explained. “So much so that he would invite us to events in California during the off-season. And so, we’d go for family vacations.”
“One time, Paul was planning to make dinner for us when we got to California. He called up our Elkhart Lake resort and asked how many shrimps my Dad would eat. My Dad was a really big guy,” Christi laughed. She also remembered that as a teen she would knock on his door in the morning, which back then was the Siebken Resort’s customary “wake-up call.”
Service at Christi’s Inn, one of Elkhart Lake lodgings
Christi’s decades of experience in hospitality shows—the service at Christi’s Inn is friendly and accommodating. Tommy showed me to my room and double-checked the coffee supplies for the in-room coffee maker. He was knowledgeable about the area and suggested some places for dinner. The next morning after it snowed, he brushed the snow off my car windows. Now THAT is service!
Rooms: Christi’s Inn guestrooms are casual and comfortable
Christi’s Inn offers five different bedrooms, each with its own character. One room has a private bath, while the others share a bathroom. I loved that robes were provided in my guestroom. All rooms are equipped with central air, cable television, coffee makers, an in-room sink and vanity, and toiletries for your comfort.
Room One
Room One features a king bed and walk-in closet. I loved the 100% cotton towels, colorful bed linens and wool carpet over the hardwood floors. The original woodwork was offset with walls of calming green. The coat hangers next to the door were convenient for hanging my purse and car keys, as well as my yellow jacket.
Room Two
Room Two with a queen brass bed is a cheerful room decorated in the colors of citrus. The floor is carpeted, and a sink with a mirror is sparkling clean. Families may book this room together with Room Three as a locked door connects the two rooms.
Room Three
Room Three’s queen-sized four-poster bed is dressed in creams and calming blue tones. Windows on two walls let in lots of light. A small desk is part of the ensemble of this room that can be joined to Room Two.
Room Four
Room Four’s heritage blue walls make this spot feel cozy, and its twin beds are made up with comforters of manly blue plaids. An alcove is home to the in-room sink and wardrobe. The white wicker dresser, which sits on polished wood floors, provides enough storage for two.
Bathroom at this Elkhart Lake WI lodging
At Christi’s Inn, all rooms except Room Five share a bath. Just like what you would expect to find at a Elkhart Lake bed and breakfast, the bathroom has a clawfoot bathtub. The sparkling clean bathtub has a shower and a sink and toilet complete the bathroom. A separate shower room is also available just down the hall from Rooms 1-4.
Since Room Five was occupied during my stay, I did not take any photos of the guestroom that has a separate, attached bathroom.
Value for money
Double rooms from $75 in low season; and from $175 in high season. Note: During the Ryder Cup PGA tournament for one week in September, rooms are $200 per night. This is not an Elkhart Lakes bed and breakfast, so your stay does not include breakfast. Complimentary Wi-Fi and free parking.
Family-friendly
Christi’s Inn is family-friendly, with one room furnished with twin beds. For families who want fully-equipped kitchens, Christi also has house rentals. One is right across the street from Christi’s Inn.
The details of this Elkhart Lakes lodging
Christi’s Inn and House Rentals
121 S. East Street
P.O. Box 663
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin 53020
920-980-8803
Accommodation style
- City-center
- Self-catering
Style
- Boutique
- Budget
- Historic
- Private
Suitable for
- Family-friendly
- Small group
- Bachelor party
- Couple
Board level
- Room only
Facilities
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
As is common in the travel industry, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with accommodations for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the Arizona travel writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
In addition, this blog, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel, contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Stacey earns a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of keeping this travel blog active.
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