Otter Creek Inn

For those exploring "Hotels Near Of Me" in the heart of Alexandria Bay, New York, Otter Creek Inn presents itself as a conveniently located option with significant potential. Situated at 2 Crossmon St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607, USA, this motel offers a strategic base for experiencing the Thousand Islands region. You can contact them at (315) 482-5248 or +1 315-482-5248. It's important to note that Otter Creek Inn is currently under new ownership and is undergoing a revitalization process, with plans for significant upgrades to enhance the guest experience.

The Inn is a seasonal business, typically open from mid-May through mid-October, catering to the peak tourism season in the Thousand Islands. The front desk operates with limited hours, generally from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and extended hours until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. For arrivals outside these hours, guests can arrange for a late check-in by calling the front office for instructions.

Otter Creek Inn boasts a prime location in downtown Alexandria Bay, offering easy access to the St. Lawrence River. While specific details about the immediate surroundings (beyond the property itself) are not extensively detailed, its address indicates it's central, suggesting proximity to the village's amenities. The property offers a sun terrace and a garden, providing outdoor spaces for guests to relax. There are also barbecue grills and outdoor picnic areas available for guest use. Its location near Scenic View Park suggests pleasant outdoor spaces nearby. A significant advantage is its direct access to a marina and a conveniently adjacent public boat ramp, making it particularly appealing for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Some rooms may even offer views of the river, providing a pleasant backdrop for your stay.

Otter Creek Inn offers 32 to 34 air-conditioned guestrooms across two levels. The rooms are designed to provide essential comforts for an enjoyable stay. Room types typically include:

• Standard Rooms: These are available with either two double beds or one king bed. They generally measure around 288 sq ft.
• Premium Rooms: Some listings indicate "Premium Rooms" which might include a private hot tub in addition to standard amenities.
• Premium Studio Suites: These units are noted to feature kitchenettes and mini-fridges, offering a degree of self-catering capability.
• Efficiency Suites and Jacuzzi Suites: Under the new ownership, there are plans to introduce 3 Efficiency Suites and 2 Jacuzzi Suites, indicating an upgrade in room offerings.

Common amenities found in most rooms include:

• Private bathrooms with a shower or bathtub, complimentary toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body soap), and a hairdryer.
• Flat-screen TVs (typically 32-inch) with cable or satellite channels.
• Free in-room Wi-Fi, though guests are requested to avoid excessive streaming to preserve bandwidth for other guests.
• Air conditioning and heating for climate control, along with a fan.
• Blackout drapes/curtains for a good night's sleep.
• Coffee/tea makers.
• Soundproofed rooms for a quieter stay.
• Bedsheets and towels are provided.
• Some rooms may include a patio or balcony.
• Small refrigerators are generally available in rooms.

It is important to acknowledge, based on recent customer reviews, that prior to the current ownership, guests experienced issues with the quality of beds, described as "poor quality" and "uncomfortable," and expressed concerns about the overall condition of rooms, including reports of mold on bathroom ceilings, spiders and bugs, and significant cobwebs. There were also complaints about smoke from outside rooms entering through door cracks. The new owners are actively addressing these concerns through renovations and a commitment to revitalization. The phrase "The tag on the mattresses say 'hospital deluxe'" from a review could indicate a standard commercial mattress, but the perception of comfort was negative for some guests.

Otter Creek Inn offers a range of services and amenities that enhance the guest experience:

• Marina Access: A significant feature is the presence of a marina with 500 feet of dockage and the convenience of an adjacent village boat ramp. This makes it an excellent choice for guests bringing their own boats, with dock slips available for rent.
• Fishing: Guests can enjoy fishing directly from the docks, and a gas grill, picnic tables, and utensils are available for shared use, creating an inviting space for outdoor dining.
• Shared Facilities: The motel provides a shared microwave in a common area for guest use.
• Parking: Free self-parking is available on-site, though it is limited to one vehicle per guest room. Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking are also available.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is provided for guests throughout the property, including in rooms and public areas.
• Outdoor Spaces: Besides the garden and terrace, there are barbecue grills and picnic areas.
• Guest Services: The front desk offers limited hours service, and there's a security system, fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, and a first aid kit for guest safety. Daily housekeeping is also provided.
• Vending Machines: For quick snacks or drinks, vending machines are on site.
• Access to Partner Property Amenities: Guests have access to an outdoor pool and health club at a nearby partner property, though specific details about this partner property are not provided in the given information.
• Accessibility Features: The property offers increased accessibility features including adapted baths, wheelchair-accessible parking, paths of travel, and registration desk. However, upper floors are accessible by stairs only, as there are no elevators.

The current management has explicitly announced a "GRAND REOPENING" with a target date of May 16, 2025, and promotional "80 ROOM RATES" as part of their revitalization efforts. This indicates a clear commitment to addressing past concerns and improving the guest experience. They are offering new extended stay discounts, including $60 off for a 5-night stay, $100 off for a 7-night stay, and $220 off for a 14-night stay, specifically for direct bookings from their website or by calling their office (these discounts do not apply to third-party reservations). This incentivizes direct booking and suggests a forward-looking approach.

Past reviews, while critical of certain aspects like bed quality, smoking policies, and cleanliness issues (mold, bugs, cobwebs), also highlighted positive aspects such as the "super sweet" staff at check-in and the cleaning staff, who were noted for being "very nice and helpful." The quiet atmosphere of the place was also appreciated. The strategic location is a consistent plus, being "walking distance to downtown, restaurants, nightspots, boat tours to two castles, shopping, boat rentals, a park with a public sand beach, and a dive park." The presence of a marina and easy access to fishing are also strong points. The property is also a short walk to Scenic View Park and near attractions like Boldt Castle and Yacht House (about 0.8 miles away), and within a short drive of the Thousand Islands Winery and the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton.

The new owners are actively working to transform Otter Creek Inn into a "gem," as envisioned by previous guests. The planned renovations, including the removal of carpets from each room and a redesigned front office with a lounging area, suggest a fresh approach to cleanliness and comfort. While past reviews raised valid concerns, the current leadership's commitment to revitalization indicates a positive trajectory. For travelers seeking an affordable and convenient base in Alexandria Bay with direct river access and proximity to attractions, especially those who appreciate visible efforts towards improvement, Otter Creek Inn aims to become a comfortable and reliable choice in the "Hotels Near Of Me" category.