The Kirby
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About
#3 of 6 B&Bs in Douglas
Location
4.5
Rooms
4.3
Value
4.3
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.5
Sleep Quality
4.1
The Kirby is a boutique hotel where old world meets new world... an 1890s Victorian with a modern, hip interior. The Kirby has a restaurant, wine bar, outdoor dining, garden, pond, and wrap around porch. It is perfect for both, a romantic getaway for 2 and to host special events.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Adults only
Non-smoking hotel
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Meeting rooms
Room features
Air conditioning
Room service
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Trendy
Location
294 West Center Saugatuck-Douglas, Douglas, MI 49406
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 66 out of 100
66
Muskegon Airport
36.5 mi•
See all flights
Gerald R. Ford International
38.4 mi•
See all flights
Rental Cars
11 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
Reviews
Traveler rating
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Detailed Reviews
The Kirby Hotel is a hidden gem in Saugatuck that exceeded all our expectations. We stayed for six nights in late June. What we loved was it felt like we were returning to our own house at the end of each day as the atmosphere perfectly blended intimacy and privacy. Chris, the Chef of the fabulous J. Paul's Dining Room located in the Hotel and part-owner was attentive from the moment we arrived and made us feel like VIP guests. His care and dedication were felt throughout our entire stay. We had prime rib for dinner and a fabulous cheesecake for dessert which was prepared perfectly. We also enjoyed breakfast in the morning chatting with Chris and the staff about the day's events. Make sure to visit the bar in the Kirby, you will meet the fabulous bartender, Mel who prepared delicious cocktails and spiced it up with enjoyable banter. Staying was a truly magical experience. Not only was the stay great, but we also got the rare opportunity to make new friends. We will return to Saugatuck in October and The Kirby will be our go-to place for respite, community, and outstanding food and service.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Make sure to enjoy in the back of the hotel. It is a true sanctuary
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a wonderful Sisters Weekend at The Kirby. Each year we 3 sisters travel to a different place for a long weekend. At The Kirby, Courtney made sure the rooms were ready for us while also covering the breakfast and dining room needs. Chef Chris chatted with us before jumping into his day and shared background info on the reemergence of this beautiful home into a comfortable boutique hotel with an outstanding restaurant. We were early risers so Chris also made sure we had plenty of coffee first thing. He is an accomplished chef and his pistachio encrusted halibut served with a risotto and sweet potato croquet was delicious. My sweet tooth appreciated the fresh strawberry cheesecake. Courtney and Chris shared suggestions for local sites and we enjoyed a short trip up to the Holland Tulip Festival. We wandered through the shops and restaurants in Douglas and Saugatuck and took a short ride on the Saugatuck Star paddle wheel boat. The decorating was fun and eclectic but the Chihuly fixture in the dining room was a delightful surprise as I have seen Chihuly creations in St. Louis, St. Petersburg and on a cruise and appreciate his beautiful glass creations. We really enjoyed being in this convenient location just before the start of the season. The Saugatuck Mini Golf was a great stop and we also tried multiple ice cream stores.
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Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Plenty of parking.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My sister and I had a lovely stay at The Kirby, for a sister's get away. The home is historical and beautiful. Our room was clean amd ready on arrival. Manager/Chef, Chris, was there to greet us on arrival with a warm welcome. The memory foam mattress was very comfortable. We lived sitting on the great porch and relaxing. Chris Even brought the entire pot of coffee out to my coffee addicted sister to enjoy! The breakfast was delicious each morning, as well as, muffins and coffee/water outside room each morning. Chris was happy to provide recommendations in town for things to do. We saw a wonderful performance of Kinky Boots at the Arts center in town. There is also a lovely shop with coffee 1 block away. Great finds by an amazing artist can be found in the shop! We did not have a chance to enjoy the restaurant thus time around. Chris was very personable and has a great sense of humor. We laughed a lot. We enjoyed Saugetuck and did sone shopping and hiking too. Lake Michigan is a happy place for us and always a stunning way to spend the day. We even stopped to pick cherries on the way put of town in Fennville, a recommendation from Chris as well. We will be back!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had the absolute best experience at The Kirby! The managers, Chris and Courtney, along with the staff, were truly incredible. They all went above and beyond to make sure we had a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Chris and Courtney specifically were so great—professional but also so kind and laid back and made sure we had a great experience. We were sad to leave them!
Our stay was perfect. The whole house was beautiful and modern, with large windows and a chic charm throughout. The rooms were also modern and beautiful and offered plenty of space (we were in the Martha Washington). We also had full control of the air which was great since some hotels have a set range but, we were able to make it as cool as we needed! Everything was clean and perfect. Every morning we had full pots of coffee and tea waiting for us in the hall, as well as muffins and apple turnovers. We drink coffee throughout the day and Chris and Courtney made sure there was coffee for us all day. There was also a microwave and fridge if we needed it. The full breakfast in the downstairs restaurant was delicious and fresh and we sat by the windows enjoying the sun each morning. There is also a wraparound porch and a deck out back with tables and comfortable seating and we spent time outside as well. In the evenings the first floor turns into a fine dining restaurant (J. Paul’s) to the public. The ambiance was great and we were not bothered by noise at any point. We ate at J. Paul’s one night and it was incredible! We also enjoyed Saugutuck and Douglas and we are planning our next trip back with another stay at The Kirby. Cannot recommend it enough!
Our stay was perfect. The whole house was beautiful and modern, with large windows and a chic charm throughout. The rooms were also modern and beautiful and offered plenty of space (we were in the Martha Washington). We also had full control of the air which was great since some hotels have a set range but, we were able to make it as cool as we needed! Everything was clean and perfect. Every morning we had full pots of coffee and tea waiting for us in the hall, as well as muffins and apple turnovers. We drink coffee throughout the day and Chris and Courtney made sure there was coffee for us all day. There was also a microwave and fridge if we needed it. The full breakfast in the downstairs restaurant was delicious and fresh and we sat by the windows enjoying the sun each morning. There is also a wraparound porch and a deck out back with tables and comfortable seating and we spent time outside as well. In the evenings the first floor turns into a fine dining restaurant (J. Paul’s) to the public. The ambiance was great and we were not bothered by noise at any point. We ate at J. Paul’s one night and it was incredible! We also enjoyed Saugutuck and Douglas and we are planning our next trip back with another stay at The Kirby. Cannot recommend it enough!
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our second stay here and we were once again blown away by the hospitality Courtney and Chris showed us. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and modern but homey. The food was amazing (best waffles we’ve ever had, but can’t go wrong with anything on the menu), and they made sure all our needs were met the entire stay. We came back because of such a great experience last year and will again in the future.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just what we needed! My husband and I stayed at the Kirby this past weekend. As we opened the door of the Inn, Courtney's hospitality greeted us with a smiley face. We were shown around. Our room was spacious and the bed was very comfortable, overlooking the backyard. Fruits, coffee and pastries were served each morning. In addition to that, Chef LaBelle cooked for us the most wonderful and delicious breakfast of your choice of the menu. Some of the best eggs and hashbrowns we had ever had. We had made dinner reservation and continued to have an exquisite meal n the patio, Risotto and Pork chop was outstanding and cooked to perfection. Just a perfect romantic evening!!!!
Just to say overall, Chef Labelle and Courtney were going above and beyond to provide all guests with outstanding hospitality. I would highly recommend it.
Just to say overall, Chef Labelle and Courtney were going above and beyond to provide all guests with outstanding hospitality. I would highly recommend it.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â We loved our room looking over the porch and the fountain
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I wanted a relaxing private place to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The Kirby was the most lovely B&B with a romantic, fun atmosphere both inside & out! The staff was super friendly and extremely accommodating. We had a fabulous dinner with creative delicious food and cocktails! The personal touches given from the moment we walked into the door to the time we left makes this a special spot to celebrate any occasion! We will definitely be going back!!
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Absolutely delightful hotel in Douglas/Saugatuck! We had the best time staying at The Kirby, only regret is that we didn't eat dinner at J Paul's! The hotel staff, especially the owner Chris, were so kind and accommodating. The bed was AMAZINGLY comfortable. Great location and plenty of parking. Breakfast was delicious. All in all, highly recommend and we will be back for the summer season!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We visited last weekend for two nights. Had the third floor room with private bath. The room was not the cleanest. Some attention to detail was needed. More towels, particularly a bath mat is needed.
We understand the staff is very new as well as the chef. We certainly see potential the Kirby can be fantastic as staff gains more experience. I think the chef will be the biggest draw.
I'm curious to drop by in a year to see the changes.
We understand the staff is very new as well as the chef. We certainly see potential the Kirby can be fantastic as staff gains more experience. I think the chef will be the biggest draw.
I'm curious to drop by in a year to see the changes.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Request a private bathroom.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For 18 years, my partner and I have spent Labor Day at the Kirby House in Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan. We love it! The current owners, Ray Riker and Jim Gowran, have really found the perfect formula: warm hosts, gorgeous Victorian home, and breakfasts to die for (thanks Ray!). It is a gay friendly house, but lots of families and straight couples stay here, too. It's a very open and welcoming place.
Check it out. You'll fall in love too.
Check it out. You'll fall in love too.
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Date of stay: September 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Kirby House
LOCATION
United StatesMichiganAllegan CountyDouglas
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Kirby
Which popular attractions are close to The Kirby?
Nearby attractions include Water Street Gallery (0.2 miles), The Cove (0.04 miles), and Douglas Beach (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Kirby?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at The Kirby?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Kirby?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry, Blue Star Cafe & Ice Cream Treats, and The Root Beer Barrel.
Is The Kirby located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.6 miles away from the center of Douglas.
Does The Kirby offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.