Empire House Historic Hotel

I drove up with my wife to Rising Sun, Indiana to visit friends and watch the full eclipse. We made reservations for 3 nights at the Empire House Hotel. The Empire House is an historic hotel, built back in 1816. It is located right down on the water, with an amazing view of the Ohio River. The Empire House, being built in the earlier 19th Century, it is decorated with a Victorian aesthetic. We very much enjoyed the look and fell of it. There are rooms on the first floor and the second. There is a second floor porch that spans the width of the hotel, with many places to sit and watch the river go by. So, you get to the hotel and park on the street opposite the building. You call the hotel, and Marsha the proprietor meets you in the lobby. Marsha is wonderful. She will check you in and give you two keys; one to your room and one to the hotel front door. Our room was upstairs, room #5 (the John James Suite). One note...the staircase going up is one of the steepest I've seen. You have to hold on to the railing. Our room had a Queen bed, two comfy chairs, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. The kitchenette had a mini refrigerator, sink, dishes and cups, and a coffee maker with all of the coffee supplies. The bathroom had a claw foot tub, which was a bit of a challenge for me to get in to. The bathroom amenities showed a bit of age, but we're spotless and in full working order. The bed was fine if you like a softer matress, but my wife and I like it firmer, so we made do. However the best thing was the second floor desk overlooking the river. Sitting there with my wife in the early evening with a cup of tea was priceless.The path along the river is literally 30 paces from the front door of the hotel. All in all we really enjoyed staying at the Empire House Hotel. The location and the view make a soft matress and a few extra seconds getting into the tub seem petty. We have friends in Rising Sun, Indiana and will no doubt be up there again. We will definitely stay at the Empire House again.

The empire house is the Perfect getaway escape for a couple if you just want some peace and quiet. The hotel is located directly on the Ohio River and offers amazing views. The small town there is something right out of a movie. The hotel is clean and decorated in many many antiques. You won't be pampered with luxury like a pool, room service, or a massaging shower head...but let's face it....that's not why you are staying there. Marsha the innkeeper is a super nice lady that greats you on arrival and assists you in checking in. The small town that's literally a 30 second walk has places to eat and a few shops to browse. I would def return some weekend.

Marsha was great. Great, comfortable little hotel right on the Ohio River. Very roomy. Had plenty of space to operate with a small refrigerator, coffee pots, TVs, etc.Rising Sun is a very small, laid back little town. We had a great time and will be back again.

This was a good place to stay after a night at the Rising Sun casino. I would consider it a bed and breakfast style minus the breakfast. The good: -Historical with a good story-Interesting old furniture-Close to casino-Recycling in roomThe bad:-Bathroom in room in serious need of revamp...old caulk, patches on wall, other unknown substances on wall. -Continental breakfast was non-existent until I asked. They were not providing anything due to not having a full house. Breakfast was brought and it was prepackaged SaraLee brownies. Hmmm...-Bed and pillows not real comfy.Overall ok, but don't expect fancy! :)

If I could give Marsha at Empire House Historic Hotel ten stars, I would. She goes out of her way to assist you, whether is be: finding another hotel for family members when she is sold out; assisting us to find fresh pizza (coming from Chicago that isn't easy); transporting us in her golf cart for an emergency ice cream; ensuring our room is fully stocked with important items each and every time, and; just being a very kind, lovely woman with a big heart. It is totally laid back in Rising Sun and observing the world from the beautiful front porch while the Ohio River rolls on down is just so peaceful and you will love it! I recommend the museum if you have time and a stroll around town as everyone is super friendly! Thank you dear Marsha and we will return as often as we can!

I would absolutely recommend a stay here. We have a family of five and stayed in the two bedroom suite. It is a 200 year old building and we loved the furniture. The view is beautiful. It's a very quiet peaceful location on the waterfront. The people in the town are so friendly.

Very nice room and Marsha was also very nice within walking distance of Casino