Makanda Inn

Daniel Crowder

2024-03

Very pretty country lodge in a quiet wooded location, except for the times freight trains would pass by on the nearby old Illinois Central railway.The river rock shower floor is attractive, but the rocks are not flat and are too far apart, which made showering in my bare feet quite uncomfortable. I like to believe shower shoes are not necessary in the places I choose to stay, but they would have been helpful at the Makanda Inn.

Brian Hall

2023-11

I wish I could give it 6 stars! My wife and I stayed at the Makanda Inn for a weekend getaway. The area is home to some amazing hiking at Garden of the Gods and Giant City State Park quite literally across the street not to mention many local wineries & shops. The Inn is a beautiful, natural place to stay for a weekend. We relaxed, reconnected and enjoyed the Inn in our beautifully appointed suite. Breakfast was amazing each day too! This area has so much to offer, we feel like we only scratched the surface. We will be back for another trip next year and we're bringing friends!

Diane Buskavitz

2023-11

So happy we found this "Sweet Spot!" Perfect for our getaway. Quiet, relaxing, quaint. Rooms are great, with very comfortable beds, extremely clean, and more than adequate. Hosts were very welcoming, attention to detail, and excellent service. Breakfast meals were very tasteful and large servings with great service. Will are already planning our return visit!

evo8tuner

2024-03

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Ellie Cassidy

2023-10

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Mitch & Cindy Risinger

2023-09

We celebrated our wedding anniversary at the Inn. It was very peaceful with beautiful views. It was the perfect escape from our busy life. The Innkeepers were very polite and made sure we had everything we needed. They made a wonderful breakfast every morning. We also loved the location to the wineries. We would definitely recommend!

Cathy Montgomery

2023-10

We spent 2 nights and enjoyed the inn. Our room was comfortable & very clean. Lovely walk in shower with a stone floor was gorgeous. Bed was super comfortable. Breakfast was good. Location was great since we were attending a nearby conference.Noteworthy details: Nice outdoor patio. Fire pit was available, but we didn’t use it.

John Lucas

2023-10

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Dave Scharfenberger

2023-05

This is an amazing setting in nature. Surrounded by trees and dozens of different birds calls every morning on the deck. The hiking in Giant City State Park was great. It was the perfect time of year with all of the spring perennial flowers blooming along the trails. The room was unique and very comfortable with a delicious breakfast every morning. Thanks for making our trip wonderful.

Kelli Arbuckle

2023-10

Awesome place. Comfortable beds, big walk in shower, nice rooms. People there are very nice and helpful. Breakfast is made fresh every morning and were great! Lots of outside seating. Every room has a small table and a couple of chairs outside the rooms on the deck. Great place!! Hopefully we will be back in the area again. We stayed in the Inn but they also have cabins!

Jessica Cummings

2023-07

We LOVED the Inn and will certainly be back! We stayed in a suite in the main Inn. The rooms are so cozy (larger in person than in photos). The shower was INCREDIBLE and the balcony/ deck was very peaceful. Everything was spotless. Breakfast was good and high quality ingredients. Only marking off for service because our expectations were a little different. We did not meet the owners which everyone else seems to have done and had a better experience. The bar was not open (but says it can be based on request... which we'd have felt odd asking someone to stay there to serve us). The firepit was covered up so we couldn't use that but it is summer so maybe that is why. The staff were cordial but I did not get that family feel that everyone talked about. The lady who checked us in helped w/ local recommendations and left us some cake for a special event which was very kind. The place is in the woods but it's good to note that a train does come right through the space (it did not bother us but could bother someone else). You really cannot hear ANYTHING inside the rooms as the straw really isolates the sound which is GREAT. I called the day before I booked and was told it was fully booked for the weekend except one cottage. I was easily able to see online that the actual Inn was only 50% full and I booked online... not sure why were told it was fully booked... There was even another vacancy while we were there. So that was odd. Good to note that the Boardwalk closes at 5pm so... go during the day if you are interested. Close to Cedar Lake and Giant City Park. about a 15 min drive to other wineries etc.

Dawn Beyler

2023-11

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Becky Mentzer

2023-07

It was a beautiful, peaceful location. Everyone was friendly and the breakfast is made fresh for you every morning. Cloth napkins in napkin rings, fresh fruit, delicious meal! The wooded lot by our cottage was pretty and private (nearby train was loud but that didn't detract!). We even roasted hot dogs over a campfire one night. The cottage stairs were tricky and the internet unreliable. But we loved our stay! Highly recommend! We will try a room in the Inn next time.Nearby activities: Giant City State Park is very close and some of the best hikes we've ever taken were in that park. Carbondale is close and we picked up dinner one night and ate in our room.Food & drinks: The chef made our breakfast fresh and delicious and accommodated our request for no pork by cooking apple chicken sausage one morning.

Dominick Sarappa

2023-08

I apologize for posting this long overdue.I happened upon the Makanda Inn when I was traveling from NJ to St. Louis for work in May and wanted to stop somewhere local to spend the night and be close to Shawnee. So happy I found it.I feel guilty not completely remembering the hosts name but I believe it was Shawana.I got in late and she waited up for me to make sure I was all set and was very friendly from the time I arrived. The next morning breakfast was ready and prepared and I had wonderful conversations with both her and the other guests. The hospitality made it feel as if I was staying with family and that was a great thing to have on a long trip.I will definetly be back if I'm in the area and hope to bring someone along with me next time to experience this wonderful hidden gem in the forest.Food & drinks: Took time to prepare meals for each guest and made it a family experience.Noteworthy details: Hospitality was superb and makes you feel at home.

Donna Brandt

2023-06

We had a lovely getaway at the Makanda Inn. We really enjoyed our balcony looking at the woods. Perfect place to drink a morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening. The bird songs were wonderful. We enjoyed both breakfasts and our hosts were very attentive. We hope to return!Rooms: Our room was simple, but perfect. A very nice shower and a comfortable king bed. It was very quiet.Nearby activities: We enjoyed a dinner at the nearby Giant City Lodge. We’ve hiked there many times and would recommend it.

Kim Kinsell

2023-06

Took my first ever solo trip and stayed at this bed and breakfast. Shwanda had great communication via text messaging. Made me feel very comfortable and safe. The property is beautiful and I absolutely l loved my state in the Black Walnut suite. Breakfast was AMAZING, especially the breakfast quesadillas :) Close proximity to Giant City, wineries and Carbondale. I cannot wait to come back.

T & C

2023-05

We stayed at the lodge. Easy to find. Beautiful, quiet wooded setting. 2 miles from Giant City State Park for great hikes. Breakfast was delicious. Caters to couples We'll be back.Rooms: Clean and comfy.

Sue Friedlander

2023-05

Had a wonderful time at the Makanda inn.It was very peaceful with a super comfortable bed.Loved sitting on our deck overlooking the woods.Great breakfasts & very friendly hosts.Thank you Shwana & David for everything !Sue & Bob

Tyler Schartel

2023-05

Looking for the perfect place to disconnect, unwind, and relax? Do yourself a favor and check out Makanda Inn.Our stay at Makanda Inn was perfect and everything we needed for a relaxing babymoon vacation. The Indigo cottage was charming, comfortable, and immediately made us feel at home - plus, the view upon waking up was spectacular. Dinner and breakfast at the Inn were delicious! The Inn itself is perfectly situated to act as a home base to explore all of Southern Illinois. Trip highlights included exploring both the Makanda Boardwalk and Giant City, as well as a visit to Scratch Brewing. We would love to return again in the future.

Nathyeli Segura

2023-07

Overall, I loved it. The staff was incredible, sweet, and attentive. Very quiet, perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. Loved how eco-friendly it was and how cozy it was. The only fair warning is that the bed is extremely soft. If you're used to a firm mattress, the bed is like a cloud. Which for some people, it might be too soft.Rooms: Beautiful, cozy, clean, and quietNearby activities: Lots of hiking and natural places you can enjoy. Beautiful scenery, and you can sit down in an area and enjoy nature. You are able to see the stars without light polution

Val Ilyukhina

2020-05

This was my first trip to Southern IL, and Makanda Inn & Suites Indigo Cottage was absolutely perfect. The property is absolutely gorgeous and the accommodations are superb. Malcolm and Lorraine were amazing hosts! Ending the days with them was lovely, whether at the bar or sipping drinks by the Inn fireplace. You can definitely tell they really care about your experience and the property and cottage were so quaint and lovely. They're located very close to SIU so you can still get a variety of dining experiences, right off the wine trail, and extremely close to Giant City State Park for beautiful hiking. Highly recommended staying there!!

Rachael Forister

2021-05

The Inn is a beautiful place central to all the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. We loved the Suite (Suite 1). Highlights are the comfy bed, beautiful patio, and soothing walk in shower. The managers made sure we had everything we needed and were very accommodating when we needed to push our check in time back to 9! The breakfast was delicious with hearty portions to fuel us for our adventures of the day. Lorraine and Malcolm made sure to get to know us and provided wonderful conversation. The bar was perfect for connecting with friends. Thanks for such a wonderful stay!

Monica Colfax

2022-05

We had great time at Makanda Inn & Cottages. It's location is perfect to explore the beautiful trails of the Giant City Park, as well as the wineries of the Shawnee Wine Trail. Janelle was a great host, she gave us great recommendations for things to do and places to visit in the area. The breakfast was delicious, and the accommodations nice and comfortable. Highly recommended getaway to relax, disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature.

Betty Jo Lessen

2021-05

This was our third stay at Makanda Inn & Cottages. We have always stayed at the inn and love the quietness and privacy of the suites. They are comfortable and roomy-with our own doors leading to the wrap around deck. The setting is stunning and the breakfasts every morning are top notch! The location is very close to Giant City State Park if you want to hike some trails. Then of course we are in Shawnee Forest Wine Trail country-another bonus in this beautiful countryside! Greg and Shauna have done a fantastic job with the renovations in the suites as well! We will keep coming back!

Allison G

2022-05

I hesitate to write this review because I don’t want other people to know how amazing it is and make it impossible to book! This place is truly a treasure if you’re looking for a nice few days to unplug. Situated in the most beautiful place in Illinois, next to gorgeous hiking trails and wineries, it’s a wonderful base camp to explore. It would also be great to just cozy up and never leave! The cottages are well equipped, comfortable and quiet. From a nice secluded porch to sit and drink coffee and watch birds to a fabulous soaking tub with a view of the tree tops, it really is fantastic. I cannot wait to go back!

Traci Johnston

2021-05

I've been to Makanda Inn and stayed in both a cottage and the Inn and both times were FABULOUS! The West End Cottage is set up for 2 couples with a full kitchen, living room and dining area. My friend and I took full advantage of the hiking, wine tasting and just hanging out in the beauty that surrounds the property. My husband and I celebrated our Anniversary and Loraine and Malcolm welcomed us with a sweet Anniversary card and special treat in our room! The breakfast every morning was delicious, nutritious and just the right amount. I highly recommend staying and enjoying everything they have to offer. Two thumbs up both times!

Jenny Pezold

2022-05

We had a wonderful stay at Makanda Inn. My husband and I were celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary and we couldn't have been happier with our choice in Makanda Inn. Chef Kyle and Jackie were terrific! And the breakfast Chef Kyle prepared for us was amazing, and it was a great start to our day of hiking! We will definitely be staying again!

Alexandria Poe

2021-05

My husband and I stayed at the Makanda Inn and Cottages for a birthday/anniversary weekend trip. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Inn! Lorraine and Malcolm were excellent hosts. The suite we stayed in was not only clean, but the amenities down to the littlest details were well thought out (the soap bar in the shower was amazing!). The hosts made breakfast both days we were there, and the meal was included with our stay. Both breakfasts were delicious! Homemade waffles with locally grown fruit one day, and a frittata with a roasted pear the second day. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway this is the place! The bar in the Inn had a great selection of wine, beer, and liquor. Everything about our stay was comfortable. I cannot wait to come back! The Inn is also located in the middle of the wine trail, so we had easy access to all the wineries around us.

Melissa Jackson

2020-05

What a wonderful place to spend an anniversary! The owners, Malcolm and Loraine, are so accommodating and welcoming! The bedroom in the lodge was very comfortable and cozy, with every amenity you could want. We were even met with a sweet treat as an anniversary welcome present. Their dinner options were very good, and hit the spot after a day of traveling and wineries! The breakfast that was included was equally delicious, and it was so fun to gather around a table and enjoy conversations with fellow travelers. There is so much to do around the area, you won’t be bored! But, if you don’t have activities planned, the Makanda Inn is a beautiful and relaxing setting to unwind! Highly recommended!

Holly Kietzman

2022-05

My husband and I visited southern IL for our 17th anniversary and we were so glad we chose Makanda Inn to stay at. Wow! We stayed in the Indigo cottage which was so beautiful and so well thought out regarding design, functionality, and was nicely stocked with supplies and necessities including delicious freshly ground coffee! The views were beautiful and likely will only get better as the grounds come back to life. The main lodge was also beautiful and an easy walk to access for breakfast, a night cap, and internet access. The breakfasts were delicious and hearty for a full morning of hiking and exploring the parks. The inn keeper/chef, Jackie and Kyle, are a wonderful asset to the Inn. They were professional, friendly, and available at all times. We felt totally comfortable and safe. Everything was spotless and beautiful. We hope to return in the Fall!