After three stays in different seasons, this Amish Country hotel continues to impress with its comfort, location, and exceptional value.
Most hotels have one chance to make a first impression. Few convince me to come back again and again.
I’ve stayed at the Blue Gate Garden Inn in Shipshewana, Indiana, three times over the past two years, first while attending a writers conference, then during a late-summer girls’ getaway, and most recently for the community’s spectacular Christmas celebrations.
Visiting in different seasons has given me a chance to experience the hotel beyond a single overnight stay, and each visit has reinforced why it remains one of my favorite places to stay in northern Indiana.
Before my first visit, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from a hotel in the middle of an Amish community. I pictured something simple and fairly basic with few amenities. Instead, I found a hotel that felt surprisingly vibrant and upscale because of the amenities, while still fitting perfectly into Shipshewana’s relaxed pace.
It’s within walking distance of many of Shipshewana’s most popular attractions, yet it never feels rushed or crowded. Whether I spent my day attending a show at the nearby theater, shopping downtown, or simply relaxing with friends around the outdoor fire pit, returning to the hotel always felt like coming home.
Rooms at the Blue Gate Garden Inn
For two of my three visits, I stayed in a Two Queen Guest Room, which proved to be an excellent choice for traveling with friends. They also have King rooms and a variety of suites available.
The room was comfortably furnished without feeling cramped. With two queen beds, a dresser, luggage rack, small dining table with two chairs, and ample floor space, four adults could comfortably share the room for a weekend getaway.
Although some guest rooms are currently being updated with a more contemporary design, the room I stayed in reflected the area’s heritage with tasteful country décor and Amish-inspired wall art. It felt warm and welcoming without becoming overly themed.
While it isn’t a full kitchen, the counter includes a small sink, mini refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker, making it easy to store leftovers, snacks, and drinks between outings.
I don’t usually get excited about having a microwave in a hotel room, but after coming back with bakery treats and leftovers from dinner, I was glad we had both the refrigerator and microwave. It saved us from wasting some pretty amazing pie.
As someone who freely admits to being something of a pillow snob, I pay close attention to sleep quality when reviewing hotels. While the pillows didn’t quite match the favorites I use at home, they were supportive enough that I slept well every night.
The beds were comfortable, the linens felt fresh and high quality, and the room remained remarkably quiet. Aside from the occasional door closing in the hallway, outside noise was virtually nonexistent.
I’m always relieved when I turn on the shower and discover strong water pressure instead of a disappointing trickle. Thankfully, that wasn’t an issue here. The bathroom featured bright lighting, plentiful fluffy white towels, excellent water pressure, and a clean tub-and-shower combination, making it easy to start each morning refreshed.
Just as importantly, every room I stayed in during my three visits was spotless. Consistency matters, and Blue Gate Garden Inn delivered it.
Modern travelers will also appreciate the abundance of electrical outlets and USB charging ports. Complimentary Wi-Fi connected quickly and easily. I used the internet daily for email and writing without experiencing any connection issues.
Upscale Amenities
Blue Gate Garden Inn offers considerably more amenities than I expected when I first booked my stay.
The indoor pool is one of the largest I’ve seen at a hotel of this size, and the adjacent hot tub provides a relaxing place to unwind after a full day of sightseeing. There’s also a fitness room, and new this year is an outdoor basketball court.
What truly sets the hotel apart, however, are its gathering spaces.
Comfortable couches and chairs fill the lobby, while the area near the pool and the arcade includes numerous tables perfect for playing cards, board games, or simply catching up with family and friends.
One of my favorite spaces is the outdoor patio, where a fire pit, small waterfall, pond, and landscaped seating areas create an atmosphere that’s peaceful both during the day and after sunset. On one visit, we spent nearly two hours around the outdoor fire pit talking with other guests we’d never met before. That’s not something that happens at most hotels.
The hotel’s Ice Cream Shoppe is another unexpected highlight. As soon as you enter the lobby, you’re greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly made sugar cones. Even if you’re not planning on dessert, the smell alone is enough to tempt you.
There are fun, life-sized, and larger farm-themed decorations throughout the hotel year-round. Seasonal decorating deserves special mention. Every time I’ve visited during the warmer months, I’ve found myself stopping to photograph the bright red hanging baskets against the white buildings. They make the property feel cheerful before you even step inside.
Autumn brings colorful harvest displays, while Christmas transforms the property into a dazzling showcase of lights both inside and out. Every visit has offered something different.
An Amish Breakfast at the Blue Gate
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One of the biggest perks of staying at Blue Gate Garden Inn is the complimentary breakfast buffet.
I usually expect hotel breakfasts to be something you eat because it’s convenient. Here, breakfast actually became part of the experience, featuring hearty traditions of Amish Country.
Choices included scrambled eggs, made-to-order omelets, sausage, biscuits, oatmeal, cereal, fresh fruit, pastries, juices, and much more.
My favorite feature? The self-serve waffle station, where guests can make waffles embossed with a horse-and-buggy design. It’s a small touch, but one that perfectly captures the personality of Shipshewana.
For lunch or dinner, you can walk or drive to the Blue Gate Restaurant, one of the area’s best-known dining destinations.
The buffet is outstanding, particularly if you enjoy classic Amish comfort food. Save room for dessert because the pie selection alone is worth the visit. I also never miss the famous Amish peanut butter spread. It is a local favorite that’s unlike anything you’ll find in most restaurants.
Other Things To Do Nearby
One of the hotel’s greatest strengths is its location.
Many of Shipshewana’s most popular attractions are easily reached on foot using the hotel’s walking paths. This makes it easy to leave the car parked for most of your stay.
Within a short walk or drive are:
- Blue Gate Theatre, home to concerts, musicals, and seasonal productions.
- Menno-Hof, where visitors can learn about Amish and Mennonite history.
- Amish buggy rides through the countryside.
- Local bakeries serving homemade treats.
- Specialty shops and boutiques throughout downtown.
- E&S Sales Bulk Food, a must-stop destination for bulk foods, baking supplies, spices, cheeses, and local specialties.
I usually leave with more bags than I arrived with, including at least one container of Happy Salt for my family.
During one visit, a friend and I even built our own wooden basket at Teaberry Wood Products. It still sits on my kitchen island and reminds me of that trip every day.
If you visit during the holidays, don’t miss the area’s spectacular light displays. A horse-drawn carriage ride through town is fun year round. During summer, the colorful Garden Quilt Trail adds another beautiful reason to explore beyond downtown.
Rates for the Blue Gate Garden Inn
Room rates at Blue Gate Garden Inn start around $136 and vary by season, room type, and special events, with summer, weekends, and the Christmas season typically commanding higher prices.
Check rates for Blue Gate Garden Inn online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
After staying here multiple times, I consider the property an exceptional value.
I’ve stayed in chain hotels that cost more and offered far less. Between the breakfast, the pool, the outdoor spaces, and the location, I consistently felt like I was getting more than I paid for.
For travelers looking for a comfortable base from which to explore Shipshewana, it’s difficult to imagine a better choice.
Final Thoughts
I rarely stay at the same hotel three times unless it gives me a reason to return. Blue Gate Garden Inn has done exactly that. I’ve stayed for business, with friends, and during one of the busiest times of the year. Every visit has felt a little different, but I’ve always left thinking about my next trip back to Shipshewana.
For me, that’s the true mark of a hotel worth recommending: it’s not just a place I enjoyed once. It’s a place I continue to choose when I return.
I was hosted for one of the three stays.
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