Sometimes called ‘Cape Cod of the Midwest,’ Door County, Wisconsin, is the perfect vacation destination for families or couples seeking a weekend away. Located between Lake Michigan and Green Bay, Door County offers many things to do and exceptional accommodation options. Recently, I stayed at The DöRR Hotel in Sister Bay, which is perfectly located for touring this scenic peninsula. Opened in May 2021, this contemporary Scandinavian-inspired boutique hotel is in the center of Sister Bay.
A well-known Scandinavian settlement, Door County celebrates its Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian heritage. The DöRR is named in honor of that heritage, translating to “entry” or “portal.”
The DöRR Hotel Website
Upper Lobby
Although the front of The DöRR Hotel faces a beautiful lawn, you enter the property by the back. Arriving, you are greeted at the front desk (which doubles as a bar in the evening and a breakfast buffet first thing in the morning). Check-in is at 3 pm with an early 10 am checkout (ask for an extension if you need a bit more time – it depends on availability).
Upon room check-in, you are welcomed with two tokens to use at the bar, where light libations are offered until 7 p.m. You will have a choice of wine or local beer. There is a comfy sofa in front of a stunning fireplace, or enjoy them upstairs by the gorgeous fireplace or on the mezzanine balcony overlooking the lobby. There are also tables available for boardgames or maybe to catch up on some work with free Wi-Fi that is easy to access in the lobby.
This property has 47 rooms (24 king, 14 double queen, and nine suites). It is a non-smoking property, and though you may be tempted to do so on the balconies or by the fire pit, it is NOT permitted. Decorated in a neutral, light palette, the Scandinavian influence is evident in the streamlined furnishings and understated decor.
Rooms and Suites
My king-bed room was quite large by today’s standards and provided ample space for a luxurious feel. I loved the vaulted ceiling and Berber carpet. I can imagine this would feel pretty cozy on a cold Wisconsin winter night.
It’s hard to highlight one thing as so many small details were provided. You can access quality high-speed internet, a mini-fridge, a coffeemaker, a Bose Bluetooth Speaker, a digital alarm clock, and a comfortable seating area. There is a 50-inch flat-screen high-definition SMART TV. The rooms were soundproof, and I heard no other guests or their TV.
The king bed was incredibly comfortable and had premium bedding. Two cozy bathrobes hang in the wardrobe. I liked that the room in this hotel was large and had ample space (even though this was not a designated accessible room—ADA-compliant rooms are available upon request).
The bathroom was spacious, with complimentary toiletries, fluffy towels, and a large shower. There was plenty of storage space for clothes, and extra hangers can be requested from the front desk.
My only objection is that there was no desk in the room. Granted, this encourages proper ‘vacation’ mode, focusing on relaxation and enjoying the great outdoors. However, guests do appreciate a desk for a laptop or tablet. Desks are available in the upper and lower lobbies.
My only other observation was that there is limited staff in the evening and no staff available overnight. There is an emergency number that you can contact, but don’t expect housekeeping or bar service in the late evening. I am unaware if this happens during peak season, but we were visiting before the start of high season.
A big bonus is that almost every room in the hotel has a balcony or access to a patio (if it is on the ground floor). The balconies were a variety of sizes, but mine had two comfortable chairs and a spectacular view of the bay. I enjoyed my cup of coffee early one morning on my balcony, taking in the silence of a resort town still sleeping.
The suites are “indulgently roomy.” They feature a comfortable king bed, a queen sleeper sofa, and a sitting area for stretching out and relaxing. The Suites also offer a picturesque view of Sister Bay from a private patio or balcony.
Lower Lobby
The lower lobby is accessible from the front lawn (room key is needed to re-enter) or from the upper lobby via stairs or an elevator. This lobby has a very large screen TV to watch sports events or perhaps even a movie! There are comfortable couches to enjoy a cocktail from the upstairs bar, or you can play board games or cards at the large table (the larger part of the lobby is pictured here, only the smaller area).
Walk out to the front lawn, where you will find Adirondack chairs around a fire pit, a corn hole toss, or even an outdoor ping-pong table. You can also request a Frisbee from the front desk.
Unique Amenities
Although the hotel does not have a dedicated fitness center, you have complimentary 24-hour access to the Sister Bay Athletic Club. At The Dörr, ask the front desk for complimentary outdoor gear for everything you need to maximize your time in Door County. Whether you’re planning a hike in nearby Peninsula State Park or a beach day, they’ve covered you with walking poles, backpacks, beach chairs, coolers, and picnic baskets.
The Dörr provides equipment like basketballs, volleyballs, and Frisbees for those looking to stay active. The vast front lawn offers ample space to throw a frisbee, enjoy a volleyball game on the courts in front of Al Johnson’s, or head to the basketball court at the Sister Bay Sports Complex (an 18-minute walk). Check with the front desk to borrow any gear to enhance your fun and maximize your time outdoors.
Important Details
- Location: 2329 Mill Rd • Sister Bay, Wisconsin 54234
- Contact: 1.844.944.0354
- Social Media: @TheDöRR Hotel – IG @TheDöRR Hotel – FB
- Season: high season – Memorial Day Weekend to October 31, low season – November 1 to 3rd week in May.
- Room rates: high season starts at $387/ weekday more on weekends, low season start at $210/weekday
- Minimum Stay: during high season – minimum of two nights/weekday, three nights/weekend; low season – minimum of two nights on weekends
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a complimentary on-the-go breakfast snack with coffee, tea, and juice is available from 7 to 10 a.m. It is a cold breakfast with yogurt, fresh fruits, fresh orange juice, hard-boiled eggs, large muffins, protein and granola bars, cheese, and cold cuts (individually wrapped). The coffee was delicious and plentiful.
Is parking free or paid?
Parking is complimentary for hotel guests.
Does the DöRR Hotel allow dogs?
No, the DöRR Hotel Pet Policy DOES NOT allow pets in the hotel.
Is there a fitness facility on-site?
There is no fitness facility, but they partner with local fitness clubs and spas in Sister Bay. Ask the front desk for details.
Is there a pool?
There is no pool, but the public beach is accessible just a few minutes away.
Are there any special activities?
There is a glass fire pit and Adirondack chairs on the front lawn. You need to ask the front desk to light it for you. It is not always available in the low season.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?
It does not. Although breakfast is served at the bar/reception in the morning, no food service is available for lunch, dinner, or evening snacks. Various eateries are within easy walking distance.
Additional Food & Beverage Options
- Al Johnsons offers the perfect Swedish breakfast and lunch. During high season, the adjoining beer garden is open until 8 p.m.
- Chop – adjacent to the hotel, fine dining and cocktail bar – steak and seafood specialties with an extensive bar menu for a bit more casual fare
- The Door County Creamery & Analog Ice Cream & Coffee – delicious ice cream, coffee, and desserts, not one but two ice cream parlors
- Wild Tomato 🍅 – Woodfire Pizza, salads and deep fried cheese curds (available for takeout and across the street from the hotel)
- Skip Stone Coffee Roasters – from Nitro Cold Brew to Matcha Latte and every coffee combination you could dream of. Pastries and croissants available. 6:30 am opening but closes in early afternoon
Disclosure: I was a guest of Destination Door County on a press trip with other journalists and travel writers. All experiences, meals, and treatments were complimentary. All opinions are my own without bias. Thank you to Destination Door County for the additional images. Credit to each photographer has been given.
Visit Wisconsin’s Beautiful Towns
Rock River and Ironworks Beloit, WI Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO
There are so many things to see and do in Wisconsin but visiting the Door Peninsula is a highlight. Other locations to visit in the Badger State include:
- Why Door County is the Ultimate Wisconsin Vacation You Haven’t Discovered Yet
- Top Reasons Families Love The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
- The Beautiful Town Diane re(built) – Why You Need to Visit Beloit, Wisconsin
- Enjoy The Cooking School at The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WI
Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.