Welcome to Carlton House Hotel

The Carlton House Hotel, nestled in the heart of Watertown, Wisconsin, offers a distinctive lodging experience that balances affordability, comfort, and community spirit. With a rating of 3.2, this establishment stands out not for luxury, but for its welcoming atmosphere and practical amenities ideal for visitors seeking a quiet and safe place to stay.

Rooms at the Carlton House have been recently renovated, reflecting a thoughtful commitment to cleanliness and modern upkeep. Guests have expressed appreciation for the quiet environment and respectfulness among neighbors, a testament to the hotel's strong sense of community. The professional cleaning crew maintains high standards, visiting multiple times per week to ensure rooms remain fresh and inviting.

Management at the Carlton House Hotel, led by Kari, plays a pivotal role in the hotel's positive reputation. Kari’s approachable nature and hands-on management style foster trust and support, especially for guests facing challenging situations. Her readiness to assist with rent accommodations and community resources highlights a rare level of landlord empathy that goes beyond typical hotel service.

The hotel’s setup as a rooming house, with some units offering private bathrooms and kitchens, reflects flexible living arrangements catering to a diverse clientele. While it does not provide the recreational luxuries of larger hotels—such as pools or arcades—it excels in offering a safe, secure, and friendly environment for short or extended stays. The secured evening entrance enhances guest safety, contributing to peace of mind throughout the visit.

Carlton House Hotel’s strategic location at 115 S 1st St makes it an excellent base for sightseeing and recreation in Watertown. Guests appreciate the ease of access to local attractions and the convenience of nearby amenities suited to business travelers and leisure guests alike.

In essence, the Carlton House Hotel serves as more than just a place to rest; it is a supportive community hub that meets guests' essential needs with dignity and care. Its combination of affordable, clean rooms, dependable management, and a respectful tenant community makes it a strong recommendation for those seeking stability and refuge, especially in times of transition. For travelers valuing quiet comfort and genuine care, Carlton House Hotel is a reliable choice.

Room 1
Room 1

Great for visitors

Thing to do
Octagon House Museum
4.7 stars 237 Reviews
Tours of a 5-story, octagonal house from 1854 with old photos & other historical objects on display.
Aztalan State Park
4.6 stars 752 Reviews
This park made up of woodlands & open prairie offers activities such as hiking, fishing & boating.
Watertown Park & Rec Department
4.5 stars 121 Reviews
Airports
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Driving: 58 minute | Transit: Loading
Dane County Regional Airport
Driving: 48 minute | Transit: Loading

Last Reviews

Jon C
28 December 2025

I found the rooms to be nice and quiet, my neighbors respectful, and the manager was amazing! I had to stay here for two weeks, and I haven't noticed one problem here. The rooms have recently been redone and there's a professional cleaning crew that comes in a few times a week. You won't find a better deal around!

North by Northwest Adventures
18 December 2025

Moved in over a year ago. Have had very little problems. When I first moved in it was a little different sharing a bathroom with others as I have never had to before. I got over that pretty quickly. There are rooms that you have your own bathroom and kitchen and I just like my little room a lot, so I decided not to move into a bath/ bed/ kitchen. Everybody that’s there is super friendly and will do anything to help each other out. When a problem resident comes in. They are very quick to get the issue solved or to get the resident removed or have the resident remove themselves.In this economy the expense for what you get is amazing here. I really do enjoy this building. If I had anything negative to say it would be that the buildings old enough that it doesn’t regulate heat very well. So sometimes it’s really hot in her during the winter but in reality it’s pretty easy to deal with. The owner, Jeff and manager Kerri are great to work with. Again I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for an affordable housing option without children.

Jon Hardy
24 November 2025

Clean, quiet, and comfortable. Saw a lot of negative reviews on the management and their rules. First of all the rules are explained to you at the beginning. It's like any other Motel or Hotel, they have rules. Remember, this is a 'rooming house ' not the Motel 8. No pool, no arcade for children. If you need a place to lay your head I would recommend it.

Flat Water
16 November 2025

I hit a rough patch in my life and I was unable to find rent elsewhere in a short period of time. Almost went homeless. Kari gave me a chance to get back on my feet and I'm forever grateful to her for that! I stayed there for a year and was able to move in to a house recently. I actually got comfortable living there and would recommend it to anyone who needs shelter when in need. The people I encountered were friendly for the most part and Kari is willing to accommodate. You get a fridge, bed, couch, and atleast a sink in your room. Some rooms have a bathroom, otherwise you will need to use a communal bathroom which didn't bother a person like myself. My only gripe was no AC in the summer but good heat in the winter. Parking was never an issue for me as well. A lot of the reviews on here are from before the change of management, and the place has since improved from what I've seen and is reasonably priced for what it is. Thank you Kari for helping me when no one else would!

Kate Erickson
14 November 2025

Great place to stay, room and nice and affordable! Everyone very nice and welcoming and respectful. The rooms and very homey and cute! The manger Kari is just the best, she will help with anything you need, and has really tuned the place around inside and out! Have really enjoyed my stay since day 1! -k

Dove-Whisper Grimmenga
28 October 2025

Kari is very nice. And is always willing to work with u when it comes to rent and helping you get assistance when u need help with the bills. 99% of the tendency are very nice. If there is ever someone bothering you. She deals with the situation immediately. She's great to have as a landlord. If your ever struggling to get housing this is a good place to start off.

Robert Tessen
17 October 2025

I've been staying here for a few months now, it has had new ownership and management for about 5 years from what I understand. The management makes sure the property is clean and in a safe manner. I appreciate that during the evening hours entrance to the building is secured. Management has always been respectful and helpful in many ways. I would recommend this property to anyone.

Info (Essential details)

  • Phone
    Phone Number+1 920-261-9081
  • Address115 S 1st St, Watertown, WI 53094, United States