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2-star hotel Check-out 11:00

Clifty Inn

Clifty Inn offers simply decorated rooms with river views, free parking, pool, and a restaurant near Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, Indiana.

1650 Clifty Hollow Rd, Madison, IN 47250, United States View on map
8.8/10
Very Good Based on 1140 recent guest reviews
Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Pool Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced comfort with scenic charm

Guests appreciate the inn’s peaceful setting, river views, and friendly service, while noting some inconsistencies in room condition and dining quality.

Guests often praise

  • Warm, accommodating staff and attentive dining room service, especially praised for friendliness.
  • Clean, spacious rooms with comfortable beds and numerous pillows.
  • Beautiful natural surroundings, river views, and inviting common areas including fireplaces and outdoor seating.
  • Varied and enjoyable breakfast and lunch buffets with a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Good amenities including a pool, hot tub, and kid-friendly facilities.

Worth knowing

  • Some guest rooms are due for updates; occasional issues with cleanliness and dated décor were mentioned.
  • Dinner buffet quality and pricing received mixed feedback, with some guests preferring to dine elsewhere.
  • Views can vary by room, with some blocked by trees; rooms facing the river generally offer the best scenery.
  • Wi-Fi and parking are available, though no airport shuttle or fitness center onsite.
  • The pool is slated for upgrades, promising improvements in the near future.

Best for

  • Nature lovers and hikers eager to explore Clifty Falls State Park and surrounding outdoors.
  • Families and groups seeking comfortable, homey accommodations with kid-friendly amenities.
  • Visitors looking for a peaceful retreat with river views and a casual dining experience.
  • Guests interested in hosting events or weddings in a scenic, welcoming environment.
  • Travelers prioritizing a quiet setting over modern luxury.
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About this property

Welcome to Clifty Inn

Clifty Inn is a straightforward, homey hotel situated near Clifty Falls State Park, offering guests simple rooms and suites with a natural, lodge-like atmosphere. Many rooms provide views of the Ohio River and surrounding trees, creating a peaceful retreat. The inn features a river-view eatery, a deck, and an outdoor fire pit, enhancing its appeal for visitors who appreciate easy access to outdoor areas and relaxation spots.

The property includes practical amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a pool, air conditioning, and kitchens in all rooms, making it suitable for families and longer stays. While pet-friendly options and airport shuttles are not available, the hotel is smoke-free and accessible, with additional features like a hot tub on site. Guest reviews often highlight the comfortable beds and accommodating staff, though some note that room updates and certain dining experiences vary in quality.

Located 1.4 miles from Madison Elks Golf Club, the inn’s proximity to Clifty Falls State Park provides easy access to hiking, swimming, and nature activities. Nearby attractions include the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site and the Clifty Falls State Park North Gate. The area supports an active, outdoor lifestyle for guests looking to explore the scenic surroundings.

Travelers flying in can reach Clifty Inn by car within roughly 1.5 hours from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport or Louisville International Airport. The hotel is also close to various other lodging options, including The Chandler Hotel and Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Madison Historic Eagle Cotton Mill, allowing visitors to choose accommodations according to their preferences and needs.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Pool
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Kitchen in all rooms
Hot tub
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

CVB
Candice Van Bree Apr 11, 2026
10

We met family at the Inn for lunch, so we didn't experience the hotel portion. Lunch buffet on a Sunday had a lot of variety and our server was lovely. It wasn't crowded. The views are great and there are several areas with seating to hang out and chat after eating. Buffet was $22 a person.

HW
Heather Williams Mar 23, 2026
10

Love this place! My husband and I come every few years because we love the hiking, the friendly service, the pool, the comfy beds, and the great food. Nicely decorated, clean rooms, and fun environment. Loved the buffet - both for breakfast and for dinner. Jaden was a very friendly and personable waiter! You could tell everyone left with a smile after he took care of them. Even when it was super busy, he took time to make the experience better!

AR
A Rankin Mar 17, 2026
10

The staff are Very accommodating the rooms are clean and spacious. They have the BEST pillows and lots of them. Beds are comfortable as well. It's a nice quiet place

A
AZ Mar 12, 2026
8.0

My husband and I stayed in a suite here, and we had a lovely experience! The rooms are very cool, the decorations and vibe are so cool, great gift shop, beautiful scenery, and great staff (especially the dining room staff!). The breakfast buffet was very good, but the dinner buffet felt very mediocre for the expensive price (next time, we would definitely opt to eat elsewhere). My biggest complaint is the cleanliness. Clifty Inn NEEDS to crack down on the cleanliness of the rooms; there was a used bandaid in the corner of the shower, and a bobby pin sitting on the sink, which tells me that neither the shower nor the sink was cleaned or even inspected before we arrived (the bobby pin was especially obvious, sitting out in the open). I hope they will begin the clean more adequately (especially in important areas like the bathroom) and I would be fully satisfied!

BB
Bill Bassett Jan 25, 2026
10

What a Superb State Park Inn! This place is Wonderful! The staff are amazing and so kind! The whole atmosphere is warm and welcoming! Perched on a the cliff over looking the Ohio River and Madison down below, the views are fabulous! I was in room 208! Super nice, clean and large! Big sink by the microwave and fridge! Nice for families! Keep in mind, when you are on the 2nd floor, it's really the first, (on the same level as the lobby) with a cool 'bridge' connector! I think if you were on a higher floor than my room you might get a view of downtown Madison! Mine was blocked, at this time of year, with trees, but NOTE the views from my room were still GREAT!! Wonderful fireplace options to lounge by! And a big dining room with great views! Thanks everyone for a terrific stay! And for you regulars! They are getting a pool upgrade! It looked fine to me, but that's the plan!! Thanks again, everyone!

LD
Laura Daws Jan 19, 2026
10

We just held my daughter's wedding at the inn, utilizing the patio, the Clifty Room, the Overlook Room, the ADA accessible suite, and several guest rooms. The location is naturally gorgeous, the staff was uncompromisingly gracious and attentive, the food was delicious, and I can't possibly say enough wonderful things about Emily -- the inn's event/group sales coordinator. The whole process was seamless and easy and beautiful for everyone involved!

LL
Lace Layman Jan 03, 2026
10

Rooms facing river have a great view! Sliding doors with or without screen! Rooms good. Natural. Cool lodgy feel. Food is great! Wait staff hit and miss. Great place for conference of all types.

JH
John Heathcote Dec 22, 2025
8.0

It's my understanding that rooms are being updated so my comment is based upon the yet to be updated room we stayed in. The room was large and had all the amenities. The beds were comfortable and not worn out. The bathroom wallpaper was beginning to peel. Why do they wallpaper bathrooms anyway? Seems like it always peels. We did not like the keurig coffee maker or the pods provided. We will bring a french press for our next stay. You never know how often the coffee makers get cleaned. The room had a DVD player however the batteries in the remote were dead and corroded. I removed them so they would not cause more corrosion. We will probably make a return once all the rooms have been updated.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Clifty Inn

Madison, Indiana, USA

Nestled in the trees of Clifty Falls State Park near the Ohio River, this down-to-earth inn is 1.4 miles from Madison Elks Golf Club.

  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport 1 hr 35 Car
  • Louisville International Airport 1 hr 27 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Indiana. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Clifty Falls State Park 5,267 reviews

Clifty Falls State Park

2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250, United States

4.7 · State Park
Lanier Mansion State Historic Site 450 reviews

Lanier Mansion State Historic Site

601 W 1st St, Madison, IN 47250, United States

4.8 · Museum
Clifty Falls State Park North Gate 260 reviews

Clifty Falls State Park North Gate

2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250, United States

4.8 · Park
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