You’ll experience a true “resort” feel at The Water Tower Inn. Everything you need is conveniently located under one roof. Our superior amenities are only surpassed by our professional and warm hospitality staff who are committed to exceeding your expectations. You’ll enjoy the following “resort” features at the Inn:
Built in 1974, The Water Tower Inn was not the Hilsinger family’s first entrepreneurial venture in Sault Ste. Marie. In the 60s, JJ Hilsinger moved to Sault Ste. Marie and bought an old dilapidated drive-through on the edge of town (the same lot where the hotel now stands), serving a little-known fast-food named Kentucky Fried Chicken. JJ revitalized the little drive-through into an all-season success. From there, a legend was born, and many local Saultites still refer to KFC as “JJ’s Chicken”.
JJ’s Carry-Out soon grew into five KFC stores, but JJ, an innovator always looking for the next challenge, wasn’t satisfied. He envisioned a destination hotel, where locals would gather and guests would linger. When The Water Tower Inn first opened, it was the first to have interior corridors, a swimming pool and a whirlpool honeymoon suite. The Sawmill Lounge attracted little-known musicians who have now become big names.
Over the years, The Water Tower Inn went through many additions, with the last being The Pavilion Conference and Event Centre in 1989. The hotel’s name has evolved as well. But, ownership and our fierce independence remain the same. The Water Tower Inn has been a pillar in the community for over 45 years, committed to its own brand of hospitality excellence.
Our core business beliefs centre around giving back to the community, supporting our team and their development and protecting Mother Nature. Each year we donate thousands of dollars to different community initiatives, including The United Way, Tumaini Afrika SSM, Algoma University and the Algoma Fall Festival.
