Stay at William Watson Hotel, a historic 1838 guest house in Pittsfield, IL. Enjoy free breakfast, kitchenettes, pet-friendly rooms, and nearby attractions.
Guests appreciate the unique character and cleanliness of the rooms, friendly service, and convenient location near local attractions and dining options.
GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.
Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.
Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Located at 105 E Washington St in Pittsfield, Illinois, this historic hotel offers a unique blend of charm and practicality. Originally built in 1838 and once frequented by Abraham Lincoln, the William Watson Hotel features quaint rooms and suites, some equipped with kitchenettes, ideal for guests seeking a comfortable and home-like atmosphere. The Victorian-inspired décor, including exposed brick walls and distinctive furnishings, adds to the authentic experience noted by many visitors.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, free parking, and air conditioning. The property is pet- and kid-friendly, with an on-site restaurant and a business center to accommodate various needs. While there is no pool, fitness center, or airport shuttle, the smoke-free environment and attentive service contribute to a pleasant stay. Reviews highlight the cleanliness of the rooms and the helpfulness of the staff, though the building does feature steps at the entrance and rooms on upper floors that may not be accessible to all travelers.
Positioned across from the Pike County Courthouse and along Route 54, the hotel is convenient for visitors exploring Pittsfield. It lies 2.3 miles from Country Fixins Primitives Antique & Craft Mall and is close to attractions such as the New Philadelphia National Historic Site and Lake Pittsfield, both rated highly by guests. The proximity to two regional airports—Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport about an hour away and Quincy Regional Airport within 45 minutes by car—adds to the practical location for travelers.
Those staying at the William Watson Hotel often appreciate the quiet evenings during weekday stays, the historic architecture, and the variety of room options including suites with kitchenettes. Some guests note the firm beds but praise the quality linens and the availability of multiple pillows. This property generally appeals to visitors looking for a historic, comfortable lodging option with convenient access to local landmarks and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Quaint and gorgeous Hotel. Loved the decor. The staff were fantastic! Jane recommended to us to check out Lindsay's Tavern for their 90th year celebration and it was a great party! It was an absolutely pleasurable stay at William Watson and we will be back again!
Great stay! We stayed on a weeknight so it was very quiet. The room was clean (covers on the beds) and it was very cozy. The room had a TV, microwave, mini fridge, toiletries, and fresh towels. The shower was clean and worked well. The continental breakfast was yogurt, granola bars, and cereal. It is within walking distance of a cafe where you can get a yummy hot breakfast if desired. There are steps to enter the building and our room was on the second floor (not handicap accessible). The architecture and history was awesome too- highly recommend! Thank you
Beautiful historic hotel, very friendly staff! Our room was very clean, I loved the brick walls and the headboards were old doors! Very unique, right on square, within walking distance to everything we needed!
We stayed 2 nights in room 201 and my Dad stayed in room 205. Our room had a very large sitting area which was nice to spread out with family. 201 has a beautiful view of the courthouse and I'm kicking myself for not getting a photo of it from our room. We also had a mini kitchenette with a microwave, mini fridge, keurig, and sink which was helpful with children. The room was very clean and the staff was beyond excellent.
Great historical hotel with friendly service. Stayed in a nicely appointed room with a newer SmartTV. Having stayed at a chain place last week on business, they had better quality sheets, pillows, and towels on par with a better class establishment here which was nice. Bed was a bit too firm for my liking so I ended up lining up several of the many pillows and slept on top of them. Wi-Fi was reliable and fast. Shower nice and hot and good water pressure, Nice restaurant is attached Wed-Saturday, and a basic breakfast (oatmeal, cereal, and fruit cups available. Its a nice place to stay, does not feel like a hotel, the room we stayed in was spacious and homey. A good place to stay if visiting Pike County, IL. Walking distance to several dining options, less than half a mile from Walmart, 24 hour Casey's convenient store is near.
The Hotel itself was very Charming. Unique, like a Country Victorian theme. Wonderful pieces to look at. Right across from the beautiful courthouse. Upon checking in, we had a letter and a room key waiting for us at the front desk, no front desk employee. Very peaceful. We were in the Abe Lincoln Suite. Super Comfortable and Clean, everything worked properly! Complimentary Breakfast included yogurt, cereal bars, and honey buns. No spoons to eat the yogurt. We ended up making our coffee in the room. We did not see a vending machine, snack kiosk or any area to purchase snacks or drinks, or even toothpaste etc, if we forgot anything. Checking out was simple. The front desk employee was extremely nice!
This wonderful historic hotel is located right across from the courthouse. It is so cute. The room was quiet and the bed was really comfortable. They have ROKU TV in the room sonwe watched some Gunsmoke and fell asleep after a fun night out. There is coffee provided in the room, a. Mini fridge and microwave. They have 4 big fluffy pillows. I would highly recommend staying here if you are in Pittsfield, IL. Thanks for the great stay!
Awesome experience...my wife and i had an excellent dinner everything was great!!Perfect service
Alongside Route 54 and across the street from the Pike County Courthouse, this 1838 property previously frequented by Abraham Lincoln is 2.3 miles from shopping at Country Fixins Primitives Antique & Craft Mall.
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Illinois. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
59 reviews 29766 306th Ln, Barry, IL 62312, United States
1 reviews Pittsfield, IL 62363, USA
Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.
Relax at The Landing Hotel, a 4.2star riverside hotel in Schenectady, NY. Enjoy spa, bar, gym, and easy access to Rivers Casino &...
Stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Denver South Centennial Airport with free breakfast, indoor pool, gym, and easy access to Denver Te...
Stay at Suburban Studios Fairborn Dayton, a 4.4★ extended stay hotel near National Museum of the US Air Force and Dayton Art Ins...
Stay at the 5star Strawberry Hill Inn & Event Venue in Petersburg, VA. Close to Civil War sites and top attractions with great ...
Simple rooms with free WiFi and parking at Red Roof Inn St Louis – Westport/ Maryland Heights, 5 miles from St Louis Lambert Inte...
Experience 4.9star comfort at Nolichuckey Bluffs Cabins in Greeneville, TN. LGBTQ+ friendly mountain lodge near Andrew Johnson Na...
4.5star motel with free WiFi, breakfast, and a roof deck. Near Glass Beach, MacKerricher State Park, and The Skunk Train in Fort...
Stay at MOTEL SUN INN in Winthrop Harbor, IL. Enjoy free WiFi, continental breakfast, free parking, and easy access to Illinois B...
Stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Rock Springs, WY. Enjoy free WiFi, continental breakfast, indoor pool, and convenient access to I80 an...
Stay at The Hotel St. Nicholas in Cripple Creek, offering oldworld rooms, free breakfast, rooftop hot tub, and easy access to Pik...
Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.
