Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort

The word “Escape” rests atop the oak reception desk as a not-so-subtle suggestion that this lakefront resort is a place to relax and unwind. With only 38 units, this quiet property feels like a large family lodge at times, with rustic furniture, a gas fireplace, and a maritime theme in the homey lobby. All rooms and public spaces are positioned to take advantage of the majestic views of the bay, including the indoor pool and whirlpool area that has a bank of large windows overlooking the water. It sits at the end of a manicured lawn, just above a beach where guests can launch the resort’s small boats. Gas grills and a picnic area invite guests to mingle and enjoy the view. Overall, this is a friendly place that's popular with families, couples, and anyone seeking a quiet getaway. 

This resort is directly on the Lake Michigan waterfront, about a five- to 10-minute drive to the town of Sturgeon Bay, where guests will find restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and attractions such as the Door County Maritime Museum and Door County Historical Museum. There are some restaurants that are a bit closer to the resort, but none are within walking distance. The Cherry Hills Golf & Lodge is a four-minute drive, while Egg Harbor and Potawatomi State Park can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. Peninsula State Park is a 40-minute drive from here. Driving south, airports can be reached at Green Bay (one hour) and Milwaukee (about three hours).

Available rooms include One- and Two-Bedroom Suites, with a “Premier” option for each that offers end-of-building, corner locations with more privacy and better views. Suites are clean and spacious with fully equipped kitchens that include full refrigerators, dishwashers, toasters, microwaves, stoves/ovens, coffeemakers, utensils, and pots and pans. Two-Bedroom Suites have a separate dining area, while One-Bedroom Suites have a kitchen bar with high-back chairs. Both have separate living rooms with gas fireplaces, red upholstered sleeper sofas, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. All suites have some view of the bay, with private balconies furnished with tables and chairs. Bathrooms are average in size and include a shower/tub combo with a whirlpool tub and granite-topped oak vanity. The nautical theme that’s so prevalent in the public spaces continues in the rooms, with framed art, lamps designed to resemble a lighthouse, and armchairs upholstered with a sailboat pattern. Light yellow painted walls, beige patterned carpets, and light oak furniture, doors, and door frames highlight the bright color scheme. Red comforters add color to the king beds. The wood furnishings are of good quality and condition, and overall, the suites are well maintained and offer a simple yet pleasing, rustic resort ambiance. Daily housekeeping, robes, and free Wi-Fi are standard as well.

Though there is no restaurant or bar on-site, free coffee and hot chocolate are available in the lobby throughout the day. Gas grills are available for grilling on the waterfront as part of a picnic area with tables, plus guests can order pizza for delivery from area restaurants. There are heated indoor and outdoor pools, and an indoor whirlpool and sauna. Families are catered to with a children’s sandbox play area outside as well as a video game room, plus DVDs and board games are available for lending at the front desk. Free usage of paddle boats and rowboats is offered in warm months. There's free Wi-Fi throughout the property, but guests report spotty service. Cell phone coverage is poor as well, but the resort offers free calls nationwide from property phones to compensate. There's a computer station with Internet access for guests' use. A fitness center includes cardio and weight-training machines and free weights. There are meeting facilities on-site and a small gift shop in the lobby. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available, and on-site parking is free.