Hampton Inn South Haven

Travelers familiar with the Hampton Inn experience will find no surprises here: This is a homey, typical Hampton Inn outpost that provides reliable comfort for a night or two. The lobby features a sofa and cozy fireplace, as well as an assortment of books and magazines for guests to borrow. There is also free coffee and tea, and a breakfast area, but otherwise this is a hotel for those passing through on the interstate, or in town to enjoy nearby Lake Michigan. This hotel caters to all types of travelers, especially families, and when we visited there were lots of kids running around the property. It can get loud in the common areas, and by the indoor pool during peak travel times. 

The Hampton Inn South Haven is located on busy Phoenix Road, just off Interstate 196 and a five-minute drive from downtown South Haven. There are plenty of fast-food restaurants in the immediate area, as well as a grocery store. The Sherman Dairy Bar is a three-minute walk from the hotel. The Michigan Maritime Museum is five minutes away by car, and Lake Michigan and its beautiful beaches will take about 10 minutes to reach by car, making this Hampton Inn a good spot for beach-goers. Quaint Saugatuck is a 20-minute drive up the Lake Michigan coast, and Saugatuck Dunes State Park is just a bit farther. Kalamazoo is an hour's drive from the hotel and is home to the closest airport. Harold Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids is about 70 minutes away by car.

Rooms at the Hampton Inn South Haven have a king or two double beds. The decor is a bit dated, and fairly run-of-the-mill for a Hampton Inn. Expect to see mid-tone wood furniture with old-school silhouettes, emerald green carpets, striped drapes, and tan walls hung with soft-colored still lives and landscapes. Guest rooms have sitting areas with work desks, and some include lap desks for use in bed. Amenities include 25-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels and coffeemakers, but no in-room safes. Deluxe Rooms have sofa beds and whirlpool tubs, but the hotel's spacious bathrooms could use an update and feature shower/tub combos, granite countertops, and toiletries. 

There are a decent amount of features at this two-and-a-half-pearl hotel, including a free hot breakfast with eggs and sausage; guests with little time can opt for the On-the-Run breakfast bag that's available during the week. The hotel has an indoor pool and hot tub that can get busy with kids during peak travel times. There's also a fitness room with modern cardio machines, but no weight equipment. Vending machines are available as is a coin-operated laundry room, plus a small meeting room that seats up to 10 guests and a computer station. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and parking is also free.