Lake Bluff Inn and Suites

Family-owned for over two decades, the Lake Bluff Inn and Suites is perched 70 feet above Lake Michigan with large lawns for outdoor activities and beautiful lake views. The property appeals to families with kids, and couples who want a quiet vacation, but unfortunately the inn doesn’t provide direct lake access. Wooden steps lead down to a sunset deck that displays gorgeous lakefront views. The property is comprised of two- and three-floor, cabin-like wooden buildings on the sprawling property surrounded by pine trees. Comfy seating by a fireplace and a large breakfast room are in the lobby, which has a lodge atmosphere. Some furnishings are old-fashioned, but overall the property is well-maintained. 

Nestled in South Haven, a quiet beach town in southwest Michigan, this is the only hotel that sits on a bluff over Lake Michigan. This woodsy area is removed from town on a private driveway with not much in walking distance. There’s no direct beach access, but with a car it’s a five-minute drive to the sandy shores and a 10-minute drive to downtown’s specialty shops and restaurants. The South Haven lighthouse is just under 10 minutes away by car. For outdoorsy travelers, the Kal-Haven Trailhead is 19 minutes away by bicycle and Van Buren State Park is a seven-minute drive. Driving to the 12 Corners Vineyards takes about 10 minutes. Chicago, and the O'Hare Airport, is about two hours by car.

Rooms have pinewood accents and homey textiles that create a cabin-like atmosphere, but some interior features -- like tube TVs -- feel outdated. Some rooms have mini-kitchens, lake views, and/or furnished patios; one- and two-bedroom Luxury Suites are available with hot tubs and fireplaces; Studios have full kitchens and sofa-beds in sitting areas. All rooms have flat-screen or tube TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves, and some have safes, ironing facilities, and DVD players. Basic bathrooms have hairdryers, mounted toiletries, and shower/tub combos or showers.

The outdoor facilities at the Lake Bluff Inn and Suites offer beautiful views of Lake Michigan, including large lawns that have picnic tables, charcoal barbecue grills, and a fire pit. Surrounded by a wooden fence, with Adirondack chairs on the deck, are an outdoor pool and a separate kiddy pool. Inside are a sauna and hot tub, which don’t provide any views. In addition to the kiddy pool, kids can play in the outdoor playground and the recreation room with a pool table, ping-pong, and vintage video games. Family reunions and weddings are often held in the lodge-style meeting room that fits up to 50 people, or in an outdoor event tent for larger functions. Catering services are also available. In the lobby is a computer that’s located near the dining lounge, where guests are served a free morning breakfast spread. Outdoor parking is free, but the lot can get crowded when there are private events. Wi-Fi is free, though patchy.