Secret of Saugatuck Suites

The Secret of Saugatuck Suites is a condo resort that has the humble feel of a residential apartment complex, with a central pool and sundeck area. The clientele varies widely, from couples to families to large groups gathering for weddings or family reunions, who sometimes take over most of the units. There are gas grills and lounge chairs around the property for guest use, as well as a basketball hoop in the parking lot for pick-up games, but there are no organized activities. This property also lacks a central lobby or any dining space, and most of the travelers here are drawn by the independence of having kitchens (as well as proximity to the shores of Lake Michigan). In a secluded spot overlooking the harbor, the hotel offers a peaceful setting that is ideal for groups of different sizes who are seeking a place with a laid-back, residential atmosphere

The Secret of Saugatuck Suites is located between Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River, the latter of which is a five-minute walk down the road. It sits along a quiet, secluded road in a residential area, surrounded by trees and lawns, with no traffic noise. A car or bicycle is required to visit nearby attractions. The town of Douglas is a five-minute drive, as is downtown Saugatuck and Douglas Beach Park. Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a 10-minute drive up the lakeshore. There are no restaurants on-site, and none within walking distance -- those can all be found in Saugatuck's quaint downtown. The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport is a 40-minute drive from the hotel, and the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport will take about 70 minutes to reach by car. 

The Secrets of Saugatuck Suites are made up of One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Suites, as well as a number of small Efficiency Suites, and a freestanding, four-bedroom, three-bathroom house. Each is furnished differently, and there is no unifying design concept; rather, the furnishings feel like a mish-mash of items gathered together for a beach condo. Everything is clean, bright, and cozy, with lots of windows. Expect to see homey details like plush couches, granite surfaces, and furniture done in light and mid-tone wood hues. 

Efficiency Suites are small and feel a bit like a starter college apartment, with bathroom sinks outside of the bathroom in the unit that we saw. Other units are much larger and offer separate sleeping and living space. The bedrooms are compact in most cases, furnished with combinations of twin, full, and queen beds; some units have bunk beds for kids or large groups. All suites have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. They also include full-size kitchens, many with breakfast bars, as well as stoves and refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemakers, and plenty of cookware, dishes, and utensils. Larger units may also have a furnished deck or patio. 

Bathrooms are spacious and modern, many with stylish walk-in showers and granite surfaces. Toiletries and towels are provided. There are no elevators, and guests with mobility issues should request first floor rooms before arrival. Units are only serviced once per stay, though housekeeping staff is always available for any necessary extras.

The Secret of Saugatuck Suites features a large in-ground pool with a shallow end for kids, surrounded by a concrete sundeck and plenty of lounge chairs. There are no beach umbrellas by the pool, but there are shaded tables and chairs for outdoor dining or card playing. There is also a hot tub. The resort offers gas grills for guest use, and there is a coin-operated laundry room on-site. There are a variety of packages available to guests, including girlfriend getaways with spa services arranged in advance, romantic couples weekends, and large group activities like weddings or family reunions, for which the resort will furnish caterers, event planners, and the works. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.