The Inn at Harbor Shores

This upper-middle-range waterfront property has a homey and welcoming atmosphere thanks to cottage interiors and a lawn on the harbor that offers Adirondack chairs, barbecue grills, and a sandy volleyball court. Having opened in 2014, the Inn at Harbor Shores feels new. Black accents are blended with wooden floors, light green walls, and floral furniture in the spacious lobby that opens onto Plank’s Tavern, named in tribute to the resort John Oliver Plank built in 1888 when the area was a resort town. A large glass chandelier hangs over a charming staircase that leads to the second floor, where there’s a gallery featuring local Michigan artwork. Mostly families with children and couples stay at this hotel, although the rates can be pricey when compared to other properties nearby. 

Harbor Shores is a resort development between Saint Joseph and Benton Heights, a former factory town. The hotel sits on a private marina with great views, but some areas feel industrial with gravel piles across the water. A 16-minute walk away is the Scooter Joe's Wheel & Water Rentals with bicycles, kayaks, mopeds, canoes, and other water sports for rent. The Harbor Shores Golf Club is a two-minute drive from the hotel. Silver Beach and the Whirlpool Compass Fountain are a five-minute drive. Driving to Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport takes one hour, while the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport is about a 10-minute drive. Chicago is about an hour and 45 minutes by car. 

Warm wood tones, light green painted walls, and neutral textiles create a simple elegance in rooms and suites, which offer sitting areas and writing desks. Adding to the ambience are harbor or golf course views from balconies, but some guests are bothered by the gravel piles in view across the water. Rooms have two queen beds or one king bed, while suites have separate bedrooms. There are 14 two- and three-bedroom privately owned units -- which are owner-occupied or rented through the hotel -- with Lake Michigan views from the seventh and eighth floors. Every room offers flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, irons/ironing boards, Keurig coffeemakers, hairdryers, and safes. Bathrooms are modern with marble counters and glass walk-in showers. 

The ninth-floor terrace at this hotel offers the best views of the golf course and harbor from dark wooden benches. Beer and Bourbon social gatherings or private parties are also held on the terrace when weather permits. The dining terrace at Plank’s Tavern on the Water also overlooks the harbor and inside is a lodge-style dining room that serves bottomless mimosas for brunch and American fare for lunch and dinner. The tiki bar also offers waterfront views and seating by the outdoor pool and hot tub, which has a passageway that connects to the indoor hot tub and heated pool. There’s also a small spa that offers standard pampering treatments, a sauna, and bridal makeup and hair services. This waterfront location is a popular wedding destination. Four meeting spaces are available, including a ballroom that can hold receptions of up to 400 people and an outdoor event tent for up to 275 people. Free outdoor parking also appeals to event planners.