Lake Michigan is really big, that’s one of the things it’s known for. That, and for being beautifully ocean-like, and a paradise for sailors. It has several major ports: Chicago, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Gary in Indiana and Muskegon in Michigan, and then lots and lots of really pretty little waterside towns and hamlets. The beaches of Lake Michigan are so pale and sandy that it’s frequently referred to as ‘the third coastline’ (the beaches even have sand dunes in places), and a good percentage of the shoreline is national parkland, or forest. With this varying landscape comes a plethora of accommodation options from urban chic hotels to rural retreats; there are many family friendly properties and for those who prefer a B&B there's plenty of choice too. Use our guide to the best hotels on Lake Michigan and start planning your holiday!
For Water Views
- The Looking Glass Beachfront Inn is a wonderfully homely feeling B&B right on the water, with a terrace and deck perfectly positioned for watching the sun set over the sand and the water. Some of the five rooms and suites have water views too. A mile from Grand Haven, this still feels like an escape, but one you can easily walk to a bar or restaurant from. There’s no restaurant, but there's a home cooked breakfast served daily in the communal dining area, and there are cooking facilities for guests if you fancy it. The loft room is ideal for families.
For a City Break
- Illinois’s Graduate Evanston is a gorgeously nostalgic downtown hotel with a definite varsity feel, and makes this list because the historic property it occupies is just minutes from Lake Michigan. This is a big place, with 120 rooms and suites, plus a gym, a number of cosy lounges, and a cheerful restaurant. The rooms come in a range of sizes, with some great picks for families, as well as single folk, and the retro chic décor makes all the rooms feel charming – as well as having all the mod. cons..
- Chicago’s Sophy Hyde Park is a contemporary pick in an arty, culturally rich Chicago neighbourhood. The best of the 98 rooms and suites have incredible Chicago views through corner windows, and all of them have bright, arty décor and a fun vibe, as do the communal areas. Great for families, but also for anyone wanting to see the sights, or experience the nightlife of Chicago.
For a Countryside Escape
- Built in the 1860s, the Deer Path Inn was modelled after an English mansion, and sits Tudor-style pretty on the banks of Lake Michigan, surrounded by pleasant English-style gardens. In addition to the 55 traditional rooms and suites, the inn is known for its pub, and its afternoon teas. Less than an hour away from Chicago, this is a great luxury escape or mini-break.
For an Active Holiday
- The Hotel Earl of Charlevoix is in downtown Charlevoix, and offers bold monochrome design in 56 spacious rooms and suites: think mid-century modern feel carpets and wallpapers, and contemporary art. The largest rooms have kitchens and balconies – in fact the Earl Suite has two bedrooms and a large living room too. There’s no restaurant, but they do offer a continental breakfast, drinks and small plate dining. And there’s a gym.
For a House Party Feel
- The Spring Lighthouse is only a small property, with just four individually decorated rooms and suites, but it still has its own private beach on Lake Michigan, so feels very much like staying with lucky friends. The décor adds to the impression of staying with friends, with plenty of unique antiques and collectables. There’s no restaurant, but they offer three course breakfasts, and there’s a barbecue area if you want to cook for yourself.
- Spacious and trendy, the Kinn Guesthouse is a converted home in suburban Millwaukee. There are eight rooms to choose from, all uniquely decorated with local artwork and designer furnishings, and there’s a cosy communal kitchen, lounge and TV room. So it feels like being the guest of cool friends, with great taste!
For Families
- The Inn at Bay Harbor is a beach resort on the lake, complete with a private beach, a choice of four golf courses, a full service spa and gym, a kids club, and world class sunsets over the water. Accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes, including rooms, suites and whole two and three bedroom cottages and villas (with kitchens), and most choices have a private balcony. A winner for all ages!
For Romantics
- The Hillside Waterfront Hotel is an elegant, seven room inn right opposite Eagle Harbor in peaceful Ephraim. The rooms are spacious and airy, with luxurious, white and cream colour schemes, fireplaces, whirlpool baths, private balconies and water views. There’s no restaurant, but there are plenty of great places to eat and drink within a short stroll, and they offer a delightful breakfast. In the winter months this is a great base for cross-country skiing.
- Minutes from one of Lake Michigan’s beaches, Martha's Vineyard B&B has 12 cosy rooms and suites, with private porches and entrances, fireplaces and whirlpool tubs as standard, plus hearty breakfasts.
- With six, charming, traditional rooms in Sheboygan Falls, the Rochester Inn makes for a cosy and romantic base for exploring Lake Michigan. Rooms have whirlpool tubs, antiques, thick carpets and four-poster beds. There’s no restaurant, but they offer an opulent breakfast, so you’ll feel well looked after.
- The Wickwood Inn is an elegant, owner-run B&B in downtown Saugatuck, with 11 rooms and a homely feel: think antiques, open fires and lots of plump cushions and little chairs to relax into with a glass of wine. The owner is the author of best selling cook books, and while there’s no restaurant, the breakfast offering is gourmet, and they offer afternoon tea-time snacks and small plates at supper to accompany drinks.
- The Foxglove Inn is a stylish, all-suite, adults-only B&B in Sturgeon Bay. Each of the nine suites are huge, with private fireplaces, living spaces, antiques and fancy baths. There are no common areas, but the room sizes will make up for it, and there’s space for breakfast to be served in every suite.
For a Rural Retreat
- Surrounded by peaceful, woodland gardens, The Inn at Union Pier is a rural, 16 room retreat, just steps from Lake Michigan. The rooms range in style from wonderfully traditional: complete with tiled, Scandinavian wood burning fireplaces, to more contemporary options featuring two person jetted tubs. Communal areas include the beautiful expanse of garden, a library, a games room, and generous terraces. There’s no restaurant, but they offer a lovely breakfast.
- The Hotel Saugatuck is a stylishly renovated 12 room B&B, carefully converted from a 19th century lumber mill on the shore of Lake Kalamazoo, which is close to Lake Michigan. Rooms are split between the main house and private cottages, with décor featuring bold prints and whirlpool tubs. Our favourite rooms have private porches with views of the lake.
- Goldberry Woods is an organic farm with rooms and self-catering cottages, surrounded by forest and close to Lake Michigan. Décor is pleasingly rustic and homely, considering this is a farm, and the 11 rooms, suites and cottages are cosy and comfortable. There’s a year round heated pool and hot tub too, and they offer a farm-fresh breakfast.
For Great Value
- The 4411 Inn & Suites is a mid-century motel recently transformed by a contemporary make over. Now bright, airy, and complete with all the mod cons, these 26 rooms and suites, just an hour from Chicago and minutes from Lake Michigan, are an affordable pick. Facilities include communal outdoor seating with a fire pit, and a grill station. Some of the larger rooms have two and three bedrooms with bunks — ideal for families or groups.
Best B&Bs
- The Blacksmith Inn on the Shore is a charming, and rather luxurious 15 bedroom inn right on the shore of Lake Michigan. The rooms are spacious, with private balconies – and hammocks, so you have your own personal lake views. If you’re planning a romantic escape book one of the rooms with a whirlpool bath and fireplace. There’s no restaurant, but they offer a gourmet breakfast. The inn can lend you a kayak – or, for the ultimate in romantic facilities, a tandem bike! No kids or pets, we’re afraid.
- Converted from a large and charming, Victorian-style home in Ludington, The Lamplighter B&B is ideal if you’re looking for an elegant, grown-up feeling stay. There are just five rooms and suites, all decorated with antiques, and the fanciest with fireplaces and spa baths. Breakfast is served in the dining room, and you can arrange chef-cooked suppers there also.
- Among The Vineyards Bed and Breakfast is both among the vineyards and close to the beaches of Lake Michigan. Its four rooms are individually decorated and stylish (the best with a statement cedar tub for two), and there’s a shared den, breakfast lounge and outdoor pool. Expect bold colours, friendly hosts and a locally sourced, homemade breakfast, plus cookies.
Still not sure where to book?
