We have been to Lakeside Inn perhaps 6-7 times now?! We love it. We go ever year with our friends and are going to stay here when we get married next June. It's a great place to relax- the beach is just down the stairs (about 80?) but its worth it when you get down there. :-) Great place. We actually will be up for Valentines Weekend!
(4)
Rochelle G.
This place is so dreamy, it's straight out of a book. Rustic decor, quiet surroundings, the lake just a hop skip and a jump away, I can't wait to go back! Would like to make a special mention of the new chef, Chef Dave, was really kind and gracious, baked us a delightful chocolate peach cake for a pittance of a price. He's whips up a scrumptious breakfast every morning.
(4)
Dan I.
Location is excellent and our bed was comfortable so those are two positives. Also if your looking for a rustic, historic type building to stay then this also meet that criteria. Otherwise the day staff is not accommodating, the building/rooms are dirty and Lakeside Inn have less than average amenities. We had breakfast in the cafe and the food was greasy and the eggs Benedict not edible (yes that bad). We went to use the bikes after breakfast and all the bike tires were flat. We asked about a pump for the tires and were told they have to check with maintenance. A/C in the room barely operated and it was so loud at night you didn't want it on as you were sleeping. Bathrooms were a bit above campground facilities. This has been a favorite place for my wife and I to stay over the past 7 years in Union Pier but is now off our list I believe what you have is an old tired owner who appears not to invest money back into the facilities and is tired of managing the facility.
(2)
Jennifer M.
What an absolutely lovely place! My good friend and I stayed for a weekend this winter and had a great time. Our room was quaint and cozy, the beautiful fireplaces were always lit,and the walk down to the lake was snowy but amazingly beautiful. If you're expecting a four star hotel this is probably not the place for you, but if you're looking for a quaint,cozy, historic inn with a little rustic charm this is the spot for you. Love love love Lakeside Inn!!!
(5)
Susie I.
We went back, as promised! This time we had a jacuzzi suite! There are about 5 rooms with jacuzzis. It was perfect for tired muscles after hiking Warren Dunes all day. Romantic, too! Also, they have free Wi-Fi, so we brought the laptop and were able to keep up on some important emails and we even watched a little Hulu. The weather was beginning to turn on the evening we had planned a fire on the beach, so we just sat on the porch all night waiting for the rain. It was perfect. I won't tell you that May is the perfect time to go, because I'd hate for the Inn to fill up during that month. Part of the charm in May is that the place is nice and quite. I have no idea what it's like the rest of the summer. You all should go in June and tell me about it.
(5)
Mark K.
I'd like to keep this place a secret, but I should share it with the world...it's that good. Great location. Historic building. Completely relaxing. Yes, the walls are thin. Bang quieter if it's a problem. A few reviews have mentioned a sort of "The Shining" quality to this place. Can't really argue with that. Don't have to worry about Lloyd the Bartender though... Bring your own.
(4)
Kay J.
We spent a night at Lakeside in April 2008 - off season for sure. We checked in at the sister property, the Gordon Beach Inn and the manager was really unpleasant. There was a snafu with our reservation and she acted like she was doing us a big favor do rent us a room in a virtually empty inn! The inn was quaint in a Michigan cottage kind of way. The room was okay - pretty basic and the amenities could have been nicer (towels, toiletries, sheets) for the price of over $100. The restaurant, Timothy's, was OUTSTANDING. As good as any in the city. If you want a quite get away and aren't concerned about service or luxury, try it.
(2)
L. R.
Several years ago, we stayed at the quaint inn and we loved it. The best time to go is in the fall. Then in the morning, I was poking about and got to meet the chef at Timothy's - who then taught me how to make timbales. So, for me, this place has great memories.
(4)
Brittany K.
My husband and I joined a couple of our friends here last weekend., and it was absolutely the perfect getaway! No, the rooms aren't the epitome of luxury, but they make you feel like you are staying in a cozy cottage in the woods, which, in my opinion, is way better than a swanky hotel The common area on the first floor is perfect for socializing around the large fireplace, or in our case, relaxing after many a wine tasting. And, just outside the front door down quite a few steps is the very serene beach! The best part of this Inn though, and the reason for my review is because I left a shirt in our room without realizing it, and the Inn mailed my shirt back to me a few days later! That is absolutely unheard of in hotels, and really is a testament to the wonderful customer service everyone provides there. So, in short, if you are looking for a serene and relaxing mini vacay with stunning scenery all around and excellent customer service, go here! Plus, off season is buy one night, get one free.
(5)
Rodger W.
A wonderful early 20th century beach hotel in lovely harbor country. These is nothing modern about this place except for the free WiFi, and thats about all you need when you come to enjoy the sunsets over the lake and miles of pristine walkable beach. 2 nights for the price of one, including a good breakfast is a steal. The grounds are a total throwback to an earlier time before snarky yelpers arrived expecting a Hampton Inn with a $tarbuck$ next door. Come on, did you expect a Disney experience?
(4)
Jack P.
I had the opportunity to stay here a few nights recently at the invitation of friends. This update represents my opinion and theirs. The only way I can think about reviewing the place is to take it apart and look at each aspect of the experience. SERVICE - Their isn't any. Besides making your bed every morning that is. There is no information given when you check in about amenities, use of the beach, availability of chairs, any type of food service, or recommendations for the breakfast that isn't served 5 days per week. It's only available on weekends. It is most annoying to have to travel for breakfast every morning. While coffee is provided in horrid styrofoam cups, it would not take much expense or effort, I think, to also have donuts or some fruit available. Even Super 8 (at much less a rate) offers this. And WIFI. Or to let the guest make their own breakast in the kitchen. Have cereal and items on hand, or guests can use their own. Suggest they bring breakfast items when they book. Put small refrigerators in the rooms. The sheer apathetic, dispassionate, and bored staff is probably reflective of management, since the leadership tends to set the tone. One star for service. ROOMS - I stayed here once before this time and found them adequate. This time, it was remarkable how dirty some things were. My A/C unit was filthy and the flaps did not work. Both our bathrooms were dirty in so far as tile and tub and shower curtains. Windows were dirty, too. Hallways and carpeting the same and looking even worse under the dimly lit environs. It is interesting to compare the condition of this lovely old place to another we saw when visiting the restauraunt Tosi's, which is just up the road. The main part of Tosi's used to be an old knotty pine resort, and shares the same vintage as The Lakeside. Yet Tosi's is clean, fresh and well-lighted with beautiful vintage fixtures. Even though the main room, which now houses the bar, was built in 1938, you would think it was new. You can tell that the Tosi's love their place. Two stars for rooms. AMBIANCE/SETTING - Well, four stars for sure. Situated in a beautifully wooded area, right across from the lake and beach, having a great porch with lots of rocking chairs and swings big enough to nap on, original lodge interior and great fireplace, the place inherits some fine qualities. It's a shame that the lawn and garden in front look downright sad and neglected, almost like an empty lot somehwere. A real contrast to the surrounding nature. The best part of the experience was sitting on the big porch at night, sipping wine while the sun set,listening to a story from a funny pizza delivery guy with an East Coast accent, sharing pizza with a lady and her son from Indiana, and telling stories "out-of-school." Catching up with friends. The peace and quiet here is pretty precious, but it's not the ony place to get it. And the overall value increases in November when the rooms rent for half the summer rate. Easier to overlook some things with that. If you are going to look for a place to stay in this area, you may do better, especially with a family or group, to rent a cottage. For about the same price (high season rates), you can get so much more. And it won't be that much trouble to make your own bed. Or not.
Patricia W.
We have been to Lakeside Inn perhaps 6-7 times now?! We love it. We go ever year with our friends and are going to stay here when we get married next June. It's a great place to relax- the beach is just down the stairs (about 80?) but its worth it when you get down there. :-) Great place. We actually will be up for Valentines Weekend!
(4)Rochelle G.
This place is so dreamy, it's straight out of a book. Rustic decor, quiet surroundings, the lake just a hop skip and a jump away, I can't wait to go back! Would like to make a special mention of the new chef, Chef Dave, was really kind and gracious, baked us a delightful chocolate peach cake for a pittance of a price. He's whips up a scrumptious breakfast every morning.
(4)Dan I.
Location is excellent and our bed was comfortable so those are two positives. Also if your looking for a rustic, historic type building to stay then this also meet that criteria. Otherwise the day staff is not accommodating, the building/rooms are dirty and Lakeside Inn have less than average amenities. We had breakfast in the cafe and the food was greasy and the eggs Benedict not edible (yes that bad). We went to use the bikes after breakfast and all the bike tires were flat. We asked about a pump for the tires and were told they have to check with maintenance. A/C in the room barely operated and it was so loud at night you didn't want it on as you were sleeping. Bathrooms were a bit above campground facilities. This has been a favorite place for my wife and I to stay over the past 7 years in Union Pier but is now off our list I believe what you have is an old tired owner who appears not to invest money back into the facilities and is tired of managing the facility.
(2)Jennifer M.
What an absolutely lovely place! My good friend and I stayed for a weekend this winter and had a great time. Our room was quaint and cozy, the beautiful fireplaces were always lit,and the walk down to the lake was snowy but amazingly beautiful. If you're expecting a four star hotel this is probably not the place for you, but if you're looking for a quaint,cozy, historic inn with a little rustic charm this is the spot for you. Love love love Lakeside Inn!!!
(5)Susie I.
We went back, as promised! This time we had a jacuzzi suite! There are about 5 rooms with jacuzzis. It was perfect for tired muscles after hiking Warren Dunes all day. Romantic, too! Also, they have free Wi-Fi, so we brought the laptop and were able to keep up on some important emails and we even watched a little Hulu. The weather was beginning to turn on the evening we had planned a fire on the beach, so we just sat on the porch all night waiting for the rain. It was perfect. I won't tell you that May is the perfect time to go, because I'd hate for the Inn to fill up during that month. Part of the charm in May is that the place is nice and quite. I have no idea what it's like the rest of the summer. You all should go in June and tell me about it.
(5)Mark K.
I'd like to keep this place a secret, but I should share it with the world...it's that good. Great location. Historic building. Completely relaxing. Yes, the walls are thin. Bang quieter if it's a problem. A few reviews have mentioned a sort of "The Shining" quality to this place. Can't really argue with that. Don't have to worry about Lloyd the Bartender though... Bring your own.
(4)Kay J.
We spent a night at Lakeside in April 2008 - off season for sure. We checked in at the sister property, the Gordon Beach Inn and the manager was really unpleasant. There was a snafu with our reservation and she acted like she was doing us a big favor do rent us a room in a virtually empty inn! The inn was quaint in a Michigan cottage kind of way. The room was okay - pretty basic and the amenities could have been nicer (towels, toiletries, sheets) for the price of over $100. The restaurant, Timothy's, was OUTSTANDING. As good as any in the city. If you want a quite get away and aren't concerned about service or luxury, try it.
(2)L. R.
Several years ago, we stayed at the quaint inn and we loved it. The best time to go is in the fall. Then in the morning, I was poking about and got to meet the chef at Timothy's - who then taught me how to make timbales. So, for me, this place has great memories.
(4)Brittany K.
My husband and I joined a couple of our friends here last weekend., and it was absolutely the perfect getaway! No, the rooms aren't the epitome of luxury, but they make you feel like you are staying in a cozy cottage in the woods, which, in my opinion, is way better than a swanky hotel The common area on the first floor is perfect for socializing around the large fireplace, or in our case, relaxing after many a wine tasting. And, just outside the front door down quite a few steps is the very serene beach! The best part of this Inn though, and the reason for my review is because I left a shirt in our room without realizing it, and the Inn mailed my shirt back to me a few days later! That is absolutely unheard of in hotels, and really is a testament to the wonderful customer service everyone provides there. So, in short, if you are looking for a serene and relaxing mini vacay with stunning scenery all around and excellent customer service, go here! Plus, off season is buy one night, get one free.
(5)Rodger W.
A wonderful early 20th century beach hotel in lovely harbor country. These is nothing modern about this place except for the free WiFi, and thats about all you need when you come to enjoy the sunsets over the lake and miles of pristine walkable beach. 2 nights for the price of one, including a good breakfast is a steal. The grounds are a total throwback to an earlier time before snarky yelpers arrived expecting a Hampton Inn with a $tarbuck$ next door. Come on, did you expect a Disney experience?
(4)Jack P.
I had the opportunity to stay here a few nights recently at the invitation of friends. This update represents my opinion and theirs. The only way I can think about reviewing the place is to take it apart and look at each aspect of the experience. SERVICE - Their isn't any. Besides making your bed every morning that is. There is no information given when you check in about amenities, use of the beach, availability of chairs, any type of food service, or recommendations for the breakfast that isn't served 5 days per week. It's only available on weekends. It is most annoying to have to travel for breakfast every morning. While coffee is provided in horrid styrofoam cups, it would not take much expense or effort, I think, to also have donuts or some fruit available. Even Super 8 (at much less a rate) offers this. And WIFI. Or to let the guest make their own breakast in the kitchen. Have cereal and items on hand, or guests can use their own. Suggest they bring breakfast items when they book. Put small refrigerators in the rooms. The sheer apathetic, dispassionate, and bored staff is probably reflective of management, since the leadership tends to set the tone. One star for service. ROOMS - I stayed here once before this time and found them adequate. This time, it was remarkable how dirty some things were. My A/C unit was filthy and the flaps did not work. Both our bathrooms were dirty in so far as tile and tub and shower curtains. Windows were dirty, too. Hallways and carpeting the same and looking even worse under the dimly lit environs. It is interesting to compare the condition of this lovely old place to another we saw when visiting the restauraunt Tosi's, which is just up the road. The main part of Tosi's used to be an old knotty pine resort, and shares the same vintage as The Lakeside. Yet Tosi's is clean, fresh and well-lighted with beautiful vintage fixtures. Even though the main room, which now houses the bar, was built in 1938, you would think it was new. You can tell that the Tosi's love their place. Two stars for rooms. AMBIANCE/SETTING - Well, four stars for sure. Situated in a beautifully wooded area, right across from the lake and beach, having a great porch with lots of rocking chairs and swings big enough to nap on, original lodge interior and great fireplace, the place inherits some fine qualities. It's a shame that the lawn and garden in front look downright sad and neglected, almost like an empty lot somehwere. A real contrast to the surrounding nature. The best part of the experience was sitting on the big porch at night, sipping wine while the sun set,listening to a story from a funny pizza delivery guy with an East Coast accent, sharing pizza with a lady and her son from Indiana, and telling stories "out-of-school." Catching up with friends. The peace and quiet here is pretty precious, but it's not the ony place to get it. And the overall value increases in November when the rooms rent for half the summer rate. Easier to overlook some things with that. If you are going to look for a place to stay in this area, you may do better, especially with a family or group, to rent a cottage. For about the same price (high season rates), you can get so much more. And it won't be that much trouble to make your own bed. Or not.
(2)