10 Top-Rated Cottages in Michigan

April 18, 2023 Merry Kessler

Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
Things to do in Michigan

1. Stefan's R&R Resort

4497 S US Highway 23, Oscoda, MI 48738-9742
Excellent
50%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
25%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 4 reviews

Stefan's R&R Resort

Never going back

Reviewed By Alese J

The cottage itself was comfortable with a retro vibe, but I was very disappointed with the customer service. The morning we were checking out the owner/manager was banging on the door telling us we had to get going because she had to pay her housekeeper. This was at 9:45 checkout is at 10:00. She stood outside watching us pack up our bags and loading up the car. Extremely rude. If you want your customers out before checkout time, communicate that at check in. There are plenty of other beautiful places along lake Huron you can stay where the resort will actually appreciate your business.

2. Centennial Cottages

26950 No. 4 Rd., Calumet, MI 49913
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Centennial Cottages

Last minute - lucky to get a cottage!

Reviewed By SherryL989

As we were traveling by, we remarked on the cutest little cottages. As we went on we decided to see if there was availability just for the heck of it. Surprise! We really enjoyed the whole look of the cottages - the style, the gardens, the gazebo! The cottage #6 was perfect for us. It had everything we needed. The bed was comfortable, too. We enjoyed sitting out on the little patio at night. We will stop again next time.

3. Sweethaven Resort

9517 Union Pier Rd, Union Pier, MI 49129-9411
Excellent
70%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
9%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Sweethaven Resort

Fully furnished 1, 2, 3 & 5 bedroom cottages on 9+ wooded acres in the Heart of Harbor Country. 90 minutes from Chicago, 3 hours from Toledo and 3.5 hours from Indianapolis. Each cottage has it's own unique look and location, but all have every amenity needed for a comfortable retreat. The screened porches, sunny decks and private hot tubs offer serene spots to just sit and rest. We are open all year long and await your visit.

Mixed feelings

Reviewed By V5427GSlaurend

My family and I rented the dove this past Labor Day weekend. While I really wanted to love this place I have mixed feelings. The property is old….even though you can tell the owners go to great lengths to upkeep the property you can see the age everywhere. The beds were hard and sofa/ chairs were uncomfortable. There was no table that my family could eat at in the one bedroom cabin, only a bar with bar stools. As a mother of a toddler this was less the ideal. The cookware (pots and pans) had burnt on residue from age and many uses. As a side note My cabin didn’t have any air conditioning while my mothers and sisters larger cabins did. They did have one window unit In the bedroom that at least provided a comfortable sleeping area on the warmer nights. Lastly my coffee maker had a mind of its own and worked some days and not others. on a positive note they did provide coffee, cream, sugar and tea. after these small complaints the rest of our stay was amazing. The owners are overly friendly and very attentive. The cabin while old and showing its age was very clean and all linens and towels were provided. the hot tub was amazing and everything was clean. We also enjoyed the set up of the cabins surrounding the large Central Park area. My family and I rented several of the cabins so we were able to let the little ones run. The bikes that were supplied as well as the sand box was a nice touch. We also enjoyed the large fire pit in the center of the cabins ( the owner also supplied the fire wood) and my son loved to walk on the walking paths through the woods. You also can’t go wrong with the location as it is close to so much! Once it was all said and done we had a very nice get away and a very reasonable price. I believe the age of the property can be overlooked if you know what to expect when renting them and they are very competitively priced.

4. Heart Lake Resort Cottages

9603 Old US Highway 27 S, Gaylord, MI 49735-9530
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 10 reviews

Heart Lake Resort Cottages

Year-round, waterfront cottages located south of Gaylord on Beautiful Heart Lake. The seven updated cottages of Heart Lake Resort are situated among tall pines, oaks and maples on the west shore of Heart Lake where sunrises can be spectacular. Summer Family Fun, excellent swimming, evening bonfires, winter sports such as snowmobiling and skiing and golf are just some of the things you can do!

Rookie Snowmobiling Trip

Reviewed By asw508

To celebrate my husband's 60th birthday during Covid, we turned to the snow instead of the beach. Randy made this an easy, friendly and fun trip that we will never forget. He was always thoughtful and kind, and answered all of our questions and never made us feel stupid for being "old rookies" LOL!!! We loved out experience and highly recommend renting everything you need through the Sled House...it is truly a one stop shop for the sleds, trail maps, apps, helmets, and VERY warm snow suits and tons of advice.

5. MichiMonaMac Lakeshore Cottages

337 N Shore Dr, South Haven, MI 49090-1012
Excellent
73%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

MichiMonaMac Lakeshore Cottages

Welcome to MichiMonaMac, a lovingly refurbished lakeshore retreat that will make you feel like you never want to go home. Perfect for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, our one and two bedroom cottages located on South Haven's Golden Mile offer a glimpse of the best of Michigan throughout the year. MichiMonaMac Lakeshore Cottages are open April through November. Rentals are weekly in season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and with a two-night minimum in the off-season. The studio has a two-night minimum year-round. All cottages include a fully equipped kitchen, TV and cable, air conditioning and access to the private beach. There are six cottages and a studio available for rental: 2 Two-bedroom lakeside cottages feature a queen-size bed, two twin beds, a full-size sleeper sofa and fireplaces 2 Two-bedroom yard side cottages feature a queen-size bed, two twin beds and a full-size sleeper sofa One-bedroom yard side cottage features a queen-size bed and full-size sleeper sofa One-bedroom yard side cottage features a full-size bed, full-size sleeper sofa and a private patio One-room studio features a queen-size bed and private bathroom We require a 50% deposit. We accept cash or checks -- no credit cards. We do not provide any meals. No smoking or pets, please. Come join us any season in beautiful southwest Michigan!

Can’t beat the location

Reviewed By lylaQT

I can’t give enough positive feedback about my experience here. Kathy was quick to respond and answer any questions I had about booking. When we arrived she was friendly, and helpful but not intrusive. We stayed in the 2 bedroom yard view cottage that was immaculate. In these times I can’t say how much that is appreciated. My family immediately felt at ease. The cottage is very basic but has everything you need. You can’t beat the view and the private beach! We rented Kayaks, bikes, and a Lilly pad from Outpost Sports around the corner from the cottages. They deliver and pick up but just keep in mind they won’t bring it down to the beach or pick up from the beach. We chalked it up to a workout out but it could be hard for some. We enjoyed our stay so much we booked two weeks next year!

6. The Water's Edge

6195 Murray Rd, Whitehall, MI 49461-9457
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 9 reviews

The Water's Edge

Features 12 units located right on the shore of White Lake, and a short walk over the dunes or on the channel wall to the expansive beaches of Lake Michigan. A friendly, family-run business. Reserve a room by emailing or phoning the owner/operator, Frank.

Vacation

Reviewed By shermanrandrew

I’ve been staying here since I was a teenager! My family goes every year the owner is great and makes you feel welcomed. Over the years it’s under went some improvements which has done wonders for the place. By improvements I mean on the grounds, the rooms are a bit outdated still. Don’t let that stop you from going because it’s a wonderful place to be.

7. Meemo's Farm

3 Mile Rd & 115th Ave, Evart, MI 49631
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 8 reviews

Meemo's Farm

Come and experience Meemo’s Retreat, an exclusive Michigan property, where luxury is personified and endless adventure is in store for you. Over 1,000 acres of pristine beauty and natural wonders await you in this rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With a limited occupancy, visitors are assured the attention they deserve.

Great place to relax in Luxury

Reviewed By marajoe

This place is outstanding. Had a great weekend with some friends. They took very good care of us and the food was SO SO SO good. I have a couple food Allergies and they were great to work with me. The clay shooting was so much fun. Loved everything about this place. Very nice. The staff is fun and very safe. It's a must for you and your friends. Again the FOOD is outstanding and lots of trails for 4 wheeling to.

8. Ellis Lake Resort

8440 US Highway 31, Interlochen, MI 49643
Excellent
33%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
10%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 51 reviews

Ellis Lake Resort

Welcome to Ellis Lake Resort, located 15 minutes southwest of Traverse City, Michigan! We are a small, friendly, family owned, and operated getaway designed for people who appreciate the magic and beauty of the outdoors within each season. It is casual here, more laid back, less hustle and slower paced. Take the time to just breath in the earthy smell of the air. You will be glad you did! Our Log cabins, Logrooms, Chalet and Willow Suite are situated throughout our 20-acre property amidst mature hardwoods and pines. We are primarily known for our simple, rustic, yet cut, cozy, log cabin lodging built in 1939. We are an authentic Northern Michigan experience.

Great place to unplug!

Reviewed By BrittanyB761

This is the second time I have stayed at Ellis Lake Resort. We arrived for a late check in and found our cabin had been left with some homemade sweets and a cute note. It was a very nice personal touch. We stayed in the Hemlock room which is part of a bigger cabin with three suites. This building is located very close to the road so if you are a light sleeper I would recommend one of the cabins further back on the property. The price for the hemlock is hard to beat! My only complaint is the bed was really uncomfortable and really needs to be replaced. The pillows and bedding were very comfortable, the cabin was very clean and the little heater did a good job keeping the space warm. We will return for sure! Thanks for another great visit.

9. Crystal Sands Beach Resort

1238 N Huron Rd, Tawas City, MI 48763-9407
Excellent
80%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Crystal Sands Beach Resort

The Crystal Sands Beach Resort is located in Northeastern Michigan near Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. If you’re planning a trip up north to the east side of Northern Michigan on the Great Lakes, you will find a new, modern, family friendly vacation resort on Lake Huron in Tawas, Michigan. It is the perfect place for a family reunion, a wedding reception, a honeymoon, business retreat, religious retreat, or small conference.

Very Cozy and Accommodating ?

Reviewed By 1Gina2

1st class service from the owner Nada!! The rooms are BRIGHT & CLEAN and beachy decor that is comfortable and versatile. My fiance and I chose to come here on a whim and we're blown away by the way we were made to feel like Family and we are planning on making another trip soon just to stay there!! A nice lil slice of the beach makes for a wonderful view too!???

10. Sandy Shores Cottages

E4717 State Highway M35, Escanaba, MI 49829-9665
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 9 reviews

Sandy Shores Cottages

Our rental cottages are located on a beautiful, safe and sandy beach 6 miles south of Escanaba on M-35 near the Ford River. One and two bedroom cottages with kitchens, bed linens, natural gas heat, cable TV and wireless internet. Picnic tables and BBQ grills supplied for cook-outs. Our game room features ping-pong and pool table, board games, books and puzzles. Open area for baseball or frisbee. Enjoy a campfire on the beach in the evening at either of our two firepits. On 200' of private, safe, sand beach. Excellent bass, walleye and salmon fishing are found just off our shoreline. One quarter mile from the Ford River boat launch. Open May 1st thru Nov. 1St. Sorry, no pets. All major credit cards are accepted.

Cute, clean place on a nice beach

Reviewed By Shoreviewmom

It's obvious the owners are proud of their business! We stayed 1 night in #9 en route to Mackinac Island from Minnesota. We were greeted with a personalized welcome sign on the door and the room was open for us. Very clean with lots of COVID protocols in place. Pretty beach on the lake, just right for a stroll and swim for the kids. There were many families who clearly made a tradition of staying here. You won't go wrong booking here.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.