6 Best Beachfront Hotels in Houghton Lake MI

Located in Roscommon County, Michigan, Houghton Lake is one of our go-to beach getaway destinations in the States. Its gorgeous lake and crystal-clear waters provide the perfect setting for rest and leisure. Even though it’s quite a small town, we still had an array of fantastic beachfront hotels in Houghton Lake, MI, to choose from. Whether it’s budget-friendly hotels, cozy cottages, fancy home rentals, or luxurious resorts, our options are aplenty. Yet, Houghton Lake offers more than just sun-soaked shores. Our days can be filled with exploration, from historical sites to thrilling water sports. And when hunger strikes, we indulge in local flavors at charming eateries. So, if you’re planning your own beach escape to Houghton Lake, pack up your best sun hat and check out this list of the best hotels in Houghton Lake that we curated just for you!

Charming Modern Cottage on Houghton Lake

6

Best Value for Money. We know that we’re starting this list not on your traditional hotel accommodation, but when on a lakeside retreat, opting for a private cottage is always an amazing choice. So when we found the Charming Modern Cottage on Houghton Lake while browsing for places to stay in the area, we decided to go for it. And to our luck, we struck gold.

This cottage was located in the South Shore area, giving us the perfect homey vibe. The combination of wood panelings and soft-toned furniture made us feel warm and welcomed throughout our holiday. We also love that the cottage had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. We had a fully equipped modern kitchen, a spacious living room with a smart TV, and two cozy bedrooms.

The main star for this cottage, though, is for sure the direct access to the lake. It’s practically our backyard. We could even enjoy the lake view directly from the living room. Not only that, but we also had a private patio and a dock. It’s like we had this chunk of lake for ourselves. The cottage also provided kayaks, beach chairs, a fire pit, and a picnic area. The Charming Cottage on Houghton Lake is hands down one of the best places to stay while in the town.

Houghton Lake Home with Private Dock and Kayaks

5

Best Accommodation for Family. This one is yet another holiday home rental in Houghton Lake that we were fortunate enough to stay at. But unlike the previous one, the Houghton Lake Home with Private Dock and Kayaks, is way bigger and better suited for a big family retreat. It has six bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a beautiful living room with a lake view, a fully equipped kitchen, a patio, and a humongous backyard. You could fit up to 14 people inside this holiday home and would still have plenty of space left.

That said, for a lakeside holiday home, this one takes the cake when it comes to amenities. They got seven kayaks, two paddleboards, life jackets, fishing gear, a trampoline, a fire pit, beach chairs, a BBQ gas grill, and the list goes on. The kids really loved it here, especially when they finally got to try on their new fishing waders. All in all, this holiday home is basically a paradise for families vacationing in Houghton Lake.

“Coming here for our annual family retreat was one of the best ideas we ever had! Staying here was so hassle-free and everything was provided for us. No need to bring the heavy stuff or worrying about leaving any beach equipments. We were just in and out, enjoying our vacation, just like that!”

WOW Travel

Super 8 by Wyndham Houghton Lake

4

Now the Super 8 by Wyndham Houghton Lake may not be directly on the lake, but it’s less than 5 minutes away by car. So it’s not that bad, considering we could still easily go to the lake every day. That said, when we were too lazy to make the trip, the hotel’s on-site heated swimming pool was a good enough alternative, especially when there was a jacuzzi. There are also a few facilities at the hotel that could recreate that classic lakeside retreat experience. We got to use the hotel’s BBQ facilities and had a fun picnic at the hotel’s picnic area while the kids played at the outdoor playground. We even bought a few Houghton Lake memorabilia from the hotel’s on-site souvenir shop! When it comes to the guestrooms, they are comfortable enough with standard amenities, including a TV, a microwave, and an en-suite bathroom. Overall, we could see ourselves choosing the Super 8 again as an alternative beachfront hotel in Houghton Lake anytime, any day.

Lakeside Resort and Conference Center

3

Best location. The Lakeside Resort and Conference Center was arguably one of the best hotels in Houghton Lake that we got to stay at. Located in the South Shore area of Houghton Lake, this resort gave us unparalleled services, and we left feeling fulfilled.

Not only that we get to relax and play by the lake throughout our stay, but the various facilities provided by the hotel kept us entertained and active. The lake was plenty of fun, but the hotel’s mini indoor waterpark is on a whole other level. We’re talking about waterslides, a whirlpool, and a mini-lagoon pool!

Furthermore, the guestrooms here are just as great as the rest of the resort. We got the lake-facing room, which was a nice bonus, considering we got to enjoy the view while being indoors. Plus, the in-room amenities aren’t lacking either. There’s a cable TV, a coffee machine, a microwave, and a private bathroom. All in all, everything is picture-perfect at Lakeside Resort and Conference Center.

Cedar Oaks Lakeside Resort

2

Best vibe. Cedar Oaks Lakeside Resort is another fantastic accommodation by the lake in the East Bay area on Houghton Lake. Upon setting foot on this resort, we immediately feel nostalgia for that classic summer camp vibe, except this time, we’re on an actual holiday where we could jump on the lake whenever we want (and access to the open bar!).

The resort’s lush surroundings, the warm and homey decor, the outdoor picnic table, the fire pit, and the dock gave us a foolproof combination for an unforgettable vacation. Our favorite pastime while staying here, other than leisurely sitting by the lake, was hanging out at the on-site restaurant & bar, Sully’s On the Lake. The food was delicious, the impeccable vibes, and the view mesmerizing.

Moreover, the resort’s guest rooms were cozy and filled with great amenities. Every room has its own balcony, an AC, a TV, and an en-suite bathroom. So, in short, everything we needed for a comfortable stay, this beachfront hotel in Houghton Lake, MIS, has it for us. We had the best time staying here and won’t hesitate to visit again.

Beachfront Hotel Houghton Lake

1

Beachfront Hotel Houghton Lake is hands down the overall best lakeside hotel in the area. They pretty much have everything, from our must-have private beach with a dock, an indoor heated pool, BBQ facilities, a picnic area, and even an on-site fitness center. Not only that, but the hotel’s concierge was also helpful enough in helping us rent boats and book other activities like hiking and fishing. Plus, with the hotel providing delicious breakfast every day, we could start our activities bright and early.

Now if your main reason for coming to Houghton Lake was just to relax and unwind, you can skip the energy-consuming activities and simply recline on the beach chair and enjoy the lakeside serenity. Trust us, it’s soul healing if we could say so. That said, enjoying the view from the guest room balcony pretty much gives the same effect. So make sure you get the lakefront room like we did. That said, to give the hotel its credit, every room here is just as cozy as the next one. Equipped with plush and comfy beds, a cable TV, a microwave, and a mini-fridge, we sometimes had a hard time bringing ourselves to get out of the comforter. The guestroom was just that comfortable.

Our Verdict!

So from our list, we’ve chosen Beachfront Hotel Houghton Lake as the overall best hotel in the area, but it might not be the kind of hotel that you’re looking for. That said, to make it easier for you to browse the list, here’s a highlight of other hotels with features that stand out the most to us:

• Best value for money: Charming Modern Cottage on Houghton Lake
• Best location: Lakeside Resort and Conference Center
• Best accommodation for families: Houghton Lake Home with Private Dock and Kayaks
• Best vibe: Cedar Oaks Lakeside Resort

Where to Stay in Houghton Lake, MI

As we excitedly planned our holiday trip to Houghton Lake, MI, we discovered a treasure trove of amazing areas to stay in. This charming Michigan destination had something special for everyone, and we were spoiled for choice.

When we envisioned a peaceful lakeside escape, the South Shore emerged as the perfect spot. The tranquility of the lake and the stunning sunsets painted an enchanting backdrop. It was the perfect spot to bust out our inflatable paddleboard and enjoy the idyllic lake. On the other hand, if we were in the mood for a livelier vibe, the East Bay area was an instant winner. Brimming with local shops and eateries, its bustling atmosphere ensured us endless entertainment.

Then there was the North Woods neighborhood, which had a captivating rustic appeal and was a dream come true for nature enthusiasts like us. The abundance of hiking trails and chances to spot wildlife made it a true haven. When the spot was especially nice, we had our hiking tent with us so we could stay a bit longer and savor the view more. And, of course, we were also charmed by the West Side, which struck an ideal balance between seclusion and convenience. The cozy vacation rentals and easy access to town amenities were incredibly appealing.

What’s the best way to get to Houghton Lake?

There aren’t that many public transportation options to get to Houghton Lake, but you can always take buses to get there. And if you love long road trips, then traveling by car to get to Houghton Lake will take you about 2-3 hours from the surrounding large cities in the area (i.e., Detroit, Chicago, etc.).

What’s the best transportation to get around Houghton Lake?

When we visited Houghton Lake, we mainly got around using ranted cars, but the town also has plenty of private shuttle services, so getting around the area won’t be a problem.

When is the best time to visit Houghton Lake?

Houghton Lake is pretty great all year round. The warm season lasts from late May to September, with summer months like July being the hottest time around. And if you’re planning to visit the lake in summer, make sure to check out the Bud Bash Festival held around this time. That said, Houghton Lake is mostly known for its Tip-Up Town festival, usually held in the winter, and is famous among ice fishing and water sports enthusiasts.