Lying on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, the charming city of Manistee in the state of Michigan also happens to sit at the mouth of the Manistee River. In fact, the name of this unique town comes from an Ojibwe word and it’s a place where nature, beauty, and history come together. Not only does it have a historic downtown with Victorian-era buildings, but it’s also a terrific getaway for enjoying the outdoors. So, it’s no surprise that you’ll find many hotels in Manistee Mi as well as nearby in great Michigan outdoors. Whether you’re a culture lover on a budget or on a family vacation, Manistee, Michigan’s hotels offer a great number of choices.
There are many reasons why Manistee is so popular despite its small town-ness. Besides exuding an alluring small-town charm, Manistee’s Downtown District is a haven for history and culture vultures. In fact, it has many buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places. What’s more, Lake Michigan and its long and spectacular coastline beckon you to enjoy many water activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and more. Drive around 2 hours south and you even come upon the Holland Harbour Lighthouse, one of the World’s Iconic Lighthouses. And if that wasn’t enough, the majestic and magnificent Manistee National Forest has miles of hiking trails and wildlife abound. In fact, Manistee is also an excellent base for exploring the Top Things To Do In Detroit, which lies just over 3 hours away.
Thus, visiting Manistee makes for a well-rounded vacation. To that end, here are the 11 best hotels in Manistee, Mi to stay in during your wonderful Michigan-exploring holiday.
Where to Stay in Manistee?
Manistee can be broadly divided into the area north of the Manistee River, the area south of it, and the East Lake District. The northern area is home to the sandy shores of Fifth Avenue Beach, lots of green spaces, and quiet beachside-facing condo complexes. The area south of the Manistee River is where Downtown lies and is home to all of the best entertainment, dining, sightseeing, and hotels in Manistee Michigan. It’s also where you’ll find the Manistee marina and the golf and country club. If that wasn’t enough, it even has a small albeit rocky beach, the 1st Street Beach. You’ll also find lots of parks here, including the seaside Rocket and Douglas Parks. Finally, East Lake is a serene and largely residential community that lies east of the Manistee River that cuts through the town. It’s mostly known for its RV and golf resorts.
Manistee Inn & Marina
11
Tucked right on the river in downtown Manistee is the Manistee Inn & Marina, a charming hotel that’s within walking distance of everything in town. Stay in the nautical-inspired spacious rooms here, all of which come with free Wi-Fi. For a small hotel in a small town, that’s certainly an uptick. Moreover, the traditional yet cozy rooms all come with flat-screen cable TVs and coffeemakers, while the larger ones even have small fridges and microwaves. Spotless ensuite bathrooms and a window with views of the river complete the room. Clearly, it’s one of the most comfortable hotels in Manistee, Mi.
There’s a lot more to like about this small yet elegant hotel. Despite lying in such a buzzing location, it’s always quiet. Moreover, the hotel offers a free shuttle service to the casino and even has a vending machine on the property. So, you can buy snacks and beverages and enjoy them in the privacy of your room. Do you have a car? The hotel even has free parking space on the property.
Manistee Hotel
10
If you haven’t guessed by now, the Manistee Hotel is one of the nicest hotels in Manistee, Michigan. Located on the main Arthur Street in the northern part of the city, the hotel lies on the river, right across from the iconic S.S. City of Milwaukee steamship. A series of pretty, chrome-yellow buildings make up this hotel, which features comfortable and spacious rooms. Decked out in burnt orange hues, the rooms all have plush beds, flatscreen TVs, microwaves, and even seating areas. If that wasn’t enough, the bathrooms even have bathtubs, and one room even has an in-room spa bathtub! So, if you’re in Manistee to relax, you know which room to go for!
There’s a lot more to like about this hotel, which has a restaurant on the property where you can enjoy continental breakfasts and other meals. The best bit is that there’s an indoor pool on the property where you can enjoy a refreshing dip after a long day of exploring the town. There’s even a hot tub to soak your stresses away and a shared lounge for enjoying a cuppa. Wrapping up the offerings are free private parking and free Wi-Fi.
Microtel Inn and Suites Manistee
9
Looking more like a pristine mansion than a hotel, Microtel Inn and Suites Manistee is one of the best-looking hotels in Manistee Mi. Located midway between the town and Manistee County Blacker Airport, the hotel boasts a pleasing white and slate grey facade that looks more like a huge country home. Rooms and suites at this hotel are some of the most spacious in the town. The suites even come with separate living rooms and kitchenettes, while some of the ground floor rooms have seating next to huge windows overlooking the lushly landscaped grounds. Nevertheless, all rooms feature swish ensuite bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, coffeemakers, fridges, and microwaves.
Lying hardly 10 minutes from downtown Manistee, this hotel is a great base to stay away from and yet close to the bustle. There’s a vending machine for snacks and beverages on the property, as well as free and secured parking. Finally, the hotel even offers a nice takeaway breakfast for you to start your day well.
Super 8 by Wyndham Manistee
8
Super 8 by Wyndham Manistee is one of the dreamiest hotels in Manistee Michigan. It lies on Arthur Street right on Manistee River and is surrounded by lush Michigan foliage. So, no matter which room you stay in, you’re treated to wonderful lush views, whether you’re on the ground floor or higher up. Rooms here are massive and have lots of space, making it perfect for your entire family to stay here. They come with flat-screen cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, microwaves, fridges, and even coffeemakers. In fact, there’s even a dining area where you can sit down together and enjoy meals. Finally, the room also has work desks as well as private bathrooms.
Besides a 24-hour desk, this Manistee hotel even serves a hot complimentary grab-and-go breakfast to kick off your day on a high note. Wrapping up the facilities is the free and secured parking and vending machines.
Nola’s Onekama Hideout
7
Nola’s Onekama Hideout is one of the best hotels near Manistee Mi. Set amidst lush green gardens, Nola’s lies in Onekama, which is about 10 minutes north of Manistee. The charming bolthole is one of the few intimate stays on this list that also boasts an outdoor pool. So, after a long day of exploring Manistee and the surrounding region, the best way to unwind is to enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Besides a pool, the homestay even has a sauna, where you can soak your stresses away while feasting your eyes on gorgeous views. Enjoy your morning coffee in the shared lounge or, when the weather’s nice, on the sun terrace. If you have a car, then Nola’s even offers free parking right out front.
Nola’s offers two kinds of accommodations, rooms with shared bathrooms and a separate apartment for larger groups, complete with sweeping views of the pool. Aside from free Wi-Fi, all units feature kitchenettes with microwaves for heating leftovers. You’ll also find flat-screen TVs with DVD players for spending rainy days indoors.
Evolve Waterfront Onekama Cottage
6
Managed by Evolve Vacation Rentals, the Evolve Waterfront Onekama Cottage is one of the best waterfront hotels near Manistee, Mi. The wonderful four-bedroom cottage sits right on the sandy shores of Onekama Beach and is perfect for a large group of family or friends visiting the region. A king bed, 3 queen beds, and 4 twin beds accommodate as many as 12 adults, making this a great base for your Manistee getaway. There’s even a lovely sunroom with a futon where you can unwind with a cuppa on a sunny afternoon.
The rest of the house is equally impressive. After a day of boating, swimming, or hiking, relax in the living room while relishing a meal in front of the flat-screen TV. During winters, the roaring fireplace is a blessing. Moreover, the fully equipped kitchen is perfect for preparing simple to lavish meals. Mornings and evenings are best spent on the patio or in the garden with coffee or wine while enjoying splendid views of the Pacific Ocean.
Comfort Inn
5
Located outside the charming township of Ludington, Comfort Inn is one of the most luxurious hotels near Manistee Mi. For one, it’s one of the few hotels around that offers a superb heated indoor pool. In fact, the indoor pool area is huge with massive windows that let the sunlight in. With a hot tub for soaking right next to it, it’s a great place to unwind after a long day of exploring the Manistee region. If you don’t like missing your workout regimen, there’s even a gym on the property. Besides a business center, a 24-hour reception and a launderette make staying here for long times also great for travelers who’re usually always on the road.
The guest rooms at Comfort inn are equally impressive and come with free Wi-Fi. All are comfortably furnished with plush beds, flatscreen cable TVs, seating areas, as well as coffee and tea making facilities. Finally, the bright ensuite bathrooms are immaculate and spacious.
Rodeway Inn
4
Yet another of Ludington’s best hotels near Manistee Mi is the Rodeway Inn. Surrounding by fir trees and Lake Michigan foliage, it looks more like someone’s country home than a hotel! But, that’s the entire point here – a home-away-from-home feeling. Begin your day with a daily continental breakfast in the on-site restaurant, complete with gorgeous views of the surroundings. Thanks to launderette services, you can stay here for a long time without running out of clean clothes to wear. And thanks to the 24-hour reception desk, you can check in just about any time of the day. A huge plus for travelers with furry friends is that pets are allowed at this hotel!
You’ll love the bright and spacious rooms at this hotel, which have pleasing sea foam-colored walls and carpeted floors. Aside from cloud-like beds, you’ll find swanky flatscreen cable TVs with HBO in every room as well as free Wi-Fi. Finally, you’ll even find and coffee-making facilities and a bathroom stocked with toiletries.
Evolve Manistee Getaway
3
Evolve Manistee Getaway is one of the best hotels in Manistee Michigan that lies right on the beachfront. This massive three-bedroom holiday home not only enjoys harbor and 5th Avenue Beach views but also has a massive outdoor pool right out front! Are you worried about what you’ll do when the weather turns not-so-good? There’s an indoor pool as well, along with hot tubs. So, no matter what season you visit Manistee in, this holiday home is a haven. In fact, there’s even a fitness center on-site as well as two sprawling patios with alfresco furniture and a gas grill for outdoor dinners. On the inside, the sunroom is the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee and breakfast or a glass of wine in the evening.
On the inside, a full kitchen is great for whipping up hearty meals, especially if you’re a large group. You’ll even find three swish bathrooms, a washing machine, and a flat-screen cable TV in the living room to enjoy meals while watching a movie together.
Summers Inn
2
If you’re looking for adults-only hotels near Manistee Mi, then head straight to Summers Inn just outside Ludington. This charming inn is a romance magnet and lies just 10 minutes from the gorgeous shores of Lake Michigan. All rooms and suites at this inn are gorgeous with floral upholstery, potted plants, soft beds, and ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs. You’ll also find a flatscreen TV to watch movies while cozied up in bed with your significant other.
That said, it’s the outdoors at Summers Inn that’s the real gem. Aside from free Wi-Fi access, you’re served a daily homemade breakfast from a rotating menu of oven-baked bread, fresh seasonal fruits, and omelets. What’s more, the inn even offers free local wine tasting experiences in the evening. During your day off from exploration, play games or read books from the on-site lending library, or relax in the gardens.
Evolve Manistee Condo
1
It’s only fitting that the stunning Evolve Manistee Condo which lies right on the beachfront sits stop the list of best hotels in Manistee Michigan. The sea-inspired nautical condo features sea foam-colored walls, Persian blue upholstery, and turquoise and aqua-colored showpieces, making you feel like you’re right by the sea. Three bedrooms accommodate up to six adults and two children, making this a great family getaway. You’ll even find a wonderful outdoor as well as an indoor pool and hot tub, which are great places to unwind depending on the weather and time of the day. The fitness room is ideal for fitness freaks who want to work out on vacation.
The rest of the house is equally indulgent and comfortable in nature. The fire pits are the perfect place to gather around in the evenings and grill that day’s catch for dinner. The living room with the gas fireplace and smart TV is where you can gather for meals in front of the TV. Making your stay all the more comfortable is the well-equipped kitchen with a 4-person kitchen island.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Manistee:
- Blue Fish Kitchen & Bar: Riverfront dining doesn’t get any better than Blue Fish, which sits in a Victorian structure with a riverfront deck. Dig into delicious seasonal American seafood for lunch and dinner, choose from a great selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, and wash everything down with lip-smacking desserts.
- TJ’s Pub: If you’re a beer aficionado, then TJ’s is the place for you. Featuring the best of Michigan’s craft beers on 12 rotating taps, TJ’s also serves fresh local fare, including vegetarian and gluten-free opinions. On a cold evening in Manistee. sit by the fire and enjoy a meal.
Recommended Activities in Manistee:
- Manistee Riverwalk: Perhaps Manistee’s biggest attraction is the stunning Riverwalk which is a 1.5-mi-long path that follows the Manistee River. The access to the walkway is via a park at the end of Jones Street, which heads to the US-31 bridge, goes behind downtown, and finally ends at the striking First Street beach. Walking along the Riverwalk allows you to see Manistee from a different point of view, right from its restaurants and shops to parks and even the vessels and boats gliding along the river.
- Downtown/Commercial District Historic Tour: Explore Manistee’s historic downtown on this incredible 3-hour tour. This self-guided tour begins at Manistee County Historical Museum and takes you to 2 bridges and as many as 27 historic buildings in the heart of Manistee. Starting from and ending at the museum allows the experienced staff to answer any and all questions that you might have.
