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Would appreciate any recommendations on a CLEAN and comfortable place to stay in Saugatuck for a few days with the wife and young children. Also open to South Haven or St. Joseph, but no further north than Saugatuck. Thanks!
if you're looking for reasonable lodgings yet near attractions we have enjoyed (with kids) the Holiday Inn Express Holland. it's realatively new, and they have a pool shaped like michigan with a hot tub which is half inside and half outside. it is right off the main drag, and close to shopping and all the attractions. it would be a comfortable base, then drive to the beaches, sagatuck, etc. have a good trip (i have a feeling that the gas prices will be good for michigan tourism this year!)
Captain Justice...if you want to be right downtown where the action is in Saugatuck, with a pool and on the water, try Ship n' Shore Motel. VERY clean, well-run, we know the owners and they are great people:
Thank you Howdy & Ring...I tried getting into ShipnShore, but not available for the dates. So I asked them for a referral, and they informed me of Bayside Inn right next door...And we're booked! The place had 11 out of 11 POSITIVE reviews on TridAdvisor, so I'll let you know how it was. We're staying in a Waterfront suite, and it looks perfect for us and the kids.
Glad it worked out for you Cap'n. I've always heard good things about Bayside. What dates are you going to be up there? Just curious so I can let you know about any last-minute goings ons in the area.
Hi Ring...Cap'n is setting sail tomorrow for Tue thru Thur stay. I plan on checking out Saugatuck's web site tonight, but please let me know of any special shops (wife) or beaches (kids)...I've heard the two best beaches up there are South Haven's South Beach and Saugatuck's Oval Beach. Thanks.
Cap'n, you're smart to do a tues-thurs visit. You shouldn't have the crowds like on weekends.
I've heard great things about South Haven's beach. Oval Beach has been rated one of the top 5 beaches in the country for many years. The more family/kid friendly portion is near the concessions stand and south. Most of the gay folks tend to congregate further north , near the private beach.
We like Brackett & Company in Douglas for home accessories, at 34 Center Street, and Water Street Gallery, which is on Center Street too. Ask for Mary Jo or Anna at Water Street...they will take good care of you.
Landsharks on Butler Street in Saugatuck is best place for men's clothes. Alle Rue No. 133, also on Butler Street, is a nice, not cheesy Parisian Boutique. The Butler Pantry, right near Alle Rue is one of my favorite kitchen supply stores and there is a new spice store, Saugatuck Spice Merchants, also on Butler.
If you like lake perch, go to Wally's on Hoffman Street and sit on the key-west style covered patio that abuts the sidewalk. Good for people watching. They also have great onion rings here. Across the street from Wally's on Hoffman Street is Uncommon Grounds, which roasts their own coffee on-site and serves up good light food. Their coffee is outstanding!
Believe me, your wife will have a great time exploring all the shops while you and the kids soak up some sun on the beach. Have a great time!!!
