Beachway Resort

Over 100 years ago, this hillside property was called the Pokagon Inn and was the first hotel on the west side of the Kalamazoo River. Throughout the years the property added more rooms, and in the '50s and '60s set itself apart by advertising $3.50 daily rates and hot and cold running water. In 1984, the current husband-and-wife owners purchased and restored the then-deteriorating property. Today the hotel comprises multiple buildings set on a grassy hillside with stairs and decks throughout. From its riverbank vantage point, the resort has lovely views of bobbing boats and fishermen casting out their lines from small wooden docks across the water. Charming pink and blue patio furniture matches pink awnings on the front of the white building. Inside there’s a bed-and-breakfast vibe, as photos taken by the owner are for sale in the pink lobby, and beige-carpeted hallways are decorated with paintings of lakeside scenery. The atmosphere is relaxed and social throughout, with families and children playing board games in the lobby, and guests lounging on the waterfront terrace or by the pool. Couples and families are the most frequent guests here. 

Travelers are drawn to Saugatuck throughout the year for various events, such as the Venetian Nights, Halloween, and Tulip Time Festivals. The hotel sits on the banks of the Kalamazoo River, a one-minute walk to the only remaining hand-cranked chain ferry in the country, which leads to Saugatuck's downtown shops, art galleries, and restaurants on Water and Butler streets. The biggest beach in Saugatuck, Oval Beach, is reachable on foot in 15 minutes, but the uphill walk follows a winding road without have a sidewalk. Mount Baldhead Park, the largest dune in the area, is a steep 10-minute walk from the hotel and offers beautiful Lake Michigan views. Driving to the Saugatuck Douglas Historical Museum takes five minutes. The Saugatuck Dune Rides can be reached by car in about 10 minutes. Concerts and tours at Felt Mansion are 15 minutes away by car. It’s a little over two hours to Chicago and three hours to Detroit. The closest large airport is in Grand Rapids, about an hour away.

Interior design here is simple, homey, and clean. Family Rooms have colorful cottage-style furnishings and stuffed animals, while suites and one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages/apartments have beachy decor, living rooms, and kitchenettes; some have waterfront patios, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. There are a variety of different room types, from Economy Rooms without scenic views, to Poolside Rooms and View Rooms, which have harbor views. Thermostats in Economy, View, Family, and Poolside rooms are controlled by the front desk and the soundproofing in these rooms isn't the best. Economy Rooms also lack full cable channel access. Four-bedroom Homes have kitchens and decks or patios. Bathrooms vary in design; many are pleasantly decorated in stylish wallpaper with wooden accents, and have showers or shower/tub combos. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with DVD or Blu-ray players, hairdryers, and ironing facilities, and some have mini-fridges. Wi-Fi is available in all rooms except room number 800, and many rooms have outdoor grills. Some rooms don’t allow children. Sheets and towels are changed daily only on request.

Beach lovers can easily get to the sandy shores of Oval Beach by car or foot, and there’s a well-maintained heated pool at the resort, which is open seasonally. Cushioned lounge chairs are placed around the pool, and several furnished patios are scattered throughout the hillside property, with barbecue grills and river views. For those staying on the hill top, there's another outdoor pool for use. There isn’t a proper breakfast service, but free coffee, fruit, and donuts are served in the lobby on a counter with an ice machine, and dining tables are set next to large windows in the lounge. A basket of snacks is also for sale and a bookshelf offers DVD movie rentals for a small fee. Guests without computers can use a PC with Internet access in the reception area. There are plenty of games available on site and the hotel can organize local tours, cruises, and fishing expeditions. Outdoor parking is available on-site at no additional charge.