Manistee’s Hampton Inn is Basically a Beach Resort in Disguise
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Manistee Put a Hampton Inn on the Beach and It’s Kind of Brilliant
Manistee plopped a chain hotel on a sandy Lake Michigan beach and ended up with one of the easiest “on the water” stays in the state. A Hampton Inn is a little unsuspected as far as Lake Michigan beach vacations go, but it works here and we’re glad they did it.
The hotel sits right next to a gigantic sandy beach in Manistee, with a patio built for hanging out, free parking, and a chill atmosphere. Plus, downtown is just minutes away.
It opened in 2023, so everything still feels brand new. Walk out the back, and you’re basically on the beach. I repeat, this is not your basic highway Hampton; It’s a Hampton Inn with resort-y vibes!
They built the hotel in Manistee, which is a small town with big-lake energy. I think Manistee would be a bucket-list vacation place if existed in any state other than Michigan.
But we’re spoiled with beach towns, and Manistee is far enough off the beaten path to be overlooked.
That’s actually good news for people that didn’t book their vacations a year in advance. We still have a real shot at a Lake Michigan getaway, complete with bonfires on the beach and a sweet patio to boot.
Bonfires, Swings & a Deck Made for Hanging Out
This Hampton Inn really wins when it comes to the back patio. It faces the lake and comes loaded with fire pits that are surrounded by Michigan-shaped Adirondeck chairs, so bonfires at sunset are very much on the table.
The seasonal Tiki-style Beach Bar pours cocktails out there when the weather is warm.
Add swings and yard games, and the patio becomes the kind of Michigan hangout place we dream of.
And if you want to put your toes in the sand, there is a walkway down to the beach, where wood-burning bonfire pits are at your service.
Summer evenings here are hard to beat.
Almost Endless Sugar Sand Beach & Awesome Park
Let’s talk a little more about that beach.
First Street Beach is a city-owned chunk of Lake Michigan shoreline that sits right on the river, and it is one of Manistee’s biggest rec spots. Time it right and you might even hit a concert on the beach, catch some fireworks, or happen onto one of their fishing tournaments.
It’s starting to get noticed, too. USA Today readers voted it “Best Beach in Michigan” twice, probably because the sand is soft, the water is clear, and you can walk the out to the North Pier Lighthouse.
Plus, Lake Gulls concession has food and ice cream covered, and there are outdoor showers, nice restrooms, charcoal-grill picnic spots, pavilions, plus free Wi-Fi.
And this is all part of the bigger Douglas Recreation Area, which piles on ball fields, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, several playgrounds, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Dogs even get their own fenced park and beach near the Lions Pavilion. (No dogs allowed on the main beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day.)
Downtown is connected to the beach, too. It’s an easy two-mile stroll on the Riverwalk all the way back to River Street.
Inside the Hotel: Pool, Hot Tub, Breakfast & Lake Views
Here’s a little more about the Manistee Hampton Inn:
Pool & Hot Tub. There is a heated indoor pool, but the real draw is the indoor-outdoor hot tub (open year-round) that has Lake Michigan views.
Restaurants. The Windward is the hotel’s restaurant and it’s on the fifth floor, decked out with floor-to-ceiling lake views.
The Beach Bar down on the patio is the cocktail spot.
Breakfast. Standard, just like at any Hampton. It’s hot and free.
Room Views. Rooms with lake views big windows, and balconies are available at booking. They are wonderful, especially at sunset, and it’s really cool to watch the freighters and boats come in.
Additional Amenities. The other Hampton basics are all here: free Wi-Fi, free self-parking, non-smoking rooms, and a fitness center.
It’s Dog-Friendly
Good news for the dog people: this is a pet-friendly hotel.
There are pet relief areas outside, a fenced dog park nearby, and a dog beach near the Lions Pavilion. (Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day.)
The dog fine print: Book a pet-friendly room that allows up to two dogs per room, with a dog fee charged per stay. Leashes required, no dogs in the pool area or breakfast room. (Policies can change and vary by room type, so confirm directly with the hotel when booking.)
It’s Kid-Friendly
Families have it easy here.
The beach is steps from the door, the indoor pool covers the off-hours, and the playgrounds next door at Douglas Park (and on the beach) keep the kids busy.
Suites give everyone room to spread out, and the free hot breakfast means you don’t have to cook or go far to feed everyone.
Roll out of bed and you are on the sand before you know it.
It’s a Great Couples Getaway, Too
For a romantic getaway, the pieces are all here.
Cocktails on the patio.
A walk on the pier. Sunsets.
A lake-view room with a balcony.
The indoor-outdoor hot tub.
Stay here and Manistee is at your fingertips: Downtown Manistee, boat rides on the water, restaurants, Little River Casino.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a quintessential Michigan summer getaway, this place just makes it easy. Manistee is a cool off-the-beaten-path getaway to begin with, and their Hampton on the Beach is hard to beat.
101 South Lakeshore Dr., Manistee, MI 49660
