Amazing vintage resort! Walkable to shops, restaurants and Lake Superior. Was clean and comfortable…read moreand has lots of vintage charm.

For all those adventurers out there needing to check Isle Royale National Park off their To-Do…read moreLists....then I highly recommend first staying here at Minnetonka Resort before venturing off to one of the most remote parks in the United States! Yes this Minnetonka Resort was perfect for myself I couldn't have asked for much better in terms of rustic and accessible accommodations before my journey out to Isle Royale. Let me just back up a moment and give some details about what makes Minnetonka Resort so great and why you should choose to stay here as part of the Isle Royale experience.... To arrive at Isle Royale NP, you must take a boat. It's an island park set out right along the border with Canada. There are multiple destinations for which you can depart towards Isle Royale. This Minnetonka Resort is located in the tippy top section of Northern Michigan (the UP - Upper Peninsula of MI) in a very quiet and remote town called Copper Harbor. And it's here in Copper Harbor where you can take the Queen IV Ferry on beautiful Lake Superior and over to Isle Royale. From Copper Harbor the trip is only 3 hours long and during my research of Isle Royale, I discovered departing from this town of Copper Harbor to be most efficient. Because...not only is a 3 hour trip on Lake Superior waters relatively quick in comparison to others out there, but the Queen IV drops you off in the heart of the park at Rock Harbor. From other destinations you may get left off at more secluded points of Isle Royale, but the main event section/star attraction is certainly Rock Harbor. So, my point is...I'd suggest leaving from Copper Harbor and then obviously that's what brings into play this...Minnetonka Resort! I loved everything about my stay and experience here. Let me go through all the cool aspects... Btw...almost every tourist comes to Copper Harbor to eventually ride out to Isle Royale. If you're staying at Minnetonka Resort...it's most likely to have a place to rest at the night before your trip departure...and then when you return back to Copper Harbor from Isle Royale (especially those visitors who go to Isle Royale just as a day-trip and do not camp out overnight on the island)...a place to sleep for a second consecutive evening after the boat trip back. - I booked online to stay here for 2 consecutive evenings. I was traveling alone so all I needed was a one person room to rest my head. I selected Cottage #11 which was the cheapest rate they had for late June this past summer of 2021. It was $85 per night and with taxes my total came to $185.30, a great deal! And...their website was extremely easy to use! Terrific website! You'll understand when you logon to the internet and book your cottage. Also, it's not just a motel...this $85 per night was for my very own CABIN with a separate shower, sink, a/c unit, WiFi, television with all the good channels...and overall, just a very homely and charming feel!!! I had a great nights rest for both evenings and truly I felt like I was staying out within the heart of the great outdoors, my favorite type of setting! - Minnetonka Resort is located right in the main part of town of Copper Harbor. The boating dock and pier for departing on the Queen IV Ferry was within a 5 minute walk!! I asked Minnetonka Resort if I could leave my car for the day beside my cabin while I walked over to the ferry and they said..."no problem!" That was ultra convenient because driving and parking next to the pier cost a day fee so I was able to avoid that charge. - There is a small gift shop within where you check-in to the resort. Though I never purchased anything, I did like browsing around the store. - They offer laundry on site. - Minnetonka Resort sits right on the corner as you first enter Copper Harbor. It can't be missed. In fact...you can pretty much walk anywhere in town. Granted...Copper Harbor is a tiny little seaside area, but one night it was so pleasant outside that I even walked over to the Mariner North Restaurant for dinner (which I recommend as well). I cannot say enough good things from my stay here at Minnetonka Resort in Copper Harbor, Michigan. It only added to my wonderful collection of memories and time exploring out at Isle Royale making my entire expedition to this truly primitive national park a glorified experience that I'll never forget. Finally, a reminder why to stay at Minnetonka Resort.... - very affordable prices during peak summer travel season. - all rustic and cozy cottages. - accessible to walk to Queen IV Ferry dock and around Copper Harbor. - gift shop. - wonderful website, up front and honest about their prices. - located in the heart of Copper Harbor, MI...the most accessible town for beginning park departures and quests out to Isle Royale NP!

Absolutely LOVED this place. The whole house is AMAZING! The views are wonderful and pretty much…read morehave a whole private beach. Nancy and her husband were wonderful hosts and turning into a complete one stop shop place to stay. I can't wait to go again!

From the owner: A Romantic Lakeside Escape Awaits…read more Discover timeless elegance at our beachfront "Castle" on the majestic shores of Lake Superior — a luxurious, owner-occupied retreat designed for those who crave beauty, serenity, and connection. Crowned with a charming rounded turret, our home offers just four exquisite suites, each thoughtfully designed to provide intimacy, comfort, and tranquility. With limited occupancy, you’ll enjoy a peaceful ambiance that feels both exclusive and deeply personal. All guests share access to the stunning Lake Level of the home — a refined common space filled with curated amenities to elevate your experience. From breathtaking sunsets on the beach to quiet mornings wrapped in luxury, every moment is crafted to be unforgettable.

We were traveling through the Keweenaw and needed to stop for the night. After reading the reviews…read morefor the Whitehouse we decided to check it out. The room was clean, great location, reasonable rates and charming owners. You can spend a lot more at many of the motels in the Keweenaw, but you won't find better value anywhere.

Blast from the past gem, with comfortable and affordable accommodations. Was a delight to stay…read morehere. Clean and well kept by the owners. They certainly take pride in the place.

We are definitely giving this five stars for a motel. We picked a room that was right on the water…read more The room had a sliding door with chairs outside. It could not have been more enjoyable and relaxing. Also, even though it is a motel, the person who did the decor definitely has a talent for colors and style. Two thumbs up. Not the cheapest at $150 a night, but definitely worth it! The only downside is leaving..

I felt so lucky to find this motel on such short notice! Copper Harbor is very limited on places to…read morestay but I was able to book one night here right on Lake Superior! I walked out my patio door to the majestic lake of the north. Come to find out the Isle Royale Ferry Departs from this area! If I had known that ahead of time, I would have booked a trip to the isolated isle! It's on my bucket. I truly enjoyed my stay and hope to be back here one day! On a side note, the motel has been updated and it's quite charming!

Highly recommend this place if your furbabies are with or without you. We've been staying in hotels…read moreall around Michigan while touring lighthouses and this is by far the best hotel to stay at. The rooms itself has high ceilings and odd enough, slightly thin walls. We could hear (I think) the people straight above us singing loud while in the bathroom. The breakfast was pretty impressive compared to most average hotels. They had a nice selection of toppings for cooked oatmeal, a couple waffle makers, yogurt, frittas (more like omelette), biscuit, gravy with sausage (that was out by 8am, so couldn't try it). But the spread of options was a lot more than the usual dry cereal bar, yogurt, bread and bagels.

Sadly, our plans were ruined last minute on our trip in Northern Michigan. My husband and I were…read moreplanning on camping in an area nearby. However, due to Covid a lot of main camping sites were closed at the time. We knew this prior and researched the area we wanted to camp. Sadly, when we arrived the person that did camp there misinformed us as there are signs that tell you not to publically camp at the site. We did not want to break any rules so we decided to try to find a last minute place to sleep. Luckily, we found a place right in Houghton. We got to pass by a beautiful water front and a mini bridge. It was quite beautiful and I definitely would love to visit the city again. The inn was safely following protocals for Covid. We got our room key and went to our room. The pool room was open, but only a certain amount of people were allowed in at once. Luckily, it was super late so no one was in the pool area. We decided to stop by the jacuzzi to check it out. The room itsef was super clean and comfortable. It was definitely worth the price. I enjoyed our night stay. I would come back again in the future.

We were very much looking forward to our stay at The Vault, and it did not disappoint. Amenities…read morewere nice, we felt very catered to, and the rooms were modern and lovely. The Counting Room speakeasy was also a nice experience and the bartender was wonderful. Complementary snacks and beverages greet you in the lobby, and there is a nice sitting room if you'd like to just relax or do a little work... which you SHOULDN'T... (but I did at night). Parking was nice and easy... private and right across the street. It's also right smack in the middle of the main drag in Houghton... Restaurants and cafés are all around you, and it's a block from the Portage Lake Ship Canal, which has a very cool drawbridge even if there isn't much commercial shipping anymore. The Vault is a historic bank turned boutique hotel, and as such, the original bank teller windows are beautifully restored and face the main lobby area. Much to my utter amazement, they are locked and and completely unused. The staff are actually kind of stationed in what can charitably described as a back closet and they wait for the door buzzer (and can maybe see on a video screen). As the front door is always locked (your door key opens it), your initial arrival is to a locked door looking into an empty lobby but facing those beautiful teller windows. It would be AWESOME if the front counter staff were actually comfortably seated behind those teller windows, maybe even dressed appropriately like they worked in the old bank. They would be able to easily see people walking up the the front door to buzz them in, and then check-in would be at the teller window. That would be a fun way to start your experience. I also think it would be much more rewarding for the staff... who were all lovely. I really hope the owners read these comments and take this idea into consideration. I think it's a real missed opportunity. Other than that... if you're going to Houghton, this is an unforgettable hotel that most certainly will add to your experience in this historic Michigan town.

I did not actually stay at the Vault Hotel but was a guest at the Counting Room. Collin is an…read moreamazing master of drinks and comes highly recommended! He perfected me a lemon drop! The bar has a speakeasy vibe, very demure and quaint. The next time I'm in Houghton, I will be sure to stay at the Vault just so I can visit this place again.

I stayed at Waterstone many times and every time I return to the UP for business I always check…read morewith Waterstone in hopes they have an opening. The managers Jayne and Robin are the reason I rate this at a 4-they are wonderful. I always found them to be attentive and truly love the place. The location is great-beautiful views but is on the main highway going up to Houghton. The units-they could truly be amazing, the bedrooms are large and bathrooms are nice but everything needs an update. I hope the owners find this very special place worthy of an update. Thank you Jayne and Robin for taking such great care and making me feel welcomed in the UP!

Waterstone Suites 10/8/17 - 10/11/17…read more Could have been a really great place to stay. Let's start with the 4 dozen fly bodies we cleaned up on our arrival. Then we killed another 18 or so. There was even a dead fly in one of the beds. When we spoke with the contact for the property they offered us alternate accommodation in the unit below, but when they open the door that unit smelled like garbage and dirty diapers, also gross. Everyday saw a fresh new supply of dead flies even though this was a fall visit. There unit itself was nice with a very nice view, gas fireplace, very deep garage to use (can fit two suvs in lengthwise no problem, (opening was a bit narrow). There is a full size washer and dryer if you were there for a week. Location was good being right near Baraga and at the bottom of the Keweenaw Penninsula. It was sparsely appointed: no extra pillows, blankets (one on each bed, cheap foam ones), no hangers in the closets and for an extended stay no dresser to put clothes into. We asked for more toilet paper on the morning after our arrival to be questioned on how much TP we had used. What? The bathroom attached to the MBR had a bit left on the roll to begin with. Each couple was given 1 more roll. (Use the single ply sparingly). Kitchen was sparsely appointed, not much silverware, no small glasses, mismatched wine glasses, no paper towels or extra garbage bags. Our garbage was not taken out during our multi night stay. Water was very restricted in the shower, but the faucet in the kitchen was difficult to get turned off. Couldn't get a good shower to save your soul! The shower off the MBR is very small. You can barely wash yourself without hitting the walls. Dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, body wash were empty. We had four adults staying in the unit. There were 4 bath & hand towels and 4 washcloths. When we asked for extras we were informed that there weren't any extras and that was why there a washer and dryer in the unit. Doing laundry is not high on the priority list when you are on vacation. We were told it wasn't the Four Seasons. Obviously the manager/owners were not only lacking in towels, but in good customer service. If you want a separate towel for your hair you're out of luck unless you bring your own. Porch off living room was dirty, lots of dead flies on the threshold of the door. Furniture needed a good wash off. Windows in the door to the porch were very dirty. LR only has seating for 3, 1 large sofa, no extra chair for a 4th person. Some parts of the blinds in LR were not working properly. The blinds were very hard to pull over. TVs were all old. The wall-mounted TVs in the BRs presented a safety risk for our heads. They were hanging out from the wall at just the right height to hit your head on, which happened on 2 occasions. On the outside the building looked tired, not as nice as in the picture. Much of the woodwork especially on the porches was worn and in need of painting. We were first told that our contacts had acquired the property within the last couple years. Then we were told that our contacts for the property worked for a management company and they couldn't get them to do anything to make it nicer. We would have been happy to write to them. When we asked the name of the company we were told that they couldn't remember the name. Strange when you would be dealing with them all the time for over 2 years. Very odd. There is road noise from US 41. Fortunately the BRs were on the back of the buildings. For $160 per night our expectations were a little higher We got by, but our stay could have been so much more enjoyable.

Clean, basic, no-frills hotel. Outdated, which the photos represent. Good for a U.P. Hotel.read more

Never in my life have I been kicked out of a hotel until today. My youngest daughter is up visiting…read morefrom Wisconsin and has had nothing but trouble with the desk clerk since she checked in. We have a large family like many in our area and we all thought it would be easier to all go see her and enjoy the pool. After walking past the front desk with my grandchildren and niece and nephews and swimming for 10 minutes we got kicked out. My daughter use to work for Wyndham and these are the REWARDS she gets. Never will my family or friends stay there again! ~completely disgusted