Beware! We attempted to stay here for our anniversary weekend last month. We received an email from Kara a few weeks before our stay letting us know that there would be constructions, which was fine. A week before our stay, we received another email letting us know that she had ants. Yuck. After that email, we called to request a cancellation in which Kara hung up on us. Hm. We contacted the third-party that we booked our reservation to help us cancel, but were informed that only Kara could cancel and she was refusing to do so. After contacting her again and trying to cancel, she hung up on us again and told us were were silly to be worrying about ants. We couldn't believe that we still had to stay here, but didn't want to forfeit our $450 for the weekend and felt obliged to stay there. When we showed up to check in, the door was locked. Strange, but OK since it's a small place. After knocking for a few minutes, we called Kara several times to no answer. We then texted her, and nothing. After waiting for almost an hour in the rain, we decided to call our credit card company to dispute the charge, then booked at another hotel in the same area. Thankfully, our credit card company refunded the charge but warning to other travelers- find somewhere else! read more

Comfortable homey cottage. Stayed in the Redwood for a quick business trip. The room was easy to access and beautifully furnished. Felt very at home here, the only negative is the people upstairs were very loud and it sounded like they were moving furniture all night. Hard to relax with so much noise. Everything else was perfect. I would stay here again. read more

Kara's Kottages - Cozy - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

Nice place overall. But one thing that did make me cringe was in the shower (a half used bar of soap left for us with hair on it). The bathroom clean up needs to be a lot better. read more

Just fantastic. I was searching for options for 5 of us while in Kalamazoo and needed two bedrooms. The Driftwood Cottage was beautiful, with lots of nice touches and thoughtful details. There were a variety of DVDs and games to keep the kids and grandma happy while we were out brewery hopping. The patio was lovely. The beds were so comfortable and a lovely breeze kept us comfortable all night. Loved the fully stocked fridge for our family breakfast. I woke up to the smell of sausage! We are returning next summer, as our kids want to return to AirZoo. This will be our choice for lodging....and maybe for two nights next time! read more

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This review is for Acorn Kottage: We decided to try this unit because it had received great reviews online, and were looking for an alterntive to a hotel. Good things about the apartment: It's nicely decorated, and provides some amenities people might like. In the kitchen, there's food you can prepare for breakfast, coffee, juice, etc. There's lots of dishes, pans and utensils. Lots of towels in the bathroom, q-tips, cotton balls, medicines, hand lotion, etc. The bed is comfortable with good pillows. But, here's the problems we had. 1- The heating system is NOISY! There's a rattle, and then LOUD whooshes of air coming through. This kept waking me up throughout the night. And then, when it stopped, the fridge started going. Ear plugs didn't help. Even my husband who's a pretty good sleeper was bothered by this. 2- The bathroom is small and awkward. There's just sink space to put down your toiletries. I'm a normal sized person, and I found the shower to be quite tight, and the temperature of the water was hard to adjust. Also, the shower liner had mildew on it. There were some stains on the walls by the wall hooks, so I didn't want to hang anything there. We had to dry our towels on the hooks by the entrance down stairs. 3- The kitchen is galley style and small with minimal counter space. So, if you want to make coffee. You have to take the coffee maker out from the cabinet, and use it. Same with the toaster. You also have to take out the dish drying rack from underneath the sink to use it. The sponge by the sink was gross. I didn't see a replacement. We didn't bother cooking. I didn't trust the water in the pitcher in the fridge. The tap water tasted better. 4- You can hear the people below us clearly. We heard the woman say that she hadn't slept well. Yeah, we know why. 5- The living room has a comfortable couch. I know because I tried to sleep there for a while so as not to bother the hubby with my tossing and turning. But it's a cozy living room with a small dining table for two chairs. Meaning you can't really have a third person there. If you were to pull out the roll away bed, there wouldn't be any room, and we would all be bumping into each other all the time. 6- My husband complained of the apartment being smelly. It did have a certain odor to it, but I used the room spray that was in the bathroom. I noticed on the second day that the smell of food from downstairs comes into the bathroom. I was so very tired by the end of our stay there. My husband was so unhappy that he doesn't even want to try the other units. So, it's back to the hotel when we visit. read more

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As WMU alumni, my college roommates and I always stay at Kara's Kottages when we return to Kalamazoo. We are never disappointed! Our stays are 100% perfect in every possible way: - Warm, effective communication with Kara - Smooth check-in/out - Ample parking - Convenient locations - Everything we need, well-appointed - Breakfast food is even provided! - So fabulously decorated, you want to live in her units Thank you, Kara! We will be back (especially since one of my roommate's daughters is now attending WMU!) and highly recommend others stay here as well. read more

What a fantastic place to stay... Cosy comfort on the inside full kitchen... Living room area... Comfortable beds... And if you don't want to stay inside slide outside to the back patio area barbeque some steaks ... Sit at the table with some friends have a few drinks and when evening turns too night walk over to the fire pit sit yourself down in one of the Muskoka chairs and enjoy the rest your evening... Close to everything in Kalamazoo... I will definitely return read more

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Kara's Kottages is my first choice when traveling to Kalamazoo. I've stayed in the Pine Cone Kottage a couple of times and was perfectly comfortable. I've also stayed in the Birch Bark Kottage twice with friends and loved that as well. The kitchens are wonderful and are well stocked. Also, the bathrooms are beautiful and Kara provides so many lovely little touches to create a high level of comfort there as well. It's clear that Kara has spent a lot of time considering the kinds of things that might make someone feel more at home. And even if I haven't used her extra touches, their presence has been appreciated by me. Kara has such wonderful taste and the result of her efforts is simple elegance throughout. I would say that if you're super sound sensitive, it could be helpful to know Kara's is near a train. It's NEVER been an issue for me, but consider ear plugs if a little noise will disrupt your sleep. Also, Kara leaves food in the fridge for you to make your own breakfast and there are extras you can purchase. Love, love, love this place! I HIGHLY recommend Kara's, even if you're sound sensitive! read more

My wife and stayed here for a night out in Kalamazoo, on our way to Detroit. The basement apartment we stayed in was charming, well equipped, and surprisingly spacious. Would highly recommend!!! read more

I am quite sad to do this. Don't know if we will be back but we want to. We have been a repeat customer three times now. And have to say two of them we're great what's the most recent stay in the acorn Cottage was deplorable. It definitely seems like this place was there proof of concept idea everything seems to be haphazardly executed the shower is cramped and you have to walk sideways through the bathroom. The kitchen is extremely too small. The bed was uncomfortable front living room was the only decent thing and even that was a little cramped for us. Unfortunately the worst part was when I went to try and make coffee in the morning there was old coffee grounds grounds still sitting in it. Dried and hard like they had been there for a while. And maybe we are spoiled but we have been used to her place being immaculate. We have referred her location a few times but do not know how we will proceed. This overall was just a poor stay ruined our three day weekend read more

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We stayed at the Douglas Fir Kottage and it was super cute and tastefully decorated. Kara was a gracious host and was there to greet us upon arrival. She was responsive and receptive to the last minute guest (my brother who joined my husband and I.) The home is clean and spacious and comfortable. Kara provided all that we needed for a quick breakfast and coffee for the next morning after a good night's sleep in her very comfortable bed. We will return the next time we are traveling from Chicago to Detroit. read more

Lets keep the 5 star string going. My daughter graduated from Kalamazoo College this spring and I needed a place near campus to stay. I rented the first floor unit, which rocked. The concept is simple: B and B without the awkward group breakfast. Instead, the kitchen is stocked for people who can cook. The unit was clean, luxurious, and within walking distance of the College and all downtown hotspots. If I was on a consulting/teaching gig in Kalamazoo, this is where I would stay. Hell, I might move in :) read more

I love Kara's idea of bed and breakfast. It's private and comfy. There are great breakfast items in the place and making our own in private was nice. The place is beautiful and Kara has appointed it very nicely for guests. read more

Absolutely, hands down the best place I have ever stayed. My boyfriend and I stayed in the Redwood Kottage and it was simply amazing. The place was so cozy and beautifully decorated. It felt like a home away from home. We were able to spend the night in. cook our own dinner in the fully equipped kitchen and then curl up on the couch in front of the fireplace and watch tv. I wish I could have stayed longer. The kottages are stocked with anything you could ever need, band aids, shampoo, dishes, breakfast foods. Simply amazing. The other kottages were booked as well the night we stayed there and we didn't hear anything from the other guests. It is truly your own piece of heaven for the night and we will definitely stay again any time we need a place in Kalamazoo! read more

Very disappointed. We have stayed here in the past with no issue but in the midst of the COVID pandemic we were still charged for the stay even though we cancelled. I understand that she is a small business, as I am, but you DO NOT take advantage of people in the middle of a National Emergency. The most disappointing thing is that some in our society are still ONLY looking out for themselves. I would say to all who think about booking with this company, think carefully as there will be no refunds. read more

Perfect. I searched for days for a b&b for my sister's bachelorette party and discovered Kara. It is the perfect place to host out of town guests, comfortable and accommodating. Whether you have a large party, or just a cozy place for the night, I would recommend Kara to anyone for any occasion. Thank you!!! read more

I almost didn't post this review because I don't want too many people findng out about this gem in KZoo! KK is a unique lodging experience in a great location. It's superior to a hotel and better than a B&B. It really is like a home away from home, from the well stocked fridge (fresh eggs, waffles, etc) to the beautifully appointed rooms. We stayed in the spacious, two bedroom, Birch Bark suite that really felt more like an apartment. We used the large private patio and fire pit. We already have reservations made to return. Thank you, Kara! read more

Our family of 4 stayed at the Driftwood Kottage. First of all let me say that Kara was extremely accommodating. Early check in and late check out, no problem. Communication was fast and friendly. Kottage was clean and comfortable. Nicely decorated with many nice touches throughout. We've been to Kalamazoo a number of times and I can honestly say that we felt like we were staying in our home away from home. Many amenities such as breakfast foods, good coffee, and many other extras that my wife loved and we all appreciated.There are a set of stairs you need to navigate since the Kottage is on the second floor but we had no issues with them. Close to within walking distance to downtown Kalamazoo. The train went by a few times and we thought that was really cool when it did. It added a nice touch !! This will be our go to place to stay when we return to Kalamazoo in the future. read more

My husband , me, and another family member recently stayed in the Driftwood for a few days getaway. It was very cozy and extremely clean. It felt like home away from home. Kara did not miss anything as far as amenities in the bathroom or kitchen. The rooms were comfortable and very easy to relax. I prefer not to stay in hotels, and I also like the flexibility of breakfast when we get up and not a designated time, we are early risers and like to make the most of our day without the restrictions of a sit down breakfast. The railroad only went by once and not during inappropriate hours. It was a great location from the places we wanted to travel to and will definitely consider Kara's Kottages for future stays! read more

A sweet haven - I had to work late and instead of driving home and return very early the next morning I booked the Stella cottage. Such a cozy little place - I didn't figure out how to use the volume on the tv but that was ok because I was too tired to watch. Not just a bedroom - it is a little artsy full suite - just loved it! read more

We stayed at the Inkster Avenue Cottage when we had to come into Kalamazoo for WMU orientation. It was brilliant! The house was absolutely charming and while we were only a few blocks from downtown Kalamazoo it was like a secluded home in the mountains. In the morning we looked out the window and there was an 8 point buck right outside the front door! When ever I come to visit I will request the Inkster Avenue Cottage. Great stay with very comfortable beds! Thanks Kara! read more

My husband and I recently spent the weekend in the Pine Cone cottage for our one year anniversary. I'm so glad I found this rental. It was absolutely perfect for us. The space itself was clean and cozy, everything you could possibly need was tucked neatly away for you. I would most definitely stay again, such a unique experience. read more

Helpful owner and very thoughtfully stocked studio with many food choices in the pantry and toiletries in the bathroom. Lovely bed and it was fun to have the electric fireplace on a cold day. The location wasn't my favorite, next to a train track. Also, the living space and shower needed some remodeling and repairs. Nothing major, but it would be nicer with some upgrades. For the price, I would have expected this. read more

4 friends and I stayed at Birch Bark Kottage and we LOVED it. Kara was very helpful and responsive with some questions prior to booking, seemed eager to accommodate. Despite the cold weather, we walked to drinks and dinner (one mile to dinner at Bell's, but we stopped and warmed up with some beer at the Beer Exchange). Charming, extremely clean, comfy beds, coffee and basics for breakfast. Kara has seen to every detail. We are going to return once it's warm so we can check out the shopping downtown and sit out on the deck! read more

A wonderful place to stay while visiting Kalamazoo. Kara has divided this old home into several suites. Our upstairs suite was very tastefully decorated, had a well furnished kitchen, a full bath, and two comfortable bedrooms. The living arrangements are so comfortable, and everything is so thoughtfully provided, that I found it possible to truly relax whenever we were "home". read more

Beautiful B&B located close to downtown Kalamazoo. Well stocked kitchen and a variety of food such as eggs, sausage, yogurt, granola and cereal. No fruit as pictured in the photos. Our first night was spectacular, but the second night the guests downstairs came in noisily at 12:30 am and were smoking and loud until 4 am, a blatant disregard for the Kottage rules. I left a message on Kara's voicemail about the disturbance. Kara notified me that she charged the guests for our room ($176.49) in addition to the $200 smoking fee. When she notified the other guests about those charges, they asked her if she would talk to us about removing our charge. That put the burden on us and we felt uncomfortable being the ones responsible in charging the disruptive guests for our inconvenience, especially because there was no policy stating this would happen. We ended up paying for a restless night. Kara indicated to me that she is revising the quiet policy to include monetary damages for violators. I realize that this is unlikely to happen again, but it did happen to us and led to an uncomfortable experience. read more