Charming Retro Saugatuck Motel Named The Best In Michigan

Hotels and resorts offer luxury and comfort, but there's something undeniably nostalgic about staying in a classic motel. It brings back memories of family road trips and simpler times.

Love Exploring recently compiled a list of the Best Motel in Each State, shining a spotlight on these hidden gems across the country. These are those little stopovers or Mom & Pop, family-owned & operated gems that offer a handful of rooms with a quaint setting with a little something extra added in that might surprise you.

"Motels were once prized only for their cheapness and parking spaces. Now, however, roadside inns and lodges are also often among the cutest places to stay, bursting with retro charm and old-fashioned hospitality", Love Exploring described. 

What is Michigan's Top Motel?

For Michigan, the top pick is The Saugatuck Retro Resort Motel, a perfect blend of old-school Americana and chic vintage style. Known for "Celebrating the lost art of motor lodging," this motel takes you back in time while offering all the modern comforts you'd expect. Here's what caught the eye of the team from Love Exploring;

"Built in 1953, The Saugatuck was lovingly restored in 2012 and now positively revels in its retro roots, with every detail designed to recall the bygone era of motor lodging in style. Rooms with vintage patterned blankets and Adirondack patio chairs are steps from the shores of Lake Michigan, while the option of a game of shuffleboard around the fire pit or by the pool (kidney-shaped, of course) only adds to the retro vibe."

Honestly, this place is beyond charming with just 22 rooms to choose from. You will instantly have you looking for your dad's old station wagon in the parking lot as you make your way to the ice maker down the sidewalk.

Although rates aren't out yet for summer 2025, we took a look for a fall weekend and found rooms started at around $169 a night. Not those 1950s prices, but for Saugatuck and the cool accommodations, well worth it.

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If you’re a fan of retro vibes, this place is a must-visit. The motel captures the essence of a bygone era with its colorful decor, and the classic vintage neon sign out front. It’s more than just a place to rest your head; it’s a slice of history that’s been beautifully preserved for modern travelers to enjoy.