With its picturesque horizons, acres of woodlands, and idyllic beaches, South Haven guarantees an unforgettable vacation to its visitors. The city is vibrant year-round, so you can try different activities here that aren’t limited to summertime. Skiing and snowshoeing are some of the things to enjoy here in winter. If you visit this city in the warmer seasons, don’t miss out on catching the sun on one of its alluring beaches, such as South Beach and Newcome Beach, or by the beautiful Lake Michigan. You can also hop on some of South Haven’s historic vessels to sail along the maritime district and learn about the city’s history. Head to Michigan Maritime Museum for on-water exhibits and excursions aboard both historic and replica vessels. You might even get a chance to assist the crew!
For a cozy stay by the water after the day’s adventure, scroll down for the best lakefront hotels near South Haven, Michigan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to lake. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Holiday Inn Grand Haven-Spring Lake, an IHG Hotel (from USD 120)
Have a fancy retreat at this waterfront hotel situated in Spring Lake. Holiday Inn Grand Haven-Spring Lake, an IHG Hotel, has an on-site restaurant that serves hearty meals from breakfast to dinner—make sure to grab a bite before heading out. Grand Haven State Park is only an eight-minute drive from the hotel, so drop by and have some fun under the sun. If you want to try recreational activities such as trout fishing, Hot Spot Charters is only four minutes away by car.
For those who want to stay in, you can make use of the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools. Some rooms have a balcony, so you can take in the idyllic river view while letting time pass.
Holiday Inn Grand Haven-Spring Lake, an IHG Hotel
Address: 940 W Savidge St
82.72 km (51.4 mi) from Van Buren State Park
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
room was very clean would stay againthe room was very clean though the hall needed to be vacuumed but it was okaythe bar/restaurant had no character but it was cleanHost:
the front desk people particularly max were so friendly helpful and welcomingthe staff at the restaurant was fabulous even on a monday nightthe restaurant staff were all amazing and friendly food was delicious and the bartender made delicious drinksRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful location and easy to get to nearby attractionsEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites St Joseph, an IHG Hotel (from USD 108)
Expect a comfortable stay at this straightforward hotel with excellent amenities, such as a wide indoor pool, free WiFi in all rooms and common spaces, a fitness center, and a restaurant. All rooms at Holiday Inn Express & Suites St Joseph, an IHG Hotel, come with a workspace, refrigerator, and microwave, making it convenient for business travelers or families on a vacation. You can book rooms overlooking Lake Michigan, so you can unwind while admiring the lake views.
To get an insight into the local scene, add the downtown area, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, and St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse to your itinerary.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites St Joseph, an IHG Hotel
Address: 3019 Lakeshore Drive
32.75 km (20.4 mi) from Van Buren State Park
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the breakfast spread was impressive and everything tasted fresh and deliciousCleanliness:
we felt it was a very clean facilityeverything was very clean and in working orderalways clean breakfast is good the staff is friendlyHost:
the staff was amazingall other staff was also friendly and helpfulthe staff were very friendly and helpful with us specially virginiathe young man who checked us in was very friendly and courteousthe rest of our stay was great the staff were very friendly and accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
literally crossing the two lane street and you're at a beautiful viewing spot of the lakegreat place to stayEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
Other nearby lakefront accommodations
3. Airy lakefront home with a large fire pit area
Looking for a quiet getaway near the city? Book this breezy rental with exposed wooden beams and cheerful furnishings. The house has a living area with a sleek TV, a well-equipped kitchen where you can prepare your comfort food, and a dining room with a beautiful view of the lake.
The best feature here is the lush outdoor space that leads directly to Lake Michigan! There are also Adirondack chairs in a large fire pit area, a perfect spot to chat with friends.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house is very comfortable with 2 bedrooms 2baths upstairs and 2 br / 1 bath downbut the first floor also has a living room huge tv and two smaller bedrooms and baththe beds are very comfortable and nice linens on them tooCleanliness:
comfortable beds very clean & appropriate for all agesRead more reviewsHost:
host was very helpful too
4. Rustic home with a spacious lakefront deck (from USD 420)
Spend an intimate holiday at this family-friendly home, which boasts a mesmerizing view of Lake Michigan. This place provides respite any time of the year, but the hosts recommend that you visit during the fall season to see the changing color of the leaves. You can also admire the lake from the spacious deck furnished for lounging.
The rental features a fully functional kitchen and laundry amenities to ensure a hassle-free stay. Indulge in a game of foosball and watch lots of movies while here to stay entertained. You can also play with your kids outside, as the house has a beach tent and a portable play yard.
Top guest reviews
Host:
we had to communicate with the owner a couple times and she was extremely responsive and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
location was great loved the kitchen and dining roomthis is such a unique place to stay and created really special memories for us
5. Cozy cottage with a screened porch (from USD 650)
This homey rental is merrily decorated and provides guests with a memorable experience. There are plenty of spaces here to catch up with your friends. Relax by the screened porch and catch up with your loved ones, or have a barbeque on the back patio where you’ll get to admire breathtaking sunsets on Lake Michigan. The rental also allows you to walk around and unwind in the lush yard that comes with a hammock.
You’ll have access to in-house games and books, cable TV, and WiFi while here. Rooms also come with fresh linens for maximum comfort.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
tv is too outdated to support netflix or amazon streamingthe house is very comfortable and well kept with cozy living room furniture and nice linensthe beds were very comfortable with nice linens and pillowswell appointed kitchen comfortable beds lots of outdoor seating very quiet settingCleanliness:
home was bigger than expected very clean kitchen well stocked beds very comfortable and view spectacularRead more reviewsHost:
owners very responsive and helpfulthe owners were great and very communicativethe owners were great and we would definitely go backproperty managers are very responsive to any communication and gave us good recommendations for food
6. Newly renovated home with direct lake access (from USD 659)
Soak up the sunlight that streams in through the large windows of this home. This spacious home provides guests with a lovely vacation, from its 100 ft (30.48 m) of Lake Michigan frontage to its in-house amenities, such as a fully functional kitchen and a game room. You can also make use of beach toys and child life jackets if you want to take a dip in the lake with your little ones.
You’ll love the rental’s convenient location that will allow you to familiarize yourself with local arts, as well as bask in nature. South Haven Center for the Arts, Kal-Haven Trail, and North Beach Park are all within a 6-mi (9.66-km) radius of the rental.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we had excellent wifi etc---no switching of time zones across lake eithertoo bad ) comfortable beds super cozy bedding (amy provided flannel sheetsCleanliness:
very clean and roomy for the 5 friends who stayedclean within 10 minutes of downtown perfect for our ladies weekendHost:
amy was so quick to answer questions and very kind and helpfulamy the property manager was super nice and very helpful in every aspectgreat place just like pictures and great communicative hosthost is excellent close to towns and so very comfortableRead more reviewsLocation:
shopping close by easy to get to
7. Sunny home on a bluff (from USD 711)
This property with chic and refreshing interiors is located on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The idyllic backdrop and calming sounds of the water make this a perfect setting for a tranquil getaway.
All the bedrooms here have plush mattresses and comfy linens for you to have a good night’s sleep. Brew yourself some coffee upon waking up and head towards the deck to take in the scenic view outside. You can also access the lake easily to enjoy water activities.
Note that this rental is pet-friendly and allows pets at a surcharge, so there’s no need to leave your fur baby behind.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the property was fairly clean and it had a stunning view the wi-fi was terrible almost unusablethe tv streamed great it is not hooked up to any cable but we were fine with thatCleanliness:
the house was clean it had everything we neededvery nice and relaxing time with smooth process and clean residenceRead more reviewsHost:
stacy was very responsive to all our questionsstacy was an excellent hoststacy was very responsive to every question we had although we really didn't need much
8. Blue Star Bluff (from USD 486)
You’ll love the well-appointed rooms in this picturesque home. The cozy beds in the bright bedrooms will make you want to sleep in. Meanwhile, the living space on the main floor provides plenty of space for you to gather with your group and indulge in hearty conversations. It has comfy sofas and battery-operated candles to set the mood. If you’re up for some entertainment, go downstairs and grab some puzzles and board games.
The property also has ample outdoor space for you to chill at dusk. Of course, the spectacular view of Lake Michigan is the main highlight here. The portable fire pit can be set right by the water to make your experience even more magical!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen is well equipped and the grill is easy to useplenty of room for 8 people to comfortably stayCleanliness:
everything is neat and clean and the house is well stocked with everything we neededthings easy to find in house comfortable very cleanthe bedrooms and bathrooms were cleanRead more reviewsHost:
host was easy to reach and very helpful
9. Cherry Lighthouse On The Lake
Have a romantic stay at this two-level lighthouse-style home adorned with chic furniture and light wooden accents. The roundhouse architecture of this home allows you to marvel at the panoramic view of the lake from several parts of the property. You can spend time gazing at the boats passing by, or simply watch the water glistening in the sunlight.
Aside from beautiful architecture and a lovely outdoor setting comprising a wooden deck, the rental also provides endless entertainment. The house features a cable TV, a DVD player, a collection of books, and a game room. Two security cameras are also placed in the driveway and walkway going to the house for your safety.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the positives:-really nice house with great decor beautiful view spacious well stocked with kitchen items etc
10. Charming 1970s home with a hot tub (from USD 342)
This chalet-style home with cathedral ceilings will appeal to vacationers who love traditional designs. Whether you’re a writer who needs some time alone to work on a project or simply a person who wants to treat their family to a relaxing vacation, this is the place for you
The cottage is in a secluded area along Lake Michigan, but it is only a six-minute drive from downtown. Hence, you can easily drive to shops or local boutiques. Warner Vineyards is only 5.2 mi (8.37 km) away.
With the amazing vistas of the lake that can be seen from different parts of the house, you won’t even need to go outside to enjoy the view! If you wish to access the waters, just take a few steps from the door. You can complete your day with a soak in the outdoor hot tub. It’s a great spot for stargazing!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house is so sweet and comfortable and the views are unbeatablebeds were comfortable kitchen well stocked and the views gave it a relaxing vibeRead more reviewsHost:
property owner was great to work with
A beautiful setting translates into wonderful memories
A trip to South Haven is sure to be filled with dramatic sunsets, refreshing water activities, and unique experiences. Your itinerary will certainly be filled with activities from dawn to dusk, but take a moment to pause and appreciate the view in front of you from time to time. For a wonderful vacation by the water, make sure to book one of these lakefront accommodations!
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