Crooked River Lodge

The Crooked River Lodge offers a memorable retreat, distinguished by its stunning views of the Crooked River and a pervasive rustic lodge atmosphere that guests find both charming and inviting. This setting, combined with abundant outdoor amenities like the fire pit and complimentary kayaks, creates a unique experience. It is an ideal destination for families seeking engaging activities and ample space, as well as couples and those seeking relaxation who appreciate a peaceful, nature-filled escape. Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the attentive service provided by the staff. To enhance your stay, consider taking advantage of the complimentary outdoor activities like kayaking and gathering around the fire pit for a truly immersive experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a wide array of facilities and amenities that significantly enhance the guest experience. The indoor pool and hot tub are highly popular, with many guests appreciating their cleanliness and warmth, and the pool even features a waterfall. However, some guests noted a strong chlorine smell in the pool area, and a recurring concern is the public's access to the pool during the day, which can lead to overcrowding and limit guest enjoyment. The hot tub was occasionally reported as not being hot enough or temporarily out of order. A standout feature is the outdoor gas fire pit, which is lit nightly and provides a wonderful gathering spot for guests to socialize or relax. Other notable amenities include a well-equipped gym, a game room with a pool table, and a cozy loft area for reading and relaxation. The hotel also provides complimentary bikes and kayaks for guest use on the river, along with a nature trail for walks. Guests also appreciate the availability of complimentary coffee, iced tea, hot chocolate, and popcorn in the lobby throughout the day.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as immaculate and well-maintained. The rooms are generally found to be spacious and comfortable, often featuring a separate sitting area and a balcony with pleasant views of the river. Many reviews highlight the comfortable beds and soft, fluffy towels, ensuring a restful stay. Some rooms are equipped with a spa jet tub or a jacuzzi, adding a touch of luxury. While most find the rooms quiet, a few guests mentioned occasional noise from other guests in the hallways or from rooms above. Some feedback suggests that the room decor might be a bit dated, with comments about the need for updates to paint, caulk, and flooring, and some mattresses were described as too firm. Despite minor issues like a non-working TV remote or chilly shower water in isolated instances, the overall sentiment regarding room comfort and cleanliness is overwhelmingly positive.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast is a significant highlight for most guests, frequently described as "great," "delicious," and "excellent." It offers a wide variety of options, including both hot and cold items, such as scrambled eggs, sausage, waffles, bagels, cereals, and homemade bread. Many appreciate the quality and the fact that it provides substantial nourishment. However, some recent reviews indicate a change in the breakfast offerings, with a shift from hot options to more limited continental choices, which has disappointed long-time guests who miss the previous hot breakfast. While the breakfast is generally well-regarded, a few guests found it to be "okay" or "standard continental," wishing for more healthy options or greater variety. The hotel does not have an on-site restaurant or bar, which some guests noted would enhance the overall experience by reducing the need to drive for meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location that is both peaceful and convenient for exploring the surrounding Northern Michigan area. Situated directly on the Crooked River, it offers beautiful natural scenery and a tranquil atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle. Its central position makes it an ideal base for day trips, being an easy drive to popular destinations such as Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, and Mackinac City, including the Mackinac Bridge. Guests appreciate the proximity to various dining options in nearby towns. The hotel provides ample parking, including a separate lot for those with trailers or boats, which is a significant convenience. While the location is generally praised for its accessibility to attractions, some guests noted that recent road construction made reaching the hotel slightly challenging.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome received at the front desk and the staff's willingness to go above and beyond to accommodate requests, such as arranging alternative lodging during a power outage or assisting with room changes. The check-in and check-out processes are described as smooth and efficient. Many reviews commend the staff for their knowledge of the local area, providing valuable suggestions for activities and dining. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated comments mention instances of staff being perceived as less friendly or abrasive, particularly concerning pool rules or specific requests. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel offers several unique features that enhance the stay, such as a pet-friendly policy, though some guests noted challenges in finding suitable outdoor areas for pets. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of grills for outdoor cooking, adding to the self-catering options. The hotel provides a kids' clubhouse under the stairway and a game room upstairs, offering dedicated spaces for younger guests and families. There are also Tesla destination chargers available for electric vehicles. Guests should be aware that while the pool and hot tub are generally open, there have been instances of temporary closures for maintenance, which can impact planned activities. The hotel's commitment to providing a wide range of complimentary activities and amenities, from kayaks to board games, makes it a highly engaging destination for all ages.