Five Fantastic Michigan Getaways for Friends and Family

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. The Yacht is one well maintained vessel.  It is ideal for couples or a small family.  You can explore the spectacular scenery with all of the comforts of home.  

Courtesy photo

 

 

 

By TNCP Staff

 

“Togethering” is a word that describes the trend of traveling together with friends, family or colleagues to a destination.  While it is not a new trend, it can occur in a group large or small, on a special occasion such as a reunion or a wedding celebration or just a few old friends getting together for time well deserved.  What is new, is now there are non-traditional places that you can rent.  There are plenty of opportunities in Michigan to find some sense of peace and tranquility while also being close to the beach.

 

We chose the west side of Michigan and while looking for innovative rental opportunities we located http://www.4rentus.org, which turned out to be a great website.    A refreshing change of pace awaits you at some rentals.  You just have to search.  To our surprise, we discussed plenty of other life events to get a group primed for a trip.  Celebrations of anniversaries, birthdays, renewal of vows, graduations are some of the other milestones that can be enjoyed.  Togethering is also a great opportunity to go on a week long retreat for board members or girlfriends.  

 

This is all possible without leaving the state.  With the children getting out of school and warm weather already here, why not book a vacation closer to where you live, like the west side of Michigan?  Relaxing with family and friends for land locked residents could be just what the doctor ordered. There were so many properties for you to rent in Michigan that are awesome but we picked our top five: 

 

1.  NORTH BEACH GETAWAY (Pictured on page 1)

Grand Blanc, MI

Starting at $300 per night / $37.50 per person a night*

Sleeps 8 / Bedrooms 2 / Bathroom 1

 

This wonderful cottage sits on a private Lake Michigan beach in Grand Haven's Gold Coast of North Shore. This cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bath beach house is a classic cottage with spectacular views of Lake Michigan waters, beach and the Grand Haven channel lighthouse. 

 

The Getaway sleeps 6-8 guests.  There are 4 twin beds and 2 double futon couches (the couches are located in the living room).  With newer bedroom flooring, a completely remodeled bathroom, dishwasher, microwave, television, VCR, DVD and stereo.  This romantic and quaint corner of the shore is a sure hit for couples looking for the cozy comforts of a vacation. The kitchen table seats 4 and can be expanded to seat 8 along with a dining table that seats 6. 

 

There are no stairs to the beach because beach IS your back yard.   Also included for your stay at home fun is volleyball (net provided), beach toys, books and board games. 

 

If you need to venture out, the Grand Haven area offers many activities including tennis, the sand dunes to explore, trails to hike, fishing off the North pier, numerous parks and so much more. Only 40 minutes away is Michigan Adventures. Muskegon's very own smaller scale version of “Cedar Point.” 

 

Grand Haven is located on the shores of Lake Michigan where the beach is the main attraction and offers soft golden sands. Your family will enjoy a nightly routine of strolling down the boardwalk, which is 2 1/2 miles long that runs along the harbor. End each night watching the Musical Fountain, a synchronized display of water, lights and music and is only 10 minutes away from the cottage.

 

For more information on North Beach Getaway, log on to

 

2.  HIDDEN PINES LOG CABIN

Spring Lake Michigan, MI

Starting at $573 per night / $20 per person a night*

Sleeps 30 / Bedrooms 5/  Bathrooms 3

 

This property is in a great location  and only an hour and a half away from the Capitol.  It has 5 bedrooms one is a bunk house and there are 2 kids lofts yet to come.  This log cabin is modern and updated and perfect for families with children.

 

There are 3 baths and the cabin is set up for up to 28 overnight guests.  A few extra air mattress also mean that after fun party in the room with disco lights that go to the music, there will be plenty of space to rest.  For those who want and quieter time there is a large yard with a spectacular view. 

 

You will love the view and the privacy with the access to the water and your proximity to Grand Haven, Spring Lake and all the beaches of Lake Michigan. 

 

For more information about Hidden Pines Log Cabin, log on to

 

3.  THE YACHT

Grand Haven, MI

Starting at $395 per night / $30 per person a night*

Sleeps 8 / Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2

 

The Yacht available for your fun in the water and sun groups. Want to stay close to the water?  Why not be on the water? Call and say you want to have a “yacht of fun”!   On holidays there is an additional $250-$500 and delivery to a local area is $125-$175.  There is also a set up and prep fee of $75 cash upon check in slip location not included and is usually $25 – $150 per night pending dates and choices and if holiday. So make sure you have all of your details straightened out before you and your party get to the yacht.

 

This yacht boasts a full kitchen, bathroom with shower, table with seating in the galley for 4-5 people, slider to back deck and swim deck, large upper area with a walkthrough to front bow for 10 people and the back deck for 4-6 people and the lower galley for 6-8.  This is a spacious interior.  Read the full details on line.  They can also give you a captain's contact number and you can pay him or her to drive you as a bareboat rental for up to 12 people. However, you cannot take the boat out with out a captain, this is a houseboat rental rate only extra costs will be paid to a captain for use and making way. 

 

For more information about The Yacht, log on to

 

 

4.   CAMPAU HEAVEN

Alto, MI

Starting at $895 per night / $30 per person a night*

Sleeps 30 / Bedrooms 8/ Bathrooms 5.5

 

The Heavens of Campau and Kettle Lake have been called “a retreat for the mind, soul, body and spirit.”  The Roberts Resort is a beautifully waterfall landscaped lakeside resort/cottage that is more than a great place to relax. It has excellent lake access for fishing and family fun.  Groups large or small are all welcome.  It is 4 stories high so there is plenty of space for even a business or organization getaway for well performing employees. 

 

With a brilliant blue metal roof this massive but elegant structure is jaw dropping. You will be able to look out over all the cottages on the property from the 4th floor deck, as you sun bath as you wish.  This lake front suite is excellent for fishing, canoeing, tubing and swimming. Your youngest will be able to catch fish with a net if you drop bread into the water and take time to teach them. The cottage also features a lakeside patio with a hammock to relax or play volleyball or horse shoes and later sing by the fire. Your choices are many available for evening or daytime relaxation or excitement. We have grills for a barbeque on both ground and upper level, an excellent place to unwind or play all the games as a mini tournament for all guests to participate as teams. 

 

There are several golf courses in the area, horse ranches and a kid's bounce party location. The interior of the resort features master bedroom (upstairs level 3) that has a king-size bed and television.  The master bath is equipped with a jacuzzi that fills as the water drops from the ceiling, and also has a steamer shower, to top it off the bathroom has a fireplace. 

 

For more information, log on to

 

 

5.  THE BOATHOUSE

Holland, MI

Starting at $1,000 per night / $72 per person a night*

Sleeps 14 / Bedrooms 6 / Bathrooms 2.5

 

The Boathouse cottage interior has all the comforts of home. The kitchen is fully equipped and includes a refrigerator, stove and microwave. The 5 bedrooms on the second floor provide:  a twin, 3 queen  and 2 double sized beds.  In addition, there are bunk beds on the first floor. Other features include 2.5 bathes with all linens and towels.  For entertainment there are 3 cable televisions and an outside gas grill off the kitchen.  There is a washer and dryer and  central air conditioning for your convenience.  However, this is a non-smoking unit and pets are not allowed. The maximum occupancy is 14 people. 

 

In addition to the Boathouse facilities, guests will have access to the exclusive Macatawa beach. The long, private, sandy beach is located on western shore of Lake Michigan and stretches as far as you can see. The “Big Red” lighthouse that marks the Holland Harbor Channel stands proud at the north end of Macatawa Beach. 

 

For more information about the Boat House, log on to

 

The properties above are all listed on  the website  http://www.4rentus.org.  It was started by a small group of Michigan absentee owners, who wanted a powerful and simple tool to rent properties in Michigan and beyond and make it cost efficient. 

 

***Cost for cleaner will be applied and will vary by number of linens you use.  It is approximately $20 – $25 per linen use daily.  Please call for details, this article may not include all of the information or cost pertaining to each property.