12 Unique Places to Stay in Alpena Michigan [including locally-owned hotels in Alpena Michigan, campgrounds near Alpena MI, and Alpena vacation rentals]
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Tucked away in the northeast corner of the state, Alpena is a charming town that people escape to in hopes of experiencing a slower pace and beautiful views.
With plenty of outdoor recreational activities and many parks to explore, you are going to want to spend more than just a day experiencing all the great things to do in Alpena. Fortunately, there are many hotels in Alpena Michigan as well as campgrounds near Alpena MI that will allow you to make this community your home away from home.
Stay in Style at One of the Locally-Owned Hotels in Alpena Michigan
Given its proximity to Lake Huron, it comes as no surprise that Alpena has become a vacation destination for those who are looking to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Great Lakes. As a result, there are many locally-owned motels and hotels in Alpena Michigan that allow people to enjoy a relaxing getaway.
While the Holiday Inn Alpena is a popular and convenient Alpena MI hotel, you may want to consider some of the hidden gems that can be discovered throughout the city. These are a few of the local hotels that offer more than just a comfortable place to stay — they offer an authentic Alpena experience:
Big Bear Lodge
If you want to be welcomed as part of the Alpena family, then you should be sure to book your stay at the Big Bear Lodge. This self-described mom-and-pop hotel is run by a local couple, and the guests appreciate that they are greeted by name by the people who operate the business. Each room in the hotel is comfortable and cozy, and the guests love that the bedding is changed seasonally.
Perhaps what makes this hotel most unique is the pink bathroom tiles that can be found in each guest room. At this hotel, not only will you benefit from an affordable rate, but you also will get amazing views of the sunrise over Lake Huron.
Alpena Resorts
For more than 30 years, Alpena Resorts has been one of the leading hotels in the area. It is locally-owned and operated, which gives it a sense of charm and style that cannot be found at other corporate chain hotels.
While it may be a small, family-owned resort, it still boasts many of the same state-of-the-art amenities as other hotels. This hotel has a heated pool, fitness center, and patio area where people can gather. You also will get a free breakfast included as part of your room rate, so it’s one of the most valuable hotels around.
Water’s Edge Motel of Alpena
As its name implies, the Water’s Edge Motel of Alpena is located on the shores of Lake Huron, making it one of the best places to stay if you want waterfront views. This motel is a pet-friendly establishment, and it also has beachfront access, a mini-golf course, and water sport rentals available.
A change in ownership in the summer of 2021 has brought new life to the Alpena hotel, resulting in positive Google reviews from recent guests:
“The lakefront cottage has an impressive harbor view. It isn’t fancy but it served my family of 6 + 2 dogs nicely for 5 relaxing days. We were end of season and the municipal beach next door was clean and never crowded. A beachfront Mexican restaurant with good food is a short walk away.” – Bill B., September 2021
Dew Drop Inn Motel
Built in the 1960s when “Up North” was just becoming a vacation destination, the Dew Drop Inn Motel has been welcoming guests for generations. It began as an eight-room motel but has grown to include 14 rooms.
While the ownership has changed once over the years, it is still a family-owned motel that is committed to providing people with an enjoyable stay in Alpena. This motel is known for having regular guests who return year after the year, but the owners are always happy to welcome a new face, so don’t feel shy about booking a stay at this property.
40 Winks Motel
Situated just across from Starlite Beach, the 40 Winks Motel is a favorite among families who are looking for an affordable and convenient place to stay for their Alpena vacation. Inside the motel, you will find an updated facility with clean and modern guest rooms.
Just outside the motel, you can access all that Alpena has to offer. Whether you want to go looking for shipwrecks in Thunder Bay or you simply want to play on the beach, this hotel allows you to get to any location in Alpena in just a matter of moments.
Stay in Comfort at an Alpena Vacation Rental
While there are plenty of charming hotels to choose from in Alpena, sometimes you are craving a more immersive experience in the town you are staying in. Luckily, there are plenty of vacation rentals in Alpena to choose from.
This Up North town is filled with quaint cottages that are used as vacation homes by people who live downstate, and many of those property owners offer short-term rentals. As a result, you benefit by being able to book fully-stocked homes that are located on the water or near the best hiking trails in Alpena.
Long Lake Vacation Home
For a lakefront experience in Alpena, consider renting this Long Lake vacation home that offers both beachfront access as well as sunset views over the lake. It is a spacious, full-furnished vacation home that features tasteful and comfortable decor.
The patio off the back of the home is a spectacular spot for watching the sunset and is just steps away from the sandy beaches of Long Lake. When you stay at this home, you can get away from it all while still having access to the best that Alpena has to offer.
The Lofts in Alpena
If you are an outdoor enthusiast who is looking for a chic yet convenient place to stay, then look no further than The Lofts in Alpena. These modern and industrial condominium rentals are located in the heart of Alpena and are just minutes away from the extensive Michigan rails-to-trails paths that are located nearby. In addition, there is storage on-site for all of your outdoor equipment, such as your bike, kayaks, or hiking gear.
The Life Aquatic Alpena Vacation Rental
Families that are looking to go big or go home for their Alpena vacation will quickly fall in love with The Life Aquatic vacation rental. This sprawling luxury home on the shores of Lake Huron has everything that you need in order to enjoy your getaway on the water.
It is a 2,700-square-foot home that has six bedrooms and sleeps up to 10 people, making it the perfect option for families or groups of friends. Not only does this vacation rental feature a stunning outdoor living area that includes an outdoor dining space as well as a bonfire pit, but it also has a boathouse on-site for you to store your watercraft during your vacation.
Airbnb Alpena Downtown Apartment
Sometimes, travelers are hoping to stay in the heart of the city rather than on the shores. Fortunately, there are downtown vacation home rentals in Alpena as well. For example, this Alpena – downtown apartment is both simultaneously cozy and charming as well as modern and updated.
It is located in the center of the downtown area, allowing you to walk to all of the best attractions, shopping, and dining — and you are still only about 10 minutes away from the beach. This is one of the best places to stay if you want to experience the culture and flavor of Alpena.
Surround Yourself with Natural Beauty at One of the Campgrounds Near Alpena MI
Given the fact that many of the most popular activities in Alpena are adventurous excursions that take place in one of the local parks or near one of the premier beaches in town, it’s not surprising that many of the people who come to Alpena prefer to camp while they stay.
There are several campgrounds near Alpena that appeal to campers of all styles, from those who are searching for a primitive experience to those who want to camp without sacrificing modern conveniences and amenities.
Some of the top campgrounds near Alpena MI include…
Campers Cove RV Park & Canoe Livery
Campers Cove RV Park & Canoe Livery is a large, private campground in Alpena that has plenty of amenities for campers to enjoy during their stay.
Not only does this campground feature full hook-up sites for RVs, but there also are cabin rentals available for those who want to experience the campground but do not have their own RV to bring along with them.
This is a sprawling campground, which means that you will be able to pick the exact type of spot that you want. Whether you are in the mood for a shady spot with a panoramic view of the campground and the lake, or you want to be right on the waterfront, you can find a space that feels right for you and your family.
In addition to the views, this campground offers canoe and kayak rentals, fishing, miniature golf, basketball, volleyball, and more. While you are able to easily access the best things to do in Alpena, you may find yourself wanting to spend all of your time at this all-inclusive campground.
Thunder Bay RV Park and Campground
Thunder Bay RV Park and Campground is located on the grounds of the Thunder Bay Resort. This campground has 23 different sites, all of which are pull-through sites that offer a full hook-up.
Campers love the fact that they can get high-speed Wi-Fi once they are settled in their spot as well. Another added benefit is that every site has a patio attachment, allowing you to really feel at home at this intimate campground.
Long Lake Park Campground
For a quiet and peaceful camping experience, consider booking one of the tent camping or RV spots at Long Lake Park.
This campground has a variety of amenities, including a playground, a boat launch, a picnic site, a swimming area, and modern restrooms. It’s a favorite among families who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the area as well as nearby attractions, such as the lighthouses.
Stay & Play in Alpena Michigan
When you choose the right place to stay during your Alpena Michigan vacation, you will find that you feel rested, relaxed and at ease for the duration of your trip. There are options for travelers of all types.
Whether you prefer to rough it on a campground or you want to enjoy the finer things in life at a local hotel, you will easily be able to find hotels in Alpena Michigan or campgrounds near Alpena MI that will suit your style as well as your budget.