Houghton Lake's Hidden Gem: Lakeside Resort & Conference Center (MI)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the (slightly choppy) waters of the Lakeside Resort & Conference Center at Houghton Lake, Michigan – a place they call a "Hidden Gem." Let's see if that's just marketing fluff, shall we? I'm ready for a good, honest, messy review. Forget the corporate polish, let's get real.
First Impressions (and a little rant because, well, it's me):
Okay, so, the drive to Houghton Lake? Gorgeous. Pure Michigan. All rolling hills and quaint little towns that make you want to buy a cabin and disappear. Then you hit the sign for Lakeside Resort, and… well, the exterior doesn't exactly scream "Luxury Spa Getaway." It's more… functional. It’s not hideous, mind you, it's just not wow. Maybe that's the "hidden" part? Either way, don't expect a fancy facade. What you should expect, and what I was secretly hoping for, is a hidden treasure.
Accessibility & Practicalities (the Boring Stuff, But We Gotta):
- Accessibility: This is a biggie, and I’m happy to report… it's solid. Wheelchair accessible is a big YES, which is ALWAYS a plus. Easy access and parking were good, the overall vibes were accessibility friendly - what I experienced.
- Internet (Ugh, That Thing We Can't Live Without) and Wi-Fi: FREE Wi-Fi in the rooms? YES! And not the dial-up speed of the early 2000s. Okay, it wasn't blazing fast for streaming 4k, but it was reliable. Internet [LAN] available, too, if you're old school or just paranoid. Wi-Fi in public areas was also solid, not a big thing.
- General Services and Conveniences: The basics were covered. Elevator? Check. 24-hour front desk? Good. Concierge? Didn’t need him, but he was there. Daily housekeeping? Yep, and the room wasn't a germ factory (more on that later). They also had a convenience store, which is clutch for those late-night snack cravings (and, let's be honest, some of us need a mini-bar). Cash withdrawal was a lifesaver because I always forget to hit the ATM.
- For the Kids: Family/child friendly is a big thumbs up. They seemed to cater to families well, although I don't have personal experience with kids, I still observed.
- Getting Around (and Parking!). Car park [free of charge], so you don't have to worry about that stupid parking fee drama. Car park [on-site] is super-convenient.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, Let's Face It, We're All a Little Germ-Obsessed Now):
Okay, this is where Lakeside Resort seems to shine. In this post-pandemic world, it's crucial.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services? Double-check.
- Room sanitization opt-out available? Yes, they care.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Indeed.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Pretty obvious.
I felt safe. And that's HUGE. They clearly take hygiene seriously, which is a HUGE relief.
The Rooms (My Temporary Home):
Okay, the rooms. They aren't stunning, but they're clean and well-equipped. Think comfortable, not opulent.
- Cleanliness: As a huge plus, it's clean, which is all I needed.
- Bed: Comfy bed, which is vital.
- Amenities: Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, free bottled water (nice touch!).
- Bathroom: Separate shower/bathtub was appreciated.
- Tech: Internet access – wireless, satellite/cable channels, alarm clock.
- Soundproofing was okay, but the thin walls did me in.
- No: No super fancy room decorations,
- Possible Improvement: The old-fashioned aesthetic of the rooms is a major point for improvement, otherwise the rooms are comfortable.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fuel Up!):
Alright, let's talk chow. This is where things became interesting.
- Breakfast (Buffet) and Restaurants:
- Breakfast (buffet): The buffet. Ah, the buffet. It was an okay buffet. Usual suspects: eggs, waffles (kinda soggy), fruit, etc. Nothing world-shattering, but it filled the hole.
- Asian cuisine in the restaurant: No, I didn't eat Asian, so cannot review this specific food.
- Bar: No, I didn't visit it.
- Restaurants: Okay. I saw a couple of places.
- Room service (24-hour): Yes, really convenient.
- Snack bar: Yes, available.
- Vegetarian restaurant: No, I didn't see it, or eat there.
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in the restaurant: Yes.
- Overall: The food situation is "adequate," not "amazing." I didn't come for the Michelin stars, so I was fine.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (The Juicy Stuff!):
Okay, this is where Lakeside Resort actually lives up to its name. Houghton Lake in general, wow.
- The Lake Itself: The highlight. Seriously. Houghton Lake is GORGEOUS. The resort has lake access - you can stroll, rent a kayak, whatever. It's just relaxing.
- The Spa/Sauna/Pool area: Now, this is where things get interesting. The swimming pool [outdoor] was a little chilly, but clean. The Pool with view was pretty decent. The Spa/sauna was the big draw, and I spent a good chunk of time there. The Sauna was hot and sweaty (in a good way). The steamroom was… steamy.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: There was a good gym with a pretty decent selection of equipment (I confess, I skipped the gym, mainly because I was too busy relaxing!).
My Anecdote (Because You Deserve the Real Deal):
Okay, here's the real highlight of the whole trip. I booked a massage. And OH. MY. GOODNESS. It was amazing. I walked in with a knot the size of a golf ball in my shoulder, and I walked out feeling like a limp noodle. Seriously. The masseuse (I'm not going to mention her name, because I want her all to myself next time!) was an absolute wizard. She worked out the tension I didn't even realize I was carrying. I almost fell asleep. It was a total "aha!" moment – like, this is what relaxation feels like. This alone made the trip worth it. If you go, book a massage. Seriously. Don't skip it.
The Quirks, the Imperfections (Because Perfection is Boring):
- The Exterior: Let's be honest, it could use a facelift.
- The Food: Good, not great. But hey, there are plenty of restaurants nearby.
- Soundproofing: Okay, but don't expect total silence.
Overall Impression (The Verdict!):
Lakeside Resort & Conference Center is a solid choice. It's not a five-star palace, but it's clean, comfortable, and offers a great location and a fantastic spa experience. The focus on safety is hugely appreciated. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway on the lake, with solid amenities and a fantastic massage, this is definitely worth checking out. It’s definitely a "Hidden Gem" in its own way.
The Offer (Because I Want You to Book!):
Escape to Houghton Lake: Lakeside Resort & Conference Center's "Lakefront Relaxation Package"!
Tired of the everyday grind? Craving some serious R&R? Lakeside Resort & Conference Center invites you to experience the beauty of Houghton Lake with our exclusive "Lakefront Relaxation Package"!
- What You Get:
- Cozy Room with Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected (or disconnect – your choice!) in a clean, comfortable room.
- Daily Buffet Breakfast: Fuel up for your day with a tasty breakfast selection.
- Unlimited Access to our Spa & Sauna: Melt away stress in the sauna, steamroom, and take a dip in the pool.
- And the BEST part: One 60-minute Signature Massage at our award-winning spa to release all your tension and leave you feeling refreshed! (Seriously
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is… my Lakeside Resort & Conference Center Houghton Lake (MI) brain dump. It's gonna be less "structured itinerary" and more "chaotic, wonderfully messy adventure log." Think less travel agent, more… well, me.
Lakeside Resort & Conference Center Houghton Lake: The Before-Times (aka Research Hell)
Oh, the research. The joy. Or, you know, the stress of trying to wrangle a weekend at Houghton Lake. It looked charming online – quaint cabins, a sprawling lake, the promise of… relaxation. (Hah! Famous last words.) I spent hours comparing prices, reading reviews (which, let's be honest, are always a rollercoaster of “This place is amazing!” to “I saw a squirrel wearing a tiny tophat and stealing my cookies!” – that actually happened to someone, I swear). Finally, I settled on Lakeside. Looked decent, had a pool (mandatory), and wasn’t going to bankrupt me before the actual trip even started.
Day 1: Arrival and Utter Chaos (and Ice Cream)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Lakeside Resort. Okay, first impressions: it's…definitely rustic. The lobby smells of pine needles and… something else. Old carpet? Slightly damp wood? Either way, it's a smell that immediately transports you to a slightly forgotten summer camp. The check-in lady seemed a little frazzled, bless her heart, I get it! The "Welcome!" was more of a "Finally, someone to check in!" vibe.
- 1:30 PM: Cabin Unboxing! Our cabin (appropriately named "The Birchwood Blunder," though I doubt it was the official name) was… cozy. Let's go with cozy. It had a distinct "Grandma's attic" vibe, which, honestly, I secretly loved. Found what I thought was a tiny ant. Turns out it was just a crumb.
- 2:00 PM: Pool Reconnaissance. The pool. Oh, the pool. The lifeguard was a bored teenager glued to their phone (classic), and the water looked clean, but I swear I saw a rogue floating… thing. I bravely plunged in. It was fine. Mostly.
- 2:30 PM: The Great Ice Cream Heist. After all that, I needed a reward, and the nearest ice cream place beckoned: The Houghton Lake Dairy Bar. (Google was my friend here, and a screaming need for sugar). I got a double scoop of something called "Michigan Pothole" (because, Michigan, obviously). It was amazing! I ate it so fast I nearly choked. Bliss.
- 3:30 PM: Lake Stroll Attempt. Tried to walk along the lake. Beautiful view, honestly. But the sandflies. Oh, the sandflies. They're little ninjas of the insect world. I was swatting myself silly within minutes. Abandoned the mission.
- 4:00 PM: Cabin Rest and Regret. (Regret because I didn't bring bug spray.) Watched some bad TV and mentally prepared myself for the "family time" that was scheduled for later.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the Lakeside Restaurant. The food… well, it was "lodge food". Think hearty portions, a slight lack of seasoning, and a menu that seemed to be perpetually in the 1990s. The waitress was super sweet though and made for a fun conversation.
- 7:30 PM: Family Fun?! Attempted a family board game, which quickly devolved into passive-aggressive sniping over who was really cheating. (It was my nephew. Just saying.)
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. Exhausted. And slightly traumatized.
Day 2: The Lake Strikes Back (and a Deep Dive into Lakeside) - or, The Day I Became One With the Water
- 8:00 AM: A Breakfast of Champions - or, the "Free Continental Breakfast" Scuffle. The "free" breakfast was…a study in efficiency. Stale bagels, weak coffee, and the look of "I’m sorry… we have this." I made toast. It was a major win.
- 9:00 AM: Lake Exploration: Kayak Adventure! (That was the plan, anyway.) Rented a kayak. It was… wobbly. I might have spent more time in the lake than on the lake. The water was freezing! It was a beautiful, exhilarating… disaster. But honestly, I loved it. I felt alive! Like a slightly soggy, very cold mermaid.
- 11:00 AM: Recovering From My Near-Drowning Experience - The Great Cabin Dry-Off and Snack Attack Combo. I found a decent towel and a stash of salty snacks. I mean, a girl needs to replenish electrolytes, right?
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Lakeside Grill. The grill was a pleasant surprise! The burgers were surprisingly good, and the fries… oh, the fries! (Finally, something I absolutely loved). Plus, it had a view of the lake that was actually enjoyable without requiring me to risk my life.
- 1:00 PM: Lakeside "Spa" Experience. Okay, "Spa" might be a stretch. But they had a massage therapist who was… amazing. Somehow, she managed to knead all the tension from my kayak-related mishaps from my muscles. Worth it. Totally worth it.
- 3:00 PM: An Hour of Peace. I'm lying in the Adirondack chair, staring into the lake, and reflecting on Life. It's so quiet here. The sun is shining, and maybe… just maybe… I'm starting to relax a little bit.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the pool. This time, I was prepared for battle. Armed with a raft and a determination to avoid the rogue floating "thing".
- 6:00 PM: Another dinner. (I'm starting to think I eat more on vacation than I do at home.) Decided on a different entree.
- 7:30 PM: A bon fire. I think this is what I will miss the most, that special night with my family.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: Departure and the Promise of Return
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast… again. Forced myself to consume some "healthy" fruit after two days of burger binges. It was a struggle.
- 9:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping in the gift shop. Ended up buying a Houghton Lake t-shirt that was three sizes too big and a keychain shaped like a loon. (Embrace the cliché, I say!)
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Said goodbye to the "Birchwood Blunder" (I think I'll miss it, in a weird way) and the nice lady at the front desk (who looked even more frazzled, bless her heart).
- 11:00 AM: The Long Drive Home. Reflecting on the trip. It wasn't perfect. Heck, it was far from perfect. But it was real. It was messy, and funny, but it was also me. And I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.
Quirky Observations & Random Thoughts:
- The amount of insect life at Houghton Lake is… impressive. Bring bug spray, people! Seriously.
- The sunsets over the lake are legitimately beautiful. Seriously, take a moment to appreciate them.
- The people are nice. That Midwest charm is real.
- There's a certain… charm to the slightly dated aesthetic of Lakeside Resort. It's comfy and unpretentious.
- I need to learn how to kayak… before embarking so vigorously onto a lake.
So, there you have it: my Lakeside Resort & Conference Center experience. It wasn't a polished, perfectly-planned vacation. It was a messy, imperfect, hilarious, and ultimately wonderful adventure. And yeah… I'd totally go back. Maybe next time, I'll bring extra bug spray. And a life jacket. And a slightly more adventurous spirit. (And maybe, just maybe, I’ll figure out how to play a board game without starting a family feud.)
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