Motel Bear Lake

2.0 star property
Motel with free parking, in the vicinity of Pierport Beach

Photo gallery for Motel Bear Lake

BBQ/picnic Area
Terrace/patio
Interior
Free WiFi, bed sheets
Point of interest

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View map
12273 West St, Bear Lake, MI, 49614
  • Place, Wolf River Golf Park
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Crystal Mountain
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

Signature Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette, Pool View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Signature Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette, Pool View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Signature Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette, Pool View

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Studio Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Family Studio Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Family Studio Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette, Pool View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Family Studio Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette, Pool View

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Family Studio Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette, Pool View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Family Studio Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette, Pool View

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Signature Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette, Pool View

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Signature Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette, Pool View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Signature Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette, Pool View

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Romantic Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette, Pool View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the area

Bear Lake

At Motel Bear Lake, you'll be 9.3 km (5.8 mi) from Pierport Beach and 9.8 km (6.1 mi) from Lake Michigan. Highlights at this motel include free self-parking, and in-room kitchenettes and free WiFi. .This pet-friendly motel offers a garden, a picnic area and express check-in. Additionally, you'll find a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and express check-out. .Sights within a 20-minute drive of this Bear Lake motel include Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course and Crystal Mountain.

What's nearby

  • Wolf River Golf Park - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Pierport Beach - 12 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course - 14 min drive - 14.1 km
  • Crystal Mountain - 18 min drive - 24.5 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 38 min drive - 47.7 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chestnut Hills Golf Course - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Rosie's Place - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Grille 44 - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Northern Natural Cider House & Winery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Miller's Northwood Market - ‬11 min drive

About this property

Motel Bear Lake

Motel with free parking, in the vicinity of Pierport Beach
As a guest of Motel Bear Lake, you'll find a seasonal outdoor pool, a garden, and a picnic area. Motel Bear Lake also features express check-in and express check-out. The front desk is open around the clock. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Bear Lake motel.

  • 18 guestrooms or units
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
Motel Bear Lake offers 18 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. This accommodation has kitchenettes with microwaves. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Smart televisions come with digital channels and Netflix.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room kitchenette
  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Virtual front desk

Outdoors

  • Direct access to the beach
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • In a nature reserve
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Netflix
  • Smart TV with digital channels
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Ceiling fan
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Mobile key entry

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and smart lock details; access will be through a private entrance
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
A virtual front desk provides assistance to guests
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Private entrance, smart lock

Pets

  • Pets: USD 40 per pet, per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 40 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions and guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open on 27 May and close on 16 September.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Motel Bear Lake Motel
Motel Bear Lake Bear Lake
Motel Bear Lake Motel Bear Lake

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available at Motel Bear Lake?

Yep, Motel Bear Lake has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Motel Bear Lake?

The closest beach to Motel Bear Lake is Pierport Beach (7.8 km).

Does Motel Bear Lake have a pool?

Motel Bear Lake has a seasonal outdoor pool. The pool is open from May 27 to September 16.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Motel Bear Lake?

No, Motel Bear Lake does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Motel Bear Lake?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Is there a golf course on site at Motel Bear Lake?

There isn't one on site, but Wolf River Golf Park is a short 13-minute walk away.

Motel Bear Lake Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 133 out of 170 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 170 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 170 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 170 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 170 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Hanna

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a lovely room! Nice attention to detail. Very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dianne

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful stay. So quaint and decorated beautifully. A big step up from staying in a hotel. The area is gorgeous. We highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

art

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
aria outside your door so that you can sit outside and enjoy the aria
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristina

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

"A Gay Place to Stay"

Such a charming retro motel, updated with fine amenities (Hooray for good TP, soaps, tea, coffee) and renovated to maintain the original feel. This was obviously a labor of love - The Schitt's would be proud of these women entrepreneurs! We loved Motel Bear Lake, as well as the Lakeside Cafe for breakfast, and could watch the sunset across the street.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Holly

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The shower has awesome water pressure The only down fall is the toilet is in a very tight corner Very convenient for your 4 legged animal Refrigerator had a frozen ice pack to the side that didnt allow you to use it
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
A unique motel love the retro. Neat clean and cozy. We will stay there again
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Alex

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This motel is super cute and retro. Nearby to outdoor activities and not far from sleeping bear dunes. Overall the place is very clean and well maintained. Also has a pool. Pet friendly. I think that for the price, it was well worth it. Right across the street from bear lake. I could see myself coming back here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place with great rooms and great staff
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay -- clean, comfy and quiet rooms. Great people, both staff and guests. Love the authentic retro style.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice, clean vintage motel, pet friendly which is a must for us, reasonably priced Would stay there again!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

JAMES C

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

douglas

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
It was OK. The only downside of this trip the beds were like 15 inches off the ground. The restroom are super small. They were gone for the look of the 60s and 70s they achieve that.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My family and I stayed at Motel Bear Lake for a night while planning a day at Lake Michigan, and I was in awe with this place! My kids love all the games, art supplies, and local beach! It can be hard to find pet friendly stays, especially that are clean, but this had it all! We felt right at home! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Charming older property that needs some more updating. I liked that some thoughtful amenities were added in the room. Plus the room I chose was sizable. The property is being restored by women owners and they have done a nice job in providing a clean room with a few extras that other older properties most likely would not have.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fun and really cool. Awesome staff. Would 100% stay again if ever going through. No towels in the bathroom or even supply closet which was a bummer, but I made do.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katarina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Don’t let the stigma of a motel stop you from staying here. The staff was kind and helpful, our room was spacious and clean. And the pool was amazing! I would recommend Bear Motel to any family.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pet friendly! The beds and pillows were comfortable! I love that they provide a sound machine to drown the traffic noise for light sleepers.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Jacob

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room is dated/thrown together. and had a weird smell to it.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

MELISSA

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This was a last minute family trip for us. We had never heard of Bear Lake but knew the surrounding areas were very nice. We were so happy that we stayed at Motel Bear Lake. The beds were amazing and the retro atmosphere was one of a kind. We will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Motel Bear Lake Goes Retro

We came North for relaxation and found the Bear Lake Motel an excellent location. I also chose it because of its Retro Design. Loved it!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025