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Waterbird Lakeside Inn

2.0 star property
Lakefront hotel in Chesterton with free parking

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Photo gallery for Waterbird Lakeside Inn

Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior detail
Lobby
Lobby

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
556 Indian Boundary Road, Chesterton, IN, 46304
  • Place, Chesterton Art Center
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Lustron House
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Wykes-Plampin Nature Preserve
    ‪3 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(48 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 2 Double Bed, Lake View

2 Double Bed, Lake View | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

2 Double Bed, Lake View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(47 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Chesterton

Waterbird Lakeside Inn is located within a mile (2 km) of Chesterton Art Center and Lustron House. This 30-room hotel welcomes guests with in-room amenities like balconies, refrigerators, and microwaves.

What's nearby

  • Chesterton Art Center - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Lustron House - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Wykes-Plampin Nature Preserve - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Indiana Dunes National Park - 3 min drive - 2.9 miles
  • Indiana Dunes State Park - 4 min drive - 3.5 miles

Getting around

  • Portage - Ogden Dunes Train to Chicago - 12 min drive
  • Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - 68 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Sunrise Family Restaurant - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Waterbird Lakeside Inn

Lakefront hotel in Chesterton with free parking
Guests of Waterbird Lakeside Inn enjoy free WiFi in public areas, express check-in, and express check-out. Free parking is included with your stay. This hotel also has laundry facilities.
40-inch flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Other amenities include balconies, refrigerators, and microwaves. Housekeeping is available on request.

Similar properties

Exterior
Best Western Indian Oak
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 1,002 reviews
$93 nightly
The price is $105
Jan 16 - Jan 17
Total with taxes and fees
Best Western Indian Oak

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • On a lake

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom

Entertainment

  • 40-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Mobile key entry
  • Phone
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

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 cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
Checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system.
  • Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Waterbird Chesterton
Waterbird Inn
Waterbird Inn Chesterton
Waterbird Lakeside Hotel Chesterton
Waterbird Lakeside Inn Chesterton
Waterbird Lakeside Inn
Waterbird Lakeside Chesterton
Waterbird Lakeside
Waterbird Lakeside Inn Hotel
Waterbird Lakeside Inn Chesterton
Waterbird Lakeside Inn Hotel Chesterton

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Waterbird Lakeside Inn?

Waterbird Lakeside Inn offers free cancellation on certain room rates. To learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What's there to do near Waterbird Lakeside Inn?

This hotel is located in Chesterton within a short 17-minute walk of Chesterton Art Center. You'll also find Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes National Park within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Waterbird Lakeside Inn?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does Waterbird Lakeside Inn feature a casino on the premises?

No, Waterbird Lakeside Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Waterbird Lakeside Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Waterbird Lakeside Inn good for couples?

Couples who stay at this lakeside hotel will appreciate amenities like jetted bathtubs and lake views in some guestrooms.

Does Waterbird Lakeside Inn have a hot tub?

No, but this hotel offers jetted bathtubs in some guestrooms.

Does Waterbird Lakeside Inn have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Waterbird Lakeside Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Waterbird Lakeside Inn allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Waterbird Lakeside Inn.

Does Waterbird Lakeside Inn have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Waterbird Lakeside Inn?

Yes, every guestroom at Waterbird Lakeside Inn comes with a balcony with some featuring lake views.

Waterbird Lakeside Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 418 out of 992 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 323 out of 992 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 142 out of 992 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 69 out of 992 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 40 out of 992 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ryleasha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Got there late but the hot tub was well worth it
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean room, great view. Property is a bit dated but nice! Always stay here when in Porter area.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kendra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I actually had a bit of trouble finding the correct check-in area, as there are 2 adjacent motels/inns. But I really liked this place, especially with the deck overlooking the small lake. The room was clean and I felt safe. The staff was very friendly.
View from the deck at sunrise time. There were several species of water birds present, but not in this photo.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Liz

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Ryan

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Parking seemed safe enough. The building is older and in need of attention. Broken window pane on one of the upstairs window. One light in my room didnt function and the bathroom door was splintering at the bottom. Room was clean! Though the building was in need of update and repair it was clean! Super cool to step out on balcony to be over the water, incredible view of the lake right put the sliding door of my room.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margarita

Very cozxy and clean we love the views
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Armandina

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I am writing to formally report a deeply unacceptable experience at the Waterbird Hotel during my recent stay, and I am demanding a full refund for the appalling conditions and the utterly disgraceful customer service I encountered. On my first night, I stayed alone in the room (room 252, second floor), and everything seemed acceptable. However, when I returned the second night with a companion, we discovered something absolutely vile. A strong odor of feces became noticeable. When we checked under the covers of the second bed, we found dried, crusted poop stains on the comforter. This was not fresh; it was clearly an old and unhygienic mess that had been left there from a previous guest. I have photographic evidence of this and am prepared to share it with the Better Business Bureau and Hotels.com. What made this situation even more intolerable was the behavior of your front desk staff. When I tried to explain this to him, he was immediately sarcastic, dismissive, and smirking at me. He questioned why we hadn’t noticed it the first night, which is irrelevant and insulting given the circumstances. I have stayed at this hotel many times, and I have never been treated so disrespectfully. His attitude was completely unprofessional and his refusal to offer a full refund is absolutely unacceptable. Sleeping in a bed with someone else’s dried feces is not just disgusting, it’s a serious health risk. I demand a full refund for this stay, and I will be forwarding this complaint.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, big rooms with a beautiful view of the lake. The room was clean and comfortable. Would recommend for the price.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Erin

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room looked much nicer in the photos. Was basic and fairly clean inside but the balcony was really dirty and filled with spider webs and spiders. Literally counted 20 huge spiders so we couldn’t enjoy the balcony.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deandre

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

8/10 Good

Kimberly

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The lake view is beautiful!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Evelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary K

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Room was basically clean could’ve used a little bit more work. Cabinet doors would not close in the bathroom. Could use grab bars in the bathroom. Parking was great. The staff was friendly in the beginning, but abrasive when asked questions on the second day. Would not stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very tranquil.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kayla

Liked: Cleanliness
Great lake view
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Gail

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Carpet with mold, bugs, staff rude. Left and went to Best Western.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room with a patio overlooking the lake was beautiful! The patio could have used a little bit of cleaning, there were a lot of spider webs that I wiped off.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

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

Very nice stay

The hotel is tucked behind a strip mall right on a small pond. The room was large and comfortable. The bed and pillows were fine. The rooms have balconies or patios so you can sit and have coffee in the morning
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jill

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Even though the Inn is at the back of a fairly busy shopping area, once you are at the Inn, it is very quiet and clean, with spacious rooms. It was also very nice to wake up in the morning and be able to enjoy coffee by the small lake while sitting on the room's private balcony.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Brenda

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Tonya, Glen Allen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
wish there was a better late check out option, most hotels don’t charge you for late check outs
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Key card problems. No wi-fi on balcony. Otherwise ok.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Tracey

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Average place but the location on the lake and balcony put it above the hotels on the highway!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Caith

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Would not stay here again.

To begin with, right when you walk in the front door, the smell is stale and musty. The hotel is dated, dingy, and overall not very appealing. Water pressure is weak, and the hot water is just lukewarm. The carpets were pretty gross and not vacuumed. To top it all off -- they don't even provide coffee in the morning. No breakfast is fine, but no coffee. Deal breaker.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

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