Waterbird Lakeside Inn

2.0 star property
Lakefront hotel in Chesterton with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Waterbird Lakeside Inn

2 Double 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

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

Explore the area

View in a map
556 Indian Boundary Road, Chesterton, IN, 46304
  • Place, Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Indiana Dunes National Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Indiana Dunes State Park
    ‪5 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

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

2 Double Bed, Lake View

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

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

  • Lustron House - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Indiana Dunes Visitor Center - 3 min drive - 2.4 miles
  • Indiana Dunes National Park - 4 min drive - 2.9 miles
  • Indiana Dunes State Park - 5 min drive - 3.5 miles
  • Bailly Homestead - American Indians and Fur Traders - 8 min drive - 4.9 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
  • ‪Sunrise Family Restaurant - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬3 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.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Other amenities include balconies, refrigerators, and microwaves. Housekeeping is available on request.

Similar properties

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

  • 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

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.

How much does it cost to stay at Waterbird Lakeside Inn?

As of Oct 4, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Waterbird Lakeside Inn on Nov 2, 2025 start from $89.99, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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 Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan within a short drive.

Is there parking available 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.

What do couples enjoy most about Waterbird Lakeside Inn?

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 some guestrooms at this hotel feature jetted bathtubs.

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.

Are there rooms with balconies 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. 396 out of 957 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 315 out of 957 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 139 out of 957 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 68 out of 957 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 39 out of 957 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is relatively close to Indiana Dunes National Park, there are several options for eating that are close by, and the room was pretty basic, but clean, quiet, and comfortable. I stayed there 2 days, and felt that it was satisfactory for what it is.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Kristi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Mattress and sheets were fantastic- lake view is awesome!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrea

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
We loved the view and the room was clean but the facilities were not in good shape. There was a hole in the wall around the door with exposed insulation- the lamps did not all have lightbulbs so it was really dark. The counter in the bathroom was coming loose.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Heather

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Decent hotel

This hotel was adequate. The bed was very comfortable & the view was nice. Our toilet never did flush well. There’s no breakfast, which I didn’t notice until after I made reservations. Also, the lobby is closed from 11pm-8am. We were hoping to get on the road early, but had to wait for the lobby to open & the employee was 10 minutes late. If we come back to the area; I’d shop around & compare prices a little more, but I wouldn’t be opposed to staying here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Patricia

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The view off the balcony is great
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paola

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carmen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My daughters and I really enjoyed staying here. This was our first visit to the area and to Indiana Dunes. I especially loved how quiet and peaceful the hotel was. Having a balcony to view the lake was lovely. The staff was super friendly and allowed me to check in early. I look forward to staying here again!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda Snow

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

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

Reasonably priced and easily accessible

I was traveling for business and needed a location that was safe, easily accessible to the highway, and reasonably priced. I was very pleased with this location. The room was comfortable and quiet. The property has some age to it, but is clean and well-maintained.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane, Greenwood

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Loved the room with deck overlooking the beautiful swans in the lake.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

MARJORIE Y

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I love this property right on the lake staff always pleasant and professional and so much to do in the surrounding area
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Jodi

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Amanda

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was good for the price
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Claudia

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Patricia

Traveled with partner
The rooms all have lake views. Lots of waterbirds to watch including a family of swans
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Patricia

Traveled with partner
It was nice to have a view of the lake and watch the water birds, and a family of swans
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Caden

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Hotel was okay, it
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

kathleen

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room didn’t look like pictures
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Karli

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
We were locked out at 8:30 AM (key card not working) and no one was available at the desk to help. Card finally worked after ~20 attempts. Everything else was fine.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jean, Circle Pines

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was clean and bed was comfortable. The most amazing part is the small lake right outside the room. We saw swans with babies, Canada geese with babies, an otter, a couple turtles, a couple of cranes, that was amazing! You can tell the hotel is older and the owners are maybe newer and trying to make it. The hotel could use updating but it was clean and comfortable. Person who checked us in, maybe owner, was very nice and efficient. Would stay here again. Close to Indiana Dunes National Park.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean and pleasant location
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025