Point Betsie Lighthouse - 11 min drive - 7.2 miles
Getting around
Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 40 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 14 min drive
A Papano's Pizza BEULAH - 16 min drive
A&W Restaurant - 6 min drive
Five Shores Brewing - 14 min drive
Stormcloud Brewing Company - 9 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Above Crystal Lake - Hot Tub and Panoramic Views
Escape to this serene hilltop cottage with sweeping views of Crystal Lake, five minutes to downtown Frankfort. Rustic yet comfortable, it keeps its original charm while offering a few modern touches so you can truly unwind in nature.
Inside, enjoy an open living area with the original fieldstone fireplace and large windows framing the view. Cozy bedroom has a new queen Tempur-Pedic mattress and A/C. Outside, you will find a hot tub with an incredible view overlooking Crystal Lake.
Guests love the spacious screened porch — perfect for morning coffee, reading, or watching the sunrise and moonrise over the lake. It’s an inviting outdoor living space, rain or shine. Step outside to enjoy a fire under a star-filled night sky.
Boaters will appreciate the circular drive with ample trailer parking and quick access to several nearby boat launches.
This cottage is an easy base for exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Our host and caretaker (my father) led interpretive programs there for more than four decades, helping design many of the programs and places you can experience today. He’s happy to share insider tips so you can make the most of your visit.
Fall here is stunning, but the cottage is seasonal with limited insulation and baseboard heat in the living room and bedroom. To enjoy Northern Michigan’s cool autumn days, bring warm layers and cozy slippers.
Whether your days are filled with dune hikes, fishing trips, fall color tours, or simply sitting quietly with a book, this cottage offers a peaceful base that feels both private and connected to everything that makes Northern Michigan special.
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a fireplace, a coffee maker, and a dining table.
Note from host: Absolutely no smoking in the house or on the scree
Location highlights
In a rural location
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Hunting nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Unit size: 950 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Store extra beds
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights
Please make sure you have all of your personal items.
You do not need to strip the beds, take the trash out to the dumpster or gather your towels. This is your vacation. We just ask that your trash is in a can, not strewn around the house.
There is a bin for recycling on the back porch off the kitchen.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
We require a signed rental agreement within 48 hours of booking.
$300 security deposit is required. Hold will be placed on your card 2 days before arrival, released 7 days after departure.
There is a $250 additional charge if the hot tub has to be specially serviced after your stay.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely no smoking in the house or on the scree
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
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.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Property is also known as
orp5b711fbx
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do within easy reach of this cottage?
This cottage is located in Frankfort, close to Frankfort Beach, Point Betsie Lighthouse, and Platte Lake. You'll also find Lake Michigan and Betsie Lake within a short drive.
Is there parking available at Above Crystal Lake - Hot Tub and Panoramic Views?
No, there isn't parking at this cottage.
Is this cottage associated with a casino?
No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?
No, this cottage doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.
What do couples enjoy most about Above Crystal Lake - Hot Tub and Panoramic Views?
Couples will appreciate amenities at this cottage, including a fireplace and a smart TV in each cottage, and some feature lake view.
Does Above Crystal Lake - Hot Tub and Panoramic Views have a hot tub?
No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this cottage offer breakfast?
No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?
No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.
Does Above Crystal Lake - Hot Tub and Panoramic Views have connecting rooms available?
No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
How far is the airport from this cottage?
The closest major airport to this cottage is Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker), which is about 25.6 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies at Above Crystal Lake - Hot Tub and Panoramic Views?
No, there aren't any cottage with balconies at Above Crystal Lake - Hot Tub and Panoramic Views.
Above Crystal Lake - Hot Tub and Panoramic Views Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 2 reviews
10 - Excellent
2
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 2 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 2 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 2 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 2 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Kyle B.
Nov 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Kyle B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Robert G.
Sep 20, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
What a lovely, cozy cottage for a week in paradise! We loved the location, the view, the furnishings and of course, the hot tub. We hiked local trails, watched sunrises and sunsets, enjoyed campfires, listened to birds, played games and celebrated our daughter's birthday. We cooked all but one of our meals and found everything we needed for easy and efficient meal prep. Made the best berry crumble in lieu of a birthday cake and found the perfect baking dish to bake it in. There was even a pot big enough to cook a dozen ears of corn! (and a colander to rinse things). The host is very responsive to questions and helpfully provided suggestions for local attractions and restaurants. The bathroom was SPOTLESS and the bedroom mattress very comfortable. There was even a s'more making kit waiting for us on the dining table. We normally camp when we visit the area, but it was nice to have less stress not pulling the teardrop, and having a great cottage in which to relax and rewind. We made forever memories and were grateful this gem was available. p.s. Our only eating out experience was The Farm in Traverse City, a farm to food restaurant that exceeded our expectations! It's worth the 35ish minute drive. My husband saw it profiled on a PBS show and thought we should give it a try. OMG, get the Farm Board, their charcuterie board, to start! You won't be disappointed. 10 stars to Above Crystal Lake (and the same to The Farm)