Motel Bear Lake

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Motel Bear Lake

BBQ/picnic area
1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Terrace/patio
Point of interest
Interior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
12273 West St, Bear Lake, MI, 49614
  • Pierport Beach
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Crystal Mountain
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Room options

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

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Signature Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette, Pool View

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Romantic Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette, Pool View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Family Studio Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Signature Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette, Pool View

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Signature Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette, Pool View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Studio Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Bear Lake

Motel Bear Lake places you within a 15-minute drive of popular attractions such as Pierport Beach and Lake Michigan. This 18-room motel welcomes guests with in-room amenities like kitchenettes, microwaves, and coffee makers.

What's nearby

  • Portage Lake - 11 min drive - 7.8 miles
  • Pierport Beach - 15 min drive - 7.7 miles
  • Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course - 16 min drive - 8.8 miles
  • Little River Casino - 18 min drive - 14.2 miles
  • Crystal Mountain - 22 min drive - 15.5 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Lakeside Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Grille 44 - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Glenwood - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Rosie's Place - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Blue Slipper Tavern - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Motel Bear Lake

Motel with free parking, in the vicinity of Pierport Beach
Guests of Motel Bear Lake enjoy features like a seasonal outdoor pool, express check-in and express check-out. There's free parking if you drive. Additional amenities include a picnic area and a garden.
Smart TVs come with digital channels and Netflix, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Kitchenettes, microwaves, and coffee makers are other standard amenities.
Recreational amenities at the motel include a seasonal outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 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 elevator

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 available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

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

Access methods

Private entrance, smart lock

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 40 per pet, per stay
  • Dogs only
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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

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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
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.
  • 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 debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions and guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The seasonal pool is open from May 27 to September 16.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • 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

What's there to do close to Motel Bear Lake?

This motel is located in Bear Lake, close to Pierport Beach, Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course, and Portage Lake. James Lake is also within a driving distance of 3.8 mi.

Is parking available on site at Motel Bear Lake?

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

Does Motel Bear Lake have a casino on the premises?

No, Motel Bear Lake doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Motel Bear Lake?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. The seasonal pool will be open from May 27 until September 16.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Motel Bear Lake?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a kitchenette and Netflix as well as a nature reserve.

Are there hot tubs at Motel Bear Lake?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Motel Bear Lake have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Motel Bear Lake doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Motel Bear Lake allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at Motel Bear Lake for a fee of USD 40 per pet, per stay.

Does Motel Bear Lake have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Motel Bear Lake?

The closest major airport to Motel Bear Lake is Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker), which is 12.4 mi away (15 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Motel Bear Lake?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Motel Bear Lake.

Motel Bear Lake Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 95 out of 119 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 119 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 119 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 119 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 119 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sunny, Traverse City

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lena

The best little place

100/10. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Jeff

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was clean and cute. It is 1960 motel. Need alittle updating but it was nice. No thermostat in room
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First time visiting my children and grandchildren who relocated to the area 2 years ago. Great motel bed was super comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chadwick

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Did not like that there was no person to talk to. Called several times to confirm reservations before the stay with no response back. Otherwise there were no issues and everything was in order. Thank you,
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen

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

Cozy & Cool

This is such a wonderful little place. It has an atmosphere of warmth & trust, while being retro & fun. I've stayed here once before, so I knew that I really wanted one of the rooms with an extra sink -- it makes it easy for two procrastinators to get ready at the last minute. I also remembered that the thoughtfully curated in-room guide would lead me to the breakfast place that I forgot the name of. This is definitely on my list of favorite motels, because it's just my kind of cozy cool.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a besties weekend and it was a beautiful quiet motel. Definitely going back in the summer
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

lynne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The management gets 5 stars for responsiveness! Very good place to do business with!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laken

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Mohan Krishna Naik

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Jimmie

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amber

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

Spontaneous New Year Trip

As Michigan travellers, we have stayed in many hotels and motels. This was the best in a long time (very clean and loved the bed). It was a last minute trip for New Year's Eve and I was able to book a room in the evening that was immediately available for us settle into with 24-hour check-in. The remote keyless entry was wonderful, along with the included amenity room, which had extra towels, cups, plates, condiments, coffee/tea, pet supplies, and indoor/outdoor games. The staff's all-around inclusiveness of people, pets, and recreational activities is very thoughtful and something that I will keep in mind for future trips. We originally booked a room for 1 night, but the weather during the day kept us at Motel Bear Lake and we decided to extend our visit (also last minute). The staff (possibly owner) was super friendly when I texted them about booking an additional night, which is very convenient for communication during a trip. They even manually updated the system to keep us in the same room for the additional night along with reactivating our amenity room code, which also was just a few simple texts to a resolution in a matter of minutes. The area was peaceful and quiet. Bear Lake is practically across the road. There is a gift shop, as well as cute post cards, magnets, keychains, and mugs available for in-room purchasing. We loved the retro look thats being infiltrated into this motel's rooms and it's centralized location to western state attractions. *Pool out of season
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deb, Rockford

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Check-in was so simple, staff is fantastic! Definitely will recommend and definitely will come back.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Al

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My wife and I really enjoyed staying at Motel Bear Lake! You can immediately tell how much love and care the owners have put into the property, and it was at a reasonable rate. We now want to visit the area and stay in the motel in the summer!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denise

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Business traveler
Great place and excellent experience
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Big room, clean, with cute decor. We loved the extra sink, the microwave and the mini fridge. Nice location across from Bear Lake. Easy instructions for entry, no formal check-in required.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

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

Perfect location with a cozy retro vibe!

Motel Bear Lake was a perfect spot to spend the night before an early flight out off Manistee. The decor was lovely, the information booklet was helpful, the bed was super comfortable, and the location was convenient. The only minor concern was the noise. We could clearly hear nextdoor guests outside late at night, and the sounds in our room were slightly disruptive. Both are to be expected in an older building and in a motel layout. Nothing that would stop us from staying again. We loved being able to purchase a mug with a quick Venmo payment - such a great idea!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
communication was great - the only thing I would suggest is adding the physical address when texting info - I had to go back to my original reservation to find it. with the multiple texts and email messages, I would have had it a few times over. otherwise, no complaints!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly

Traveled with group
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patti

Very nicely done. I loved the decor and it was very inviting
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

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

Comfy

Very comfortable room, bed. Love the keyless entry.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024