Our family rented the Douglas Boathouse for Thanksgiving this year and had a wonderful time. We…read morerented both the boathouse and the keeper's house and had plenty of room for our big celebration. We played games, took advantage of the fire pit and outdoor space, had tons of room for the whole family to eat, sleep and shower! Joanie was fantastic. She was very prompt in her responses to my questions leading up to the stay and was very helpful throughout the process. The house was clean, well decorated, very charming and accommodated all of our needs, including a lot of cooking. I would absolutely recommend Joanie and the boathouse to anyone considering a rental in this area.

Great experience from start to finish. The owners were very easy to work with and very responsive…read moreto questions that I had. Overall, the house has been updated, is impeccably maintained and has all of the amenities you would expect to accommodate a big group for the weekend. The outdoor area is also amazing and offers a fire pit and plenty of seating to chill and enjoy the night. The house is also located in a great spot on the West Side of Michigan that is close to restaurants, shops and the lake. There is a reason this was our second time staying at this place and won't be the last. If you are looking for a getaway that is convenient to get to from Chicago, Detroit and etc., this spot is the perfect location for you.

We had our annual Girls Weekend at the Secret of Saugatuck Suites. It was amazing. Cheryl and Dino…read moredid such a great job making us feel welcome and helped out our every need! The rooms were well furnashed and clean! The pool was nice a relaxing and it was beautiful there. The downtown was so much fun as well! We rented bikes from the store down the street and rode them into town each day. I would highly recommend this place to families, couples or groups of people looking for fun!

My family stayed here June 25-28 for a family reunion, so we had about 10 of the suites booked…read more First, the area is very nice, love Saugatuck! My husband and I stayed in a 1 bedroom suite. It was fine, but I would suggest a couple of things: the bathtub had nothing on its floor and no texture so it was very slippery! Also, the furnishings are very dated and need to be replaced. The one bedroom had a king bed and a full bed in it so there was very little floor space. A sofabed would work much better. My daughter and her family stayed in the suite next door and the exterior door frame had alot of peeling paint (not great for little kids!) The pool was great and it had a hot tub which was nice to have in the cool evenings. The entrance to the place needs a light. At night you can't see it! All in all, I would give it a 3.5-4.

Cute, affordable rentals available about 2 blocks from downtown Douglas. We rented a…read more1-bedroom/1-bath unit for 2 nights this past weekend. Very clean and well-stocked with basics. Updated kitchen, bathrooms, new washer and dryer, AC. Delightfully decorated in a beach theme with bright colors. An in-ground pool (heated!) and large hot tub are available for use. Our unit (#4) even had a large screened-in porch. Great for sitting outside in the evening without worrying about mosquitos. Would absolutely rent again if we're headed to the Douglas/Saugatuck area. Something to note - management asks you to wash sheets and towels before you check out. Check out is a bit early (10am).

Excellent option when staying in the Saugatuck/Douglas area. It's convenient to downtown Douglas…read morerestaurants and shops. We've stayed here at least once or twice a summer for the past 3 or 4 years. I think we've stayed in every unit except the house. They are all clean, comfortable and spacious. Nice fixtures, ample kitchen supplies and really nice bathrooms. The staff are very friendly and accommodating The pool was a huge improvement in the back yard. That area is really nice spot in which to relax and unwind in the peace and quiet. Fred, the owner, is very friendly and makes a real effort to make sure his guests enjoy their stay.

Emerald Oasis home managed by Mill Pond Realty Review 3…read morenight stay Thurs July 24 - Sun July 27 Nice home, but be warned -- the A/C system is not fully functional. If you're visiting during warmer weather and don't want to sleep in indoor temperatures in the 80s, this house isn't for you. Thurs: We contacted Mill Ponds, the home's management company, as soon as we checked in at 4:15pm telling them it was 82 in the house. They sent Damon, who was very nice, with one box fan to the house. He plugged it in and it didn't work. He said he would see if there were any other in their office but there weren't. The management office told me that evening they contacted the home's owner & explained the A/C issue. They said the owner said they placed an order for a window A/C unit and it would be delivered the next day, Friday. We thought OK, we have no choice, we have to sleep in this heat, but at least it's just for one night. It was so miserable sleeping. Fri: The management company sent an HVAC worker to the house to check out the system. He didn't know exactly why it was so hot as it seemed to be working ok, but he felt one of the reasons was because there were not enough vents for the size of the house. After back and forth that day with the management company in regards to at least getting the promised window AC unit, we learned the AC unit would not arrive until after our check out. I can't tell you for sure if this was because the home's owner lied to them or if it was the management company didn't actually contact them. Needless to say, we never received it. We had to sleep in this temperature again. Saturday: Melanie from Mill Ponds called and said she can't imagine how uncomfortable we were and would let us check out that night and not charge us if we wanted, but I told her we wouldn't have anywhere to go, which I imagine she knew since she told us it was the busiest weekend of the year in Saugatuck. I told her we would deal this last night but that I would expect compensation and she agreed. We slept in the 80s for the 3rd night. She ended up refunding us $390 for 8 people. We received $48.75/person for what I described above. She was going to let us check out Saturday evening and refund us the full night of $1000 plus give us some sort of compensation for the other 2 nights and instead gave us this. On the unit listing page, it does show air conditioning in the unit twice, once under amenities and once under property features. We would have never booked a home in Michigan, especially in July that did not have appropriate air conditioning. I do want to say that the management company was communicative, but that doesn't change the fact that we were miserable and so uncomfortable in the home for 3 days/nights. I do also want to say we were very kind and patient throughout the weekend in our communication with them, which Melanie also told us they appreciated. Would not recommend this home in the warm weather or Mill Ponds Realty. They really gave us the run around for 3 straight days.

Laura Durham bullied and threatened me in the middle of a special weekend I had spent months…read moreplanning. I reached out to Damon at Millpond real estate last fall and told him I was searching for a house on the water for a party of 14 for my oldest sister's bachelorette party in June. We had 30 year old women traveling from Colorado, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Tennessee. Other guests were traveling from different parts of Michigan. I was NEVER told that there was a limit to the amount of cars allowed in the driveway, nor was it stated in any contract. On Saturday, I had organized a party bus for a wine tour. My mother, the future mother-in-law, and sister-in-laws joined us for the tour. They were NOT staying in the house. The driveway was full of cars which we took the time to strategically park because we knew parking on the street would be inconsiderate for the neighbors. None of the cars were parked illegally or on the property lawn, nor did they block the street in accordance with the city ordinance. We had no visits from local law-enforcement regarding any type of noise complaint or the cars. I received a call in the early afternoon Saturday (after the cars had been there since Thursday) regarding the cars from someone in Laura's office. I explained the situation to her and why there were so many cars. That should have been the end of it, but apparently the truth was not enough. When we returned back to the house at 5pm I received a call from Laura Durham (along with the male beside her who also had a lot of comments). She was upset with the cars, even though there were less cars than people allowed in the house. She informed me that the community was trying to shut down vacation rentals, and I had to move cars. It seemed like the problem she was presenting to me was misdirected anger because people were upset with HER company. She also threatened to make us leave on the last night of our vacation mentioning we may have to get out of the house entirely if we don't move cars. When I expressed concern about that comment, she shut me down saying "it sounds like you are getting upset with, so I am going to hang up." She was intent on there being a "party" or astronomical amount of people at the house. Laura, you have chosen to be in the rental business. So, unfortunately, if too many cars in a driveway is "spreading like a wildfire" through the community, that is NOT my problem. There was no reason for you to share that with me, in fact the purpose of your multiple calls seemed very unclear. Shame on you for implying that we needed to vacate the property. We drank responsibly with a driver all day, and you wanted us to vacate and/or move our cars for the rental that we paid $6000 for. Most of all, I can't help but wonder if you would have talked to me in the same tone if I had been a man, not a 24 year old woman. You over stepped so many professional boundaries and ruined the final day of my vacation. You end all of this by saying you would be driving by at 1am to essentially stalk the house? I hope you did waste your time driving by the house. Most of us planned on leaving early for long travels home, and you would have found the house dark and quiet with MAYBE the sound of a few breast pumps. I had recommended this company to many others who were eager to book, along with all us women who appreciated the beautiful Studley cottage. After the rude encounter I had with Laura Durham, I will be letting everyone know to NOT book. Also, the house was infested with ants and we had to move our food to cabinets within two hours of being there. I saw a mouse on the property as well.

Quaint cottages as a management service has done an excellent job managing our vacation rental.read more

Ethan Barde is the owner of Quaint Cottages. A rental was paid for by 4 young women and mothers…read morethrough Airbnb. While the women were asleep, a drunk trespasser entered their rented Quaint Cottage due to a faulty lock system, and the women awoke in the morning to find the trespasser still in their home. The police were contacted, and the trespasser left with no harm to the women. Thankfully, no one was hurt in this traumatic incident. Sadly, this has not been the case for all women in these situations. This incident does not meet Airbnb qualifications for a refund and the host, Ethan Barde, has also rejected the women in returning their money for their stay by advocating for the house's unreliable "smart" lock system and wrongfully logged lock status. Since there was an error in the lock system, the police report states that there was no forced entry. Forced entry is a terrifying thought. However, a stranger walking right into your already unfamiliar rental unit because of a nonfunctioning lock system is another thing. This is an injustice in my community of women, and I'd hate for it to go any further. My friend and I have also worked with Ethan in renting this home. What if this had been a family with children? This is how Ethan Barde and Airbnb treat their customers and families that keep their businesses running. Your money will be taken as if it's not a business transaction between business people. Ethan will fight to have your money as if it is his right and leave you with no rights to safety within his establishments. Business is not your right when safety is compromised within your business. A full refund is the least of what is owed to these women and mothers.

Had an AMAZING stay at the Bella Vita (suite 7) this week. This place was a total surprise to my…read morewife and I who were looking for somewhere different to stay in Saugatuck. I was a little apprehensive at first after hearing that it is both a salon and hotel, and reading some of the negative reviews about the condition of the rooms. I can only speak to our stay and our room which were both very nice. The room is contemporary, huge, and with well appointed furniture and fixtures. The place looks to have been updated sometime in the recent past, and was impeccably cleaned. I cannot think of a more central location to stay either. Walk out the suite's door and you are a minute away from shopping and dining options. The only downside, and it may be a big deal for late risers, is that suite 7 has a skylight located directly over the bed and does not have a means for closing it. I threw a T-shirt over my eyes and was fine, and my wife was up before it could even bother her. If this is a big issue than you may want to shop their other suites, which also look nice from the online pictures. We will stay at this hotel again in our next visit to Saugatuck.

I came in tonight for a haircut and was so impressed. Lindsay was genuine, kind and talented. COVID…read moreprecautions were followed. My hair looks healthy again and my brows look great. I rarely see the same hair stylist twice, and I would 100% come back here. Thank you for the great haircut and customer service. I'm so happy.

We just had a relaxing stay at the Black House on Beech, a Juniper Holiday + Home in the charming…read moreVillage of Three Oaks, MI. The company provided a detailed manual of instructions, attractions, and notes (Wi-Fi, lock box) prior to check-in. We were also surprised with some sweet treats and a bottle of wine upon arrival. The Black House on Beech is a small stunner called The Starling. Perhaps The Startling might be more apropos because it is a 2-story 3BR, 2BA house on a small footprint painted a pure matte black. Inside is modern and simple, decorated in black and white. They've considered every comfort -- there's a sauna, a hot tub, fire pit and hammock-- outside. Connect to the house Wi-Fi, watch a movie, play some tunes on the turntable, challenge your companions to a few board games--inside. Or walk a few minutes to Staymaker Restaurant at Journeyman Distillery, stock up on staples at Froehlich's Kitchen & Pantry, or enjoy a casual lunch/brunch at Oaks Eatery. This is a fine getaway for a small group or family. We only had a small mixup with the Wi-Fi but they were very responsive and this was cleared up right away. All the amenities at a small and quiet oasis. We didn't use the sauna but will be ready to try it on a return visit.

Some girlfriends and I celebrated a 50th birthday at Sunset Manor, an absolutely amazing lakefront…read morehome in Grand Beach, MI. The house was beautifully appointed, with a fantastic pool, hot tub, and breathtaking views. But more important than the house was the service and the "little extras" provided by Juniper Holiday + Home. From start to finish, they communicated everything we needed, making the trip easy and enjoyable. When we asked questions about the area and concierge services for our celebration, they were attentive and helpful. I can't say enough great things about the entire experience--my friend loved every moment of her celebratory vacation!

We loved our stay at the Douglas house.  Everything was sparkling clean and  is super close to…read moredowntown; right by Everyday People Cafe.  It was a weekend retreat with couples plus kids.  Perfect location - short walk to downtown Douglas but also in a quiet neighborhood by the water.  It's also a short hop to oval beach and Saugatuck.  We really enjoyed the roof deck with some nice water views of the lake. The kitchen was very well-appointed and everything was labeled and organized. We definitely look forward to coming back!

I just came back from a much needed girls weekend at stayed in this beautiful Douglas home! The…read morerooms were spacious (with 4 full baths!), the house has beautiful natural light, and the kitchen is stocked with all the essentials. You can walk downtown or just enjoy the views of the lake from the main room. I'm super particular about cleanliness and this place exceeded expectations. I would highly recommend this place for families or for friends. Hopefully I will be back myself.

A wonderful little spot in the middle of nowhere - long weekend with my sisters, everything is…read morewithin walking distance - the cottage is just perfect cute, cute cute!!!! We came in October, I think this would be a fantastic location for a summer vacation get away - warm & friendly community on the lake!!!

A perfect girls, couple or family getaway on the lake in Saugatuck. As the guestbook was testament…read moreto, it is a shopping, cocktail and foodie haven! The Butterfly Cottage itself is a cozy and comfortable spot with everything you need to relax and enjoy the ambiance of Saugatuck. The only thing that was lacking was a working fireplace and it would have been HEAVEN! We parked the car and walked most nearly everywhere.