This famous gay resort in Douglas was remodeled by new owners a few years ago and much improved. A very nice main bar, with attached dance floor, pool room, and cabaret room. When we visited there were strippers several nights a week, a cookout on Wednesday afternoon, cabaret on Thursday, and a tea dance on Sunday afternoon. Its proximity to Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Detroit means that weekends are CRAZY here but the eye candy is not to be missed. Dancing mostly Fr/Sa/Su. Strippers were straight and expect more than a few local women to show up and monopolize their attention. Oh well! We didn't stay here but the website lists a variety of small to large hotel rooms, some suites, and some cabins. Prices vary by season and size of space--expect Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day to come at a premium. Positive: the pool is basically open to the public. Bring your own towel and hang out. You can now reserve a cabana if you want guaranteed seating in the shade. If you don't want to be ogled by 60 year-olds in speedos, then you shouldn't wear your Pistol Pete square cut--though the hotties didn't seem to mind! However, it seems like the filtration system is not working right as the water is very cloudy. Not sure it poses a health hazard but I made sure to shower after swimming. Yes, yes, yes there is a cruisy 'wooded' area behind the old hotel building where a variety of delights await the desperate and less discriminating. Wear your rubbers boys! read more

Nice club. Great music Saturday July 13. Had fun but also had some of the worst drinks ever. I asked for a fuzzy navel. I was asked what kind of juice I wanted. A fuzzy navel is always peach schnapps and oj. At least where I'm from it is. This had vodka couldn't taste any peach and oj was very watered down. My second drink was rum and coke. I think I got vodka and coke or it was the worst rum ever. Another drink was sex on the beach. I have no idea how he made it. Tasted nothing like a sex on the beach. Other then the bad drinks we would go back. I think I would just stick to water or coke. read more

I guess I am in the minority but this is one place that I would never stay again....really...the only place I have felt this way about. I spent one weekend there and was bored. It is really loud with guys setting up a party in the parking lot and when I say loud....I mean that you could hear them all over the campus...clearly. I like to have a party but you don't need to be THAT loud. It wasn't all that fun of place either. I had another weekend scheduled with them and came back to Chicago and cancelled that reservation. I did it over a month in advance and got charged $50 for canceling. Yes...that is in their stated policy. Just beware. The day after your reserve a room...if you cancel...even up to months in advance they charge you $50. I have never had a hotel do that before. Just MAKE SURE you are going and won't have to cancel. Something positive, it is a great location. read more

We had a wonderful time staying at The Dunes this weekend! Noe (who is the only one in charge of webervations) was absolutely wonderful in dealing with me. He went over all of the rooms that were available, switched my dates for me (I booked the wrong dates... clearly, I needed the vacation)... I'd have been lost without him! My boyfriend and I spent the entire weekend at The Dunes, checking out the local cities by day and hitting the club at night (you're comped free passes if you stay at the resort). The room was super clean and well decorated, right down to the alarm clock with rainbow colored numbers. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Noe suggested we stay Sunday for Drag Queen Bingo - we had so much fun! Drink specials were great and the proceeds to go charity! I didn't want to leave! We plan to come back this summer with some friends and rent one of the cottages! Thank you all so much for such a fun weekend! PS - My boyfriend and I are a straight couple. He had a great time, and so did I. You'll have so much more fun at this resort than some other stuffy hotel! read more

Love the Dunes! Cabret in the back, out door dancing, speedo shop, pool tables, pool parties, and rooms too boot? Sign me up every time I'm in Michigan! Cover is usually only $5 and I get single $20s out of the ATM all of the time. And where I'm from, 1 drink is $20 so i find the prices VERY cheap! read more

Simply Fabulous! A great place for Gay men to stay and have a great time. The accommodations couldn't be better and the staff genuinely committed to providing you with the best service. A well manicured and landscaped grounds, superb restaurant, bar, swimming pool, lots of parking, Sunday tea dances and a cruisy back wooded 40 all add up to a great Gay time. Highly recommended! Always love coming here! read more

The Dunes Resort is a place we should all be proud of. The owners try very hard to provide different venues to accommodate all of it's patrons. Whether you prefer laying by the pool, being entertained by various talent in the Cabernet, dancing to top dj's, or just hanging out, the Dunes provides each of these. For those that choose to criticize The Dunes, the owners, or any of their excellent staff I suggest you first critique yourself. Your attitude, or too much liquor may cloud your judgement. We are lucky to have such a wonderful place that we can all visit and feel comfortable. For anyone that hasn't had the opportunity to visit The Dunes, please do so. You will have a wonderful time and look forward to your next visit. read more

I have the best time here. It's a comfortable resort. Great place to go to if you want a quick getaway trip. Perfect place for a group vacation as well. So bring you best friends. I've only been here twice, but my experience has been nothing but good & fun. I made good friends with most of the workers here as well. They are oh so sweet, caring, & helpful. I'd come back as many times as possible. read more

I've been coming to the Dunes for at least fifteen years, back when it was originally the Douglas Dunes under original ownership. The new owners have done a great job remodeling the bar areas and the outdoor spaces, and the new motel building is a nice addition. My partner and I usually come up at least twice during the summer for Memorial Day and/ or Fourth of July, and this year we've visited twice during the winter season. During holiday summer weekends the place is packed, during the winter (as you might expect) the motel portion is nearly empty and the bar may have fifty people on a Sat night. It's nice to visit during the off season just to get away from the city for a night or two, and the town is always nice... great little stores, a nearby vineyard in Fenville, and the drive isn't bad. The older motel portion could use updating and on a busy weekend it won't be a quiet stay, but that's not what you wanted anyway, is it? read more

Lots of fun, but only because it's the only game in town. Who trains their employees? Evidently nobody. Never a thank you nor any appreciation for spending one's money there. I don't drink and drive. So, after a long day in the sun with plenty of cocktails I asked a handsome bartender to call me a cab. Was told, "I don't know the number". Really? After tipping more than 40% he can't even find me a number nor call me a cab? Shitty service and employees that are less than grateful is the rule it seems. Sad. It seems they simply rest upon the fact the fact that they are the only gay spot in town. I will still go, but will bring my hip flask as it seems it all about money and not service. read more

The area is beautiful, the staff are charming, the patrons are delightful, the music was thumping, and the rates are reasonable. This resort will fulfill your gayest dreams. I went during Independence Day week and was one of 7 women there: the rest are a bunch of lovely and beautiful gay men. Not LGBTQ? No worries: enjoy the company, make some new friends and dance your face off. The only downside to this resort is the food: not a lot of options and it is basically fast food. The rooms were kept clean and plenty of towels are provided. read more

It was a horrid experience. The accommodations weren't stellar, but I was expecting that. No, what really made it an awful experience was the awfully loud people wandering outside what I'm generously calling our 'dorm room'. The walls and doors were paper thin so you could absolutely hear everything...and these queens were LOUD. Now I get it, gay people like to party and that's all fine and dandy, but resort management should really enforce some kind of policy that demarcates what are party/socializing spaces and spaces where your guests are trying to...sleep. I know, weird because maybe these spaces are really meant to quick, cheap hook ups? Who knows? The point is we paid $$ to get some rest...and we didn't get that. And the worst part? These super loud a-holes worked there. Don't stay here. Even the gay of it isn't enough to salvage this mess of an experience. read more

I was at The Dunes and in Saugatuck for the first time this year during "Christmas in July". OMG, so much fun! The guys were amazing (guys = staff and patrons) and it's the guys that make a good resort great. After all, the reason why we go to a gay resort is for the men, right? Large pool, may options for dance, drinking and socializing. The hotel room was very clean. I was in a "King Jr." and it was spacious. The only negative thing is that they don't allow room charges at the bar and they won't let you run a tab on your credit card. I definitely plan to return. read more

I had a great time. Staff is great! The bar doesn't do tabs but they do take credit cards. They now do food at the pool and room service and prices are reasonable. The talent at the Cabaret was excellent. The dancers were straight but very HOT and friendly. Tea Dance was extremelt popular with men driving an hour each way to be there. read more

Great Sunday Tea! Bar staff on the deck were awesome. Very friendly and always there when we needed a drink and a smile. Great Sunday!

Visiting Michigan for the first time, and are used to stay at gay resorts around the world. So I had to try this out. Accommodation is really nice, fantastic pool area, friendly staff members, and nice bars with lots of activities during the week and weekends. I would not hesitate to come back and stay here again. Really enjoyed my time here. read more

This is a great place is you are in the mood for strange! All the colors of the rainbow end up at the Dunes. The music was right on. I think they have a DJ but not on the Friday night that I was here. The patio is huge and there is a lot going on in the bar and in the back lot. Good time is had by all if you have an open mind and loose lips. read more

My third stay at The Dunes and I hope everyone's gets a chance to experience this resort. Always clean and well maintained. The friendly staff makes this place a must visit. Try one of their theme parties or Sunday Teas. read more

we had a great time this past weekend at the dunes we arrived on monday and stayed till wednesday, its a resort that caters to us! but bring money! They take cash only at the pool and you can use Credit Cards at the bar inside, the food they offer at bluefrog is affordable and quite good, but we ventured out to the town during the day we liked douglas best as it was quiet and charming and no big crowdsnof people like sagutuck has, its ruined with so many screaming kids and droves of icecream eating people. the dunes does do it good! friendly and genuine we found it, but some staff are inexperienced and need further training, they work for the summer then leave but come on were they just hired because they look good in over priced underwear? I hope not buddy at the main bar was terrific! kevin at the pool is a great personality! these are the staff that make good business, the ones that need further training I wont mention they know who they are. the place is clean! very clean and well appointed, and cared for beautiful grounds not one cigarette butt anywhere or garbage. its like disney very well done we plan to return we enjoyed ourselves but if you go..venture out go to town they have a grocery store not far away where you can get cash back , as well as food for the room and cook there. its better to go with someone...a bf or just a friend ...but if you dont you wont be alone long unless you want to be. love the place! and to the people that say its attitudey. ..if you are polite and nice they will treat you nice as well. read more

I paid for a 2 bedroom cabin with a hot tub and got a one bedroom cabin with a terrible pull out couch. The reciept they emailed me doesn't list the actual room type, so they said that's what I reserved and dismissed me. read more

Seems ok. Nothing really fancy about the parking lot. The extra parking area in the back is famous for being able to cruise for some playtime. read more

We have visited thr Dunes Resort four times now.... We like it.... Great staff.... Nice room each time.....always clean... Drinks in Bar could be stronger...! A outdoor communal sitting area in the landscape shaded are would be a nice alternative to sitting outside your room or the pool deck...The undrinking socialization spot might be appreciated by more than myself... All in all I like the Dunes... Good Job...! read more

This place is really fun, very accepting to everyone. Decent beers available, and really fun DJ's for great dancing!

Love it there. Great pool and dancing! Summer Sunday patio bar b que is so much fun.

You will be ripped off! We stayed in the basement (Dunes rooms) and my handicapped friend had some $200 cash stolen either from our room "18" or when he was in the shower. He also had a blue diamond ring stolen at another point in our 3 day stay. I believe it was a guy "Peter" that claimed to be staying their with his "uncle". He found out what room you were staying in and then barged in without knocking, more than once. I am about 100 miles closer to 3 campgrounds, The Point, Freedom Valley, and Creek Ridge. I believe that the drag queen that treats the entrance to the place like her own "54" also could be pocketing money if anyone were stupid enough to pay a $20 cover. We did lose our entrance passes. The place recognized my friend in drag, but simply would not allow me access. I AM DONE WITH THIS PLACE FOR GOOD! Management will take you for every dime they can get from you... $150 for a day's use of a cabana, and then not recognize you the next day. Take your some $450 and throw it into the wind, you are likely to get a better return. I have never had a problem with theft at any of the other gay places I have mentioned. The days of this place and it's non-caring management are numbered. Jim Evans, Kimball (Smith's Creek, MI) read more

Had a perfect weekend when I was there. Staff was very nice, room was small but that's to be expected for a dunes room. The night club was busy both nights and the show that ran at night too was funny and entertaining. Loved the pool side drink and food service I never had to leave my deck chair read more

Had an incredible time this 4th of July @ The Dunes Resort. We stayed across the street, but engaged in all the pool & bar events. So nice to see that such a fun gay owned & operated resort is doing so well in the Midwest. read more

This is a amazing resort! As a gay man it is wonderful for us to have somewhere that we can feel comfortable and be ourself. To see how beautiful the resort is was absolutely amazing! And I know it takes a lot of work. As a former business owner and a interior designer I just see a few things that could bring more $$$$ into the resort. We stayed in the lower level suites, which are nice. But they need a little work. The bedroom was not welcoming it felt like a basement room. Not having a window in the room add to the coldness. So it just need beautiful accents like bright colorful pictures, accent pillows bigger lamps and also a tv in the room. I have stayed in some amazing suites and they always have a tv in the sitting area and the bedroom. I was so shocked that it was not a tv in the room. Also the bathroom needed some added things like art, a plastic shower curtain and they should provide a blow dryer. I never seen a resort not provide hair dryers. Also it is so much unused land. There should be more activities for the guest like a volley ball net, darts and bing bag toss. I also was really shocked they do not have a gym on the premises and it is consider a resort.They also need to extend their hours on the kitchen and room service. With you having a bar on the property that closes late, people who drink love to late night eat. Because they have no late night restaurants in the area. These are some really important things that could increase the revenue$$$$$$ read more

Very lame. $15 per person to get in on July 4th with no live show or fireworks display. Was told to drive a couple of miles down then "walk to the bridge if we wanted to see fireworks". Also the ATM will only let you withdraw $100 per time and charges you $4.25 per withdrawal. 4 drinks cost $20 so you quickly have to go back to the ATM. We were told the only thing you an bring as much as you want, outside of the hotel was cash. It all seemed very shady to get as much money from you as possible. I'm very disappointed!!!! The should take lessons from The Flamingo in St. Petersburg Florida. read more

we were there for three nights. on arrival to our cabin we find out that the heat is not working. this is around 5pm. we do not have heat until 10pm that night. I understand that stuff breaks and it is no ones fault - but you could have offered us some money off our first night since we had no heat. we got snow, which was great and someone came and snowplowed the pathways between cabins etc. However they did nothing about the ice forming on the steps of the cabin, i was out there with my car scraper trying to break up some of the ice so no one would fall. that night i slipped and broke my large toe because the steps were too slick and no salt or other substance was put down. The accommodation (minus the lack of heat) were great, the staff were great. We did venture to the bar two of the nights we were there, and it was not very welcoming. it might have just been the regular were not happy seeing queers at there space and they made it known. We entered the bar the first night in two groups, as the second group came in there was a bunch a men that started laughing at the group that entered. Later there was conversations about what nice lesbians were and that they could cook. Our last night there we also overheard someone who was upset cause all the dykes had the hot tub cabins. I am used to getting stared at and laughed at for my non gender conforming dress, i just wish I did not have to expect that from members of my own community. so again my advice to the owners is to change the name from "THE DUNES RESORT, LARGEST OF THE MIDWEST'S GAY AND LESBIAN RESORTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEXES!!" to largest of Midwest's gay resorts. read more

We rented one the lower cottages for 3 days, it was horrid, we thought about leaving but it was too late for refund. The cottage is built into a hill, absolutely no windows , just front door and transom around it. It was a dark gloomy cave that smelled as if gallons of bleach had been poured inside. The bedroom door was a curtain. The hot water heater was in the bedroom boarded up with warped plywood. Either a portable ac in bedroom or dehumidifer, no instructions but it just blew out hot air. The only ac was in front, in the living room. Only 1 tv, in the living room. All the paint was wore off the bottom of the front door on the inside. The bathroom had a huge capped pipe coming out of the floor. The front desk was not helpful at all. No map of property as to where the room was or any of the other features of the property. I would highly recommend finding another place that is actually worth the price they charge for substandard accommodations. The grounds were nicely maintained though. read more

I've been here just to drink several times over the years and usually leave early to go elsewhere because it's stale and pretty dead even on Fridays. I like the atmosphere but the DJ can't get anyone to dance! The floor is always empty. Everyone just stands around. I agree that the drinks are expensive- almost $5 for a beer. Since there's nothing else to do there you just drink your money away. The bar finally accepts credit cards--but you can't open a tab? My final visit there I had to listen to the straight male bartender talk all about girls. I came to talk about guys. My friends and I agreed to finally just skip coming here on our next trips. Overall, I say it's over priced and over rated. They need some competition to keep the place fresh, fun and more affordable! As the only gay bar around, they are falling flat. read more

im only reviewing the club part and not the actual resort. went here with my friend since we were staying around the area this past weekend. this club is very trendy and spacious! it was mostly men but we still had a good time. drinks were not too expensive but they didnt have the selection i was looking for. the music was on point too but just wished there were more women there! ;- P read more

We visit Saugatuck/Douglas and stay at The Dunes often. It's a great compound of recreation for this small town. They have very nice rooms, a great dance bar, and a fantastic pool area. No wonder The Dunes attracts guests from all over MI and IL as well as many other states. The owners are dedicated to make your stay very enjoying. read more

This place is so much fun. I have always had a fantastic time. The beer garden is beautiful

My BF and I have been going here since we met in 1999. Excellent gay community of Saugatuck, while I'm a gay conservative I still dearly love the art and antique shops nearby. We are very lucky to live less than 50 miles away from The Dunes and Saugatuck. I highly recommend the Dunes to the entire LGBT community for the welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and scenery (I'm spoken for but I can still look can't I?). L0L just had to get that out of the way! Dave + Michael love The Dunes, as much as we love each other (well not quite, but almost)! read more

My husband Chad and I spent our second year anniversary at The Dunes Resort December 10, 2006, we had a lovely time. We legally married on the day of our 11 year anniversary, December 10, 2015. I lost him 1 month before my 42nd birthday after his heart attack, February of this year 2016, he was 41 years old. I am grateful for all 11 years we had together. I wouldn't trade one minute out of any day of them 11 years. I decided to venture out to The Dunes Resort July, 2016 as my late dear husband would have been 42 years old in July of this year as well. It was the first time I went anywhere after my dear husbands death. As well as the first time I encountered getting bullied. A staff member of all people treated me horribly. While enjoying the night air sitting at a common area with one of my Groundskeepers come along with me, when asked who he was I introduced him as Sean, my live-in Groundskeeper. The Dunes Resort staff member along with his two friends began to say nasty hurtful things to each other about me, knowing the entire time that I could hear them. I questioned all 3 of them on the lacking of manors, and went to my room for the rest of the night. The next morning while I was having my coffee, the same staff member comes up to me and told me "Nobody likes you, you should just leave." I asked to just please be left alone. I was then told "You better watch your back." I then went and spoke to the owner, I told him what his employee said about me to others, and how I was threatened. The owner really seemed to care about how I was mistreated by his employee. With a tear in my eyes I thanked the owner for his time and said I'm am going home. He gave me a hug, refunded the remaining days of my stay ( that I didn't ask for ) and I went home. read more