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Waters Edge Motel

Experience comfort and convenience at Waters Edge Motel in Alpena, MI. Enjoy spacious, clean rooms with full kitchens, air-conditioning, pet-friendly policies, and stunning views of Lake Huron. Ideal for families and travelers seeking a peaceful, budget-f

1000 S State Ave, Alpena, MI 49707, United States View on map
7.6/10
Good Based on 92 recent guest reviews
Air-conditioned Pet-friendly Kid-friendly Kitchen in all rooms
What recent guests emphasize

Comfort and Convenience by the Lake

Recent guests highlight a clean, cozy motel with lakefront views, well-equipped rooms, and friendly service, making it a practical choice near local attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Clean and comfortable rooms with well-maintained bedding and soft towels.
  • Friendly, helpful staff providing personalized touches like homemade muffins.
  • Well-equipped rooms including kitchenettes with stove, microwave, and fridge/freezer.
  • Quiet environment with lovely views of Lake Huron and easy access to the beach.
  • Complimentary extras such as kayak use and fire pit wood appreciated by guests.

Worth knowing

  • Carpet condition is variable; some stains were noted despite overall cleanliness.
  • No airport shuttle or on-site breakfast provided; several dining options are nearby.
  • Parking is available, and some units offer full kitchen facilities, but not all.
  • Pet-friendly policy supports guests traveling with animals.
  • Distant from major chain hotels but closer to local attractions and parks.

Best for

  • Travelers seeking budget-friendly lakefront accommodation with essential amenities.
  • Visitors who appreciate a quiet, private atmosphere close to outdoor recreation.
  • Guests traveling with pets needing pet-friendly lodging options.
  • Those wanting convenient access to nearby museums, parks, and downtown Alpena.
  • Travelers preferring rooms with kitchen facilities for longer stays or self-catering.
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About this property

Welcome to Waters Edge Motel

Waters Edge Motel offers a refreshing alternative to larger hotel chains, perfectly suited for travelers seeking comfort, affordability, and a genuine lakeside experience. Located at 1000 S State Ave in Alpena, Michigan, this modest motel impresses with clean, spacious rooms that prioritize essential amenities over unnecessary extras. Guests consistently praise the motel’s welcoming atmosphere and attentive, friendly service, making each stay feel personalized and relaxing.

Each room comes equipped with practical features such as air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, microwave, and cable TV, with select units offering a full kitchenette including a cooktop, oven, and ample cooking utensils. This thoughtful inclusion caters especially well to guests who enjoy preparing their own meals, enhancing the authentic home-away-from-home vibe. The motel’s pet-friendly policy is an added bonus for travelers with furry companions, further increasing its appeal.

The standout highlight of Waters Edge Motel is undeniably its scenic location. Overlooking the pristine shores of Lake Huron, many rooms feature large picture windows framing tranquil views of the water—a perfect backdrop for peaceful mornings or sunset reflections. Nearby attractions like the Pier Park and local dining establishments, including the well-recommended John Boy restaurant, offer convenient opportunities for exploration and leisure. Although the motel does not provide breakfast, its proximity to a variety of eateries enriches the local experience.

While the property embraces the charm of a privately operated, mom-and-pop motel, it isn’t without minor drawbacks such as some dated carpeting. However, these do not detract significantly from the overall cleanliness and comfort reported by guests. The beds are notably comfortable, complemented by soft, thick towels and a quiet environment that promotes restful sleep. Attentive staff members—highlighted by several reviewers—add a layer of genuine hospitality that stands out in today’s often impersonal travel landscape.

With an accessible location in Alpena offering a blend of natural beauty, cozy accommodations, and sincere service, Waters Edge Motel is a commendable choice for budget-conscious travelers who value authenticity and a peaceful lakeside setting. The combination of practical amenities and heartfelt hospitality leaves a lasting impression, inviting visitors to return season after season.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Kitchen in all rooms

Not available at this property

Airport shuttle
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

CK
Cheryl Keller Jan 04, 2026
10

I wasn't expecting much for the extremely low rate I was paying for a last minute motel reservation on labor day weekend but was pleasantly surprised with everything about this place! It doesn't have the usual amenities of the big hotels, but the quality of our stay was worth not having the little extras we rarely use at the other places anyway. The room was clean, the the service is EXCELLENT, it is right on the beach and conveniently located relatively close to all of the parks and attractions in the area, with complimentary use of kayaks and free wood for the fire pit. Brenda even brought us homemade blueberry zucchini muffins. It's very cozy and private and well worth the price!

LC
Lois Curtis Nov 21, 2025
8.0

The room was spacious and welcoming. It was a quiet environment. Pet Friendly was a must in my travel. They do not offer breakfast, but their are several dining establishments close. We found John Boy which offers a large variety of choices. Kelly at the front desk was helpful throughout our stay. This location was has an amazing view of lake Huron. It is close to the pier park which is relaxing to view. I would recommend this motel to others.

WH
William Hoppe Nov 13, 2025
8.0

After having been in and seen at least a couple of the rooms/units in recent months, amenities that are offered are: wi-fi, with refrigerator in your room, microwave, cable TV, while at least one of their 10 rentals comes equipped a full kitchenette; microwave, cook top range and oven, a full size refrigerator/freezer as well as your own parking space. This establishment is located within a reasonable distance to fast food with drive-thru, convenience store/gas stations, dine-in food establishments, as well as a Dollar General nearly as close as a gas station. And too, as the name implies the 'Water's Edge Motel' offers an additional accommodation of big lake beach access only steps from Waters Edge Motels available parking. Fully wheelchair/handicap accessible while also offering rooms having a keyless entry feature. *Will update upon further review*

KV
Kathy VanDeven Nov 06, 2025
8.0

This is a mom and pop motel. Our King bed was comfortable and the sheets were good. The bath towels were thick and soft. The carpet was stained and probably dirty but otherwise the room was clean. The large picture window offered a lovely view of the lake. Nice beach. Can walk to restaurants. I recommend staying in a room numbered 5 or higher since they are further from the road. We did not hear traffic noise in our room (number 5). The owners were very nice.

BF
Bill Ficken Oct 29, 2025
10

A very nice, clean, privately-owned property -- would definitely stay again. We especially appreciated the fridge with the separate freezer compartment. (No desk, but that's why it's called a laptop.) Good to have a USB port on lamps on bedside tables.

ARN
Anna Ratz Nelson Sep 30, 2025
10

Nice place!! Friendly staff. Place very clean. Rented for 2 days. Came with "kitchen." Stove, apt size frig, micro, coffee maker, plates, cups, silverware, cooking utensils. Nice bed...table and chairs, big TV with wifi. Just a really comfortable room. All at $65 per night. Guessing winter rates. Would love to visit in summer. Beach front.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Waters Edge Motel

Alpena, Michigan, USA

Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around

  • Alpena County Regional Airport (KAPN) 16 min Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Michigan. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center 799 reviews

Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center

500 W Fletcher St, Alpena, MI 49707, United States

4.8 · Maritime Museum
Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan 278 reviews

Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan

491 Johnson St, Alpena, MI 49707, United States

4.7 · Museum
Downtown Alpena, Michigan 84 reviews

Downtown Alpena, Michigan

124 E Chisholm St, Alpena, MI 49707, United States

4.6 · Historical Landmark
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