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Summertime and the Living is Easy. Book Now!

Lake Michigan views await from this peaceful beachfront property, where travelers can relax by the firepit or stretch out on sun loungers along the shoreline

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The Lake Michigan Guesthouse in Victorian Port City of Manistee offers a private-entrance suite on 200 feet of lakefront. Access the beach via property steps, with sun loungers for relaxation. Inside, a wood-burning stove keeps things cozy, and WiFi keeps everyone connected.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking available

About the neighborhood

Located in Manistee, this guesthouse is in the city center and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary, while Manistee County Historical Museum and Ramsdell Theater are cultural highlights. Visit our Manistee travel guide
View more Guest Houses in Manistee
Map
Manistee, MI

What's nearby

  • Arcadia Bluffs Michigan
    Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course
    25 min drive - 30.9 km
  • Lake cabins abandoned on coast during winter with frozen lake
    Crystal Mountain
    36 min drive - 50.7 km
  • Manistee County Beaches
    5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Little River Casino
    13 min drive - 14.4 km
  • S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry
    48 min drive - 65.9 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Little River Casino Resort
    15 min drive
  • China Buffet
    12 min drive
  • Culver’s
    10 min drive
  • Burger King
    9 min drive
  • Stu's Pub
    13 min drive

About this property

Summertime and the Living is Easy. Book Now!

  • Guesthouse near Lake Michigan
  • Summertime and the Living is Easy. Book Now! provides amenities like a firepit and a garden. This guesthouse is a great place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location and sun loungers. Stay connected with in-room WiFi.
  • You'll also enjoy perks such as:
    • Books, barbecue grills, and outdoor furniture
    • Smoke-free premises
  • Room features
  • All guestrooms at Summertime and the Living is Easy. Book Now! offer perks such as fireplaces, in addition to amenities like dining tables and internet access.
  • More amenities include:
    • Bathtubs, showers, and hair dryers
    • TVs with cable channels
    • Decks/patios, outdoor lighting, and refrigerators

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The price is AED 337
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includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Parking and transportation

  • Limited onsite parking (max 1 space)

Things to do

  • Books
  • Stereo

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach loungers
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • On a lake
  • On the beach
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Outdoor shower
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

More

  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Living room

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 18

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

Rules

No loud music or excessive noise. RETURN ITEMS to the positions when you entered the unit.

No vaping or marijuana in the house. DO NOT leave trash outside.

Only registered guests to spend the night. NO, other overnight guests.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Note from host: 1 - 2 children, 12 and under free, 13+ $50 charge

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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

Frequently asked questions

Is Summertime and the Living is Easy. Book Now! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Summertime and the Living is Easy. Book Now!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Summertime and the Living is Easy. Book Now!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Summertime and the Living is Easy. Book Now! located?

Located in Manistee, this beachfront guesthouse is in the city center and within 1 mi (2 km) of Manistee County Beaches and Lake Michigan. Portage Lake is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) away.

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Reviews

Summertime and the Living is Easy. Book Now! Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

8.8

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

8.0

Staff & service

8.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 67 out of 97 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 97 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 97 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 97 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 97 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was just as described. The sunsets over the lake were amazing. The property is close to town but far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet. I loved my time there.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great view, location and vibe!

My wife and I loved our stay here. The spectacular view and sunsets will never be forgotten. The proximity to shopping, local restaurants and hikes was great. We highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Barbara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great view!

The view of Lake Michigan was truly exceptional.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay for our fall color drive

We totally enjoyed staying at Gary & Shirley's place. They were hospitable and the place was clean and beautiful right on Lake Michigan. We enjoyed walks on the beach, sitting around the fire at night, and driving to TC. Thank you for sharing this wonderful get-a-way place!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to get away

Shirley and her husband were kind and left us to enjoy the property in peace. They were responsive and the property was super cute with a beautiful view! Would definitely visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake Michigan

We could hear the waves crashing into the beach in at night, we were that close to the water!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Janine G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private room with bath & separate entrance

It felt more like a rented room than a vacation rental; however, the hosts were so kind, the location is beautiful, and I'd come back just to walk the beach again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great fall getaway!

My husband and I enjoyed our anniversary trip at this location. There are plenty of activities to do local. Owners are friendly and quick to respond to any questions. I would recommend this for any couple trying to get a short getaway.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful beach

Wonderful piece of property. Enjoyed spending everyday on the beach to yourself. Sad the amount of trash that washes up but we walked for miles and cleaned it up along the way. Beautiful views and peaceful. Everything we needed. Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brent M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

It was just a fantastic time!

We had the best time here. The hosts we very friendly & accommodating. The view of Lake Michigan is amazing and just a few steps down to the beach. We walked the beach collecting unique stones, went into Downtown Manistee ate and saw a movie at a very charming movie theatre. Just the best time. We'll be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything as advertised

The location was beautiful. Great view of lake michigan. Getting down to the beach involved alot of stairs but they were very well constructed and maintained. Our hosts when we saw them we very friendly. Only issue we had was the door separating the suite and their house was a hollow core door which we could hear everything going on next door. Definitely would recommend to other couples looking to get away
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aleksandra L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Couple getaway

Me and my boyfriend enjoyed our stay here. We spent most of the day sightseeing and doing things in manistee. It was nice to come back to a private beach and relax there. One thing I didn’t like is that there were people walking by the big window and they could see inside straight to the bed. It did have curtains but I didn’t like closing them because that’s were the main view of the water was.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Late Summer / Early Fall

Our host treated us so well. She upgraded our stay, and the uograde was actually just what we were looking for. We had access to a washer / dryer. The bath was lovely with a new shower. The home was beautifully scented. The bed was very comfortable. We also.had access to a a thermostat. The siundif the waves was so soothing. And thequiet datkness was alsomist enjoy! Thank you, Shirley and Gary! thermostat but coukd slao
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Bob E.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Lake Michigan lakefront property

The place was freezing cold. Took 6 hours to warm up. The kitchen floor had not been swept or cleaned. We could not get some of the streaming channels she said she had. The view was terrible. You look out to the top of the owners roof. You could see the water through only a couple windows. On the positive side they had an electric blanket on the bed, which we needed as the house just getting warm. They did offer us the bigger house at the same price as the one with no kitchen as they had a cancelation.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily K.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
This location is a peaceful, beautifully situated retreat with stunning sunset views and a beach that feels nearly private. The atmosphere is quiet and secluded, and the hosts are respectful of privacy. While the walls are thin and sound travels easily, the owners were so quiet it was easy to forget they were nearby. The space has a vintage charm, with a lovely clawfoot bathtub and cozy touches like a cast iron stove and stylish couch. The firepit was great for outdoor cooking, and beach chairs were conveniently found on the stair landing.There are a few quirks. The building is older and close to the lake, which brings a strong musty smell at first, though it fades quickly. The bed was saggy and squeaky, and the microwave didn’t work for us. The toaster oven and coffee maker were usable but weak. The kitchen setup is scattered, and dishwashing happens in the bathroom or outdoor shower. Cooking supplies are minimal—no cutting boards, few knives, and no grilling tongs. I left a set of knives behind for future guests.Despite these small issues, the experience was wonderful. With a few updates to the bed, odor, and kitchen setup, this place could be even more exceptional. As it is, it’s already a special and worthwhile escape.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kate P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The VIEW! The SUNSETS! The WAVES!

I'll be back! I went down to the beach (13 steps, a landing, then 15 steps, then about one minute of walking through dune grass to get there, if you're curious), played in the waves, and relaxed. There was a misty day, and I followed the suggestions the host provided and found a Gravity Hill and was amazed, and went for a couple easy hikes in nature preserves. Purely by accident, the house was getting a new roof while I was there, but you can't always choose when these things happen. Luckily, down by the beach, I couldn't hear a thing, and evenings and mornings were quiet. The only thing I would suggest is perhaps another table/floor lamp or two in the living room, since the one that is there is a bit dim for reading in the evening. There were overhead lights, but they're not terribly atmospheric.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shane P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little place right on the lake

Wonderful little place on Lake Michigan. Great views and good restaurants in the area. The wood stove was nice on a cool, late spring stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

camilo m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

just a good time

clean, quiet and just the right vibe for a weekend getaway
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bensonchaney

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful seven day vacation in a relaxed environment. Everything was exactly the way it was described in the VRBO advertisement. Beach was pristine and so easy to access. Shirley and Gary were exceptional hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Benjamin W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was extremely close to lake Michigan with direct beach access which was great. Little dated but clean and comfortable. A great place to experience the area from.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Abel C.

Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice place!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous , Friendly

Gorgeous view, lication and property. Owners are very nice, we will definitely be booking there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Ryan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Review

Beautiful view and nice beach area . Nice people
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Molly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice older space

Beautiful landscape! Nice, older space and decor.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was nicer than stated. The view was beautiful from both inside (2 large picture windows) and outside. Very peaceful and relaxing. Will definitely go back again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025