Falling Waters Lodge

Heather Rocco

2023-10

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Luis A.

2023-08

I'm torn about leaving this review. I truly want a place like this to succeed. What a unique location and lodging concept; love it.We really wanted to like it but our room (107) was absolutely not a $369 (+ taxes=$404) room. Perhaps not even an $90 room.We so wanted to sit outside the room on the thoughtfully provided tables and chairs by the dam's waterfall and chill but they were filthy and cobweb-ridden. Bugs and cobwebs above you made it not inviting.Of the room's two windowed walls, one faces a dank, improvised storage area between the dam and the hotel with moldy sandbags and random furnishings storage.Sandy floors, unfinished/stained bathroom walls (nowhere to hang wet towels), very limited in-room WiFi reception (no Verizon internet cell service in most of the town) and the need for a 24/7 dehumidifier. It's when you put all of this together and realize you are being charged $400 a night that makes you feel like you're being taken for a fool.We checked out early and they kindly refunded our remaining night's stay.

Mark Heinen

2023-08

Be careful. Due to the lack of options in the area and the perfect location the hotel does not need to keep up the rooms. We have stayed a few times and had little things like no pillowcases and a missing shower curtain. Nothing that was a big deal . . . until this time. The picture below is what I can only imagine is blood soaked through the comforter. This was too much to let go. On short, this hotel is better to look at than stay in. Have a Chubby Mary at the Cove and take in the view of the hotel and river from there. For the money go to Whaleback Inn or Leland Lodge.We did receive a good reply below. All of this is true. I am just required to share both good and bad experiences as a certified local guide.

Nathan Inks

2022-05

My wife and I recently stayed here for our wedding anniversary, and we had a wonderful time at Falling Waters Lodge. Our room was very clean and comfortable. It was quite nice to sit out on the balcony and enjoy the view of the dam. The noise from the dam is not overwhelming, but it provided some pleasant white noise to fall asleep to. The staff was very helpful in providing some suggestions for places to eat around town. Since some of the restaurants close relatively early, it was helpful to have suggestions about which restaurants had later hours. We took the staff member up on a few suggestions and had a great experience at all of them. We definitely plan on coming back here again.

Chip Edwards

2022-05

Mom-n-pop lodging in a fun location. Room was clean and functional, but setup to spend time outside enjoying the falls. There are a couple of shared deck areas to sit and enjoy the constant activity. It was amazing how much water was flowing and the amount of sound it generated. There are a handful of shops and restaurants in town within an easy walk. The owners were very nice and we really enjoyed our stay!

Jim Ratajski

2023-06

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Carol Swanson

2023-05

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Joe Stan

2023-10

Fantastic experience!!! This was our first time staying here and we had a wonderful room with very friendly staff. We will be back!!!Walkability: Super easy town to walk around.Food & drinks: Having the Cove restaurant right across the river from the lodge with its own private bridge is ideal.

Ransom Lumberjack

2023-05

I have a hard time believing that 5 🌟 are the only options available for reviewing this Lodge. This place deserves a bonus round and should have no less than 6 ✨️ 's. Year after year, the rooms are improved... though they really don't need to be. Thank you for sharing your Lodge with us 🙏 and we'll see you again next year and the year afterRooms: Cozy but ModernNearby activities: FishtownWalkability: It's the Best Dam Lodge you can find!

Larry Mead

2019-05

Beautiful setting overlooking the Leland River and Historic Fishtown. We enjoyed watching the fish from the balcony outside the room. Staff was welcoming and helpful with suggestions of things to do in the area. Room was average, but decorated nicely. Looks like they are in the process of updating the facility.Came back 2 months later and stayed in one of the Balcony Apartments with our 2 boys. Beautiful updates! Loved being able to sit on the small patio to watch people fishing. As last time, staff was super friendly and helpful. The air conditioner stopped working in the night & the next morning they fixed it right away! Great job Falling Waters. We will be back & will continue to recommend you!

S Marie

2023-05

Our room was very clean andthe beds were so comfortable. The staff are some of kindest folks we have encountered. We enjoyed our stay so much that we have madereservations for next year

Theodora Snyder

2021-05

Years ago Falling Waters Lodge became our favorite vacation site. Too many wonderful experiences to post. We have a favorite room that I’m keeping secret but we’ve been in rooms on all 3 levels including the executive sweet. It’s the most peaceful place to stay for a good nights sleep, if you love the sound of fast falling and flowing water. The rooms are nice, clean and comfortable and it’s a plus having a wonderful restaurant right across the river from it.It’s just minutes to Lake Michigan too.

Kerry Walsh

2022-05

We stayed in room 306, which is one of only two rooms on the property without any view of the water. This was unfortunate since that seems to be the greatest thing this hotel has to recommend it. We arrived around 3pm on a Thursday and were able to pick up our key right away. The woman in the office was very nice; she gave recommendations and directions and was helpful in directing us how to access Fishtown, the grocery is, and a couple of restaurants. The website says that guest rooms have been recently renovated; this is a very liberal use of the words if it is true at all. Our room had a new TV, a new mini-fridge, updated telephone and what appeared to be new-ish furniture. However the room itself seemed to be in much the same condition as it was when the hotel opened in the 1960s. The AC unit is wall-mounted and extremely noisy, clicking on and off all night. The bathroom, in particular, was disappointing with peeling wallpaper and tile that always seemed dirty, probably due to discoloration and age. The main room was adequately clean, though nowhere near spotless; I found a mosquito smashed on the bathroom wall just above the light switch upon arriving. The bed was comfortable as were the pillows, although the sheets were like sandpaper. The hotel has only about half the number of parking spaces as rooms, so you may need to part a block or more away. This wasn't a problem for us, but I can imagine it might be for others. During COVID there is absolutely no housekeeping service; you will not get clean towels, additional toilet paper or any other services unless you go to the office and ask for it. We ended up buying our own soap and TP at the grocery since we consistently left the room before the office opened and returned after it closed every night. It seemed as though the office was open only during business hours, although I cannot confirm since we left each morning around 8am and arrived back after 10pm. Overall, I was disappointed in our stay given the price point. I considered simply not leaving a review as I have no interest in making it harder for small business owners, but ultimately decided that I don't want others with expectations for accommodations similar to mine to be disappointed. Room 306 cannot reasonably be called "renovated." If you stay in that room, you are getting a 1960s hotel room with adequate-at-best cleaning before your arrival and zero services during your stay. This type of experience seems to serve some people quite well but for me, it really missed the mark.

sek three

2023-05

Very quaint! AND PET FRIENDLY!!First and foremost, the lady and gentleman that checked us in was EXTEMELY friendly and welcoming. She performed a quick rundown of all the local establishments to try and visit.When you first arrive at the lodge you immediately are greeted with the sound of rushing water. The rooms are nice and tidy, and the bathrooms appear to be newly renovated. Mini-fridge with freezer, microwave, coffee and ice buckets are provided, ice maker nearby is a storage bin style VS a dispenser.The room keys are actual keys vs digital, and the door has extra secure locks that can be locked from the inside.The walls are made of concrete and cinder block which block cell phone reception. Free WiFi is provided however is spotty at best, and WiFi service went down during our stay. Keep this in mind as you might NOT be reachable while in the room with no service. The room phones are VOIP as well so even when the internet is down the room phones don't work. If you can make a connection to the Wifi with an iPhone, wait a minute before attempting to use the internet as a login page will popup for you to agree. You cannot access internet unless you accept and agree to terms.Fishing can be done from the first floor, but be mindful of this as ANYONE staying at the lodge can fish from the first floor. While I appreciate allowing this activity, because who wouldn't want to fish in a place called Fishtown when there's water at your doorstep, certain guests are inconsiderate while doing so. While in our room we had our blinds open enjoying the falling water. Other guests began to fish immediately in front of our room blocking our view (see pictures), making noise, as well as LOOK INTO OUR ROOM. I understand I had the blinds open but I found that very rude and inconsiderate. This is no fault of the lodge, people just need to be respectful. This breaks the tranquility, peacefulness, and appeal of staying at the lodge specifically for the "falling waters".There are gas grills provided in the event you want to grill some food. A grocery store is across the boardwalk as well as a restaurant. The beach is a short walk away behind the parking.Good for the experience once, but price and other guests that the lodge attracts would have me consider elsewhere.

Lilly Frank

2022-05

This is such a cool hotel! Highly recommended. You can hear the water from anywhere in the hotel and enjoy a drink along the river right outside of your room. It's also right by the lake which is wonderful if you want to enjoy a sunset. I found this hotel well worth the money! Room itself was clean and nice.

Laura Hilliard

2018-05

We stayed at Falling Waters Lodge for the first time ever last weekend. We will be back. I don't know what the rooms looked like before, but we were the first ones to stay in a newly remodeled suite, and it was clean and nicely done. The view was amazing and the location was perfect. We were on the lower level and enjoyed our little deck in front of our room. The staff were amazing! It was easy to tell that they are working very hard to make Falling Waters Lodge everything it has the potential to be! Best wishes Cooper on making your dreams come true!

Penny Ritter

2018-05

This lodge like motel is very unique. We had a great room with fridge and coffee maker nice bathrooms and the dam/ falls were right outside outdoor we loved the view and was within walking distance of fishtown and Leland too. A little pricey but for the area and the view well worth it. No breakfast provided but coffee in the rooms. Hair dryers are provided as well.

Daniel Saad

2022-05

Wonderful location on the river (with a waterfall!), across from historic Fishtown and The Cove (one of Michigan's best seafood restaurants. Management is friendly and helpful. Rooms are clean and all face the water. Note: Small parking lot - you may not be able to park on-site if you're a late arrival.

Tom Sebring

2018-05

I stayed here last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. The location is incredible: super close to the beach, shops, and great food.If you are looking for big city activities and night life, this isn't the place. But if you are looking for a get-away to beautiful northern Michigan for a peaceful and adventurous time, this is the place.The staff were all very friendly and helpful, room was clean (tough to do with all the sand my friends and I tracked in!), and view was great. I recommend staying here.

John Jones

2021-05

I did not stay, but canceled upon arrival after trying to talk with the arrogant owner. This is a FANTASTIC location with great views but it is also AN ABSOLUTE A DISASTER FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE, especially if you are even mildly handicapped. For transparency purposes, the following is from my wife and my perspectives as two over 70 yr old experienced world travelers. While we are both handicapped by recovery from multiple severe and life threatening injuries suffered in an auto accident two years ago, we can now walk short distances with canes and traverse short stairways. After internet exploration, we decided we could navigate their premises and booked a two night stay for a weekend getaway. Their website and reservation confirmation information is, at best, misleading and disingenuous, It says to "alert them if you are going to arrive after 8:00 PM." After our four hour drive from home, we arrived at the hotel at 7:30 pm to find the office / front desk unattended, locked and closed. An email arrived shortly thereafter telling me to stop by tomorrow for "formal check in and a spare key". At issue was that I could not find any "first" key. The website says that there is "limited parking". A more accurate description would be "inadequate" as there are at least 21 rooms while they have only 10 parking spaces on site. Incidentally, not a single parking space is designated for handicapped parking. Upon arrival I could not find any parking spaces within a quarter mile of the hotel. Thereafter, the owner, Cooper, returned my voice mail call. During the call he was rude, condescending, and constantly over talking me as I tried to explain my issues. He said the entire facility is non-compliant with ADA because they were "grandfathered". The website does NOT mention this non-compliance anywhere, nor did he explain in the call how he could remodel without meeting code ADA compliance requirements. In the call, Cooper said we could "park along the tree line or streets off site". Of course, "out there" we would have to compete with Lake Michigan beach goers, shoppers at the Fish Town tourist mecca, and the patrons of the large and popular Cove Restaurant. He even suggested dropping my wife off, unloading and then going off to park when neither of us can walk great distances. I canceled both nights' stay, turned around and drove back home. I now have my credit card company working on refunding the disputed deposit charges. As I said, this place has beautiful views and a great location. If you are not handicapped, enjoy walking long distances to your room, and do not mind an over bearing staff, this might be a decent place for you to stay.

Marie Cassandre MacDonnell

2019-05

I am an incredibly well-traveled individual, having been all over the United States, Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean..but Leland/Fishtown as a whole has been the most invigorating and restorative weekend getaway. It was a mother daughter trip- we stayed on the lower floor right beside the falls and it made for the most incredible white noise while we slept, the staff felt like old family/family friends, the locals were cheerful and kind, and the entire experience was otherworldly. The hotel is the center of the entire fishing village with shandies on both sides, and has beautiful tables overlooking the dam to get to the grocer's for a little picnic. Please don't dismiss how fantastic this town and hotel are. Will come again- planning for next year already.

Jake Rush

2018-05

We had a suite from Falling Waters Lodge with a view of the canal and waterfall and it was wonderful. The town was small and friendly with lots to do and lots to see. The hotel had it's own private beach by lake Michigan and they would have fires on the beach. My wife and I went for our anniversary and would gladly go back. If you love seafood and fishing, this place is for you.

Nicole Lalonde

2020-05

Out family comes here every September. We live Lelnad and the the Lodge. The new updates they have made to the room are perfect! They feel so light and airy. Cleaning staff is always willing to stock or touch-up anything needed. Front desk is friendly and gracious. Stop in for your morning coffee and a gift to take home!

Quentin Bull

2019-05

This place was about as charming as they come. The hotel was clean, updated, and situated perfectly on the waterway. The fishing village was cute and Leland was a nice respite from the more bustling Traverse City. We had a wonderful time. The pictures on the website do not do it justice. We will return for sure.

Stephanie Zeeuw

2018-05

Nice place to stay while in Leland. We opted for the balcony suite. The hotel has been updated recently. And they are continuing to do so throughout the building. Cozy room with comfortable beds. Falling asleep to the dam noise is just like a white noise machine, I love it. There is a beach where you can watch the sunset too.

Jeff Binder

2020-05

Just finished a stay at the Falling Waters Lodge in Fishtown. We knew we were paying a premium for the location but were pleasantly surprised by the room after reading some of the other Yelp reviews. Our 3rd floor room offered two queen beds and a fold out couch if needed, a balcony overlooking the river, and a small kitchen/kitchenette. The access to Fishtown was great and the views from the balcony were amazing. To top things off walking down the small trail at the end of the parking lot brought us right into the beach to watch amazing sunsets every night.We highly recommend the Falling Waters Lodge and a return visit for anyone who hasn't been there recently. Definitely the #bestdamlodge

Misty Murphy

2021-05

I rated them good only for the fact of it's perfect location and view. Staff was nice but the room was filthy. No toilet paper in the room when arrived, no tv remote, the a.c only worked 20 minutes when it finally worked, dust thick as can be on everything. Dried food under the kitchen table, tooth past spit from previous guest in the loft sink, 2 dirty glasses left in room, hair in bathtub, dirt and hair all over the floor, only 1 tv channel, spilt liquid in the fridge, and no mattress protectors on any beds. But the view was great!

Stephen Fortune

2020-05

We had such a good time @ falling waters. The bed was comfortable and the breeze was so nice we didn't need the Air conditioning. The walls are a bit thin and we could hear the people nextdoor but that didn't stop us from sleeping in. The inn's location across from fishtown makes it really nice to roam the town. All four blocks of it.

Corey Fedde

2018-05

I stayed at the Falling Waters Lodge for the first time at the beginning of June. It's tucked back away from the main strip and opposite the beautiful Fishtown district. The reason for the 5 stars comes down to two main factors: location and the lodge.Location: The Falling Waters Lodge is directly on top of a small waterfall that feeds into the lake. I was told early in my trip by guests that have been coming to stay in the lodge for years that the Salmon actually swim up the waterfall during breeding season. There is a rustic wooden bridge that take you across to Fishtown and is pretty much directly connected to a nice restaurant across the river. It has some really great white noise and is very pretty. It is also less than a 2 minute walk from a nice beach where I had a great time playing frisbee and skipping stones with friends.Lodge: So I also heard from other guests that the new owners of the lodge had made an almost total change on the inside of the hotel rooms. The hardwood floor was great and the beds seemed brand new. Mine was on the stiffer side, which ended up being how I like it at home. Also I wish I could duplicate the loft layout of my room for an apartment in Boston.Of course, the place wasn't perfect. The beach means that after your first day, the floor of the room gets pretty sandy. The hook on the back of the bathroom door was a few inches too small to allow us to reliably hang our towels. And there were always a few cleaning supplies out and work being done outside the lodge — definitely a work in progress.Overall, it was the most unique place I've stayed and the location makes it a knock-out. Would stay again.

Elaine Cunningham

2019-05

Coziest little getaway! Perfect place to relax and snuggle up after a stressful week. The sound of the water lulled us right to sleep and the small details in the room made us feel right at home. Everything was very clean and well kept. Love that they provide eco friendly soaps as well! Stayed here for one night on our honeymoon and they had set up a little wine package with a congratulations note on the table!! Walking out in the morning to the water flowing right below us was the cherry on top. Will absolutely make this an annual trip!