The thing to know about the Lake Bluff Inn is that, while the rooms may not resemble the trendy "updated" rooms at the $300-400 per night resorts nearby, they are clean and comfortable. We have enjoyed staying at "retro" motels and historic motor courts all over the country, and the rooms here are very much like others we have enjoyed--with very comfortable beds. You do pay a premium to stay in a room with a lake view, and the suites are more expensive also; we stayed in a queen room in a one-story motel-style building farther back on the property for $129 a night, and felt like we had gotten an incredible deal considering the location, property, and overall amenities. All rooms have at least a fridge and microwave and a coffee maker. The room A/C unit was a bit noisy, but after sunset the lake breeze was cool, and we opened the window and slept beautifully with the ceiling fan on over our bed.
The grounds are extensive and beautiful, with a large pool and separate kids' pool, plus a hot tub and sauna in a nearby building. There are picnic tables outside the rooms, as well as benches and picnic tables spread across the lawn area near the pool, all overlooking Lake Michigan. The deck that runs down the bluff offers a lovely place to hang out and enjoy views of the lake. I would guess many of the guests are regulars; guests were friendly and it's easy to chat with others who are out enjoying the view if one wishes to socialize. This would be a terrific place for a family reunion, wedding, anniversary party, or other group trip. It's a relaxed and unpretentious place set in a quiet neighborhood with an incredible view, and we felt very comfortable.
