Built in 2005, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Sandusky features 89 guestrooms in this 100-percent non-smoking hotel. In the ensuing years, the hotel has earned two coveted awards, a Three Diamond AAA rating and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2014 Award. With spacious accommodations, a free continental breakfast, an indoor swimming pool and, of course, free Wi-Fi, this hotel offers families everything they could need to have a relaxing vacation.

However, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Sandusky’s location may be one of its most prized assets. Just a short drive from a number of family-friendly sites and attractions, including Cedar Point, Summit Motorsports Park, Seneca Caverns, the Merry-Go-Round-Museum, the Thomas Edison Museum, Kelly’s Island and many more, the hotel is an ideal home base for all of your explorations in and around Sandusky.

All 89 guestrooms -- referred to in all cases as suites-- include a microwave, coffeemaker, refrigerator, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The rooms include plenty of towels and amenities according to the room type. For instance, in the three-bed suite that sleeps six, you'll find six sets of towels, plus enough shampoo, lotion, soap and so on for six guests. The hotel offers cribs free of charge, but you should request one upon reservation. The hotel will try to accommodate your request upon arrival, based on availability.

Suite
This room features two double beds, a nightstand, a chair, a dresser, and a desk with chair. It sleeps up to four.

Whirlpool Suite
This room includes two double beds, a nightstand, a dresser, a desk with chair, a small couch and a coffee table. There's also an in-suite whirlpool tub off from the bedroom area, as well as a full bathroom.

King Suite
In this guestroom, you'll find a king bed, a nightstand, a small couch, a coffee table, a desk with chair and a dresser. It sleeps two, or three with a rollaway bed or crib.

Three Bed Suite
The three-bed suite includes two double beds in the main room, along with a small couch, coffee table, desk, chair, dresser and flat-panel TV. In the bedroom, there is a double bed, nightstand, chair, dresser and flat-panel TV. The bathroom includes a shower/tub combo and a large vanity with plenty of counter space. This room sleeps six.

Four Bed Suite
This guestroom includes two double beds and a chair in the main room, with two double beds, a coffee table and chair in the bedroom. This room sleeps eight.

Indoor Pool
Located on the hotel's first floor (the lobby is actually on the second floor), you'll find a heated indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, which are open for families from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Children under 16 are not permitted without supervision to either facility. The indoor swimming pool is small, and is just 3 feet 9 inches deep. Tables and chairs are sparse, but towels are provided. Bathrooms are located just outside the glassed-in pool area, so they are quick and easy to reach when needed.

Game Room
Located on the hotel's lobby floor across from Brothers Café, the 24-hour game room is a small room with seven games. It contains two pinball machines, Ms. Pacman arcade game, The Simpsons arcade game, Terminator 2: Judgment Day arcade game, Cruisin' World racing game and Action Claw.

Brothers Café
This onsite restaurant offers free continental breakfast from 6:30 to 9 a.m. Selections include breakfast breads like toast, muffins, Danish, cinnamon rolls and other pastries. A toaster is available for toast, English muffins and bagels. A selection of butter, jellies and jams are available in the bread station.

Hot items include biscuits and gravy, cheese omelets and sausage. There's also a pancake machine that turns out fresh pancakes in just a couple of minutes. These pancakes are small, just a little larger than a silver dollar pancake. In addition, you'll find an oatmeal station with instant oatmeal packets, hot water and toppings such as honey, raisins, granola and syrup.

On the cold food side, a mini-refrigerator contains yogurt, hard-boiled eggs and milk. Fresh fruit like bananas and apples are available, along with fresh-cut fruit that includes melon and pineapple.

Beverages include apple juice, orange juice, water, regular and decaf coffee, and hot water with tea packets and instant hot chocolate nearby.

The seating area is not large, but there are a number of tables, with enough that larger families could sit together provided it's not too busy.

Lobby Coffee
In the lobby, you'll find a counter set up with carafes of regular and decaf coffee, as well as hot water for tea. Insulated cups with lids are provided, as well as tea bags, creamer and sugar. This beverage counter is available 24 hours per day.

Note: Next door at the BEST WESTERN PLUS' sister property -- a Comfort Inn -- the Cabana Bar & Grill is open for lunch and dinner throughout the summer. Located at the outdoor pool, the menu items include hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, fried shrimp, chicken fingers, chicken wings and pizza. There also is an Italian restaurant open for dinner -- Baci is open Tuesday through Saturday of each week.

All About the Extras
Fitness Center
Located on the first floor near the swimming pool, the fitness center is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Inside, you'll find free weights, a universal station, an elliptical machine, treadmill, stationary bike, yoga mats and aerobic steps. Towels are provided, as well.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in starts at 3 p.m., with checkout by 11 a.m.

The Art of Smart Timing
The BEST WESTERN PLUS Sandusky experiences high occupancy from May through August, with a low season from November through May when rates typically are the lowest. The remainder of the year, rates vary based on events in the area. The hotel also offers a number of discounts including AAA, AARP, military, government, senior, and through Loyalty Club, available at such warehouse clubs as Sam's Club and Costco.

Getting There
The BEST WESTERN PLUS Sandusky is 50 miles from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Although the hotel doesn't provide shuttle service, there are numerous transportation services that do. In addition, there is a Greyhound Bus station directly across the street from the hotel. Just 4 miles away, there is an Amtrak train station. When traveling by car, the hotel is right at the State Route 2/US Hwy 250 junction.

Getting Around
The best way to travel around town from the hotel is by taxi or rental car.

For Mom and Dad
If mom and dad have some time alone, they should head to the BEST WESTERN PLUS Sandusky's sister hotel next door and enjoy a quiet dinner at Baci. They also can enjoy a soak in the whirlpool tub or a dip in the swimming pool.