Algoma Beach Motel

That beachside setting and the gorgeous view from the Nautical Queen room were the high points. Inside, though, the owners seemed to have cut corners wherever they could. It needed a deep clean and some repairs: the bed seemed broken, the toilet seat was peeling, the sink and shower drains were clogged, and the bathroom door wouldn't close all the way. Breakfast was only coffee, packaged muffins and honey buns, plus instant oatmeal.

We still love Algoma, but the hotel doesn't have the same family feel it did when we stayed here years ago. Our room wasn't bad, though the shower tub backed up while we were using it. For what the price is now, they could maintain the facilities better and serve a better breakfast.

The beach setting looked appealing, but the condition of the place made us leave. We had booked through Expedia after seeing positive reviews, and on arrival the exterior already looked worn and in need of repair, even though it was peak season. We had to call for someone at the lobby, though the attendant came quickly and was pleasant. I had trouble understanding him. The lobby and the hallway to our room both felt run down for what we were paying. Our room was hot and smelled bad. The sink light was missing a bulb, with two old, mismatched bulbs in the other sockets. It needed paint, and things were generally in poor repair. The bathroom towel rack had come off, leaving patched spots that hadn't even been painted. The beds felt soft and probably old when I pressed on them. Near the balcony door, there was wall damage that looked like mold. The balcony decking was weathered and warped, and needed fastening in several places, with plenty of splinter risk for bare feet. I told the attendant the room was in poor condition, unlike its description, and not worth the price, and asked for a refund. He issued it right away and said disappointed guests leaving with refunds wasn't unusual. He even offered us twenty dollars for gas.

For what we paid, the lake view made this a fair deal. The beach is so close that you can hear the lake from the rooms. The room was missing some basics, including a microwave and hair dryer, and the cleaning wasn't great. Our sheets had stains.