Econo Lodge Manistee

Don't give these people your card number. They took nearly $300 from me tonight! I came in because work was being done in my apartment for the next two days and we couldn't stay there. She quoted $175.38 for the room and said the total would be $275.38 with a $100 incidental deposit. That was fine. Then she tried to charge another $100 for incidentals. I asked why, and the owner got on and told them to refund me. They refunded only the $175.38 and refuse to return the rest of the money they took from my account. Don't stay at any Choice Hotels. Ever.

The casino was booked for New Year's, so we stayed here instead and had a great visit. Rooms were clean and spacious, and staff were available and present. It's a quick ride or walk to River Street, and we were surprised to find out they offer a shuttle to and from the casino. If you need a short stay and local tips, this is the place. We'd stay again.

Breakfast was amazing and fresh. Tom makes some of the best scrambled eggs I've ever had, and I believe breakfast is free unless you book through a bargain app. I can't wait to come back in my time off, try Tom's lunch and dinner, and see the places the young woman at the desk told me about. I came in through thick fog and hadn't realized there was a lake out front. The young lady at reception impressed me with how much she knew about the area and her years working here. She clearly loves her job, and it showed in her face and the way she talked about this wonderful place. It was also a fabulous one-night stay and very affordable. The place has aged well and is well maintained. I'm adding it to my weekend getaway list for sure.

We stayed four nights. Even with two queen beds, the room was a good size, and the beds were very comfortable with three fluffy pillows each. A long luggage bench by the door came in handy and gave me space for toiletries, since the small bathroom had nowhere to put them. The shower pressure was very weak, so showering took a while. The hot breakfast was great: fluffy real scrambled eggs, sausage links, a waffle maker, bagels, muffins, and more. Coffee was available around the clock, though my husband thought the cups were really small. There wasn't fresh fruit, and the orange juice from the machine tasted like flavored water. The indoor pool area could use improvement, including a restroom and pool towels, but I enjoyed the hot tub. The staff, a family from India, were very friendly. I heard they plan to open a full-service restaurant on site with Thai and American food in the near future. I'm looking forward to that. We definitely plan to return.