Welcome to the Water's Edge Motel of Alpena. Located on beautiful Thunder Bay, the Water's Edge Motel of Alpena is the perfect destination for travelers looking for relaxation and comfort, or travelers looking for adventure. Whatever you are looking for, the Water's Edge Motel of Alpena is the perfect hotel choice for your visit.The Water's Edge Motel is just steps away from some of Alpena's finest attractions. The hotel is walking distance to fabulous restaurants, shopping, museums, and many beach front parks.Loaded with comforts and amenities, the Water's Edge Motel is an outstanding value. Pets welcome.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
I had booked at the Water's Edge Motel based on reviews from other TripAdvisor users. Unfortunately, things must have changed. When I arrived, the man running the place didn't think I had a reservation - he had to call his wife to figure it out, which didn't inspire confidence in their management skills. The room was neither clean nor "cottage like." When I peeled back the comforter on each bed, I had to brush off hair and sand from the sheets. The bathroom looked like the walls had recently been painted - because there was white paint slopped on the unfinished woodwork. There were open seams in the door leading into the wall, and the ceiling was pitted and had bits of plaster (?) dripping. Gross. The shower head was positioned about mid-chest (I'm 5'9", my husband is 6'1" - we had to duck in order to use it). There was a cupboard and two drawer in the bathroom, which would have been nice if they weren't stained and musty. There was hardly any counter space in the bathroom, so only the toothbrushes were able to be left out - I had to pull everything out of my bag to get ready in the morning. There was a line of plastic sheeting over the carpet from the front door to the bathroom - I suppose for people tracking in from the beach outside. Admittedly, the beach access was nice - but the public beach is a couple of doors down, so it's not like you couldn't go to the public beach to access Lake Huron. The door had crazed glass windows that allowed light into the room in the morning - and the curtains allowed light in from underneath - so sleeping in was impossible. The outlet next to the table in-between the beds didn't have a three-prong plug, so I had to plug my computer and cell phone charger into the outlet shared with the wall A/C unit. There was no hair dryer, so I left with a wet head. The price was NOT $55/night for a "classic standard" room - it's leaped up to $77/night! Frankly, if this had been a $55 motel room, I wouldn't have had such high expectations. Next time, I'll spend $79 and stay at a nice hotel.
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Date of stay: June 2012
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Go somewhere else.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan M, Owner at Water's Edge Motel
Responded 4 Feb 2014
A friend of ours alerted us to the comment regarding our accommodations. It was obvious that our housekeeping staff was not performing their duties to our satisfaction. They have since been dismissed and we have hired new staff. We would like the opportunity to accommodate you again. Susan and Pete - Owners
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband and I stayed here for a weekend anniversary trip (Friday-Sunday). Our room (only $55 per night!) had a king size bed, full bathroom, full size fridge (not a mini), stove, microwave, kitchen sink, dishes & silverware! This place is homy, comfortable, and surprisingly quiet. The owner is very nice and since we were planning to arrive late, she left our room light on and the key inside for us. We would definitely stay here if we visit Alpena again, and we recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable, quiet place to stay.
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Date of stay: October 2011
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place has not been upgraded as the other reviews stated, but for the money spent and the time we spent in the room, it more than satisfied our needs. The owners were very accommodating for whatever we needed. The wife loaned me her blow dryer and the husband came right up with a knife when I requested something sharper than what is normally kept in the room. The view of Lake Huron is absolutely awesome, waking up to the sunrise right outside the door was truly a gift!! Being able to walk right down to the beach was fabulous, we enjoyed a few nice walks on it.
If you're looking for a place that is reasonably priced, accommodating, and in close proximity to the beach and everything else, this is the place, stop in. If you're looking for the glamor of the Ritz, keep going.
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Date of stay: September 2014
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â We stayed in Room 5, no street noise as other reviewer had stated, also closer to beach. 10 is...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Water's Edge is not the Ritz, and does not pretend to be. However, if you find yourself in this part of Michigan, you can do a lot worse--a heck of a lot worse. The motel is literally right on the edge of the sand. The management was so friendly and personable that I felt personally responsible to get them listed and recommend them to others. The hotel is just a mile or two from downtown Alpena, close enough that you can easily reach any business or restaurant there--and yet, it's far enough from downtown that you get peace and tranquility at night. The room was perfectly clean, the bed was comfortable, and had almost a "cottage-like" feel to it. TV worked fine. Bathroom was clean as well.
Check-in was about as easy as could be. Check-out was also easy and facilitated my quick exit back to the highway. Spent about an hour or two on the beach, which was a beautiful part of the Great Lakes region.
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Date of stay: June 2011
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Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Â They're all about the same, from what I could tell
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Motel in very poor condition. Needs major updating. Stayed there one night only because all other area motels were filled. Now I know why. I would suggest checking out a room before formally checking in.
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Date of stay: July 2012
Value
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan M, Owner at Water's Edge Motel
Responded 4 Feb 2014
A friend of ours alerted us to the comment regarding our accommodations. It was obvious that our housekeeping staff was not performing their duties to our satisfaction. They have since been dismissed and we have hired new staff. We would like the opportunity to accommodate you again. Susan and Pete - Owners
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Checked several online sites on a place to stay for our Honeymoon in my wife's hometown. I picked this place mostly because of its close proximity to my inlaws home. Walking distance, etc. This place online looked very clean and quaint. Especially compared to the competitors motels/hotels around. The suite I upgraded to they called it a Anniversary Suite but it was more like a shack. Large hole in the bathroom that a rodent chewed through and clawed up the bathroom door. The bed headboard is falling a part missing parts and bolts. Drawers missing handles. Bed was like sleeping on the ground. Super HARD! Bed cover had cigarette holes all over it. Outdated TV that wasnt even hooked up or plugged in. The place looked just outdated and appeared to be clean when you walk in, but after closer inspection is when all the little things started to add up. This place in general just needs a good update all the way around. Plus a thorough cleaning!!!!!!!!!!! Great location and beach front. The owners are very nice and helpful.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!
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Date of stay: June 2014
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is by far the worst excuse of a motel that we have ever encountered.We stayed one night and we should have run in the opposite direction. The room was run down, old, smelly and filthy. We should have looked elsewhere the moment we arrived but we were too tired from travelling. We were not provided any paperwork for the room and when we asked, the owner asked why? As we left EARLY in the morning, we noticed a small for sale sign in front of the property. It appears as if the owners have given up and just want out.
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Date of stay: September 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan M, Owner at Water's Edge Motel
Responded 4 Feb 2014
A friend of ours alerted us to the comment regarding our accommodations. It was obvious that our housekeeping staff was not performing their duties to our satisfaction. They have since been dismissed and we have hired new staff. We would like the opportunity to accommodate you again. Susan and Pete - Owners
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
website very deceiving - appears to be a quaint clean place - WRONG - filthy dirty smelly - cannot believe it is still open. Refrigerator was dirty, sinks were dirty, carpets appear to only get a once over occasionally with a vacuum and cobwebs/dust hanging from the lamp same and power cords. Unbelievable It was the worse I have ever seen - didn't stay. checked in, took a ride around town, found someplace else to stay and left. Still shaking my head how anyone can rent out a unit that is that dirty.
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Date of stay: August 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan M, Owner at Water's Edge Motel
Responded 4 Feb 2014
A friend of ours alerted us to the comment regarding our accommodations. It was obvious that our housekeeping staff was not performing their duties to our satisfaction. They have since been dismissed and we have hired new staff. We would like the opportunity to accommodate you again. Susan and Pete - Owners
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I chose this motel based on the pictures and descriptions shown on its website. Because we were staying for a night during a holiday weekend, I thought it best to make reservations first. Since I had given my credit card up front, I was afraid to back out in fear that my card would be charged anyway. I should have taken the chance. The room was filthy dirty and I am sure the sheets had not been washed or changed. The bathroom was so tiny & dirty, it was almost impossible to use it. The owners had a lot of nerve charging $77 for this ~ they sure don't spend the money on improvements or maid services. We couldn't get out of there fast enough in the morning and sure won't ever stay there again.
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Date of stay: September 2012
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan M, Owner at Water's Edge Motel
Responded 4 Feb 2014
A friend of ours alerted us to the comment regarding our accommodations. It was obvious that our housekeeping staff was not performing their duties to our satisfaction. They have since been dismissed and we have hired new staff. We would like the opportunity to accommodate you again. Susan and Pete - Owners
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed in the condo unit on the end, right on the water. BIGGEST WASTE OF $1300 EVER.
Customer service is non-existent; management is disorganized and has poor communication.
Wifi goes out every ten to fifteen minutes, Management told us to call Internet Service Provider rather than him fixing the problem.
Ice cold basement and 80 degree upstairs; Management dismissed this concern.
Massive spider problem. I understand that spiders are worse right next to the water but this was an unacceptable level. Management told my Mother In Law to "stop being squeamish". We spent the money ($10 ish?) and time (about an hour) to spray the windows and perimeter of the Condo ourselves and the problem went away. This easily could have, and should have been done by management.
Too many other minor problems to name... broken faucets, windows and doors that won't lock, a stove that takes over half an hour to boil water... management blew us off every step of the way.
We will not be back, ever. These concerns were brought up AGAIN upon checkout, the deposit was not returned and we were basically told to go screw ourselves.
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Alpena area.
LOCATION
United StatesMichiganAlpena
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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