The Blue Anchor at Houghton Lake
Location: 5131 W Houghton Lake Dr, Houghton Lake, Michigan, 48629, Houghton Lake, US
Star Rating: 2 Stars
Property Type: Motels
About this Property
Individually Decorated Guestrooms - Make yourself comfortable in one of our 10 uniquely styled guestrooms, equipped with modern amenities like microwaves and Smart TVs for your entertainment needs.
Convenient Location - Located just a stone's throw away from Houghton Lake and the Pineview Highlands Golf Course, our motel offers easy access to nearby attractions and recreational activities such as cross-country skiing.
Complimentary Services - Enjoy free self-parking and stay connected with complimentary wireless internet. Relax in our well-equipped rooms with showers and complimentary toiletries, ensuring a pleasant stay.
Plan your getaway at The Blue Anchor at Houghton Lake for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Important Information
- Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions and guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.
- Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.
Policies
Check-in: N/A - Anytime
Check-out: N/A
Amenities & Facilities
- Express check-out
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in/check-out
- Wheelchair accessible
- Cross-country skiing nearby
- Express check-out
- Snowmobiling nearby
- Smoke-free property
- Express check-in
- Free self parking
- Free long-term parking
- Horse riding nearby
- Well-lit path to entrance
- Stair-free path to entrance
Rooms Available
-
Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom
1 King Bed
Located on the ground floor
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Wardrobe or closet and mobile key entry
Comfort - Climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Accessibility - Smooth flooring in room
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Location - ground floor
- Mobile key entry
- Smooth flooring in room
-
Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom
1 King Bed
Located on the ground floor
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Wardrobe or closet and mobile key entry
Comfort - Climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Accessibility - Smooth flooring in room
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Location - ground floor
- Mobile key entry
- Smooth flooring in room
-
Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom
1 King Bed
Located on the ground floor
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Wardrobe or closet and mobile key entry
Comfort - Climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Accessibility - Smooth flooring in room
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Location - ground floor
- Mobile key entry
- Smooth flooring in room
-
Classic Double Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom
2 Queen Beds
Located on the ground floor
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Wardrobe or closet and mobile key entry
Comfort - Climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Accessibility - Smooth flooring in room
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Location - ground floor
- Mobile key entry
- Smooth flooring in room
-
Classic Double Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom
2 Queen Beds
Located on the ground floor
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Wardrobe or closet and mobile key entry
Comfort - Climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Accessibility - Smooth flooring in room
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Location - ground floor
- Mobile key entry
- Smooth flooring in room
-
Classic Double Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom
2 Queen Beds
Located on the ground floor
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Wardrobe or closet and mobile key entry
Comfort - Climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Accessibility - Smooth flooring in room
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Location - ground floor
- Mobile key entry
- Smooth flooring in room
-
Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom
1 King Bed
Located on the ground floor
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Wardrobe or closet and mobile key entry
Comfort - Climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Accessibility - Smooth flooring in room
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Location - ground floor
- Mobile key entry
- Smooth flooring in room
-
Classic Double Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom
2 Queen Beds
Located on the ground floor
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Wardrobe or closet and mobile key entry
Comfort - Climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Accessibility - Smooth flooring in room
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Location - ground floor
- Mobile key entry
- Smooth flooring in room
-
Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom
1 King Bed
Located on the ground floor
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Wardrobe or closet and mobile key entry
Comfort - Climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Accessibility - Smooth flooring in room
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Location - ground floor
- Mobile key entry
- Smooth flooring in room
-
Basic Quadruple Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom
4 Twin Bunk Beds
Located on the ground floor
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Wardrobe or closet and mobile key entry
Comfort - Climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Accessibility - Smooth flooring in room
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Location - ground floor
- Mobile key entry
- Smooth flooring in room
Guest Reviews
- John (6/5): - I do not understand how this property got a high rating. It is an older property that is clean. The problem is there is no table or chairs in the room, only a foldout bed that sits very low to the ground. No Ice machine, breakfast, or personal to help or answer questions. It certainly was not what I expected, especially for the cost. Way over priced, stay somewhere else.
- Nancy (10/5): - Newly renovated and very nice and clean rooms. Pleasantly surprised! Good size fridge in room and microwave! Very quiet! Great stay and great price!!
- John (4/5): - I didn’t like the vinyl hardwood flooring as it’s not comfortable compared to carpeting. There was no comfortable place to sit and the chair to table heights didn’t work together…..table too high for the chairs. The coffee cups didn’t fit the lids provided. The privacy curtain would blow open when the ac/heat fan was blowing and they were not room darkening type. The water pressure was insufficient to take a proper shower. When I was given a door code to open my door I wasn’t told to use it to lock it so when I left to do things I was unaware anyone could open my door…..another guest informed me on my last nights stay. On the upside management seemed to be very attentive and reached out to me several times to see if I needed anything. I will not return.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Comfortable. Bedding excellent
- Randy (8/5): - Great room with the exception of the very small bathroom. Toilet was too close to the wall, everything else was fantastic.
- Gloria (8/5): - Paarking not paved shower not updated but very comfortable bed and quiet
- jill (8/5): - Clean
- Robert (10/5): - Very nice property, peaceful and quiet. Right across the street from Houghton Lake. Would stay again if visiting the area
- Junior (10/5): - I absolutely loved it! Like a little home away from home very comfortable the bed was like sleeping on a cloud! Will definitely stay again!
- Katherine (8/5): - This was perfect for our overnight needs but I’m glad my husband and I are on the small side. The bathroom would have been a challenge if we were any wider. And could have used another shelf in the bathroom.
- John (10/5): - Great one night stay, very impressed
- Ryan (10/5): Sneaky good - Clean, convenient, great communication.
- Allen (4/5): - I am the only person on the property. I thought this was a motel. Well it is, except no one works here- a door code was messaged to me. My car is the only one out front out on a main street. The main door does not lock. You open the main door and its like an exclosed shed that leads to all the rooms. Anyone can walk in at any time and enter this shed an go up to my window without being seen from the outside. I worry about my safety and as my car has out-of-state plates, I worry it could be broken into without my knowledge. I can't see my car from my room. Its a creepy set up. There's a trickle of water coming out of the shower. Im 6’2” and the water hits my chest. The room smells musty. The place has been updated but its old. There's an envelope to leave a tip for cleaning the room- a real Airbnb vibe. To my dismay, I thought the place has access to a beautiful lake- it does not have access. You can see it from across the road.
- Lacey (10/5): Nice motel - If you like motels, this place is for you! There is no on site staff. Payment is taken over the phone and a door code is sent to you. I loved not having to carry around a key card. Seamless, never had an issue. My husband and I loved this place. We brought a truck and trailer and there was ample parking. The room was super clean, comfy bed with soft sheets. Bathroom was small but it got the job done. I would have liked a bath mat in the bathroom. The only other addition I think the room needs is a broom and dust pan. The floors are not carpeted, it would have been nice to sweep the sand up before getting into bed. Communication with the host was also very prompt and helpful. I would absolutely stay again.
- Thomas (10/5): Stay in Houghton lake - Very clean no hassle with check in
- Amanda (10/5): - Very kind people. Definitely look forward to staying in the future.
- Stacey (8/5): - Good location, clean
- John (10/5): Awesome stay at Houghton Lake - We loved our stay at the Blue Anchor. The room was clean, well equipped, not fancy but definitely a nice room for the price and a great value. The bed was extremely comfortable, the towels, nice and cushy. We had a great night sleep. We’ll be back.
- Charla (10/5): - Pleasantly surprised with the cleanliness. The bed was very comfortable
- TRACY (10/5): - The Blue Anchor was very clean, quiet, accommodating, and just what we needed for our visit to Houghton Lake. Instructions for accessing room upon arrival, etc. were simple. The entire experience ran smoothly. Would stay there again.
- Michelle (4/5): - This property has no staff or front desk. Inconvenient when you need something
- Kirsten (10/5): - Very clean
- Jeremy (10/5): - Quiet and convenient
- Kathleen (8/5): - It was a nice little get away.
- Dave (6/5): - If you are a motel person, then this property is for you. One issue we had were that the photos of the rooms were a little bit deceiving. When we looked at the two queen bed rooms they appears to be very spacious and bright. But upon entry the total opposite. They were small and dark only one dim overhead light and a small lamp in between the queen beds. The natural light was lacking. You could open the curtains and let sunshine in but, being a motel that is difficult because then your privacy is absent because of other guests walking by and being able to see right into your room. It is a very clean and well decorated motel. Beds are pretty comfortable. The bathrooms are on the small side but clean. The faucet was wonderful. We really liked the lightning feature on it when you went to wash your hands. Overall for a motel its not too bad the property is well maintained. And we liked the self check in aspect, very convenient. Because of our personal preference we would not stay again. We prefer cabins to motels but thought we would try it.
- Mark (4/5): - The lack of seeing any employees at any time of our stay was very unusual. We needed toilet paper and had no way to have any supplied for us. It’s rather uncomfortable.
- Donald (10/5): - Close to ELKS Lodge and The Eagles lodge. close to shopping.
- Ann (10/5): - Nothing negative to say. It was a very nice facility very well kept.
- Kimberly (6/5): - The floors were so slanted and uneven.
- Kelly (8/5): - Clean, had been renovated, nothing fancy. Check-in was easy and didn't involve any interaction
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Wonderful place to stay. Very clean. We'll be staying again.
- Kristine (8/5): - When we first arrived we were a little confused, there's no sign for the property. This was our first experience with no staff around, just go to your room & put your code in. That easy. Bathroom is a little small & definitely needs a vent in it! Bed was comfy! Overall great little place!
- Michael (6/5): - Property should provide either indoor or outdoor seating… we literally had to sit in the back of our work van or on the beds in the room.. other than that it’s a nice property. We travel for work a lot and will be staying at a different location due to this inconvenience…
- Kimberly (10/5): Nice place to stay - Great stay my only complaints is there wasnt an ice machine and no hair dryer. Beds are really comfortable!
- Nellie (10/5): - This place looks like a wonderful work in progress. Very clean room with a comfortable bed. Nicely decorated. We stayed in a king room that worked wonderful for us. There is no signage, but I’ve read that that’s soon to be put in place. The grounds and parking area are a bit rustic however, I’m guessing that will be changing soon. The bathroom is extremely small with a quite small older shower. Fortunately, my husband and myself are not large people so it worked out fine for us. Once the hot water finally made it to the shower. It lasted longer than my husband‘s long showers. I would absolutely stay here again in the future. What a wonderful price for all that you get. We have stayed in a lot of hotels this summer and I will say unless we paid pay $175 or more we were getting rooms that I would never return to, this however is a huge exception. Good job proprietors keep up the great work renovating this old building. I might add that finding a room arrangement that would allow you to see the television from the sofa would be a great improvement.
- James (6/5): - The hotel is very clean, recently refurbished, but was built in a different time when hotel guests expected less and in spite of great effort on the owner's part, it delivers exactly that: less. The room is tolerable but could be bigger and could use more electrical outlets and better lighting. The bedside lights are the touch type, so when you accidentally touch the lamp in the middle of the night, the light comes on (annoying.) The bathroom is just awful. Although everything but the shower is new this year, everything is tiny and cramped. the toilet sits three inches from the wall so if you tend to "spread out " you'll have a problem. The vanity has no room to put your bathroom stuff and if there are two of you you'll have to get really creative to make it work. There is a small shelf under the mirror but if you put anything taller than 2 inches on it you will block the view of the mirror. The shower is ancient, small, and discolored, and really should be replaced with something larger than what I'm guessing is maybe a 30" square shower stall. Not a deal breaker, but unless you're paying attention you'll drive past the place the first time, even with google maps. There's no sign at all, just the frame from when one used to be there. Having said all this, I would stay here again, but never for more than one day. For anything longer, I'd go elsewhere.
- Linda (8/5): - Very clean, quiet place to stay. We enjoyed it and would stay again.
- Edwin (10/5): - Very nicely remodeled. Cute and comfortable.
- Jason (10/5): - Love this property, we stay here everytime we come into town
- Stephanie (10/5): - My family and I enjoyed our overnight stay at The Blue Anchor at Houghton Lake. We weren’t familiar with this hotel prior to the renovations that were done but we were pleased with the nice updates. Our room was very clean. The mattress was extremely comfortable. We had booked through Expedia and the check-in process was easy. We had trouble closing the bathroom door and contacted management, they were quick to respond and accommodating.
- Kelly (8/5): - This was a cute place
- lisa (10/5): - The rooms were very nice......the bathrooms a little small but workable. You can tell that it was an older property but all nicely remodeled. Very clean and well kept. I liked the proximity to everything. I would definitely stay here again. I really liked the no check in procedure they just texted me a code and we were done.
- Julie (8/5): - The room was big with a comfortable bed. Air conditioning system worked well. Bathrrom was cramped with a very tight toilet area. Shower did have low water pressure and it was difficult to get a good temperature. Sink tended to be very slow at draining, somthing that should be looked into. Nice fluffy towels but they did shed a lot. There was a microwave, mini fridge and coffee maker in the room. We didn't turn on the television so we have no idea the quality. Wasn't well marked from the road and we almost drove past it. Nice facility with contactless arrangements. Would stay again.
- Kyle (8/5): Good For a Weekend at the Lake - The location was great, and the room was a good size for a small hotel. We could tell the place was newly renovated, and it was nice all around. We had issues with our bathroom door not being able to close, and the air fresheners all over the place and in the room were overpowering, and we were left wondering why so many air fresheners were needed. Otherwise, it's a good place to stay for a couple nights.
- Christine (10/5): - The accommodations were exceptionally clean and tastefully renovated. The bedding was not to our preference, we are not a fan of memory foam.
- Melissa (8/5): - Entire building smells moldy. Could not stay 2nd night. Bugs & spider webs in room. Dirty water left in sink. No soap & no staff. Completely self service. Floor was also dirty, had to wear shoes. Shower extremely tiny. Felt like I was lucky to have one, although there was no soap. Constant texts asking me to turn off air & lights if I left, telling me WiFi was down, etc. Very disappointed.
- Chris (10/5): - Great spot to stay in Houghton Lake! Quick responses from management if there are any issues and they are super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
- Stacy (8/5): Life at the lake - We had a great 3 days. Very clean and adorable decor. The only downside was the bathroom was small but very clean and updated. We would recommend to friends. Love that it is a door code and no need to wait in line to check in and out. Staff was extremely prompt and courteous.
- Darrell (6/5): - It was a different experience not checking in or out in person or seeing any staff. It took a long time to get hot water to wash your hands and for the shower.the room was clean and nice though
- joseph (10/5): Great stay, great value. - Great stay. Clean and comfortable. Updated rooms. Will stay again.
- Keith (10/5): - Very clean. Easy in easy out.
- Donna (10/5): - The rooms are gorgeous!!!! A convenient location to get to the beach, mini golf, go carts and dining! Would definitely stay here again!
- Douglas (6/5): - Room was nice bathroom was cramped,shower was too small
- Sophia (8/5): Good for your money - It was so cute,modern and clean and comfortable. The outside did not have a sign so I passed it often,lol. Only complaint is that the shower water smelled but it maybe well water so that makes sense. I would stay again.
- don't (10/5): love the blue anchor - the cutest, quaintest hidden gem of a motel! owners went above and beyond for me-super clean and modern redone rooms, quiet
- Verified traveler (6/5): Room good, bathroom not - The room (#8) was clean and there was plenty of space in the room itself. The bathroom, however, was a different story. The right side of the toilet was less than 3” from the wall making it impossible to sit on correctly. The shower took several minutes to warm up then only had enough hot water to wash and condition my hair and wash my body. I do not shower long, between 5-7 minutes, and the water went cold just as I got the soap washed off. This part was very disappointing.
- Jason (10/5): - My girlfriend and I stayed at this hotel and we were going to stay another night and the hotel actually went out of the way to help us keep our room we unfortunately had something come up and we had to leave promptly we still feel bad that we were not able to do the second night as they were very very helpful this is a great property easily somewhere I would love to stay I'm sure my girlfriend as well we will be planning on going back to Houghton lake and this hotel is one of the reasons. Quiet property so quiet and amazing view of the Stars!
- Megean (6/5): - Great towels, actual decent toiletries and very clean rooms. Queen beds were way to stiff and the showers are a bit out of date but other then that it was a great stay and amazing service!
- Connie (10/5): Perfect place for a getaway! - Very cute place and would stay again! Everything looks and smells new. Beds were comfortable. Loved the walkway to the rooms. Good location across the street from the water and next door is a gas station with all the things you may need. Would stay again!
- Tammy (10/5): - Was a perfect spot for our night away! Warm, welcome and comfortable. Owner was responsive and quick to resolve a small issue we had with the toilet. Shower was a bit small and a challenge for anyone tall but otherwise a great place.
Photos
