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The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House

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Exterior - The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House (Hessel)
TV, fireplace, DVD player - The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House (Hessel)
Interior - The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House (Hessel)
Interior - The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House (Hessel)
A wooden dockhouse with a sign reading "DOCKHOUSE" and a view of the water. - The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House (Hessel)
Near Lake Huron, The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House provides everything you need. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathrooms204 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace

Add dates for prices

About this property

The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House

  • Welcome to The Westender Retreat—a charming cottage tucked away on the serene west end of the Les Cheneaux Islands, offering breathtaking views of Lake Huron. Unwind in the cozy main cottage with a crackling fire in the classic fieldstone fireplace, or head to the guest house for an additional private space to relax, sleep, or gather. Down by the water, you’ll find a screened-in dock house—the perfect hangout spot for meals, games, and late-night chats by the lake.

    Bring your boat and explore all that the Les Cheneaux Islands have to offer from the water!

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Games
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Patio

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 2,200 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Must be 25 years or older to rent.
No smoking in premises.
Quiet hours between 10PM-8AM.

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

About the area

Located in Hessel, this cottage is on the beach. Fort Mackinac and Mackinac Bridge are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Huron and Sandy Cove. The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World and Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory are also worth visiting. Visit our Hessel travel guide
View more Cottages in Hessel
Map
Hessel, MI

What's nearby

  • A shoreline with clear water, sandy beach, and dense forest.
    Sandy Cove
    19 min drive - 21.3 km
  • A rocky shoreline with autumn foliage and a calm lake.
    Castle Rock
    28 min drive - 50.7 km
  • A large suspension bridge over a body of water with a seagull flying above.
    Bridge View Park
    32 min drive - 59.7 km
  • A long bridge spanning a calm body of water, with a park and buildings in the foreground.
    Mackinac Bridge
    35 min drive - 64.4 km
  • Kewadin Casino - St. Ignace
    29 min drive - 50.3 km

Getting around

  • Sault Ste. Marie, MI (CIU-Chippewa County Intl.)
    32 min drive

Restaurants

  • Les Cheneaux Distillers
    7 min drive
  • Snows Bar and Grill
    8 min drive
  • The Tipper Room
    7 min drive
  • Les Cheneaux Culinary School Restaurant
    18 min walk
  • Ang-Gios
    6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House located?

Nestled on the beach, this Hessel cottage is steps from Lake Huron and 11.5 mi (18.6 km) from Sandy Cove. Castle Rock and Kewadin Casino - St. Ignace are also within 25 miles (40 km).

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The Westender Retreat | Amazing Lake Views & Waterfront Dock House Reviews

Reviews

Very good

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 3 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 3 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 3 reviews

6.0

Cleanliness

10

Location

Reviews

From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

Our favorite spot!

The Westender has become our favorite vacation spot. Wonderfully relaxing atmosphere with access to most amenities you could need on vacation. The boathouse provides a nice hangout spot with a calm breeze. We’ll be back for sure!
Verified

4/10 Poor

Travis S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
We were not made aware of the cameras on the property and the one that overlooks the beach where we were all spending quality time was uncomfortable. Had this been clearly stated in the listing we would have passed on the rental. Also, the owner and his family used part of the property throughout our stay and it didn’t feel like the much needed private getaway we were going for.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

Another Great Year

We have been visiting the Westender for several years now. It’s always a wonderful vacation. Located in a quiet spot, but close to lots of fun things in Hessel and Cedarville, as well as within a reasonable drive for lots of other adventures. We are already looking forward to visiting again!