Sandcastles On the Beach

Arrived after a huge storm and there was no power. Paul was awesome, he told us he understood if we decided not to stay… but he had candles in the room, a campfire going at the beach, he did everything he could to given the circumstances to make us feel welcome. We decided to stay (great choice as the power returned before dusk) as no one had power along the bay and we didn’t want to return home.
Condo was on first floor. Simple, clean, everything worked, and the view was fantastic. We talked with all the other guest who seemed to be great people and were also enjoying the accommodations. The beach campfires were great (some nights there were up to 3 different fires going) and we enjoyed talking with everyone.
I plan to return soon. I hope Paul will give me a deal in the fall…

6:30 Friday to 8am Sunday. Condos facing beach and two story strip of motels by park. Family gathering and this place was reserved for us so we had no idea what to expect. We went to office, which is first door when you pull into drive way. We were greeted warmly by Paul. He was expecting us and told us where we were. Light was on and key in room. Room smelled freshly cleaned. Not like a spray, but actual cleaning. The bedding was fresh and you could tell it had all been washed. Single bed, sitting chair and stool, small table with chairs and coffee maker. Coffee set-​up with cups, cream and sugar provided. Alarm clock on night stand. Air conditioner by bed was great room was as cool as you set it! Closet with extra pillow and blanket as well as cot. Tv with cable and remote. Two large windows with blinds. Bathroom small but enough counter space for all your things. Hand and bar soap, shampoo and conditioner combination packs and towels provided. I recommend bringing conditioner but that is my personal preference. Also bring a hair dryer if you usually use one. No fridge in motel rooms. I was told there is a kitchen in condos. We were by a soda machine so we always had ice cold drinks. Nice quiet park next door with trails down to beach, also had bathrooms and picnic tables with grills. Bed and pillows were a little firm but again personal preference is softer. Under $ 100 a night, so very cheap for an out of state family trip. Paul is owner and operator of this place and he is amazing! First night we settled in and I went to use remote and batteries needed changed. I was going to forget it and just read but Paul had told us to just ask if we needed something. So I went to office and he changed batteries and apologized. I said no need they can die anytime. I apologized because I went into his home not the office! It is nice to visit a place like this that is operated by an owner that cares and lives there ! Paul makes the difference and I recommend you and your family stay here!

I stayed here last week for one night after having a beach wedding in Port Austin earlier that day. Even from the first time calling to book the room the service was great, the man I dealt with was incredibly polite and helpful. The room itself was very nice, clean, and cozy. The location itself is very quiet and right on the beach. I would highly recommend staying here!

I found this place by searching on Unilocal and I’m glad I came. I talked with Paul, the owner and manager on the phone and mentioned I was coming alone and would be arriving after sundown. He offered to turn a light on for me in the room so that when I arrived it wouldn’t be so dark. I didn’t even need to check into the office upon arrival. He left my room key on a table in the room, along with a copy of my receipt.
The room had 2 double beds, a/​c unit, cable tv, coffee pot and a small table with 2 chairs. It was clean and wasn’t perfumed with air fresheners. It was steps from a private beach where I enjoyed the beautiful sunsets.
They don’t offer housekeeping services, which I actually appreciated. You can request it, but a fee may be added.
Close to downtown, 10 minutes east of Caseville, quiet, lovely beach, and very reasonably priced. I’ll come back here again!

Three word description: Quiet, Comfortable, Home
Sand Castles on the Beach is located just outside Port Austin, a small lake side town, on the tip of the thumb of Michigan. Port Austin is a slower and more laid back place to visit compared to Caseville, a busy summer hot spot, just 17 miles to the west.
When researching a place to stay in this area for the long Memorial Day weekend, I found mixed reviews about this place, but took a chance. It is under new management and I sent an email to Paul the current manager. Our exchange prior to my stay were helpful and professional. He was quick to answer my questions and was able to handle my requests in a timely mannor.
The hotel/​condo is easy to find with GPS and the online maps are accurate/​reliable.
From the photos and mixed reviews on other sites my expectations were to find a quirky throwback to an old fashion Michigan resort. However, when I checked in to my room I was pleasantly surprised. It was a chilly night when I arrived, and Paul had already set the thermostate in my condo to warm it up. The furnishings were brand new. The kitchen is full use and large. There were two bedrooms plus a couch/​sitting room with dinning room and living room with an HD TV and cable. My room also had a private balcony overlooking the Lake Huron.
I travel for a living. I am in hotels all the time. This place is so warm and comfortable to stay in I highly recommend it. It is clean, refreshing, and peaceful (I went to take a quick nap on the couch and woke up three hours later, it was that comfortable.) More than really needing a break, the place is a perfect get away in the thumb area.
While I did not partake, other guests had fires on the beach, wadded out to the sand bar, and enjoyed the natural surroundings.
Port Austin is five minutes away. Caseville is 20 mintes. There is great fishing. Great hiking. Port Austin has has several nice places to visit (lunch at The Bank is huge and delicious).
For a slow pace and casual time in a comfortable setting, I highly recommend Sand Castles on the Beach for an extended getaway. Units have been updated recently and can hold a family with ease.