About the Inn
The Waters View Inn has experienced numerous changes over its many years in operation. It was originally constructed in 1883 by a Civil War captain. At first, the place was known as Park Grove Place, and local historians think that it is the first resort built in all of South Haven.
It was later purchased in 1923 and renamed the Plaza. At this point, there were Friday night fish dinners and spaghetti dinners held on Saturdays. When the dinners were concluded, the tablecloths would be taken out and the poker chips would be brought in. Many people enjoyed a little bit of gambling during that period of time.
The Lost Years
There was a period of time from 1959 to about 1979 when the inn was all but abandoned. Many people believed that it would eventually be knocked down. However, in 1979, Mary Hammer purchased the inn. She was looking for a duplex but ultimately came across this building and decided to buy it. At that time, she named it the Last Resort Inn.
In 1983, the building became the first bed and breakfast in all of South Haven and continues to operate in this fashion to this day.
Modern History
Interestingly, the inn received the name Waters View Inn on April 30, 2022. The change of name is literally that recent and it was changed to this in order to add extra emphasis to the fact that it has a beautiful view of the lakes and that there are incredible breakfasts served at this location.
The world will now know the inn as the Waters View Inn for the foreseeable future, and the chances of it remaining in operation appear very high at this time, as it is in a beautiful location and people receive amazing service and food when they come here. It is great that a piece of history has been held onto for as long as it has. It is all due to the tireless efforts of those who wanted to preserve the history of this impressive building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breakfast: Between 8:30AM and 10AM daily, you can find fresh coffee, homemade breakfast cake, and fruit in the kitchen. Bundee’s, directly across the street, is a GREAT spot for a full breakfast (and Starbucks coffee).
What time is Check In?
Check-in is at 3pm. Early check-in is at 1pm and must be purchased in advance. Late check-in – if arriving after 5pm (EST) please notify us in advance so that we can go over late check in procedures.
What time is Check Out?
Check out is at 11am. Late check out is 12pm but must be purchased in advance.
Parking?
We have limited on site parking and don’t guarantee parking – the lot is tight, so leave your giant vehicles at home. :). We do have one space per room, but if there are too many large vehicles, street parking is available.
Do you have cable?
We have Roku TVs in all the rooms. With this you are welcome to watch the Roku channel for free or log into any streaming services you have. We also have fiber for Wi-Fi so connection is never a problem.
Are you pet friendly?
Two of our rooms do allow small dogs! Details outlined in the policy section below.
Do you have beach towels?
Beach towels are available to check out at the front desk on a first come, first serve basis. Towels will only be available when staff is at the desk. Towels not returned will result in a $50 charge (be sure a staff member checks your towel back in!).
What is in the guest kitchen?
The guest kitchen is open to all guests. Coffee, breakfast cakes, and fruit will be available daily between 8:30AM and 10AM. Guests may use the common refrigerator – please be sure to write your name on your items and dispose of them when you leave. Waters View Inn is not responsible for missing items.
Policies
- In the event of a cancellation, regardless of the time in which it is booked, a $50 cancellation/handling fee (per room) applies but can be used as a credit for a future stay in that calendar year or within 6 months of cancellation if 6 months put you into the next calendar year.
- If a cancellation is made 10 days or less than scheduled arrival (30 days prior for holidays or festivals), guests are responsible for the entire reservation UNLESS we re-rent the room for all nights reserved. No credit will be issued.
- When booking 3 or more rooms a 30-day notice to cancel is required for a refund, minus booking and cancellation fees. If cancellations occur less than 30 days prior to arrival, refunds will be given if rooms are able to be rebooked.
- For holidays, special events, and group reservations a 30-day cancellation period applies. There may also be additional special cancellation policies for groups or rental of the entire house. Please inquire when booking
- Should it be necessary for guests to depart earlier than the confirmed departure date, no refunds will be applied.
- Changes to an existing reservation may result in a re-booking or cancellation fee.
- PLEASE NOTE: We will make every effort to re-book the room, however, unfortunate circumstances do not qualify for exceptions to our policy.
- If you have cancellation concerns, vacation insurance is available from several providers online to inexpensively protect you in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Room Rates, Requirements & Payment:
- For the best rates and to avoid booking fees from 3rd parties – book direct with us!
- Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Discover accepted. Personal checks are NOT accepted.
- We require advance notice if you intend to use any gift certificates.
- Most weekends require a two-night stay. Minimum length stays may apply for holidays and special events.
- Holiday and festival weekends may be subject to different rates.
- Advertised specials may state “some restrictions may apply” and cannot be combined. Ask for these details at the time of booking.
- A 50% deposit is due at the time the reservation is made. The remaining balance is due 10 days before arrival and will be processed automatically to the card on file, unless alternative arrangements are made in advance.
Pet Policy: Two of our rooms are pet friendly (Nook and McCloughan)! The following policies apply:
- $50 per night pet fee will be applied
- We must be notified that you are bringing a pet in advance of your arrival
- Only friendly dogs, 50lbs or less are allowed
- Pets are not permitted in the building or on the common decks (each room that allows pets has a separate entrance)
- Pets cannot be left unattended in guest rooms
- Owners must clean up after pets and dispose of waste in outside bins only
- $300 minimum damage fee will apply for any damage caused by a pet (and be adjusted upward based on the cost to repair the damage)
Excessive Cleaning: A minimum fee of $150 will be charged for excessive cleaning, and/or loss or destruction of property.
Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in any building or on any of the decks (common or private). A $300 cleaning fee will be applied if there is smoking in any rooms.
Quiet hours for decks and common areas, inside & out are between 10:30pm – 8:00am. Failure to follow quiet hours policy could result in immediate cancellation of your reservation with no refund.
Please Note:
- 1. Peak season weekends have a 2 night minimum stay requirement.
- 2. We reserve the right to change prices and/or minimum stay.
- 3. We reserve the right to relocate 1 night stays to a similar room in size & price.
Bath Towels: In order to conserve valuable natural resources, one towel set, (bath/hand/washcloth) per guest, per stay will be provided. Additional towels are available upon request.
Personal make-up removers are provided, please be considerate of makeup residue as there will be a $10 service charge for each towel that is stained beyond recovery or missing.
Beach towels are available to check out at the front desk on a first come, first serve basis. Towels will only be available when staff is at the desk. Towels not returned will result in a $50 charge (be sure a staff member checks your towel back in!).