Rooms with a View

21 gorgeous Up North getaways.

Apr 15, 2009 Lynda Twardowski

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S.S. Badger, Ludington

Every shipshape navy-and-white stateroom in the S.S. Badger is nautical standard—two twin beds tucked tight, plus a sink and toilet—and each boasts a window big enough to admire the minute-changing moods of Lake Michigan on the four-hour cruise between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Landlubber? You’re in luck, too: while docked in Ludington in fall, the ferry opens as a bed-and-breakfast, $75 per person. While crossing (mid-May to mid-October) staterooms are $51 one-way, plus cost of passage. 800-841-4243, ssbadger.com.

Lebasque Room, Chateau Chantal, Old Mission Peninsula

Lemon yellow walls impart a sunny glow inside this Old World–style B&B’s Lebasque Room, but it’s what you see from the windows—acres of the Chateau’s vineyard, the peninsula’s rolling hills and both bays—that’ll truly warm your spirit. $180+, 231-223-4110, chateauchantal.com.

Lake Michigan Sunset Penthouse, Manistee

Three stories up and behind a wall of west-facing windows shaped like a ship’s prow, guests in the giant studio Penthouse see nothing but the clouds above or the dune grass–swept beach on Lake Michigan below—whether they’re sipping wine in the heart-shaped hot tub, lounging in the twin leather recliners or sprawled out on the king bed. $150 nightly, $750 weekly late august to early june. whole house rentals only (sleeps 20) through summer, $1,495 weekly. 231-723-6707, 6414lakeshore.com.

Poe Reef Cabin, Cheboygan State Park

From your rustic cabin, see a swath of green trees, pebble-strewn sand and, just beyond, Lake Huron’s waves crashing around all sides of the sentinel for Mackinac Straits–bound freighters, the Poe Reef Light. Sleeps 8. $65 nightly, 800-44-parks.

Connecting rooms 1456 and 1457, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Acme

President George Bush power napped here in the summer of ’04, and we can’t help but wonder why. With an in-room wet bar, Jacuzzi tub and views of East and West Grand Traverse Bays, and Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas, the panorama from this high-tower pad is a sight for the sorest of eyes. $409+ for both or $329+ for 1456, $319+ for 1457, 800-236-1577, grandtraverseresort.com.