Victoria Resort Bed & Breakfast
Table Of Contents
-
The Victoria Resort B&B, a South Haven, Michigan bed and breakfast just steps from Lake Michigan, reflects its historic beginnings while providing luxurious rooms with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs to more modest accommodations for an adult getaway. The Victoria has the perfect combination of the friendly ambiance you expect from a bed & breakfast, with the right amount of privacy for your getaway.
A stay at the Victoria Resort B&B will remind you of a time when resorts flourished in the quaint lakeside town of South Haven. At the end of our street are the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan where you can catch a glimpse of a spectacular sunset any time of the year. The downtown area is just a short walk along tree-lined streets. When the weather is warm, borrow bikes for a ride around town or stay on the resort to play a game of tennis!
Guests at our bed and breakfast are served a hot entree for breakfast, like our sausage & egg soufflé, apple baked French toast, a quiche, or our classic blueberry pancakes with real South Haven blueberries. We also serve a selection of our homemade muffins and breads, plus an assortment of fresh fruit, cereal, and bagels.
Planning a family vacation or girls' getaway? Several guest cottages are also available at the Victoria Resort. With accommodations suitable for two to six people, the cottages offer a great solution if you are looking for vacation rentals in South Haven. Each cottage has several bedrooms, living room and kitchen. For more details, visit our cottages page. -
Travelers are always looking for memorable and relaxing experiences. Let’s discover more through the words of our innkeepers. Many thanks to Amanda for sharing her own secrets with BBOnline.com! Why do most travelers stay at your inn? Definitely for fun - vacations, getaways, anniversaries, birthdays, other celebrations.
What are you best known for? What makes your inn unique? What do you love most about your inn? Great hospitality, outdoor pool, bikes to borrow, tennis court, basketball court and outdoor space - 3 acres within our neighborhood.Built in 1925 as a full service resort, so there are wide hallways and a definite "hotel" feel to the exterior and interior of the building. In fact, the old room numbers can still be seen on the doors of each guest room. Of course the vintage façade disguises the face that all of the rooms have been remodeled & updated with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs for two, and definitely not vintage décor in individual rooms.I love the fact that our guests have the liberty to come and go as they please without touching base with an innkeeper every time they walk over to the pool or out to their car. We're always available of course - and helping folks enjoy the South Haven area is our favorite part of being innkeepers!If someone has never been to your city, what is the #1 reason to come visit? The initial response is the beaches - and with ten public access points to the shoreline, that's to be expected. But South Haven has that special blend of easy access to the beach and riverfront, plus a nice selection of restaurants and shops without being over-built or pretentious. Multiple parks, outdoor concerts during the summer evenings, a year round farmer's market, and genuinely helpful residents.
What’s the best compliment you have ever received about the inn? The best compliment is someone planning to return - and someone who tells their friends!
What’s the best kept secret about the area? In South Haven, it's the smaller lesser known beach accesses that are more difficult to find and have less visitors. There are a couple hidden away that will have fossils and beach glass - a fun find in any season!
If a traveler is staying at your inn for 4 nights, what should he/she do in the area? Definitely explore the coastline - walk the shoreline, climb the dunes at the state park, kayak, jet ski or enjoy a charter sailboat cruise. In the winter, the ice packed against the shore is impressive and surreal - bring your camera! Enjoy the fruits of our climate in Southwest Michigan - blueberries, apples, peaches, sweet corn and even cranberries are grown here. Our region is well known for grapes as well - for juice and wine. The wineries in this region are amazing - whites, reds, sparkling wines and many more options. Definitely taste what our region can produce!Check out the Michigan Maritime Museum's collection of antique craft, from the original Coast Guard boats to the vintage river touring boats. The museum also operates two replica craft - the Friends Goodwill single mast tall ship and the Lindy Lou, a replica of the dozens of river launches used on our river a hundred years ago. The exhibits in the museum are also excellent, and change each year.Explore the harbor walk that leads out to the iconic lighthouse and catwalk. Now owned by the Historical Association of South Haven, the lighthouse is no longer navigationally necessary but it's a part of our port town's maritime history. In the winter, ask about opportunities to try snow shoes or cross country skis through a nearby nature center. You can't miss the outdoor ice rink under the big pavilion directly in downtown South Haven - the lights and the music make it a lively spot on any winter day.Is there anything within walking distance of your inn? Downtown South Haven is only a ten or fifteen minute walk from the Victoria Resort, and that's walking through our beautiful neighborhood of houses, homes built to impress and vintage cottages. At the end of our street (just a block and a half away) is access to Lake Michigan at Oak Street Beach. Our beach is a small neighborhood beach - a little parking, no concessions, no beach volleyball - just simply another sandy spot to jump in the lake!
What is your favorite restaurant/food in the area? There are so many options in town! If you're looking for upscale, anniversary style dining you would definitely consider Hawkshead, Sophie's Steakhouse or Tello Bistro. A little more mid-range would be Su Casa, the Thirsty Perch, Black River Tavern, Maria's, the Vineyard. And for eating out - outside that is - Joe's Bar and Grill, Brix Outdoor Pizza, the Idler Riverboat, Captain Lou's.... Almost too many options for one visit!
Any good area guides/websites that travelers could reference? The local convention and visitors bureau does a phenomenal job of putting together an event calendar at www.SouthHaven.org. Live music, art exhibits, outdoor concerts, special events, etc.
How many rooms does your inn have? Nine rooms, all with private bathrooms.
Do you accept pets? No pets here, but we've always heard great reviews for Critter Cuts.
-
Directions to our South Haven bed and breakfast and guest cottages follow. A walk down the quaint streets of South Haven takes you by the many locally owned shops and a great selection of restaurants, from casual to upscale.
The area offers a wide variety of attractions with something to please everyone. For the adventurous, there is sailing and fishing on Lake Michigan or hiking over the sand dunes. For less strenuous activity, there are opportunities to visit art galleries, to attend festivals, or to take leisurely strolls along the sandy beaches. So, make reservations with us for your Lake Michigan travel or vacation getaway.
Traveling north on I-196
Follow I-196 North to exit 18 for M-140 and turn right onto M-140.
Follow M-140 as it becomes La Grange and then Broadway, through three stoplights.
After the third stoplight, follow Broadway around a sharp left turn (it becomes Dyckman Avenue).
Cross the drawbridge, and near the top of the hill, turn right onto Park Avenue.
At the second stop sign, turn right onto Oak Street.
You will see us on the left with a big circle drive and a sign in the front yard.
Traveling south on I-196
Take I-196 south towards South Haven.
Take exit #22 for North Shore Drive
Turn right from the exit ramp onto North Shore Drive
Proceed straight through the traffic circle, continuing on North Shore Drive
Follow North Shore for approximately one mile.
Turn left onto Oak Street.
You will see us on the left with a big circle drive and a sign in the front yard.
Traveling west on M-43
Follow M-43 west into South Haven.
You will pass South Haven Hospital on your right.
At the stop sign, turn right onto Broadway.
Follow Broadway through the traffic light and around a sharp left turn as it becomes Dyckman Avenue.
Cross the drawbridge, and near the top of the hill, turn right on Park Avenue.
At the second stop sign, turn right onto Oak Street.
You will see us on the left with a big circle drive and a sign in the front yard.
Travel safely, and if you need assistance while you are traveling give the Victoria Resort a call at 269-637-6414! -
There are plenty of cities along Lake Michigan's shore. But once you've experienced South Haven, you'll know why folks keep coming back. Welcoming without being overly cute. Friendly without being pushy. Creative, simply beautiful, and all around a nice place to visit (and call home!)
The Vineyards
This corner of Southwest Michigan has the right combination of climate and soil to grow some wonderful wines. Drive out to McIntosh Cellars for their fruit wines and hard cider, visit the folks at Contessa or Karma Vista winery, plan a cellar tour or vineyard tour at Fenn Valley, or try the newest addition to the wine-making family, Twelve Corners.
The Snowy Fun
The winter snows give South Haven a completely different look. Under the big pavilion downtown is the iconic ice skating rink, with beautiful lights above and the sound of laughter echoing throughout town. Bring your snow gear for cross country skiing or snow shoeing at Sarrett Nature Center, or ride your snowmobiles into town on the Kal-Haven Trail! A walk along the shoreline is unforgettable, and the sand and ice merge into fantastic formations and sculptures. Of course, warming up after your outdoor adventure is half the fun!
The Nature
The lake effect phrase does not just apply to winter weather. The lake plays a big part in South Haven's natural playground. Explore the dunes at Van Buren State Park or the North Point Property, follow a long winding trail into a coastal marsh preserve, or simply marvel at the way the waves change the beaches every day.
The Arts
The South Haven Center for the Arts has exhibits all year long, and serves as the centerpoint for the art scene. Additionally several galleries are located throughout downtown, including the 406 Gallery and Jane Cowley's studio. The Blue Coast Artists is a group of artists located between South Haven and Saugatuck, with studios and galleries featuring their work in a variety of mediums.
The Food
For a small town, South Haven has excellent restaurant choices. There are a handful of casual establishments where you can grab a beer and a burger, dine outside with pizza, or even enjoy the nightlife on the river.
The Music
Live music is an intregal part of South Haven. From the free outdoor concerts during the summer to the performances hosted at Foundry Hall, and even the energetic bands at the Black River Tavern or Joe's Bar & Grill, there is always an opportunity to listen to some good tunes.
The Festivals
Ice Breaker Festival - the first weekend in February - is the hottest winter festival. Chili, ice carvings, ice skating demonstrations, strategically placed warming stations and the right attitude make this weekend a favorite. The Women Only Weekend - WOW - has become best part of November, with special events targeted just at women. The Festival of Cars, HarborFest, Waterfront Film Festival, Blueberry Festival and of course the all-American Independence Day with fireworks over the lake... it's always a fun time in South Haven!
Staying Well
Yoga sessions, a natural foods store, the Shorelines Wellness Center and many more options to stay healthy or turn over a new leaf. You can even schedule an in-room massage at the Victoria Resort for stress relief.
The Water
Get out on the water, get in the water, or just admire the water from a completely different viewpoint. (May we suggest from the top of a sand dune?) Kayaks, jet skis, charter sailboats, replica tall ship, stand up paddle boards, skim boards... and don't forget we have the Black River and numerous inland lakes if you're seeking quieter waters.
The Innkeepers
There is so much to do during your visit, you may like a little assistance from one of our innkeepers. Our staff has some insider information and suggestions that may help you enjoy your stay a little more. Feel free to write, call or email us for inspiration and suggestions.