Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Lodgings

ASKWITH LOCKVIEW MOTEL
(906) 632-2491; (800) 854-0745
The well-run motel is across from the locks' visitor center. A few of its 47 mostly drive-up rooms have limited views of the locks; most don't. This is an ideal location for boatwatchers who want to be where the action is at a moment's notice. The motel is really a collection of attractively remodeled tourist cabins and motel buildings. The property has room enough for cars and some small lawn areas. A little terrace with tables is in front. Hanging flower baskets and good maintenance make up for the cramped site.
     All rooms have cable TV, air-conditioning, and phones. Many bed configurations. Complimentary coffee and continental breakfast are served in the office. The Lockview Restaurant is next door. Free shuttle to casino. Sample rates for two: $75-$81. Less before mid June.

LONGSHIPS MOTEL
(906) 632-2422
This pleasant, place across from the locks has 23 attractive drive-up rooms on one floor. All rooms have cable TV and air-conditioning. Some have phones. Morning coffee is available in the office. Various bed configurations: one queen, one double, two doubles.

BUDGET HOST CRESTVIEW INN
(906) 635-5213
Many independent older motels are on Ashmun in suburban Sault Ste. Marie, north of the V where I-75 Bus. Spur joins M-129. This pleasant, owner operated motel stands out because it accepts dogs, and it's in an excellent area for walking and jogging, on top of the Easterday Hill and walking distance to Lake State U. All 42 rooms are on one level and range from $59 to $89 a night.

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
(906) 632-3999; (800) 632-7879
This five-story, 97-room facility has an unusual location away from the other chains, right near Lake Superior State University and the last Michigan exit of I-75. It has an indoor pool and exercise room. Some rooms on upper floors have a view of the St. Mary's River and International Bridge. It would be a good choice for people who like to walk or jog near their lodging. Listed rates: $94-150. There's a free continental breakfast and an attractive lobby.

SOO LOCKS LODGE & SUITES
(906) 635-3000
The Soo Locks Lodge & Suites has the most attractive indoor pool and lobby area in Soo, Michigan. For some families, that's quite important. Continental-plus breakfast with hot entrees. Summer weekday rates for two: $89. Ang-Gio's restaurant is across the street.

PLAZA MOTOR MOTEL
(906) 635-1881, (888) 809-1881
Fabulous English-style gardens and beautiful rooms the equal of any bed and breakfast make this 21-room motel almost unique. A relaxing atmosphere in this adult getaway is paramount, and rooms are designed for cocooning, with minifridge, microwave, and coffeemaker with Wolfgang Puck coffee. All have phones, cable TV, and wireless high-speed internet access. Even the smaller rooms seem luxurious, thanks to Waverly fabrics and furnishings that underscore the English country look. Each room is different; the king rooms have four-poster beds with canopies. Because the market here is so competitive, rates are amazingly low - currently $49 to $70. Owner-managers Jim and Lori Anderson have had the motel since the late 1980s, and every year they add to the garden, a mix of perennials and annuals. Benches and a gazebo, furnished in wicker, encourage guests to enjoy the gardens. The fountain helps mask road noise. It's hard to believe that Wal-Mart and the cineplex are just around the corner.

BEST WESTERN SAULT STE. MARIE
(906) 632-2170
Close to the I-75 exit, across from Wal-Mart, this newer hotel (53 rooms on two floors with interior corridors) has several popular features. Each room has wi-fi internet, coffee, microwave, and minifridge. There's a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, a medium-size pool, sauna, and game room. Some fireplace whirlpool suites. Rates for standard rooms are from $76-149. Next door, under common management, is Superior Place (906-632-4366): one floor, drive-up rooms, and a good continental breakfast with cereal and fresh fruit. Guests can use Best Western's pool. Free Wi-fi. Some rooms are suites with a half-wall between areas. Standard rooms: $59-$79.

KEWADIN HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER
(800) 539-2346; (906) 635-1400
This vast 24-hour, full-service Las Vegas-style complex, the flagship of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa's casino empire, not only has the casino but an indoor pool, gallery of Native American art, weight room, and live entertainment, including frequent headline performers. Many tribal facilities including the Big Bear Arena are nearby. Consult the website or call for current packages and room rates at the 320-room hotel.

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