The Timber Ridge Inn — Hotel in Au Train Township

Perfect, in every way for us.

My wife and I came off a backpack at Pictured Rocks (2 nights, 3 days) and wanted some basic amenities. We received more than these during our brief stay:

• Before we ever arrived, we noticed the friendly, helpful, and simple, attractive website. The owners clearly take pride in their lodge and helping visitors find what they need. As we read through the website, we learned more about the UP culture. We got the sense that all the small businesses up here know each other and recommend each other if the standard of UP hospitality is upheld.

We weren't wrong in this assumption about recommendations. We were quite happy with our choice of local pub/restaurant the night we arrived.

• On arrival at the lodge, we were tired. We appreciated the clear instructions about how to gain access to our room after normal business hours.

• We found our suite of rooms (living room, bedroom) that included a table and chairs, couch, microwave, counter, cuboards, frig to be squeaky clean. Our showers were hot, as you would expect, but amazing nonetheless!

• Charm. There are bears up here - and we know it from being on the trail. This is just part of the culture and intrigue of the UP. And the craftsy bear quilt on our bed only enhanced this feeling - as well as other Northwoods touches throughout our suite.

• We noticed the lovely view of the lake behind the lodge, and a private deck outside our room for sitting and relaxing while you take in this view. Nice!

• Other, friendly patrons. We had a couple of pleasant, informative conversations - and this only added to the whole experience. Good people attract good people.

We'll be back -...

The Timber Ridge Inn is unquestionably my favorite place I've stayed on any travels. The location is secluded but only 15 minutes from town, which offers guests a sense of solitude and quiet while still having easy access to necessities. The rooms are spacious and feel homey. I especially loved sitting on our room's balcony that overlooked Hovey Lake and reading in the evenings. The lake offers great birdwatching - we saw several ducks as well as a pair of trumpeter swans and a heron. The owners are extremely responsive, friendly and accommodating. I sent a few emails prior to our arrival and received replies each time within an hour or less. The prices are also incredible - we stayed at multiple locations across the U.P. during our trip and paid almost double for much smaller rooms with much less character. Be prepared for minimal cellphone signal throughout the area; we were able to connect to the wifi at Timber Ridge Inn and enable wifi calling when needed, and we got a decent signal when we ventured into Munising. Also be mindful of the hot water while showering -- long, hot showers might use up the available hot water, so it helps to give the water heater time to catch up between showers (or if members of your party don't mind a cooler shower, have them...

Only thing keeping me from this being 5 stars is I liked it the way it was before the new owners took over a couple years ago - it's over double the price from what it ever used to be! It used to be our favorite go-to that was affordable to bring the dogs, tiny, quiet little place in the woods that always had availability, we liked the hole in the wall motel in the woods that it was. They definitely made it nicer and made improvements, but for over double the price we liked what it used to be much better! It's cheaper to board the dogs at home for the weekend than to bring them with anymore. We used to come here every single time we came up north and multiple times a year, now we bounce around and stay all over because for the price... there are other options on nicer water to explore through VRBO and AirBNB that have nicer firepits, waterfront and access, hang out areas outside, etc. Don't want to knock the new owners, business is business, but not a fan of the prices here for what you get anymore. I understand inflation, but we've found new options that provide more value...