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Family Friendly Suite a block from Lake Michigan

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Large, comfortable living room.\ with pull out sofa bed.
Serendipity House: All dressed up for the annual July 4th parade.
Just a few steps from Lake Michigan.
View of Serendipity House from Betsie Bay.
Serendipity House on Main St.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 456 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Ski lift privileges
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry room
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Frankfort, MI
  • Place, Betsie Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Frankfort Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
    ‪44 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Living Room

1 Double Sofa Bed

Manitou bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Manitou bathroom

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Family Friendly Suite a block from Lake Michigan

Serendipity House is a one-of-a-kind inn designed for vacationers who want a unique experience that includes their accommodations. Situated on Main Street a block from Lake Michigan and at the edge of Frankfort's charming downtown district, the inn recalls an earlier time when residents would call out greetings from their front porch to passersby.

Serendipity has the big front porch and updated living space with all the amenities for vacationers who enjoy something unique.

Serendipity House offers lodging in five suites just steps from the beach. Each suite has its own entrance, kitchen and bath with views of the resort town and a large front porch for relaxing and enjoying the passing parade.

Pack your beach gear and head west a block to enjoy Lake Michigan's beaches and spectacular sunsets. Cross the street to start biking the 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail. Or turn east to explore downtown Frankfort's unique shops and restaurants; enjoy a first-run film in the recently restored Garden Theater; or celebrate the season with an award-winning craft beer at the Stormcloud Brewery. Then come back for fall colors, winter skiing, and spring awakenings.

With five suites--some of which are inter-connecting--we're especially well-suited for wedding parties, family reunions or for sharing vacations with friends.

Along with the large, front porch, we provide a picnic table at the rear of the property, comfortable chairs, fire pit, Weber grills and bike racks.

This listing presents the Manitou, a large suite that sleeps 2-4 guests. Featuring one private bedroom with a queen size bed, a living room with a couch that pulls out into a bed, large dining room, full kitchen and bath.

If the Manitou is booked on your chosen dates, please check the calendars for the Betsie (HomeAway #195186); Nannybird (HomeAway #186194); Lakeview (HomeAway #188035); or Sandune (HomeAway #185719).

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Laundry
Outdoor space
Water view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
One Pack-n-Play available, please ask for it
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Wedding parties and family reunions encouraged.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 4
Note from host: Wedding parties and family reunions encouraged.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Frankfort

Located in Frankfort, this holiday home is in the city centre. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and ice skating.
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Map
Frankfort, MI

What's nearby

  • Betsie Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Frankfort Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Frankfort Light - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Crystal Mountain - 23 min drive - 34.3 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Stormcloud Brewing Company - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Stormcloud Brewing Parkview Taproom - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Crescent Bakery & Cafe - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Lighthouse Cafe - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Family Friendly Suite a block from Lake Michigan pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Family Friendly Suite a block from Lake Michigan?

As of 27 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Family Friendly Suite a block from Lake Michigan on 22 May 2026 start from NZ$362, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Family Friendly Suite a block from Lake Michigan?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Family Friendly Suite a block from Lake Michigan?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Family Friendly Suite a block from Lake Michigan?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Family Friendly Suite a block from Lake Michigan located?

Located in the heart of Frankfort, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Betsie Lake and Lake Michigan. Frankfort Beach and Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts are also within 5 minutes.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful house in a great location

Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you Laura, we're glad you an enjoyable experience at Serendipity House. We welcome your return!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

VRBO never sent check in code so small hiccup in accessing property. Location was perfect. Property was large and well stocked.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 12 July 2021
Thanks Mary!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Robert P.

manitou was marvelous!

will return!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
A fast and favorable review. Thanks and hurry back! -Tim Bannister, Host
Verified

8/10 Good

Amy G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Manitou Suite: Satisfied Overall

Great location and overall satisfactory amenities. Pros: Location, lots of sight seeing in the area, cute town, felt safe, clean inside, water/sewer work perfectly, lots of room to spread out, comfortable bed, extra space in back to park cars for unloading/loading, ample kitchen amenities. Awesome front porch for reading and coffee in the morning or "people watching" in the evening. WiFi. Cons (not a deal breaker): curb appeal uninviting (appeared unkept, tall grass which is purposely there to prevent erosion but no effort in beautifying/honing the landscape around the property), Sticky/uneven doors (front (interior) door and bathroom door), dining room/kitchen was darkly lit with a couple bulbs out. Dining room table/chairs a bit worse for wear and uncomfortable, TV small for the room (kids used phones for entertainment), pillows are flat (bring your own), walls thin (because old house). Parking: I don't know if this is an issue that can be solved with the municipality, but I think parking spaces in front of the rentals should be designated for renters during peak seasonal tourism. We were able to move our vehicle to the front in the evening after beach crowd dissipated but having to do that every night was inconvenient. Would consider returning.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 October 2021
Dear Amy, Thanks for providing such a thorough review of Serendipity House, which was built in 1890 and is located just steps from the beach and downtown Frankfort. We agree that our location can't be beat. We've had a very humid and wet summer which may explain any issue with a "sticky" doors. We've had them checked out and everything is in perfect working order. In addition, the light bulbs above the antique oak dining table have been replaced so the kitchen is bright and cheery once again. As far as the TV goes, I think you are the first guest in 5 years to say it is too small- most folks spend their time outside or at the beach so much so that TV doesn't fit into their vacation plans unless of course, it rains. We'll see if we can plump up those pillows for you when you return! Thanks again and we're glad you enjoyed your stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rita B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

We were fishing in a tournament and this location was great for our crew. Close to the marina and good amenities.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 October 2021
Thanks Rita!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbie O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place, Great Location!

This property was very clean. The location was great. The town is super cute. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 September 2021
Thanks so much Debbie! It was wonderful to have you as a guest and we welcome your return to Frankfort.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location

Enjoyed our stay. Thank you!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 August 2021
Jennifer, we're so glad you enjoyed your stay and we welcome your return to Serendipity House! Sarah
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bob E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

September 2020

The property was very nice and as advertised. Communication with the host was very good
Response from VrboOwner on 11 September 2020
Thank you! We’re glad you enjoyed your stay and we welcome your return!
Verified

8/10 Good

Doug B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

In love with Frankfurt

Perfect location. Lovely atmosphere. Concerned about the safety of house structure
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 26 August 2020
Dear Doug, Thank you for your note. We agree that we are in the perfect location just steps from the beach and downtown. We hope your mother appreciated the use of the garage for storing her motorized scooter. Serendipity House was built in 1890 and requires lots of upkeep, as you can imagine. This fall, after the high season ends, we will be making some cosmetic improvements to the exterior as we do each year, and securing the handrail on the front porch that faces Betsie Bay. Winter winds, snow and ice can be hard on an old house and we work very hard to constantly maintain the safety and security for all our guests. Thanks again for booking with us and we hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!
Verified

8/10 Good

Rod L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Frankfort

amazing location . Close to the beach and downtown. Great front porch. The only issue, we did have guest from another unit walk in on us. Door did not lock from our side.
Response from VrboOwner on 3 August 2020
Thank you Rod! We agree our location is too-notch and we’re so glad you enjoyed your stay. We have addressed the adjoining suite door issue so that the door now locks from both sides. Thanks again and we welcome you to book with us in the future.
Verified

8/10 Good

Dawn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great location

Frankfort is a great town, the location of the place was amazing and we were able to walk everywhere in town and down to see the beautiful sunsets, however the Manitou Suite was only ok. It was very dark, little natural lighting nor decent lighting within, with zero views. So on the day it was rainy it was like trying to make due with night lights in the kitchen in dining room. Considering we were mostly on the go, the place was suitable to our needs and comfortable enough.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
We’re glad you enjoyed your stay in Frankfort! Thanks too for your comments regarding lighting in the Manitou, which is an interior suite and therefore doesn’t offer views of the bay like the Betsie or Lakeview suites. In the summertime our guest really enjoy it because it’s so cool after a long day at the sunny beach. We’ve added a floor lamp and extra table lamps for the remainder of the off-season. We welcome your return and invite you to book with us again in the summer and perhaps choose a suite that has a view. Thanks again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gro Karin H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great & relaxing!

We had our family of 4 ( one is a brand new Soft Coat Wheaton Terrier - Nori).. stay here. It was great and perfectly located from main shopping, all restaurants & the beach. We would recommend this to anyone who has some days to spend in Frankfort. We rented the Manitou suite & there was one bedroom with a queen bed & one sleeper sofa in living room (queen-size). Kitchen & dining room plus bathroom with a tub/shower. The standard is a little older but oh so charming!! The patio had a great swing and we really felt at home. Perfect for touring the area and taking day trips & the beach with the lighthouse walkway is great. Thank you.🤗
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you for the nice comments! We’re glad you enjoyed your stay with us and invite you to visit us again the next time your travels bring you to Frankfort.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan D.

Great pet friendly location in a beautiful town!

Serendipity House is right in the middle of the action in downtown Frankfort and steps from the Lake Michigan beach! We were able to walk everywhere we wanted to go. The dogs were welcomed in town and on a beautiful part of the beach. The Lakeview Suite at Serendipity House, while it could use some updating, was very clean, quiet, and well equipped.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Susan, We’re glad you enjoyed your stay at Serendipity House. You are welcome to visit us again anytime. Thanks, Sarah
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Serena L.

Just what we needed

It was easy, welcoming, comfortable, clean, flexible and the perfect location. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you Serena. We loved having you and your family and we welcome your return to Serendipity House!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Linda P.

Frankfort Pet Friendly!

Traveling with 2 dogs can be difficult and Serendipity House made it a pleasure! Easy walk to the Lake and also local amenities. Even traveling without our dogs, would definitely stay here again!~House is loaded with vintage charm! Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Vintage charm is a very good way to describe Serendipity House. I love it! think I will use that in our new brochure. Thank you!
Archival

6/10 Okay

Mary Jo W.

Love Frankfort and perfect location!

This property is in the perfect location as it is walking distance to all of downtown and to the beach. You can go back and forth and it is perfect for watching the sunset. The owner was great to deal with and they provide all amentities you could want. The biggest downfall with the house had an extreme odor problem that was almost unbearable. We even had all windows opened and burned our candle when we were there just to tolerate it. We believe because it is a pet friendly place and all the rugs are worn and old as if pets have messed on them and they have never been cleaned. We didn't stay inside much because we were out and about most of the time. We will definitely be returning to Frankfort and looking forward to visiting during all the other seasons as well. If the smell would be dealt with properly this rating would definitely be 5 stars!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
1aug17/10:26 am A very nice review. As regards the odor, it turns out the bay across the street and down a few blocks was being dredged across the street from us, and the prevailing wind pushed a sort of burnt smell-electrical odor through the neighborhood. Nonetheless, we'll upgrade our procedure for refreshing carpet and couches following pet guests. Thanks for the compliments! -Tim Bannister
Archival

8/10 Good

Stacy S.

Property is in a prime location!

Location was perfect! Space was adequate. Could use updating, but yet had everything we needed. Kitchen was lightly furnished.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thanks Stacy, we're glad you enjoyed your stay at Serendipity House. We continue to update the suites every year. Our kitchen has a full fridge, microwave, sink, disposal, coffee maker, toaster and all the glassware, utensils and dishware you need to make your stay enjoyable. Looking forward to seeing you again!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

Adorable and right downtown

Beautiful home a short walk to the water or downtown. Comfortable and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
"Adorable." That's a new adjective describing us. Much appreciated! -Tim Bannister
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Gail L.

Clean, comfortable and beautiful view

Our suite had a bedroom, sitting area with kitchenette and large bathroom. We had a front room with a beautiful view of the lake. Everything was clean and in excellent working order upon arrival. My husband, our dog and I enjoyed our stay very much. While I never met Tim face to face, he called and e-mailed all the details we needed. We did have his cell number if we had any problems. It was a great value and a lovely stay.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Getting feedback from a guest is always valuable--especially when it's positive! -Tim Bannister
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Fall Festival 2010

My family and I visited the Frankfort area last October for the Annual Fall Festival complete with lots of fun activities for kids and families. The Serendipity House is in the heart of all the action and is within walking distance to Lake Michigan's sandy beach, the festival, the Farmer's Market/Craft Show and the Garden Theater (where we watched the Spartans clobber the Wolverines). There are dozens of restaurants and shops nearby and many activities; the Serendipity House is a comfortable and friendly place to stay- I highly recommend it.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Serendipity House...a cozy place away from home

I have been coming to the 'Frankfort Harvest Festival', which occurs the first weekend in October, with my two granddaughter's, for the past three years. We've always had a great time enjoying many of the fall festival events that the city of Frankfort works so hard to present. The Serendipity House, with it's perfect location and cozy atmosphere, is just the right place to stay for this or any other of Frankfort's events or activities, year round.

About the host

Hosted by Sarah McCallum

Host profile image
Sarah's father Tim got into innkeeping accidentally, when his stepfather surprised his mother with the purchase of a resort in nearby Arcadia complete with a motel and 12 cottages. It was a long, colorful and rocky road until the resort was sold in 2007, but over time Tim learned a great deal as an innkeeper. Tim's daughter Sarah seeks to continue her father's legacy in 2018 and beyond by ensuring each guest has a pleasant stay.

Why they chose this property

Pierside Lodging had been a bed-and-breakfast that had closed in 2003. Tim purchased the property in 2007 and renamed it 'Serendipity House.' Built in 1890, the house has always served as an inn, going back to hosting the workers who built the nearby Frankfort Light and Pier.

What makes this property unique

Today, Serendipity House is a one-of-a-kind inn configured for vacationers who value a unique experience that includes their accommodations. Situated on Main Street a block from Lake Michigan and adjacent to Frankfort's charming downtown district, the inn recalls earlier times when residents would exchange greetings from their front porches. Serendipity has a front porch and an living space with all the amenities for those vacationers who enjoy something unique.

Languages:

English
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