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2-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 10:00

Northwind Resort

Northwind Resort offers straightforward rooms with free Wi-Fi and boat mooring on Torch Lake’s private beach. Conveniently located near Cherry Capital Airport.

12553 S West, SW Torch Lake Dr, Rapid City, MI 49676, United States View on map
8.4/10
Very Good Based on 30 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable lakeside stay with friendly, family-run service

Guests appreciate the motel's prime Torch Lake location, helpful and personalized service, and convenient boat access. The straightforward accommodations suit visitors seeking a relaxed, water-centered experience with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Guests often praise

  • Exceptional lakefront location with private beach and easy boat mooring.
  • Friendly, attentive, and family-oriented staff providing personalized hospitality.
  • Clean, cozy rooms with notably comfortable beds.
  • Convenient amenities like locked bike storage, bagged ice station, and a private courtyard with grills and a bonfire pit.
  • Close proximity to the famous Torch Lake sandbar and local attractions.

Worth knowing

  • No on-site restaurant, fitness center, pool, or pet accommodations available.
  • Free parking and Wi-Fi are available but the motel maintains a simple, no-frills setup.
  • Nearby dining options require a short walk or drive, including a recommended restaurant across the street.
  • Ideal for bringing personal boats and water gear, with extra supplies like buoys provided by staff.
  • The motel is family-owned and operated, reflecting a warm, community feel rather than luxury resort services.

Best for

  • Families looking for a welcoming, kid-friendly lakeside getaway with water activities.
  • Boating, fishing, swimming, and outdoor enthusiasts wanting private beach access.
  • Visitors who value straightforward, comfortable accommodations over luxury extras.
  • Guests seeking a quiet, community-driven environment close to Torch Lake highlights.
  • Travelers planning to explore nearby wineries, lakes, and outdoor recreation.
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About this property

Welcome to Northwind Resort

Northwind Resort is a straightforward motel located on a private beach along Torch Lake's southwestern shore in Rapid City, Michigan. Ideal for families and visitors looking for a relaxed lakeside stay, it features simple, cozy rooms with free Wi-Fi and convenient boat mooring. The property operates with a check-in time of 15:00 and check-out by 10:00, accommodating guests who appreciate easy access to water activities.

The motel offers free parking and is kid-friendly, though it does not provide pet accommodations, a restaurant, or fitness facilities. Guests consistently praise the helpful and welcoming staff, noting the well-maintained grounds and useful amenities like secure bike storage and communal spaces with gas grills and a bonfire pit. Some visitors also highlight the comfortable beds and the availability of bagged ice for purchase on site.

Situated just a short swim from the famous Torch Lake sandbar, the property provides direct access to clear waters popular for boating, fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding. Nearby attractions include Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn and Elk Lake, broadening outdoor and leisure options. The motel is reachable within 35 minutes from Cherry Capital Airport, making it convenient for travelers arriving by air.

Reviewers often emphasize Northwind Resort’s genuine, family-owned atmosphere and its prime location, which suits guests seeking a quiet, water-oriented getaway rather than extensive on-site amenities. While the motel is basic compared to other local accommodations, the combination of lakeside setting and attentive service makes it a fitting choice for visitors prioritizing access to Torch Lake and its recreational offerings.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Kid-friendly

Not available at this property

Pool
Pet-friendly
Restaurant
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

SS
Sarah Sluiter Apr 06, 2026
10

My husband and I stayed for our anniversary, brought our boat , bikes and fan. Staff put our bikes in the locked storage for the nights to insure they would not be stolen. We brought our 14ft boat and forgot Buoys, staff had extra and offered for us to use! Great location.

CKP
Crypto Kid Podcast Mar 31, 2026
10

Everything was perfect! Enjoyed every aspect of staying here.

E
Ethan Mar 28, 2026
10

We had an amazing time at this motel! Everything was clean, cozy, and welcoming. What really made our stay special was the boat access – absolutely perfect for a day on the water! The kids had a blast, and there were plenty of safe, fun spots for the whole family to enjoy. The staff was super friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere felt relaxed but well taken care of. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, or just relaxing by the water, this is a great spot. We’ll definitely be coming back – highly recommend for families looking for a fun and memorable stay!

HT
Hailey Tolchin Mar 25, 2026
10

The best place on torch- girls weekend, great location, close to the sandbar and close to the party store! We love sandy and her sister!

JB
Julia Bell Mar 11, 2026
10

This was my second time staying at Northwinds resort and I can tell you that this place is run like a well oiled machine. The views are amazing as well as the little beach and the floating raft with built in seats, the little private courtyard with gas grills, bonfire pit and a place to put empties. They also have bagged ice that you can help yourself to and you just write down how many you use on the iceboard outside the office and pay when you leave. The staff was more than kind and very helpful. We booked for 2023. Can't wait! Thanks, Northwinds! P.S. Their beds are the most comfortable beds ever!

MM
Mike Martin Jan 30, 2026
10

Had a wonderful stay on a business trip. The staff is so nice. It’s a family owned hotel for many years. They really care about the property. Very helpful to the guest. There’s a good restaurant across the street. If you don’t have a boat, you can easily access the famous sandbar during the day by walking!

JB
Jackie Brann Jan 22, 2026
10

My family and I have been coming up to Torch Lake since I was a child, and it never loses its magic. The lake itself is absolutely gorgeous, and Northwind Resort is truly in the best location on Torch. This cozy, family-owned motel makes you feel right at home the moment you arrive. The owners treat you like family, and that genuine hospitality is something you don’t always find these days. Northwind is just a short swim away from the famous sandbar – it doesn’t get more prime than that. Whether you’re fishing, swimming, boating, skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just soaking up the peaceful beauty of Torch Lake, this spot offers it all. It’s where some of my best summer memories have been made. I definitely recommend Northwind Resort to anyone visiting Torch Lake. I’ll be back again year after year.

BY
Brendin Yatooma Jan 17, 2026
10

Great community feel, and the best location on Torch Lake. Everyone in the family who owns the place is kind and care about making your time at Torch memorable. Awesome place to stay with the fam!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Northwind Resort

Rapid City, Michigan, USA

This basic hotel sits on the southwestern shore of Torch Lake, a 14-minute drive from Highway 31 and Lake Michigan.

  • Cherry Capital Airport 35 min Car
  • Pellston Regional Airport 1 hr 33 Car
  • Manistee County Blacker Airport 1 hr 46 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Michigan. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Torch Lake 503 reviews

Torch Lake

Michigan, USA

4.7 · Lake
Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn 1,390 reviews

Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn

15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

4.5 · Winery
Elk Lake 37 reviews

Elk Lake

Michigan, USA

4.8 · Lake
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