Once known as a top family-friendly destination beloved by families, the East Bay Lodge has morphed into a dilapidated resort for dogs and is now called HOME to at least 4 wayward locals. If you have kids – stay elsewhere. If you remember it from years ago, don’t go back because it’s not what it used to be AT ALL. The Lodge has been in decline since about 2006, but this year was the worst I’ve ever seen it.



Wanna lay on the beach? Watch out – it’s basically a giant litter box for dogs marking their territory. Wanna go for a swim? Don’t stay in the shallow water because you or your kids will get Swimmer’s Itch (even though management will tell you it’s gone for the season). Kids wanna play video games? Too bad – the few video games have been replaced by misc. ugly cabinets storing power tools and random crap. No more Snack Shack by the beach, no more Kids Games (even though the web site says they still have them). No ice machine, no snack machine.



Don’t let the kids out of your sight – seemingly friendly dogs can and WILL bite you or your child (ask Roscommon Animal Control if you don’t believe me). WEIRDO ALERT: There’s no way of knowing if the “permanent residents” of the Lodge are criminals, addicts OR sex offenders. Aside from various dogs and grime, the Lodge premises aren’t the safest, either. During our stay, several power tools (various saws, nail gun) were plugged in and left unattended by the back patio door to the lakefront for long periods, accessible to the smallest of kids and pets alike. Nice.



Daily “maid service” consisted of clean towels only when you requested them. No making of beds, no trash pick-up – nothing. We were not even on the Lodge’s “Michigan Plan” which means no maid service, although I don’t really know what the difference is. Comforters are not clean (visible stains), and neither are the icky, dog-hair covered blankets that drape over the futons in the lobby. If you’re lucky, the Summer heat will intensify the smell of dog throughout the entire lobby. YAY! Another hint of advice: don’t walk around barefoot inside – not all owners clean-up after their pets. But that’s okay, according to the Lodge owners because: “this normally doesn’t happen and we steam clean the carpet all of the time…..” yeah, right. And I’m the Pope. The black/dirty feet bottoms say enough.



Needless to say, we’re not going back. Can’t believe this place gets good reviews even from dog owners. 98% of the pictures here and on their website are from when the place was Shea’s Lodge in 2003 and earlier. How about some pictures of the place from THIS Summer? Hmm……. It’s about time this place got exposed for what it is TODAY: a run-down, dirty, poorly managed, anti-family-friendly establishment. The Lodge has literally gone to the dogs. You’d HAVE to be there for a marijuana convention in order to enjoy it! One can only hope that someone with a lot of $$$ swoops in and saves the place from impending doom.



P.S. There's not a doubt in my mind that the owners will scramble to “justify” and excuse-away everything I've written. That's ok, because the truth HAS to be told, no matter how difficult or upsetting it is. Seeing really is believing!

Sure you can find better at any chain. No air, no room service, no phones. Just plain relaxing like the old days. Maybe go fishing. Maybe go swimming. Maybe just sit around chatting with new friends and play with a dog. Been coming for years.The biggest decision you gotta make is where to eat. Need something, got a concern, just let Randy know, if he can make it right, he will.

My daughter, dog and I spent 7 nights while attending Dog Scout Camp nearby. We enjoyed the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, our hosts, the location and the other guests. I've never stayed anywhere else where dogs are so welcomed. We'll be back next year.

These are good people who create a homey atmosphere for strangers to get friendly with each other. Excellent for the older crowd to kick back and take it easy. Stay away if you're looking for a cloned freeway hotel.