The 8 Best Resorts on Lake Erie | Hand-Picked for 2025
We analyzed all the available choices around the lake and found the best resorts on Lake Erie that offer not only comfortable stays but also memorable lakeside experiences, panoramic views, and extensive amenities that cater to a wide variety of travelers.
These retreats all sit directly on the lake to provide you with unobstructed views of the water and sometimes direct access to the beach as well.
We also made sure to find options all across the lakefront, so there are choices here near big cities like Cleveland, Sandusky, Erie, and Buffalo.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To compile this curated list of the best resorts Lake Erie has to offer, we closely reviewed feedback from actual guests through multiple reliable platforms including Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.
We factored in ratings for location, cleanliness, hospitality, on-site facilities, dining quality, proximity to Lake Erie, and family-friendliness. Resort websites and independent travel publications helped verify room types, beachfront access, and recreational options.
The 8 Best Lake Erie Resorts for 2025
8. Kelleys Island Venture Resort
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Kelleys Island, Ohio
Key Highlights:
- Located just 250 feet from the shores of Lake Erie
- 18 luxury suites with private balconies
- Walking distance to downtown Kelleys Island attractions
This boutique-style retreat is tucked right on the edge of Kelleys Island and is just a little more serene than your average tourist hub, which honestly, adds to its charm.
With virtually every room offering a clear, unobstructed view of Lake Erie’s calm waters, the property is pretty much built for relaxation seekers who appreciate space and comfort.
The suites here are fairly spacious and designed in a way that feels more like upscale vacation apartments than traditional hotel rooms. Each comes with separate living spaces, kitchenettes, and private patios or balconies that look out onto the lake.
The outdoor heated pool and hot tub area sits just across from the water’s edge, and while there’s no formal spa, the peaceful ambiance might be all you need. Families appreciate the nearby hiking trails and bike paths, while couples enjoy the short walk to wine tastings, local bars, and island restaurants.
There’s no restaurant on-site, but guests can easily walk to multiple local dining spots, some of which are known for their local perch and Lake Erie walleye specialties.
This is one of the more peaceful Lake Erie resorts on the beach, especially suited for travelers who value intimacy and scenic views more than large-scale entertainment.
7. Put-in-Bay Resort Hotel and Conference Center – Most Affordable
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Key Highlights:
- Steps from DeRivera Park and 0.2 miles from the Lake Erie waterfront
- 40-person hot tub and massive outdoor pool with a swim-up bar
- Complimentary hot breakfast daily
If you’re searching for one of the most budget-friendly resorts on Lake Erie that doesn’t skimp on features, this one is a strong contender.
It’s very lively, definitely geared toward groups, families, and anyone craving a bit more social atmosphere during their stay.
The room selections here range from basic double queens to poolside suites and even large villas with multiple bedrooms.
While it might be a little louder than others on this list, the tradeoff comes in the form of value: you’ll get access to a giant heated pool, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and one of the largest outdoor hot tubs in the area.
The location is just a quick stroll from the edge of Lake Erie, meaning you’re never far from the action. Restaurants, golf cart rentals, and ferry services are all within walking distance. There’s also a gym and meeting rooms if you’re mixing work with leisure.
Put-in-Bay Resort is a favorite among younger travelers who want to enjoy a beach resort on Lake Erie without emptying their wallet.
6. Courtyard By Marriott Erie Bayfront
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Key Highlights:
- Directly on the Lake Erie Bayfront with marina views
- Indoor and outdoor pools with lakefront seating
- Modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows
Located right on the scenic bayfront area of Erie, this sleek Marriott resort offers a really modern setting with panoramic waterfront views and a refined kind of comfort that’s perfect for couples and business travelers alike.
The indoor and outdoor pools overlook the marina, and there’s a restaurant on-site—Shoreline Bar & Grille—that features outdoor seating along the water.
You’ll find the rooms are a bit more upscale than standard Courtyard properties, many featuring large windows that frame Lake Erie beautifully.
In fact, the lakefront walking trail connects directly to the property, and you’re just a short walk from the Erie Maritime Museum, Bayfront Convention Center, and a variety of waterfront dining spots.
Its location also provides uninterrupted lake access and striking sunsets.
For families, the indoor pool provides a reliable backup when the weather turns, and the Erie Zoo is just a quick drive away. It’s one of the more urban-style Lake Erie resorts that offers convenience without sacrificing atmosphere.
5. Hotel Breakers – Best-Seller
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Sandusky, Ohio
Key Highlights:
- Located directly on Lake Erie with a private beach
- 669 rooms including suites with lakefront balconies
- Walking distance to Cedar Point Amusement Park
This extremely popular Lake Erie resort sits directly on a private stretch of beach and offers what’s arguably one of the most iconic waterfront experiences in the region, making it one of the best Lake Erie resorts on the beach.
It’s part of the Cedar Point complex, which, of course, means thrill rides and roller coasters are within walking distance.
The property features several pools, including a lakeside pool and indoor pool, plus two hot tubs, firepits, and direct lake access. Many rooms include private balconies overlooking the lake or the park, and there’s even a Starbucks in the lobby if you’re into that kind of morning ritual.
Restaurants include Italian, American, and grab-and-go snack bars. Families are clearly the main demographic here, with tons of kid-friendly options and a casual environment throughout.
That said, the beach is beautiful and long enough for a quiet morning stroll away from the activity, especially during weekdays or off-peak times.
Among beach resorts on Lake Erie, Hotel Breakers remains a clear favorite thanks to its unbeatable access to both lake and theme park attractions.
4. Buffalo Marriott At Harborcenter
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Buffalo, New York
Key Highlights:
- Adjacent to Canalside and Lake Erie’s eastern edge
- 205 rooms with soundproof windows and lake views
- Connected to KeyBank Center for events
This upscale, city-based resort offers a refined type of stay right next to the shoreline of Lake Erie and sits at the heart of Buffalo’s waterfront development, known as Canalside.
It’s sleek, modern, and kind of perfect for those wanting to mix culture, sports, and scenic views all in one trip.
Guests rave about the soundproof rooms, which feature large windows, plush beds, and smart technology. The on-site Panorama on Seven restaurant offers lakefront dining and cocktails that are honestly better than you’d expect from a chain resort.
From here, you’re just a stone’s throw from events at KeyBank Center, boat rentals, ice rinks in winter, and a lively series of concerts in summer.
While it’s not a traditional beach resort on Lake Erie, the location still puts you right beside the water, with several walking paths and parks just outside the lobby.
Families and business travelers alike often choose this spot for its proximity to the lake and modern luxuries.
3. Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Key Highlights:
- Connected to the Bayfront Convention Center
- 200 rooms with expansive views of Presque Isle Bay
- On-site waterfront restaurant and indoor pool
Connected by skywalk to the Bayfront Convention Center, this contemporary Lake Erie resort offers a very relaxing setting paired with business-friendly amenities.
It’s positioned right on Presque Isle Bay, which gives it a unique mix of water views and marina activity.
Rooms are updated, clean, and come with floor-to-ceiling windows—some of which show off the bay and distant lake beyond. The hotel restaurant offers a respectable range of American-style meals, while the lobby lounge gives guests a chill setting for evening drinks.
Guests can walk to nearby marinas or take a 10-minute drive to the sandy beaches at Presque Isle State Park, one of the best known waterfront parks on Lake Erie.
The indoor pool, while modest, stays open year-round and is a hit with families traveling during colder months.
Among Lake Erie resorts on the beach, it’s an excellent city-meets-nature hybrid with solid service and a clean, upscale vibe.
2. The Wave At Marblehead – Top Value Pick
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Marblehead, Ohio
Key Highlights:
- Set on 2.5 acres with private beach access
- Outdoor pool with sundeck and picnic area
- Pet-friendly and family-oriented property
The Wave At Marblehead is a slightly underrated but thoroughly charming resort that sits right on the shoreline with grassy spaces and walking paths leading directly to the beach.
It’s perfect for travelers looking for a bit more space and a more home-like experience at a better value, making it one of the best beach resorts Lake Erie has to offer.
The accommodations include condos, villas, and suites—each with full kitchens and living rooms. The outdoor pool area has plenty of seating, and there’s even a small play zone for kids. The pet-friendly policy makes it a favorite for families on the move.
Located very close to Marblehead Lighthouse and the ferry terminal to Kelleys Island, this property puts you near both nature and local attractions.
It’s one of the beach resorts on Lake Erie that’s quietly grown in popularity thanks to solid service and scenic views without the inflated price tag.
1. Hilton Cleveland Downtown – Top Overall
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Key Highlights:
- 32 stories with direct views of Lake Erie
- 600+ rooms, many with lakeside windows
- Indoor pool and rooftop bar overlooking the water
As far as luxury and scale go, this is the most complete resort-style property on the shores of Lake Erie.
Towering above Cleveland’s waterfront, the Hilton Cleveland Downtown is a sleek, high-rise property that merges business class features with seriously incredible lake views.
Rooms are modern and come with plush bedding, large windows, and optional upgrades to corner suites with panoramic scenes of the water. The rooftop bar, Bar 32, is perched near the top floor and offers some of the clearest sunset views you’ll ever find in a city-based resort.
Guests also enjoy an indoor pool, 24/7 fitness center, on-site dining at The Burnham Restaurant, and direct access to the Huntington Convention Center. Walkways connect the property to waterfront attractions like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and FirstEnergy Stadium.
Therefore, we think it is the best resort on Lake Erie thanks to its size, comfort, views, and access to everything that makes Cleveland’s lakefront so exciting.
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