One problem with our corner of the world is that there aren’t a lot of hotels and motels; rather, there are lots of house rentals. Which is fine if you’re looking to stay a week or with a group.

Al & Sally’s is a motor lodge that’s been a mainstay of Highway 12 for some 70 years. But until recently, it wasn’t a place we’d recommend. Beginning in May 2021, new owners began an major renovation with new paint, landscaping, all new furnishings in rooms, the addition of an outdoor seating and bonfire area, grills and picnic tables. Also: A pickleball court!

When we toured the property last year during an open house, one of the owners told me his wife insisted on top-quality mattresses and bedding. Aside from individual rooms, there’s a guest house (once the proprietor’s residence) that sleeps eight.

The owners organize group bike rides several times a year; check social media for more info. Al & Sally’s address is Michigan City, but it’s on the outskirts near Beverly Shores and The Pines; it’s just a mile and a half from Central Beach in the Indiana Dunes. It’s also close to one of my favorite area restaurants: Joe & Freddy’s. From the outside, you’d expect typical tavern menu of fried foods and burgers. Not so. Chef/owner Nicole Bissonnette, who also owns the excellent Bartlett’s Fishcamp in Michigan City and was a co-owner of beloved Bartlett’s in Beverly Shores, serves up Texas BBQ, ramen and Thai noodles, Mexican specialties, fresh fish (I love the walleye piccata), terrific tavern-style pizza, salads, cocktails and more. There’s even a cauliflower rice bowl and a fabulous flourless chocolate cake.

Another roadside motel that has gotten an upgrade in the past few years is 4411 Inn & Suites, also on Dunes Highway in Michiana. Some rooms open onto patios that face onto woods, and there’s a fireplace out front, as well as a food truck, Cook Street serving up surprisingly great breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

Two other cool area hotels come from The Neighborhood group, which also has hotels in Lincoln Park and Little Italy in Chicago. Over here, you’ll find one in Grand Beach and one in New Buffalo. Both have communal kitchens, screen porches, and firepit/grilling areas. The Grand Beach property (19400 Ravine Dr., New Buffalo), tucked into the woods, has a pool and a basement gameroom/bar. It has 14 suites, two of which sleep 6, and two standalone cottages. New Buffalo (18 W. Merchant St.) has 10 suites and is within walking distance of downtown’s shops and restaurants and the beach.

See also: Now you can rent an historic log home in the Indiana Dunes National Park with Lake Michigan views.