Sandy Lake Success & Guest-Driven Upgrades
I absolutely love the view from the 2nd floor dining table at Sandy Lake Lodge!
This first summer for our new Sandy Lake rentals has been a huge success! We’ve been booked solid, and now that we finally have small breaks between stays, we’re focused on updates and upgrades to make these properties even better for future guests.
Upgrades at Sandy Lake Lodge & Retreat
At the Lodge, we’re planning:
- Clearing more lake frontage for better views
- Removing the large dead tree near the shoreline
- Deactivating the gas fireplace and replacing it with a safer LED option
- Rearranging furniture to add more sleeper sofa options for guests ️
- Adding karaoke and indoor games to make rainy days more fun
At the Retreat, similar updates are on the horizon:
- Adding a sleeper sofa to increase sleeping capacity ️
- Installing central air for better comfort ❄️
- Adding a new washer, dryer, and upgraded appliances
Bringing properties like these back to life and sharing their amazing locations with our guests is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
Visibility Matters: Listing on Every Platform
Every property performs differently across platforms, especially in the early years:
- One apartment primarily books through Booking.com
- Another sees most of its reservations from VRBO
- Our seasoned rentals get balanced bookings through Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and direct reservations on our website
The goal? Be visible everywhere so we can connect with guests wherever they’re searching. We review and tweak our listings regularly to make sure we’re always putting our best foot forward.
The Power of Feedback
We take guest reviews seriously and use them to improve whenever we can:
- A guest recently flagged a showerhead issue after their stay. Had we known during their visit, we could have fixed it right away — and we’ve already replaced it for future guests.
- Another suggested removing large windows at Goose’s Hall for “more privacy.” While we appreciate the thought, some updates just aren’t feasible when the current setup works well for most guests.
- And yes, sometimes nature wins — mosquitoes by the lake, rain during a stay, or wildlife wandering close by are part of the Upper Peninsula outdoor experience.
On the flip side, positive suggestions have led us to add:
- Karaoke machines
- Family-friendly games
- Puzzles and books for cozy downtime
- Extra kitchen appliances like crockpots and griddles
- Bar supplies and other thoughtful touches
- Dog waste baggies by the doors for easy cleanup after the pooches
These small details make our spaces feel more like home and give guests more ways to relax and enjoy their stay — rain or shine.
Your Turn: Help Us Improve
We love adding value to our guest experiences, and some of our best upgrades have come directly from guest feedback. So tell us:
What makes your trips and getaways better?
Drop your thoughts, and you might see them in our next round of updates!