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The Westender

Photo gallery for The Westender

A wooden deck with a table and chairs, overlooking a body of water. - The Westender (Hessel)
A cozy cabin interior with a fireplace, wooden walls, a sofa, a chair, and a television. - The Westender (Hessel)
A cozy cabin interior with a fireplace, a sofa, a television, and a view of the outdoors. - The Westender (Hessel)
A wooden interior with a dining table, chairs, a fireplace, and kitchen cabinets. - The Westender (Hessel)
A lakeside cabin with a dock, surrounded by dense forest and a clear sky. - The Westender (Hessel)
The Westender provides a firepit and more. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Fireplace
  • Lake view

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About this property

The Westender

  • Summary:

    Welcome to The Westender Retreat, a lakeside hideaway on the peaceful west end of the Les Cheneaux Islands in Hessel, Michigan. With views across Lake Huron, a private dock house, and room for up to 12 guests, it’s an easy base for a family getaway or a trip with friends.



    The Space:

    The main cabin

    Settle into the main cabin and light a fire in the classic fieldstone fireplace. It has two bedrooms, one with a king bed and one with a queen and a double, plus a full kitchen for big group dinners or slow weekend breakfasts.



    The shack

    Just steps away, the separate shack offers a private retreat with a queen bed and its own bathroom. It’s perfect for a couple who want a little extra privacy, or for guests who like having their own space.



    The waterfront

    The property sits right on the shore of Lake Huron. Down at the water you’ll find a screened-in dock house, which guests love for meals, card games, and late-night conversation without the bugs. There’s also a fire pit by the lake for evening s’mores and stargazing. Bring your boat and use the boat slip to explore the islands, which are best seen from the water.



    The Neighborhood:

    Lakeside hideaway on the peaceful west end of the Les Cheneaux Islands in Hessel, Michigan.



    Other Things to Note:

    Bring your boat and explore all that the Les Cheneaux Islands have to offer from the water!



    Interaction with Guests:

    Guests will check-in directly at the property with an access code.

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About the area

Located in Hessel, this cottage is on the waterfront. British Landing and Fort Holmes are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Huron and Sandy Cove. The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World and Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory are also worth visiting. Visit our Hessel travel guide
View more Cottages in Hessel
Map
Hessel, MI

What's nearby

  • A long bridge spanning a calm body of water, with a park and buildings in the foreground.
    Mackinac Bridge
    35 min drive - 40.0 miles
  • A snow-covered landscape with a lighthouse, a red-roofed building, and a bridge in the background.
    Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
    40 min drive - 43.6 miles
  • Kewadin Casino - St. Ignace
    29 min drive - 31.3 miles
  • Headlands International Dark Sky Park
    44 min drive - 45.2 miles
  • Bay Mills Casino
    57 min drive - 66.5 miles

Getting around

  • Sault Ste. Marie, MI (CIU-Chippewa County Intl.)
    32 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Tipper Room
    7 min drive
  • Les Cheneaux Culinary School Restaurant
    18 min walk
  • Snows Bar and Grill
    8 min drive
  • The Islander Bar
    18 min walk
  • Ang-Gios
    6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Westender pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Westender?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Westender?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Westender located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is steps from Lake Huron and 11.5 mi (18.6 km) from Sandy Cove. Kewadin Casino - St. Ignace and Castle Rock are also within 25 miles (40 km).

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Reviews

The Westender Reviews

8.6

Excellent

7.0

Cleanliness

10

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Beautiful view with lots of space to spread out and relax while enjoying nature.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Our favorite spot!

The Westender has become our favorite vacation spot. Wonderfully relaxing atmosphere with access to most amenities you could need on vacation. The boathouse provides a nice hangout spot with a calm breeze. We’ll be back for sure!
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
We were not made aware of the cameras on the property and the one that overlooks the beach where we were all spending quality time was uncomfortable. Had this been clearly stated in the listing we would have passed on the rental. Also, the owner and his family used part of the property throughout our stay and it didn’t feel like the much needed private getaway we were going for.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Another Great Year

We have been visiting the Westender for several years now. It’s always a wonderful vacation. Located in a quiet spot, but close to lots of fun things in Hessel and Cedarville, as well as within a reasonable drive for lots of other adventures. We are already looking forward to visiting again!