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3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

The Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston

Stay at The Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston, a 4.5-star motel offering free Wi-Fi, parking, and pet-friendly rooms near Pine Knob Ski Resort and Van Norman Lake.

5835 Dixie Hwy, Village of Clarkston, MI 48346, United States View on map
9/10
Exceptional Based on 272 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Pool Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Cozy lakeside motel with clean, comfortable rooms and thoughtful touches

Visitors highlight the relaxing lake views, friendly service, and cabin-like atmosphere, while noting some noise from a nearby busy road. Ideal for those seeking a simple, quiet stay close to nature and local attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Cleanliness and well-maintained rooms with cozy, rustic decor
  • Friendly and attentive management providing welcoming service
  • Comfortable beds and well-equipped kitchenettes in some rooms
  • Peaceful lakefront setting with a beautiful covered deck
  • Thoughtful amenities and little details like high-quality toilet paper and memory foam pillows

Worth knowing

  • Located next to a busy road, resulting in some traffic noise despite wall padding
  • No breakfast provided, but free parking and Wi-Fi are included
  • Basic motel accommodations, with some rooms offering dock access to the lake
  • Not a luxury property—expect a simple cabin vibe rather than upscale finishes
  • No airport shuttle or fitness center available on site

Best for

  • Guests looking for a quiet, nature-focused getaway near Van Norman Lake
  • Visitors wanting pet-friendly and kid-friendly lodging with kitchen facilities
  • Those attending events or attractions nearby such as Pine Knob Ski Resort and DTE Energy Music Theatre
  • Travelers seeking affordable, non-chain accommodations with personal touches
  • Short or extended stays with emphasis on comfort and local charm over luxury
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About this property

Welcome to The Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston

The Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston is a woodsy, low-rise motel located on the shores of Van Norman Lake in the Village of Clarkston, Michigan. With its simple yet comfortable accommodations, this 4.5-star property offers a blend of motel and hotel features, including some rooms equipped with kitchens and lakefront views. Guests can enjoy a covered deck overlooking the water, providing a relaxing spot to unwind.

Rooms at this property are noted for their cozy, rustic charm and practical amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly policies. While the décor leans toward a cabin-like atmosphere, rooms remain clean and functional, featuring essentials like heating, kitchenettes, and memory foam pillows, which guests have highlighted as thoughtful touches. Some travelers mention proximity to a busy road, though sound insulation helps minimize disruption.

The location is convenient for visitors interested in outdoor activities and entertainment. Just a short drive away lie destinations such as Pine Knob Ski Resort, the SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, and Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, all popular for skiing, family outings, and waterfront recreation. The property is also accessible from major airports within a reasonable drive.

Free parking and accessibility options add to the practical appeal, though there is no airport shuttle or fitness center onsite, and breakfast is not provided. The Olde Mill Inn suits travelers seeking a straightforward stay near natural attractions, including families, pet owners, and those attending nearby events or concerts. Guest reviews frequently praise the attentive management and the inviting, homely atmosphere of the inn.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Pool
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Kitchens in some rooms

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

RWR
Regina Ward- Regina The Energizer! Mar 31, 2026
10

This Olde Inn is the perfect stay if you are looking for a taste of up north a little closer to home. Being an hour away from home, I was looking for somewhere to stay that was minutes away from the rehabilitation center my mother was staying in after her knee surgery. This property was tucked away, safe, with adequate parking. This quaint room was equipped with a small stove top, sink and mini refrigerator. It had heat and air, and was so warm and clean! (Smelled good too!) The view of the lake was beautiful and calming. The owner was very friendly and accommodating, so much so that I stayed an extra night. I was also impressed by the variety of food options in the area. Whether you are looking for an overnight stay or a more lengthy one, this is the place for you! I will definitely be returning when I need a quick get away!

E
Erika Mar 22, 2026
8.0

This is not typically the type of reviews I do but this place needed one. My husband booked this place for a concert that we came up to see. Let me tell you I wasn't expecting this place! Never judge a book by the cover. This place was sooo cute & cozy. We ended up in the largest room they have "honeymoon suite". Large kitchen, living room & main bed was all one room. Bathroom was tiny but efficient for what we needed. It had a 2nd bedroom area that led out to the shared back patio. We had access to paddle boats, kayaks & fire pit. What was also cute was able to feed the ducks & turtles . The staff was so kind & made us feel right at home.

TM
Tonya Mihay Mar 21, 2026
10

Absolutely love this place. Art the manager is amazing and very attentive to his guests. I have stayed several times in the past 5 months for work. Cozy and quiet. Comfortable beds. Rooms are clean.

SB
Scott Bailey Mar 05, 2026
8.0

Pet friendly, non-big chain, unique accommodation. Room was super clean & spacious w/ kitchenette. Hated the heavy pillows but served its purpose for the night. Will go back to experience the lake and back deck in warm weather.

SP
Scott Petkov Feb 25, 2026
10

Clean cozy rooms some rooms have a dock entrance with a nice relaxing view. We stayed with large group for a local event. Had zero issues Will stay here again.

A
Alisa Feb 17, 2026
10

I loved this place! When I walked in our room, the first thing I said was "omg I love it!" I loved the rustic decor. Staying in this room felt like being in a cabin or cottage. So cozy and cute. The place was clean and I loved the beautiful deck overlooking the lake. They also had a lot of nice little touches like memory foam pillows! I usually bring my own because hotel pillows suck but I didn't need it this time. Oh and they even had thick, soft toilet paper not that thin, cheap stuff others use. Everything about this place was awesome right down to all the little details.

SD
Sam dekam Feb 10, 2026
10

Would give 10/5. I work in the hospitality industry and I was blown away but the cleanliness of this motel. At the price I had little expectations honestly but my boyfriend and I couldn’t stop talking about how lovely our room was. It was beautiful to walk out the door onto the back porch to be right on the water! We were wishing for more time to spend at the Inn! I would recommend staying here to anyone but please note it is next to a busy road so you will hear traffic, the bed is clean but it is nothing fancy, you do have a freezer in your room! Don’t expect a royal room, this is cabin vibe in the best ways!

JT
Joshua Tempesta Jan 05, 2026
10

The owner of this place obviously appreciates the little things. Never been to a nicer $100/night motel. The toilet paper is high quality. They have nice little decorations all throughout the room. Beds have proper mattress covers and we did not see any insect activity whatsoever. The only real downside is the extremely loud stroad it’s next to. But they must have a decent amount of padding in the front walls because it was surprisingly suppressed.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston

Village of Clarkston, Michigan, USA

Situated on Van Norman Lake, this basic, low-rise hotel lies 5.7 miles from Pine Knob Ski Resort and 5.8 miles from the DTE Energy Music Theatre.

  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport 59 min Car
  • Bishop International Airport 31 min Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Michigan. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium 6,515 reviews

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium

4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, United States

4.3 · Aquarium
Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort 2,676 reviews

Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort

7778 Sashabaw Rd, Independence Township, MI 48348, United States

4.4 · Ski Resort
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area 2,384 reviews

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

2401 N Williams Lake Rd, Waterford Township, MI 48327, United States

4.6 · State Park
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