Star Gate Motel

This was a great stay! We decided to travel to the area in the winter and see this part of the state in a different season. This was a last minute gem! The motel was very convenient to the highway and to town. There were plenty of restaurants close and we loved exploring more of the surrounding countryside. The room was meticulously cleaned. It has been updated with new floors, a new bathroom redo and new decor. They used cool old speakers as end tables and the king room had a nice couch for watching tv. The bed was really comfortable, and had upscale sheets and a nice comforter- with a super clean smell. We slept well. Altogether, the room was a great value , way more than expected for the size and price, and in a quaint town! Wanted to add the check-in process was seamless with coded entry and the host was very responsive.

I've had the pleasure of staying in some nice hotels in the last 6 months including the Waldorf Astoria in Amsterdam and the InterContinental in Manhattan. These hotels share an attentiveness of staff and attention to detail with the Star Gate Motel of Indian River. Sure, the environs don't quite match, but that's reflected in the price. What they share in common includes details like meticulously arranged amenities, comfortable mattresses and quality linens, spotless cleanliness, and a coherent design aesthetic. Star Gate is a jarring surprise in the boonies of Northern Michigan and presents as if a graduate of EHL Hospitality School ran away to establish an island of excellence far away in the woods. A previous review I wrote faulted the transparency of curtains and bright exterior lights. Ownership THANKED me for the criticism and enacted prompt remediation. When, in anyone's experience, does THAT ever happen? Maybe at the Waldorf Astoria but rarely anywhere else. Go Star Gate!

Great little place to stay especially for a couple. EXCELLENT location for sledding or kayaking as trails very close and Sturgeon River right there! Rooms are upgraded CLEAN and owners have made them Very Efficient! Everything you need for showering and even nice little pot of coffee for morning . Coffee Grounds included!! Owner's put nice thought into accommodations!

We went in January. There was one other room in use. The rooms were extremely CLEAN! There was a microwave, fridge and coffee maker. Beds were comfy. We left an item there. They are mailing it to us. There are 2 restaurants across the street.

This was a great place! We stayed in the rental home. Everything was perfect! Furnished and stocked with dishes to cook. Even was surprised with box fans in the closet. My son uses one every night to fall asleep to. Washer and dryer as well! Just a great experience overall!

Was a late night walkin . The rate is best in area. Room was exceptionally clean, in new like condition, however sparse looking. Elizabeth very kind and helpful. Location is very quiet off of main road with easy access. Loved this place and recommend it in comparison to other lodging I have had in the same price range. This will be my go-to in the future when in this area.

Booking was super easy and the communication was great with management. The rooms were clean and had everything you need for an overnight stay. Plenty of towels and our room had a refrigerator, microwave and small coffee pot. Each room had their own outside bench which was also a nice touch. I'd stay again in the future.

Love this little motel. It’s right down the street from my mom and grandmas house. Rooms are nice, clean, cute and up to date. Staff is very friendly and Michael’s steak house is right across the street. Amazing food! First time we stayed here was in 2020 before Covid. My grandfather had passed and they really took care of our whole family, during one of the hardest times in our lives. He was the deacon at cross in the woods, a staple in the community. Just wanted to say thank you for making our family feel welcome then and still to this day. The Nelsons/Pietz family