Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Where to Stay

Lodging options include bed and breakfasts, hotels, cottages, rooms, and suites, as well as more than 15 private homes and condos available for rent.

Less than a half-mile from Delaware Avenue is the Getaway Inn at Cooper's Woods, a peaceful lodge-style bed-and-breakfast situated just moments away from the shops and restaurants of Put-in-Bay’s main street. The inn’s original log cabin structure dates back to 1830 and is believed to be the island’s oldest building, but don’t worry, it’s been tended to since, with the most recent suite added in 2012. Today the inn comprises eight individually decorated guestrooms, including three suites that can accommodate small groups, and is perfect for romantic getaways or weekend retreats. The rooms take their names from the “pleasures of nature.” For instance, the four-person Sycamore Suite was inspired by the 1928 jazz song “In the Sing-Song Sycamore Tree” and is appointed with two cottage-style queen beds and a color palate consisting of subtle earth tones representing Sycamore bark. Children are welcome during the week, rooms $89–$119, suites $100–$210, 210 Concord Ave., 419-285-9012, www.getawayinn.com.

If you’d rather rough it in the great outdoors, then go camping at South Bass Island State Park. Once the site of the famous Hotel Victory, this 32-acre state park is an ideal setting for families, and is the most affordable lodging on the island. Live on the edge and choose a cliff-side tent site. Available year round, the park has 120 non-electric wooded campsites and modern restrooms with showers and toilets, as well as picnic areas, a fishing pier, a small stone beach, and watercraft rentals (www.pibjetski.com). Four cabents, a cross between a cabin and a tent, and one rustic cottage are available on a first-come, first-served basis, May–Sep. The two-bedroom octagon cabents are wood-sided with a canvas roof complete with shower, bath, kitchenette, and living area and sleep six people; the structures underwent complete interior renovations this June. They even have a toaster, television, pots, pans, and dishes. The cottage has one bedroom and sleeps up to six people. It also has a kitchen and full bath, and features a screened in porch and sundeck. Cabents and the cottage are popular, so make reservations early, cabents $500 per week, cottage $625 per week, campsites $25–$27 for two adults, $5 per additional person, two night minimum on weekends, 1523 Catawba Ave., 419-285-2112, www.ohiostateparks.org.

If you plan to partake in the weekend party scene, you may prefer an accommodation like the Put-in-Bay Resort, within stumbling distance from the bars. This resort hotel, new in 2005, has 72 spacious rooms including luxury suites, balcony pool view, and deluxe rooms. Amenities include upscale touches like granite countertops and high-end fixtures. In true island style, guests of the resort can lounge at the Caribbean-themed pool while sipping tropical drinks at the swim-up bar and listening to the poolside DJ. The outdoor Jacuzzi is billed as the “world’s largest” and is a great way to relax those muscles after a day filled with sightseeing. All rooms have refrigerators, televisions, high speed Internet, and private baths. Don’t expect peace and quiet if you are staying at any of the downtown hotels on weekends. If silence is your priority, you’ll prefer a weekday stay or accommodations farther from town, open Apr–Oct, $115–$425, two-night minimum on weekends, 439 Lorain Ave., 419-351-5166 or 888-742-7829, www.putinbayresort.com.