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WaterBird Lakeside Inn & Spa Indian Oak Resort & Spa has offered the ultimate in luxurious overnight getaways and spa pampering and relaxation for over twenty years as NW Indiana's premier destination resort and spa. To build on that tradition and look to the future we've moved into a new facility and our new name is the WaterBird Lakeside Inn & Spa.
Reviews (26)
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Robyn Heighton
May 18, 2022
Best place to go and relax. The water and birds.perfect views on the deck. My husband and I come here many times a year just because of the relaxing atmosphere
Thad Lambert
Apr 22, 2022
On way to Lake Erie fishing checked in 8:30 pm. Angel the manager at front desk was great, very welcoming, and fun to visit with, directed us to great place to eat & drink. Rooms were great!
LouieBeethoven
Apr 17, 2022
Waterbird Lakeside Inn is a gem. I wasn't expecting much, seeing how it's located in a shopping center amongst Walgreen's, Little Caesar's, McDonald's, etc. However, when I got to my room and opened the curtains, I found myself in awe. The hotel is built over Chubb Lake. When you stand out on the balcony, you're literally looking right down into the lake where you'll see fish and turtles galore.

True to its name, waterbirds like great blue herons, egrets, gulls, ducks and geese are plentiful. I also saw a majestic bald eagle doing some fishing. I watched the birds for hours and made friends with a couple of Canada geese. The room was clean as was the entire hotel. Nothing fancy, but I wasn't looking for anything fancy. Though I didn't initially like the location of the hotel, all of the restaurants came in handy and were within walking distance. It's also very close to the Indiana Dunes state and national parks. What more could you want?
Anna McCauley
Mar 11, 2022
Amazing services, The man at the check in was well mannered. Let's get Started on the room. There set up is like nothing I've ever seen. Beautiful can't describe how lovely it is. The best was so sofe and comfortable like sleeping on clouds. Not to mention the poster bed like I was in a cloud The view of the pond was extraordinary. If I ever come back this is my destination inn.
Zakronious
Nov 28, 2021
The room was fine. It has a beautiful over look of a pond and our room came with a hot tub. It was great until we realized that underneath the mattress was what seemed to be lice.
Lori Mastriani
Nov 19, 2021
Beautiful mini getaway with a hot tub in our room. The view of the lake, geese and autumn tree colors was great off our balcony
Patricia Kennedy
Nov 02, 2021
The place is a little ran down, needs work. Not impressed with anything about the room. We checked in on Oct 2, 2021. The only good thing about it was the location. The room was not properly clean and management (Patel and Missy) were rude and argumentative about it. The cabinet in the bathroom was hanging by its hinges and the tried to make an excuse that also.

When examining the room after a long day on the beach I found what appeared to be bugs and (Patel) removed from the room stating they were not bugs and that sometimes they come in when the patio door is open which was not our case. Room rates were altered as well so upon check-in we decided as couples we would deal with it upon departing as this was only a one day trip and we wanted to start our journey to the beach. Boy did that not go well as once again Missy and Patel were very argumentative so I will be contacting the owner Never again
Danielle Johnson
Oct 16, 2021
The staff at the front desk was very pleasant and friendly. Although the couch showed some wear, the bed was clean and comfortable, and the view from my deck was gorgeous. One suggestion.perhaps they should offer a tiny spritzer of mosquito spray!
Downtown Dweller
Sep 24, 2021
My girlfriend and I stayed here for one night (8/29/21) and we really loved it. Our check-in time wasn't until 3 p.m., but they let us check-in a couple of hours early. The place is very clean, and it has had some modern updates. It was very quiet considering it's close to many highways. It's close to many restaurants, stores, Lake Michigan and the dunes/beaches.

We really loved how the balcony sits directly above the lake. We got to see lake gulls, herring, geese, fish and turtles. This is a great place to stay if you're heading to Chesterton.
Tatiana B.
Sep 11, 2021
The balcony right above the lake surface made my stay. Turtles, fish, ducks and birds come every morning under each balcony to get some crumbles from hotel visitors, they are very much use to people and it a awesome experience. Gorgeous sunset! Rooms are clean and pleasant. Food is 4-5 min walk nearby hotel and from another side is pure nature where you can hangout near by water. Relaxing stay
LouieBeethoven
Aug 29, 2021
I walked into the lobby. It wasn't particularly impressive. Nor was the corridor. The room was REALLY clean - obviously new carpeting, etc. But, the really fabulous thing about this hotel is the view. When I walked into the room and opened the curtains I was literally in awe. When I read that the hotel was on a lake, I pictured a retention pond sort of deal. But, no, this is the real thing.

The lake is gorgeous and filled with hundreds of birds - egrets, herons, geese, starlings, Canada Geese - and a variety of turtles. I sat on the patio enthralled with the beauty.
Johanna P.
Aug 14, 2021
The hotel is in a crowded little plaza. The lobby looks a bit dumpy. When I read the hotel was on a lake, I pictured a retention pond. I couldn't imagine a lake of any size in the area. I checked in feeling a bit dejected and made my way to Room 259. The corridors were fairly typical and since this was my birthday treat to myself I felt let down.

It got better - MUCH better. I opened the door to the room to find a REALLY clean, comfy room with everything in working order. The curtain was drawn across the patio door. When I opened that curtain, my jaw literally dropped. This was no retention pond, but an incredible marshland lake filled with - yes, waterbirds. An egret looked up as I stepped onto the patio. Seagulls swooped by, as did barn swallows, Canada Geese and an amazing Great Blue Heron.

I dropped crumbs down into the lake from my balcony and saw a couple of huge turtles and dozens of smaller ones vying for grub. It was like being in a Disney movie. I sat on the patio for hours. It was that gorgeous. The room itself was comfy, clean and quiet. Think about it. On one side is a plaza filled with restaurants (Dominoes, Little Caesars, a Chinese restaurant, McDonald's and MUCH more right across Indian Boundary Road). On the other side is an amazing lake with such a feeling of solitude that I totally relaxed.
Camryn Bricker
Jul 28, 2021
Amazing! My boyfriend and I booked a room the day of and were able to get a nice king size bedroom. The staff were incredibly accommodating. We traveled about 12 hours to make it here and told the staff we would not be able to arrive until around midnight. They said this would not be an issue. The gentleman at the desk was very friendly when checking us in and out.

The lakeside view was amazing in the morning! The bed was comfy, the room was cool, everything was clean, and the shower was nice and hot. The hotel itself is a little beat up here and there over years of use, but this didn't impact our stay. Thank you!
David Fields
Jul 24, 2021
We stayed 3 nights and enjoyed our stay. The room was very nice and clean. The balcony was a little sketchy and need repairs. It's an older hotel, but don't hesitate to stay. We will be returning there for our next vacation. Plenty of places to eat within walking distance. The lake view was Worth the stay. Seeing turtles, ducks was pretty awesome to wake up to.
John W.
Jul 10, 2021
Fantastic place to stay with a family. If you're a hotel snob and want a foot massage with your room service, this isn't the place for you. If you're a family and want a large room for a dirt cheap price on the water with daily room service. this is fantastic. EVERY room is on the water with a balcony. It's 1 minute WALKING-distance to fast food, ice-cream, and pizza. It's 1 minute driving-distance to a host of nice small-business restaurants.

Hotel is definitely not new, but it's clean. Staff is friendly, and the balcony over the lake is priceless. We would certainly stay here again on our next trip to the dunes.
Kerry Higdon
Jun 17, 2021
Got in super late, but the employee who checked us in did not give us a hard time about it at all, which we appreciated. The location seems sort of weird--it's kind of tucked behind a strip mall?--but noise wasn't an issue and we were very close to food, gasoline, and activities. Some aspects of the room were a bit outdated, but the place was clean and had everything we needed.

My kid was thrilled with the lakeside aspect--our little balcony was directly over water, which made for a nice view in the morning. The price was good and the employees were polite, but it was a little tricky to get their attention--we had to use a phone to summon someone to the front desk to check out. Lives up to its name, too; as we left, we saw a family of geese settling down for a nap right outside the hotel!
Howard L.
May 16, 2021
I mean, I was content with the hotel but there's room for so so so so much more with this hotel. I choose the Waterbird Inn because of its prime location and it was cheaper than the hotel next door. The positives. The room is huge! The price is well worth it if you want an affordable hotel. The hotel overhangs the water! That was my favorite part. It's so much closer to retail and stores.

Great variety of TV shows The negatives is that this hotel is in a major need of TLC. Rooms are outdated. There are parts of the building that are in need of repair, my room had yellow water for the first 5 minutes. The deck is littered with bugs. Their outdoor lights don't work. Amenities kind of stink. The bed wasnt too good either. The obvious issue that I see people complain about is the train. It's truthfully not that bad.

The place that saddened me the most was that there is a trail outside the hotel and part of it is blocked off because of terrible maintenance. The hotel is in a prime location, I enjoyed my time here but I definitely know this place can be a paradise if the effort was put in the building!
Darrel W.
Sep 05, 2020
Wonderful little hotel. We are staying three nights during Labor Day weekend. Very happy with everything. yes, I even enjoy the train when I sit out on the balcony
Brian S.
Jul 11, 2019
When I read the reviews for this place I realize what Yelpers have become. The Waterbird is a fantastic experience! It is a beautiful place with an absolutely delightful staff. Every room has a balcony overlooking a lake loaded with turtles, birds and fish. It is within walking distance of some GREAT restaurants. The room and the balcony were so nice that we actually opted to get our dinner at Toa Chen's to go to have it on our balcony. Btw, if you like Asian food GO THERE! ITS FANTASTIC!

In the morning we found ourselves at a breakfast place called Third Coast Spice Cafe. Absolutely fantastic. Both of these restaurants have everything made fresh from fresh ingredients. The room was so nice I was shocked at the price. It was incredibly affordable and we had a dog. We were just passing through town on our way home from a cross country trip, but we were so impressed that we actually plan to go there for a weekend to check out the dunes park more thoroughly. When we do we will stay at the Waterbird and hit both restaurants again!
Jody M.
Jul 01, 2018
Pleasant place for the money. As someone else said they seem to be working on upgrades. Great location as we were able to walk to restaurants and a Walgreens.
Suzanne P.
Apr 10, 2017
There are worse places to stay. But there are also better. Pros: decent view from rooms. Not bad for the price. Basic conveniences. Good TV. Mostly updated room. Cons: Bad mattress. Train noise all night. Musty sheets. Creaky floor. No whirlpools like the photos on TripAdvisor shows. We stayed for business - teaching right next door at the Best Western (same owner apparently). Looks like it probably was a nice place in its day.

But that day was a good 20 years ago. Most rooms face the lake which is nice. Outside is pretty run down. The far end looks like it was once used as banquet space but is now vacant. The hotel next door is vacant. We arrived after dark and it definitely has a creepy "watch your surroundings" kind of feel. Front desk lady was nice. Rooms appear to have been "revamped" recently but could use some basic cleaning - and repairs (old picture hangers still on walls - old plant hangers in ceiling - bathroom cabinets and drawers don't close - patio slider does not lock).

Our sheets smelled quite musty - highly likely they weren't cleaned btwn guests - or cleaned a long time ago and have been sitting in damp room. Mattress is SUPER worn in - dent in the middle so we rolled towards each other all night. You will feel EVERY movement from your bed mate. There is a train track right behind the hotel that runs all night - every 5-15 mins and they use their horn RIGHT behind you. It's a freight track so you'll "feel" it if you don't hear it.

Bathroom updated with granite counter, new toilet, new shower fixtures. Definitely ask for 2nd floor room (stairs required) because the floors creak and you'll hear everything from upstairs. Our business partner was in room next door and we could hear him walking around and heard his toilet flush (really loud). Ac/heat unit is super loud - we slept with sweatshirts and pants on because the heater kept us awake.

There is lots of food, drug store, gas options close by. There are also other hotels. I'd look around before staying here again but for $70 it was decent. Not a bad view for the morning cup of coffee.
Renee F.
Jul 22, 2016
Cheap but limited services.but hey for the price it is awesome! Dated but great lakeside vies with balconies.
Nicole S.
Nov 12, 2015
Well the other reviews I read were true, I expected a lot more during my stay for this price! No real amenities and the mattresses were horribly uncomfortable! Upon lifting up the bed sheets we noticed the mattresses are nearly a decade old, wow thats pretty gross! First and last time staying here!
Deborah C.
Feb 02, 2015
There is no spa, no pool, no breakfast.room was ok bed comfortable and bathroom clean.but definitely not worth the price.very disappointed.expected so much more.
Billie R.
Oct 20, 2014
Severely overpriced for the experience! Room was not super clean- actually found a hat under the bed. Looks like they are trying to update- but things don't look finished. We both woke up with itchy eyes- which usually only happens when in the presence of cats. The hot tub looked clean- but after looking around, we decided against trying it. Too many other places to stay to try this again!

We didn't even have our in-room coffee pot! And the lack of any breakfast on site doesn't help at all (although, not sure I would eat there after seeing some of the hotel)
Adrienne W.
Sep 10, 2013
My husband and I rented a room here for our wedding night and the following night. Our room was wonderful. It included a balcony and whirlpool. I thought the romantic escape package was a good value. The massages were wonderful and worth every penny! The building and decor would benefit from some renovations but the hotel obviously well maintained.