Sandcastle Suites

I'd be interested in looking at SS occupancy numbers. When I stayed there a few years ago, and on every visit since, I've walked through the property and it seems like a ghost town. As well as the parking lot.

I would like to see a new resort- we shall see.

Cohesion is important but it isn't necessarily accomplished by maintaining a singular architectural style throughout the entire park or among all of the resorts. It can be achieved by creating unique spaces and linking them together by creating various forms of continuity as you transition from one area to the next. Consistent branding also goes a long way to establishing a cohesive feel.

The current design style of the Breakers is what makes that particular resort unique. I don't think replicating it at another resort would be all that desirous as it would detract from Breakers' distinctiveness and create too similar of a product.

As DJ said Sandcastle's location is quite valuable because of the waterfront but unlike Breakers it isn't as close to the action. The setting provides a more serene and peaceful experience which offers the opportunity to create more of a "getaway" style of accommodations. It is also separated from the more densely developed sections of the park by the cabins and trees. The reason that I suggested a "lodge" wasn't to evoke feelings of densely forested areas or mountains but rather to suggest a style of architecture that would be compatible and harmonious with the existing newer cabins and more in keeping with the setting.

A new building which looks like it has Cedar siding located on the northernmost Point of the peninsula could include a lobby / restaurant with floor to ceiling windows providing spectacular views of the lake and perhaps an outdoor deck / patio.. Rooms could feature fireplaces for those cold Halloweekend nights. Private balconies facing toward the lake would offer a leisurely spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or unwind after a long day in the park. There may also be some opportunities to build smaller clusters of buildings with larger living spaces intended to appeal to those wanting a little more space to spread out during a long weekend getaway or a week long family vacation.

Clearly I have no idea what they plan to do with that area but it's fun to think about the possibilities. What I do know is that in the past Matt Ouimet has said that he wanted to create a good-better-best pricing tier so maybe they plan to build something slightly nicer than the Express hotel and call it a day.

I've never had a bad stay at SS. But has been several years. Of course, I'm a little biased as I have always requested the Magnum Wing. Nothing like walking out onto balcony and staring at Magnum's pretzel! :)

Cottages are nice, as they give you a more intimate feel. No annoying kids running up & down hallways. No listening to guests in neighboring rooms due to paper-thin walls.

I really don't prefer one over the other. It depends on my mood whenever I book.

When it comes to square footage, don't forget the biggest advantage of a hotel over a cabin/cottage: going vertical. Taking that footprint and going several stories up can really pack in many more guests. The downside to this reasoning would be lack of parking. Looking at satellite image, I would guess they could add about 40-45 more cottages around the outer edge with more on the interior.

Will be interesting to see what they do. Renovation, complete teardown with new design/layout, or replacement with LHP expansion.

They could emulate a boardwalk setting with open-air balconies giving the "lodge" feeling with the lakefront property still holding value.

^Jsmith7300

thank you for putting into words my exact thoughts. Copying and pasting the same design and color scheme as Breakers wouldn't do much to attract people to Sandcastle if they can get the exact same thing but closer to the resort gate at Breakers

That isn't what they did with the Express expansion & renovation, because they wanted to provide a unique experience totally different from what they already had with Breakers. Otherwise Express would have been cannibalizing Breakers's business by simply offering the same hotel but at a much lower price point.

I can see a replacement sandcastle being an even more upscale option to Breakers, given the success of Breakers. The Breakers pools have been so popular they've been limiting to just Breakers guests this year.

I'm sure they'd have several options on the table: upscale, themed, larger actual suites, cabins... etc.

Waiting to make a decision after seeing how the first season of Breakers expansion take off.

But something to differentiate it from Breakers.

I agree. As nice as Breakers is, it's still not what I'd consider a top-tier hotel. It's quite nice, but some of the small things - fixtures, furniture, etc. - are not what I'd consider premium.

Ouimet has talked about a "good, better, best" resort strategy. I would love to see Breakers become the "better" option, and SS become the "best".

And I would love to see larger suites that include a full kitchen and other apartment-like amenities.

trexbor said:

That isn't what they did with the Express expansion & renovation, because they wanted to provide a unique experience totally different from what they already had with Breakers. Otherwise Express would have been cannibalizing Breakers's business by simply offering the same hotel but at a much lower price point.

I have to 'slightly' disagree with this. I stayed at Express in the spring, twice, on solo, overnight trips. When I walked into my room I was immediately struck by how it seemed like those (single rooms) at Breakers. Same look, furniture, pictures on the wall, flat screens, etc. Then a tour of the new pool area revealed seating areas, fire pits, and an improved pool.
Was there a beach, bar, vintage rotunda, or cupolas? No, but that was ok, and the hotel was taken from tacky and worn out to nice and fresh in an off season.
So I didn't see it as a totally unique experience necessarily, but a budget-friendly, off-Point version of the same, minus certain amenities. I checked rates at both places and decided (especially since it was just me) to opt for the cheaper stay.
I'd think the company would consider my choice less of a canibalization of their own business, but more of an opportunity to keep me from going down the street to Econolodge.

I agree with the comments about the Breakers being able to become the "better" option. We stayed at the Breakers this past weekend for the first time (Lakeview Suite) and although there is a lot to like about the hotel itself the room was a bit disappointing in terms of quality. The cabinetry in the kitchenette looked more "office break room" than premium beachfront resort and the furniture seemed to be lacking in quality as well. So there's definitely some room to move upward in the tier if they choose.

Exactly. It's all quite good, and perfectly serviceable. But it has more in common with, say, Fairfield than the nicer versions of Courtyard's I've stayed at.

Very good points made in the last few posts. A 'Best' option would be welcome and clearly there is a market for better given the Breakers expansion. Mr. Ouimet's hotel credentials are quite impressive and I'm very interested in seeing what his plans are for the future lodging options for Cedar Fairs parks.

I have always had the impression the Sandcastle was the premium option. Was it like that at one point in time and the Breakers renovation flipped it?

Up there it's a fine balance. Remember, these hotels are seasonal and operate 5.5 months out of the year. While a "best" option may be desireable to some, Breakers, just in terms of capacity, construction, amenities, etc. may be all we should expect.
I think I said way back in this thread somewhere that Sandcastle sits on prime property so yes, it deserves something. I'd like to see a nice tall tower with lots of glass, balconies, and spectacular views of the lake (or Steel Vengeance, depending on your need..) What it would likely be, though, is more of the same. Weather and traffic resistant construction, and seasonal resort amenities. It just doesn't make any sense to offer much more.
And what it probably will be is a respectable re-do of the same thing.

I think lake side balconies would be a huge improvement. Then again, I've never actually stayed there. If I'm on point it's usually a cabin or breakers.

This will seem like an odd question, but how come people never walk down to the sandcastle end of the beach or go onto that huge lawn in front of the hotel? I know the hotel has gotten bad reviews, and I have never stayed there myself, but it is actually a beautiful piece of property, way at the tip of the peninsula! My hubby and I always walk over there, and along that stretch of beach, and in the grass lawn. At the hotel, there are like maybe 2 people in that pool. No people ever walk that beach in front of the suites. When we're there and also in shared instagram photos, no one goes there. We are always the only people who walk that way. Is there some rule that we don't know about where you can't walk that way or swim in the lake over there? It has a lot of potential, I hope there are plans to renovate that area soon.

The pool and hot tub are the most neglected of the properties. The hot tub is inconsistent in temperature and still has the old dial timer. The pool is a nice depth, but has seen better days.

The view is nice, but it can look nasty in low tide.

Overall it’s usually a great place to get away from obnoxious kids.

The gazebo on the other side next to the tennis court is one of our favorite getaway spots, we will be sad when it’s gone. It is also sorely neglected, as are the tennis courts, fencing around the area, and breakwater cafe. Leading me to believe the property is at EOL.

The SS land has so much potential...

I'd love to see a beachfront lodge with open balconies.

Going by Ouimet's good, better, best philosophy, it somewhat makes sense that Express is good, Breakers is better and a future Sandcastle replacement would be best. The location of the property is perfect for a more exclusive luxury resort.

^I just don't know that it may happen with that. I would view Breakers as the "Best" given it's historical significance. However, I agree that land would suit a very upscale resort. I hope it does, given that Breakers the most significant and special rooms are in the rotunda. Aside from that the rest is just a nice hotel w/ theming.