Staying 'off property'

I have enjoyed many overnight stays on site. It's truly worth the cost in regards to proximity to the park. Also, as a plat. pass holder, we enjoy a 10% discount. However-the budget is slowly shrinking in regards to overnight accommodations. Can anyone suggest a good, close hotel/motel that they feel safe in? I don't want a Ritz, just a safe, clean & close bed. The online sites have very mixed reviews of the local properties. Looking for honest reports and suggestions. Thanks in advance !

I've stayed at the Howard Johnson right at the end of the causeway and had no problems with it. It's not fancy or anything but it is clean and it's a bed. If you're staying off property, you're probably not spending too much time at the hotel anyway. I've also stayed at the Rodeway on Milan just up from Perkins Ave. and won't ever stay there again.

East of the causeway on U.S. 6 about 2 miles is The Maples Motel. It is an old fashioned motor hotel, complete with the pool in the middle of the property. The rooms are a tad small for more than 2 people, but they are extremely clean, and damn affordable. The proprietors are very friendly people as well. The only drawback (for some) is that it is directly across the street from the busy Norfolk Southern main line. And when I say busy, I am not talking a few trains a day. I'm talking a few trains every HOUR. And there is also a crossing right there, so you get the added enjoyment of the trains blowing the whistle/horn for the crossing. Me, I am an engineer so it doesn't bother me. My girlfriend, well, she didn't appreciate it so much.

I recommend South Shore Inn turning left off the causeway. My husband and I have stayed here for at least 14 years straight, multiple times each year. Locally owned, friendly staff and reasonably priced. Check them out.

Best stay EVER!

http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-huron-ohio-OH017

Love the Maples. Last time I stayed there passed an enjoyable hour laying in their hammock.

Plus, it's close to Cedar Point Road; you can drive along the actual peninsula to the park.

What is the budget per night?

^I need to keep it under 60$ if possible. That's probably tough during mid-summer season.

Motel 6 on rye beach road is actually very nice, it's where I stay if I need an overnight. it's about 5 miles from park and has different rooms to choose and indoor pool and hot tub.

Not in your budget, but I'm pretty much staying at the Hampton Inn every time I stay in Sandusky nowadays. I can't stand to stay many 'cheaper' places anymore.

Thanks for all the input. I did call The Maples. Rates are great-quoted $75 for single or $51 for a cabin, but no A/C in (original)cabin....could be a deal breaker if the windows don't open, lol

Will be staying @ The Super 8 up in Port Clinton. Bit outside the park but not bad for the price, and the location. It's kinda nice to get a bit away from the park where it's mostly quiet and not hectic. I'd love to have stayed at my usuals but ah well. I've stayed at this Super 8 before. It's not bad, room is a bit dated, but comfy beds, nice area to store bags and decent bathroom. Bad wifi/tv though, but ah well.

The Knights Inn isn't bad. It's very close. I have noticed it fills up quickly though in the summer.

Also not in your budget (although not too expensive either); we always stay at the Best Western Suites down Milan Rd (past Great Wolf Lodge).

Great rooms, great service, quiet, and just a quick 10 minutes drive to the front gate. Hot breakfast in the morning.

In fact, now that I think about it, we've never had a bad experience there. That's pretty incredible in a span of nearly a decade of staying in the same place.

Has anyone ever stayed at the Budget Host Inn, that is right near Castaway Bay?