The
Ship ‘N Shore is Saugatuck’s version of Club Med. It has cast off the
traditional labels of resort, motel and hotel in Saugatuck and asserted its own
identity as the social refuge for the sailboat and sun-seeking crowd. This" boatel" has its own
personality – it attracts fun-loving people of every age and demographic. They
are not the “glitterati” but they are a new generation of the yacht-set anxious
to drop anchor here.
There
is something alluring about this place.
It has a Caribbean-cum Key
West feeling that makes one believe they are in a different place.You expect to
see tall swaying palm trees. The open-air lobby, with its vaulted ceiling,
welcomes sun-deprived guests with the melodic sounds of steel drums. The first
and second floor rooms are connected by a circuit of stairs that overlook a
large fresh-water swimming pool, hot tub, lanai and lush tropical gardens. All
are perfectly positioned at the water’s edge to capture magnificent views of
the river and harbor.
The
motel recently went through a fact lift – a “spiff-up” so to speak. All 40 rooms have been transformed by the use
of plush white contemporary bedding accented by bright tropical-island colors,
mirrored walls and delicate mosaic tables. Standard amenities include the large
outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi, expansive lanai with two fireplaces, air
conditioning, in-room refrigerators, WIFI and cable TV. A continental breakfast
with home-baked cinnamon buns, fresh fruit, cereal, juice and coffee is served
daily.
The
Ship ‘N Shore is not a “chichi” resort but it is a convivial place where
families, groups of friends, couples and those traveling alone feel perfectly
at ease and enjoy interacting with each other. It’s an ideal vacation spot for
people who love boats, water and have a proclivity for having a great time. It
is an eclectic mix of Jamaica and St. Croix without the distance or the price
tag.
This
is a year-round party destination but despite its frenetic heartbeat the energy
from this place is calming. Ship ‘N Shore offers its own brand of escapism –
here each guest will discover their own perfect private Saugatuck.
