Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by Katrina

Photo credit: Hotel Breakers

Located along the shores of Sandusky Bay on Lake Erie, the Ohio town of Sandusky gets its name from a Native American word for water. Appropriately enough, the town is beloved not just for its lakeside charms but also for its modern indoor waterparks—along with Cedar Point, one of the most popular theme parks in the nation. Sandusky also has a walkable downtown and interesting museums. Here are five of the best hotels in Sandusky.

Hotel Breakers (1 Cedar Point Dr.; 419-627-2106) Sandusky

Set on the beach of Lake Erie, Hotel Breakers offers guests visiting Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores a respite from the park’s crowds,” writes US News & World Report. Perks include early entrance vouchers to the theme park as well as lakeview rooms, three pools and shuttle service around the peninsula. “Great location right on the island with Cedar Point,” writes a Google reviewer. “Having the beach right outside was so fun for the kids. There are several restaurants right around the hotel and parks. Put on your walking shoes, because you’ll get in plenty of steps here.” >> Book this hotel for less

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Sandusky (4600 Milan Rd.; 800-641-9653) Sandusky

Families will appreciate the all-suites accommodations with kitchenettes at this branch of the Great Wolf Lodge waterpark resort. “In addition to passes to the water park, the hotel provides various activities for children, such as story time,” writes US News & World Report. “Teens might be less amused than younger kids, though. For adults, the lodge offers Wine Down Service—a menu of wine and food pairings for delivery to guest rooms.” A Google reviewer writes that “the water park was fun, food was good. I love that the wrist band can open the doors and you can pay with it, instead of using a key or card.” >> Book this hotel for less

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Sandusky (7000 Kalahari Dr.; 877-525-2427) Sandusky

US News & World Report calls this waterpark resort an “exotic resort environment featuring expansive indoor and outdoor waterparks, included with your room fee, and accommodations adorned with traditional African art and architecture.” Amenities include free parking, a fitness center and about a 15-minute drive to Cedar Point—if you have time to even go there. “The hotel is massive and beautiful,” writes a Google reviewer. “You really need to stay two days to be able to enjoy everything it has to offer. The one thing I wish I knew before I went was it was all cashless. But the food was great and the kids loved the arcade. You will do lot of walking.”

Cedar Point’s Express Hotel (1201 Cedar Point Dr.; 419-626-0830) Sandusky

This Cedar Point-affiliated hotel offers colorful rooms as well as early entrance to the parks. “It’s no frills, which was fine because we were at the park all day,” writes a Tripadvisor reviewer. “It was clean, close to the park, and affordable, which was what we needed. Our stay here also gave us free parking, as well as a drink wristband.” A Google reviewer points out that “there is no indoor pool, the outdoor pool wasn’t opened for the season, and there was no breakfast,” while another writes “if you want bells and whistles, [stay at] one of the other resorts. >> Book this hotel for less

Hampton Inn Sandusky Central (6100 Milan Rd.; 419-609-9000) Sandusky

For an affordable stay fairly close to the action, it’s hard to beat this Hampton Inn located near Cedar Point. Amenities include an indoor heated pool, a fitness room and high-speed internet access. “The room was spacious and clean,” writes a Google reviewer. “The breakfast was also great: omelets, sausage patties, red velvet waffles, and much more.” For most families, price and convenience is key. “The location is quiet (just the chirping birds!) and well-situated near dining and shopping. About 20 minutes from Cedar Point with traffic. Would definitely stay again when I am back this way!,” writes a Tripadvisor user. >> Book this hotel for less

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