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Relax at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"

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Let Hilltop Cottage be your home base while enjoying northern Michigan.
Front room
Dining Room, seats 6+
Dining room, deck entry
Dining Room, seats 6+

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8105.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Grayling, MI
  • Place, Au Sable River
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Hanson Hills Recreation Area
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, AuSable Artisan Village
    ‪10 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Downstairs Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area

About this property

Relax at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"

Come enjoy the spacious Hilltop Cottage located near the gorgeous Lake Margrethe! Conveniently located 2 walking blocks from the waters edge and close to snowmobile and ORV trails, this cottage has everything needed for a great up-north getaway. Snowmobile trails are less than a 1/4 mile away! Snowmobile from the front door to the trails, or from the trailhead nearby. Road end lake access, as well as 1.2 miles from the only public boat launch and state park on the lake.

Located on a secluded road end, this cottage allows privacy for all group types. This cottage is set up for your convenience. Rental includes towels, bedding, kitchen equipment, etc. for a simple stay away from home.
All three queen size beds are Sealy Posturepedic pillow tops, making for an amazing night of sleep!

We are working on remodeling the 1970's era finished downstairs with new furniture. It currently has one bedroom (with queen bed) and 1 bathroom. There is also a pool table, foosball table, air hockey, and table tennis. A small bar (sadly not stocked) is also located downstairs. We find that many guest enjoy hanging out down there after a full day of play. The downstairs is a walkout, and is also a great space to enter from the backyard and leave snowmobile suits and gear.

Guest have access to the entire house and yard. Fire pit area in the back yard with some fire wood supplied (enough to start your fire). Large picnic table located out there year-round. No separate seating provided out there during the winter mounts. 8 chairs provided during summer months, but stored up near house. Grill on the back deck May-October.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
$50/pet refundable deposit. Limit 2 dogs
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outside only
-Typically boats and trailers will need to be backed in to the lower driveway (15-20 yards from front door) and cars/trucks can park near entry.
-Parking on site available day of checkout if not leaving the area immediately, we know a full vacation day is enjoyed!
Monthly stays are considered. Deposits increase to $800, and cleaning fees increase to $200. If interested in a monthly rental, please contact us for

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Grayling

Located in Grayling, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Hanson Hills Recreation Area and Grayling Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Hartwick Pines State Park and North Higgins Lake State Park. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledging.
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Map
Grayling, MI

What's nearby

  • Au Sable River - 6 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Hanson Hills Recreation Area - 8 min drive - 8.7 km
  • AuSable Artisan Village - 10 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Grayling Hospital - 11 min drive - 10.2 km
  • Grayling Country Club - 12 min drive - 10.2 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Paddle Hard Brewing - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Tinker's Junction - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Relax at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!" pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Relax at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"?

As of 8 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Relax at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!" on 25 May 2026 start from AU$248, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Relax at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Relax at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Relax at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Relax at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!" located?

Located on a lake, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Hanson Hills Recreation Area, AuSable Artisan Village, and Grayling Country Club. Grayling Fish Hatchery and Grayling Hospital are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 95 out of 109 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 109 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 109 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 109 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 109 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Jason N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second time we have stayed there. Works great for our family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gregory N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was extremely accomodating. House was clean and comfortable. The beds were also very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The home is very clean, kitchen well stockes, comfy beds, good water pressure in the showers, fun game room. We love sledding right outside the front door. Also really enjoyed going to Hartwick Pines and Hansen Hills.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was perfect for our group. Close to the trails and plenty of room for all of us. This isn't our first stay and won't be our last!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another wonderful stay! Host is awesome to work with! This was our second year in a row staying here! Works great for our family vacation!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Very clean, everything was fine
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beverly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place that accepts dogs! Didn’t have any pet smells. Great location for us and had all the space we needed. Check-in was easy. Would stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

family get away

We enjoyed our stay and will definitely come back. The place was roomie, clean, and the location for us was perfect. Brenda was pleasant and communication was great!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan BLAIRE S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect! And comfortable and spacious! The property is located within walking distance of Lake Margrethe and ORV trails and a short drive to fishing on the Manistee river! I would love to come back again next Summer!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

shawn c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Great location, great host.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Adam C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was nice with comfortable beds. Host was quick to respond. The only Issue we had was with the 1st floor bathroom. The sink leaked significantly so we didn't use it.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property had very comfortable Ed’s and furniture. The kitchen is big and well equipped. The game area downstairs is comfortable furniture and the pool table is a blast. The tv is perfect if you want to watch a game while you play foosball. The host was amazing and answered all my questions in a very timely manner. She went above and beyond to make my stay pleasant.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute house on the hill.

Very roomy and comfortable. Bedrooms were very nice. Nice location. Very private.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

randall H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

It was exactly what we were looking for and it was exactly what it was presented as she was a great

It was a wonderful stay we enjoyed the house thoroughly I would recommend it to anybody it was just the right spot where we needed to be and close enough to town and close enough to the trails we will be going there again no doubt
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlene L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake Tour

The Hilltop Cottage was topnotch. Centrally located to Torch Lake, Indian River, and Higgins Lake. Brenda is an amazing host. Her cottage is clean, beds are comfortable, ample parking, and equipped with everything you need. We enjoyed our stay, it will be on our return to list.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

bob r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

For storm damge

Excellent place to stay no matter the reason
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

cozy and comfortable

We are just a group of friends who want to get away once a year and do nothing but visit, laugh, play games, eat and have a few drinks without all the distractions of home.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Weekend

The cottage was just as described- cozy, clean. A great base location for our winter activities vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience

We stayed here for a long weekend family getaway and we definitely enjoyed it! We had a good experience with the house and would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Charles S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happy

Very good accommodations for the price point!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kassandra b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay

Everything about this stay was perfect and easy going. Highly recommend staying here and the game room was a huge bonus. Only down fall was the oven which is very old and could be updated But still worked decently
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Genevieve B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

We loved our stay here! Great location! Close to necessities and nice for day trips. We loved the gaming tables in the basement. All in all, a great place!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall Colors

We enjoyed the property very close to ORV trails and nice location for other adventures
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Molly W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall Hunting Trip

We had a great time and the house was very accommodating and in a great location.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Karen J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Winter fun trip

Was a great location to use for access to snowmobile trails
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

About the host

Hosted by Brenda Challender

Host profile image
We grew up downstate near Lansing, but have spent many weekends and vacations in Grayling at our place nearby. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter there is always something that we love to do up there! We love traveling in general, whether it be around the US or the world.

Why they chose this property

The property is close to the lake, but far enough off to not be overcrowded. There is a nice size backyard for outdoor games and fires. It is also adjacent to a large wooded area that is absolutely gorgeous to sit on the deck and look out over. Its at the top of the hill, so the deck looks down and over the ravine. Lots of deer, two foxes, and other various creatures are seen in there regularly.

What makes this property unique

We like the seclusion of being on the private road, but a quick walk to the lake and a very quick ride to the snowmobile trails, ORV trails, and everything else to do in the area. Located just outside of town, it is close enough to Grayling to do everything you want to!

Languages:

English

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