The Bradstan Boutique Hotel at The Eldred Preserve

My husband and I went up to spend a night for our anniversary. I have to say it really surpassed my expectations. The facility is gorgeous. Modern and yet reflecting nature simultaneously. The food was better than I expected, my husband said his steak dinner was excellent. It was too cold to enjoy the property but we had good workouts in the gym. The tub with the jets in the room was super nice. For a nice upscale quiet getaway from the city — highly recommend.

What a gem of a property! We had the place to ourself since we checked in on Columbus Day. The room was awesome and well appointed. The gym was perfect and very clean. The lady in the kitchen was very nice and told us about the path around the lake. The other lady who just got off a 3 day vacation never gave us an answer when we asked for a noon check out. When we loading our car at 11:25 my partners room key got deactivated. Lucky I was still in the room. Everything was perfect except for the communication about checking out. Will return and tell friends!

The room was pretty, but lacked both basics and high-end touches. For example, there were no tissues or kleenex anywhere in the unit. The USB charging ports didn't work. The room shades were tricky to use and heavy, I would have expected electric buttons to raise and lower them. It was not clear how to use the towel warmer, the radiant heat in the bathroom floors only warmed the middle, but not near the sink or commode, two places one might want heated floors if you had them. While the bathtub was large and comfortable, the faucet released a slow trickle and it took 40 minutes to fill the the tub enough for a soak.

For breakfast there is only one speciality coffee maker that operated really slowly, resulting in lines. The only tea on offer was Keurig, no boiling water or real tea bags. Silverware was in short supply. The breakfast staff were snippy, but all others were polite and patient. The breakfast food was good however, especially the French toast made from fresh cinnamon raisin bread.

The location on the man-made pond is attractive. The outdoor speakers are defective and the loud sounds from it were distorted. There is no map of the hiking trails. The walk around the pond was lovely though. We would have loved to go out on the lake on the pontoon boats, but they were locked up. Other guests must have known to ask for keys as several went out on the lake.

For the advertising and the price, I don't think this hotel lives up to the hype. None of these complains are dealbreakers, but are not what you would expect from a place advertised as relatively high end.

🌿 Peaceful Getaway Near White Lake

I stayed two nights and loved the quiet, scenic location just 15 minutes from Bison and Bourbon. The suite was beautiful and impeccably clean—truly one of the cleanest hotel rooms I’ve experienced. The grounds are lovely, with a pool, workout gym,and a walking path around the lake (just note: the path isn’t stroller-friendly, so bring a baby carrier if needed). Kayaks are available too, which is a nice touch.

EV drivers will appreciate the on-site chargers—they worked perfectly with the Tesla adapter that comes in the trunk. Service was friendly and laid-back; not pampering, but pleasant. They mentioned a spa is in the works, which could really elevate the experience.

Overall, I’d definitely return—especially in winter—and highly recommend it if you’re looking for a peaceful, beautiful escape.