Cedar Point, a legendary amusement park nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Erie, just a stone’s throw from Sandusky, Ohio, reigns supreme as a haven for thrill-seekers and coaster enthusiasts. But Cedar Point is more than just exhilarating rides; it’s a complete vacation destination. Imagine strolling along a pristine white sand beach, indulging in classic fair food, enjoying live entertainment, and exploring a myriad of attractions that cater to every age and interest. Given the sheer scale and variety of experiences offered, a single day simply isn’t enough to fully immerse yourself in the Cedar Point magic. To make the most of your visit, securing comfortable and convenient accommodations is paramount. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to the best places to stay when visiting Cedar Point.
Choosing the right place to stay can significantly enhance your Cedar Point experience. From luxurious beachfront resorts to budget-friendly hotels, the area surrounding the park offers a diverse range of options to suit every preference and budget. Let’s delve into some of the top contenders, each offering its unique blend of amenities, location, and overall value.
On-Site Opulence: Hotels Within the Cedar Point Realm
For the ultimate in convenience and immersive Cedar Point experience, consider staying at one of the official Cedar Point resorts. These properties offer unparalleled proximity to the park, allowing you to maximize your time on the rides and minimize travel hassles.
The Breakers Hotel: A Legacy of Luxury
Steeped in history and brimming with modern amenities, The Breakers Hotel stands as the flagship of Cedar Point’s lodging options. This iconic hotel, directly on the beach, boasts an impressive 669 rooms, making it the largest and most luxurious resort within the park. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves and stepping out onto the pristine sand just steps from your door.
The Breakers offers a plethora of amenities designed to cater to every need and desire. Cool off in one of the two outdoor swimming pools, or take a dip in the heated indoor pool, perfect for year-round enjoyment. A long stretch of white sand beach beckons for sunbathing, sandcastle building, and leisurely strolls along the shore.
When hunger strikes, The Breakers offers a diverse culinary landscape. From casual bites to sit-down meals, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Familiar chain restaurants like TGIFridays, Dominos, Starbucks, and Perkins provide convenient and comforting options. A whirlpool offers relaxation after a day of thrilling rides, and a shopping arcade allows you to browse for souvenirs and essentials.
The Breakers truly shines in its unparalleled convenience. A complimentary shuttle van provides seamless transportation to and from Cedar Point, eliminating the need for driving and parking. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the park experience without worrying about logistical concerns.
Castaway Bay: An Indoor Waterpark Oasis
For a tropical escape regardless of the weather, look no further than Castaway Bay. Located at the base of the Cedar Point Causeway, this popular indoor waterpark resort transports guests to an island paradise. The resort boasts stunning views of Lake Erie, offering a tranquil backdrop to your vacation.
All 237 rooms feature balconies, many of which overlook the glistening waters of Lake Erie. Family-style rooms with bunk beds are ideal for groups with children, providing ample space and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
The centerpiece of Castaway Bay is its expansive indoor waterpark. Dive into a world of thrilling slides, relaxing pools, and other water-related fun for all ages. Beyond the waterpark, the resort offers a 6,000-foot arcade, a fitness room, free parking, and several on-site restaurants, including a TGIFridays.
Beyond the Causeway: Hotels Near Cedar Point
While staying within the Cedar Point resort complex offers unmatched convenience, several excellent hotels located just a short drive away provide alternative options with varying price points and amenities.
Great Wolf Lodge: A Family Waterpark Adventure
Just minutes from Cedar Point lies Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park destination in its own right. This sprawling resort features a 33,000-foot indoor water park, complete with an array of slides, pools, a lazy river, and an aqua rock-climbing wall. It is a haven for families seeking aquatic adventures.
Great Wolf Lodge offers a range of suite sizes and classes, from standard and themed suites that accommodate four to six people to premium suites that can comfortably sleep eight to ten guests. This makes it an ideal choice for larger families or groups traveling together.
Dining options abound at Great Wolf Lodge, with two restaurants offering kid-friendly menus featuring pizza, pasta, and burgers. A sweets bar, a snack bar in the water park, and a Dunkin’ Donuts provide additional options for satisfying your cravings.
Budget-Friendly Comfort: Rodeway Inn Cedar Point North
For travelers seeking a more affordable option without sacrificing comfort and convenience, the Rodeway Inn Cedar Point North is an excellent choice. Located just two miles from Cedar Point, this simple yet comfortable hotel offers all the basic amenities you need for a pleasant stay.
Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, a heated indoor swimming pool, a bar and lounge area, and an on-site restaurant. The hotel’s location also provides easy access to local restaurants, an ice cream stand, and convenience stores, all within a quarter of a mile.
Renovated and Refreshed: Best Western Plus Sandusky Hotel and Suites
The Best Western Plus Sandusky Hotel and Suites, completely renovated in 2019, consistently receives rave reviews from satisfied guests. This affordable motel, located just two miles from Cedar Point, offers comfortable rooms with standard amenities such as an iron and ironing board, coffeemaker, and computer data port.
Hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site Perkins Restaurant. Its prime location puts you within easy reach of several restaurants and dining options, including national favorites like Taco Bell and Buffalo Wild Wings, all located less than a mile away.
Comfort and Convenience: Comfort Inn Sandusky
The 89-unit Comfort Inn Sandusky is located just off of the Ohio Turnpike, about five miles from Cedar Point. Each room features a separate sitting area and a kitchenette with a coffeemaker, microwave, and refrigerator. Large two-bedroom suites are also available.
The entire property is non-smoking. Room rates include free high-speed Internet access and a complimentary Continental breakfast. The hotel is conveniently located near several popular eateries and is only a few miles from the Sandusky Mall, the NASA testing facilities, and other popular Ohio water parks.
Hampton Inn Sandusky: A Reliable Choice
The Hampton Inn Sandusky, located just off of Ohio Route #2 at Route #250, offers a reliable and comfortable stay. It’s about two miles from Lake Erie and about six miles from Cedar Point, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.
Enjoy free hot breakfast and complimentary WiFi at this Hampton Inn location. The 50-room hotel has a business center, pool, and fitness center.
La Quinta Inn Sandusky: Value and Location
The La Quinta Inn Sandusky is located approximately 2.5 miles from Cedar Point and near many other area attractions. The 62-room, two-story hotel includes daily hot breakfast and high-speed Internet access in their room rates. The facility also includes a heated, outdoor swimming pool.
Some suites even come with a whirlpool tub and wet bar. Its location off US-250 leaves it only a mile from the Sandusky Mall and less than two miles from some of America’s favorite eateries, including Applebee’s and Chick-fil-A.
Conclusion
Choosing the best place to stay when visiting Cedar Point depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you prioritize the unparalleled convenience of an on-site resort like The Breakers or Castaway Bay, or prefer the value and amenities offered by hotels like the Rodeway Inn, Best Western Plus, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, or La Quinta Inn, Sandusky offers a diverse range of lodging options to enhance your Cedar Point adventure. By carefully considering your priorities and exploring the options outlined in this guide, you can ensure a comfortable and memorable stay while experiencing the thrills and excitement of Cedar Point.
