Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Highlights
Top-rated comfy beds
Guests liked the comfy beds here.
Arcade/game room
A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade and game room.
Explore, experience, enjoy
Guests like the location for activities and attractions nearby.
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Pet-friendly
Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Barbecue grill
Explore the area
Grayling, MI
Lake Margrethe
Place, Lake Margrethe
3 min walk
Hartwick Pines State Park
Place, Hartwick Pines State Park
13 min drive
Torch Lake
Place, Torch Lake
43 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.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
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-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
Property # 4762806ha
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Grayling
Located in Grayling, this vacation home is in a rural area and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Hartwick Pines State Park and North Higgins Lake State Park, while Crawford County Historical Museum and AuSable Artisan Village are cultural highlights. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledding and snowmobiling.
Hartwick Pines State Park - 13 min drive - 19.5 km
Torch Lake - 43 min drive - 64.4 km
Torch Lake Park - 43 min drive - 64.7 km
Getting around
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 67 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 10 min drive
Paddle Hard Brewing - 8 min drive
Taco Bell - 10 min drive
Burger King - 9 min drive
Westside Diner - 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 Hilltop Cottage: 2 blocks to lake?
As of Jul 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hilltop Cottage: 2 blocks to lake on Sep 13, 2026 start from $205, 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?
Onsite 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!!"?
Check-out 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 vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Hanson Hills Recreation Area, AuSable Artisan Village, and Rayburn Property Trail. Grayling Country Club and Crawford County Historical Museum are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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.
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!
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!
Susan BLAIRE S.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 1, 2025
Blaire and friends were a great group to host. I hope to be able to host them again in the future.
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
randall H.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 24, 2025
Randall was a great guest. I would welcome them back.
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.
Charlene L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 24, 2025
Charlene group were excellent and left the property is great condition.
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.
Katie L.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 9, 2025
Mark and his group were great to work with. They are welcome back anytime they are in the area.
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.
The cottage was just as described- cozy, clean.
A great base location for our winter activities vacation.
Kimberly S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 28, 2024
Guest followed house rules, great communication, and left the cottage clean and tidy. I would recommend them to other host and welcome them back to Hilltop Cottage at anytime.
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.
Emily B.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 15, 2023
We welcome Emily and her family back to Hilltop Cottage anytime. They were great guests.
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!
Genevieve B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2024
Excellent guest!! Would welcome them back anytime.
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
kassandra b.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 4, 2024
Great guest. Thanks for your suggestions. They are greatly appreciate.
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.
Was a great location to use for access to snowmobile trails
Karen J.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 15, 2023
Great group to host.
About the host
Hosted by Brenda Challender
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
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests