Bella Vita Vacation Rentals

Umm this place is a joke for nails. Heather literally slopped my polish on a did a ‘new’ technique but scrapping off the access polish off my skin. Sweetheart of a lady but even their receptionist doesn’t get her nails done there…

My girlfriend and I took our second trip to Bella Vita Vacation Rentals over Labor Day weekend. Our experience with the room itself was great. Beautiful wood floors original to the building, large walk in shower with rain head and wall jets, fireplace. The works. our problem stemmed from the parking situation. Bella Vita’s very small lot is tucked behind the building. I recall thinking «wow they’ve really packed a lot of cars back here. I hope I don’t get hit». Unfortunately that’s exactly what happened. No note, jut a nice scrape along my bumper. In speaking with Kevin the owner he suggested that the damage to my car may have already been there and tells me that I don’t have to park in his lot. I kindly reminded Kevin that his own employee noted the damage to my car that morning and asked him why he even has the reserved lot if he doesn’t expect his guests to park there. Kevin eventually agreed to credit back one night of our stay but the whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth.

We are from Chicago and wanted a quick weekend getaway that didn’t require hopping on a flight or an entire day of travel. This was the perfect getaway. We booked two nights and a spa package for two of us. The room was amazing! It was modern, lofty and very spacious. Perfect small little walk out patio in a semi public alley (not very much traffic) you can sit out and take your coffee or in our case drink a bottle of champagne in our robes after or spa services. The Kings size bed was perfectly comfortable and the shower was amazing!!! It was also equipped with a mini kitchen that made it convenient for the midnight snack of take-​home from dinner. It gets a little noisy but, if you’re from the city you’ll be fine. They also provide you with earplugs and a white noise machine (which we used and slept with no noise issues). The location is excellent right in the heart of Saugatack. Everything was no more than a 5min stroll down the quaint streets. And if you’re taking advantage of the spa services even more convenient to just walk upstairs get pampered and head back down afterwards in your robe. Will definitely stay here again!

The spa here is top notch, and one that I would definitely recommend. The suites are also great, and you couldn’t ask for a better location to experience Saugatuck. The only flaw, and the reason I’m giving them 4 stars and not 5, has to do with the noise factor. The road noise can be quite loud, and at night we could also hear our neighbors watching their television. They are well aware of the issue and, in fact, provide ear plugs on the night stand for their customers to use. Knowing this, we would still stay here again as this is a beautiful facility.

I like this place — friendly staff, great location, cool room/​décor. and AWESOME shower. maybe I should have just gotten a different room? we got the taurino suite which is at ground level in the alley right downtown. so people are walking by RIGHT outside of your window/​door. this means that if you don’t want to feel like you’re in a fishbowl, you have to keep the blinds closed for the entire time. which reminds me – the blinds. they actually don’t close the entire way. luckily I realized this right before the front desk closed and they were able to dig a couple hair clips out of the vat of sanitizer in the hair salon so that I could use them to keep the blinds closed (they wiped the clips down with a towel before handing them to me, so that they weren’t still dripping with sanitizer, which was nice). a little… strange, I thought. lastly, this suite is directly under some wooden stairs that lead up to the check in desk, so there are a ton of footstep noises that start around, I dunno, 9am? that was also around the time people started having conversations in the alley right outside our room. but the room was actually really quiet throughout the night and would have been fine for sleeping if I didn’t want to sleep in on my vacation! maybe it’s nature’s way of telling me to get out of bed and go for a run on the beach ;). if I ever came back to Saugatuck, I would either try to find a different room in this hotel or I would just book a room at the dang holiday inn. I still liked it tho. the rooms look really modern and cool and you get your own parking spot in back so you don’t have to worry about crazy Saugatuck parking!

This is a review of both the spa and suites. I’d give the suites a 5 star review, and the spa 3 (hence the 4).
We rented out almost all of the suites and 3 vacation rentals for our wedding this past September. The location (and parking included) can’t be beat. Plus, no expense is spared in the very new, modern, and luxorious rooms. We spent our wedding night in the Piedmont suite (1^st floor), and our bridal party was in the rest of the suites (and the 2 Butler Street Flats). Besides some comments about dogs barking very early in the morning (which the Bella Vita can’t control), everyone was very pleased with the accommodations. If you’re worried about the noise, there are sound machines in some rooms and ear plugs as well provided. It’s nice to have a full small kitchen available, and the fireplaces are a wonderful amenity.
Kevin was a pleasure to work with, and we really appreciated him going above and beyond to make our whole weekend fantastic. They really have customer service down here.
A bunch of us had our nails done at the spa the day before. They were very nice in allowing us to bring in food and drinks to enjoy. All the staff was great, but my Mom had some difficulties with her nail polish. It kept bubbling up, even though they tried a couple times to get it right. I brought in a picture of what I was hoping my nails would look like (a nude shade with a gold glitter polish on top), and she took her time to get it right.
I also bought my parents a couples massage (a first for my Dad), and they ended up both enjoying it very much! I wanted to be able to have the hair and make-​up for myself and bridesmaids done in the spa, but unfortunately had some difficulties during my hair trial as far as translating my ideas (and pictures) into a hairstyle I liked. Given the importance of the day, I just didn’t want to take the risk. I was also surprised to hear they even did make-​up. It wasn’t offered on their spa menu, and the small Aveda set-​up in the hair room didn’t lead me to believe it was a focus of theirs.
Overall, I couldn’t have been happier with the suites. I think the spa is excellent at traditional spa-​services (massages, facials, etc.), but for a special occasion, I might look elsewhere.

I purchased a spa package for my mother for Mother’s Day this year. She doesn’t ever do anything special for herself and I was very excited to find such a reasonable package for all the amenities included! Mom finally made the appointment for today and said it was absolutely wonderful! She loved the massage and the facial! She enjoyed having her hair done and just being fussed over! I asked the to treat her like a queen and they most certainly did! Thank you soooo much!

Let me go home to the peace and quiet of Chicago!
As stated on the hotel’s web-​site, Bella Vita is located in the center of town. Before arriving at the hotel, I thought that would be a major convenience. In hind site, never again! My husband and I went to Saugatuck, for a relaxing weekend, but could not sleep day or night. General foot traffic, Harleys, Kilwins ice cream below, and smokers sitting on benches outside the room, made it impossible to nap during the day. The bar with the live band and the patrons standing outside, two doors down, made it hard to sleep at night.
Another problem with the hotel is that after the spa closes around 5:00 pm, the hotel is unattended. If any problem occurs, you’re supposed to carry around the owners business card and call him. So when someones alarm clock was going off in a room that no one was in, at 7:00 am for an hour, I guess it’s just time to get up.

My husband and I stayed in the Piedmont Suite — gorgeous room with top-​notch amenities. Kevin was a great host. Would definitely stay there again and have already referred it to friends. Location is terrific too.

Great Location and accomidations! I have stayed once at the suites and once at at the flats. The Suites are very nice with great beds, showers, fireplace and TV. Great place to escape with the wife for a night or two away from the kids. The flats are really large two bedroom condos that offer plenty of room and a great location right down town Saugatuck. Kevin is a Great Host and will give you great care and help with any questions or tourist questions you might have. Would definatly go back and stay with them again!

Aaaahhhhhhhh! Complete relaxing wonderfulness!
I had the most relaxing hot stone massage at the spa and on a separate occasion stayed at the suites.
Both experiences were exactly what I needed!
I can’t wait to return!

I had a realization about 10 minutes into my pedicure. The less expensive nail shops are very hard on my feet and hands as services are performed. My nail tech Courtney was kind and considerate to my feet and hands unlike the shoving, cutting and hard scrubbing that I am used to in other shops (not in Saugatuck/​Douglas but in my hometown of Ann Arbor). Coffee House music piped into the salon was an added bonus as the music helped create a relaxing atmosphere. The spa had the very latest OPI collection and Shellec. I loved my experience at Bella Vita and plan to go back when in Saugatuck/​Douglas. Added bonus is that Kilwins is next door.

Hands down the best massage I have ever had! I have been getting massages regularly for the past ten years at a multitude of spas and this one was great. It is an Aveda salon so there are great products to buy and that are used in treatments. Liz took the time to make sure she understood what I wanted and it showed. I will be back for sure next time I am in the area.

I hate to rain on Bella Vita’s positive review train here but they kind of rained on mine so here goes…
Being a Unilocal CM my schedule is pretty hectic so I treat my days off like gold. I took yesterday off to enjoy a little summertime fun in the ‘Tuck – beaching, eating, that sort of thing. Unfortunately my shoulders and back were KILLING me and it was hampering my good time so I decided to splurge on a massage.
I walked into Bella Vita ready to be told that that they didn’t have any appointments available but lo and behold they had one a half hour from when I popped in. GREAT! I’LL TAKE IT! The gal at the desk was really nice and we chatted a bit before I took of and said I would return. I walked around a bit and wandered back about 5 minutes before my appointment.
I came back, she had me take some paperwork and I filled it out while I waited. They offered me the customary water, tea, etc. I was fine so I didn’t take them up on it. The space itself is lovely and very serene. Clean and decorated nicely. I’ll give them that. I grabbed a magazine and settled in waiting for my masseuse to come out and get me.
And I waited…
I saw the ladies with appointments ahead of me come out. I thought «OK, now is my time. They were probably just running late.» I saw two masseuses walking around so I thought, «Great! They’re cleaning my room!» But then they disappeared. So I waited… and I waited…
I see one return. HOORAY!
No, wait. What’s this? She’s taking out the garbage. Annnnd she’s grabbing her lunch bag… and she’s saying bye and walking out the door.
Huh.
Okay, maybe it’s the second gal. So I wait… and I wait… She goes over to the front desk and is chatting with the customers checking out. I wait…
It’s a half hour now. My massage was for 50 minutes. I should have been more than half done by now. Remember, my time is precious to me so I am fuming at having been sitting here for 30 minutes when I could have been enjoying my day elsewhere.
Finally she comes back around: «Laura?» «No, Annette.» «Oh, I thought you were Laura.» «Nope. Annette.» «Oh, that was my 4pm. I thought you were here early.» «Well, I’ve been waiting for a half hour now and no one’s come by so… I think I’m going to go.»
I started to walk away when the receptionist comes over «I’ve been waiting for a half hour and nothing. So I’m going to leave.» The receptionist then asks the other masseuse, «Where’s Jenny?» «…She went to the back,» she’ answers somewhat tentatively.
Wrong. I saw her walk out the door with a lunch bag. That girl was GONE. I handed over my clipboard way more stressed than I was when I came in (not helping my shoulders one bit) and walked out. I believe there was a tentative «sorry» but nothing memorably apologetic about the poor miscommunication that left me sitting there reading Self Magazine feeling bad about my abs for a half hour. Ugh.
If they had been running late I would have been understanding. Stuff happens. People are late. I know I am on occasion. That’s life. But I was just forgotten. Bummer.
I walked out of there and promptly headed to «Massages by Steve» a little outpost at 131 Mason St where licensed masseur Steve sits with his chair and offers 5 and 15 minute massages. I forked over 10 bucks for a 15 minute go around and he did magic. Loosened up my knots and hit spots in my neck I didn’t even know were hurting. All for $ 10. It wasn’t in a «relaxing» spa environment and sure, my knees were sweating all over the chair but it was fabulous. So I guess alls’ well that ends well?
The sad thing is I would have been a repeat customer here if I had had a pleasurable experience. I go out there a few times a year and I would have gladly shelled out a little extra $$ to pamper myself for an hour each time. Maybe even grab a pedicure while I was at it? Alas, t’was not the case. I threw out the pamphlet I grabbed. Sorry, Bella Vita.

Wonderful rooms! We really enjoyed our stay here. The room had a little kitchen with real plates! It was nice to be able to have leftovers on vacation to save a little money. The keyless doors were fabulous, I loved not having to dig around my purse everytime we went. The staff and owner were very friendly! The only problem we had was some ants in the room. The owner comped part of our stay, but I would say probably not as much as I would have thought. Especially considering we spent an entire day at their spa (in other words all our wedding money). The shopping around the area sucks, but the food was great! I probably wouldn’t come back here, I’d rather stay in Grand Rapids with all their antiques. In general though it was a nice place, and the hotel was very beautiful.

1^st wedding anniversary! Awesome!
My wife and I really enjoyed the quaint luxury of these new suites — the rooms were nearly brand new, very modern, and sized comfortably. The location in downtown Saugatuck could not be any more convenient either!

I am only reviewing the spa, not the suites. The spa is everything that you will want for a relaxing weekend. My wife had a facial and as a bonus, they gave her a massage. The result… good night’s sleep, her headache disappeared. Of course, it is not a cure, but it certainly helped her sleep.

I can’t say enough good stuff about this place.
We just got home from our second stay and I’m already missing both Saugatuck and Bella Vita. The suites are clean, beautifully decorated, romantic, private, reasonably priced and more than comfortable.
As charming as Saugatuck is, there aren’t many modern places to stay. We joke around that all of the places look like Grandma’s attic. If you want to escape the floral curtains and Victorian furniture, then Bella Vita is the place for you. The furnishings are contemporary, but not sterile.
Our room had a huge double-​headed shower, a fireplace and a wet bar (packed with complimentary snacks and beverages). There was a huge, comfortable bed. If you get rooms upstairs, there are lovely windows that overlook Butler St. (the main stretch in town). Because there are only a limited number of rooms, you really feel as though you are staying in an apartment and not a hotel. There is a reserved parking space behind the building. And, the room was cleaned each day and the staff was as friendly as could be.
Also, you can’t mention this place without mention Kevin, the owner. He is warm, kind, welcoming and genuinely happy to help you. He has great recommendations for things to do and places to eat in the area. He even walked out to the parking lot to wish us goodbye.
The only thing I don’t like about Bella Vita is that we can’t visit more often.

Bella Vita was a good choice for us overall. We did like it, and I’d be hesitant to stay anywhere else when in Saugatuck. It’s one of the only non-B&B choices, which we certainly look for.
Very nice modern-​loft feel. The building is obviously pretty old, and the exposed brick work and what seem like original plank floors give it a very industrial, yet homey feel. Making reservations was a breeze, and communication with the staff was simple and pleasant. Kevin, the owner called us on the way in to let us know they had a problem with the suite we’d reserved (Florenzia), and had moved us to a larger one (Milano). Towels were exchanged promptly, even being dropped off outside the door when we had the privacy sign up. The pro /​con list below really refers to our specific suite, and may not be applicable to all suites, but my guess is for the most part, they will be.
Pros —
Décor — Refreshing to see a modern take on a suite, rather than the traditional and sometimes stuffy décor you see in B&B’s. Some finishes are not high-​end, laminate countertops, etc. but still fit well into the room.
Keyless entry — You get a code, and your code gets you everywhere you need to, no keys, no cards, very easy.
Location — I’m having a hard time imaging a better location. You’re right in the middle of the town, easy access to anything and everything. Located in the same space as Kilwin’s chocolate shop and the Butler’s Pantry, all accessible without even going outside.
Communication — Any questions we had were promptly answered, and Kevin was a pleasure to work with.
Price — While certainly not a steal, for what you get it’s a very good value.
Fireplace — Each room (from what I understand) has an gas/​electric fire place in an old stove kind of setup. These are obviously not original, but work very well, look great and heat up the room quickly.
Details — Kitchenette was useful, mini-​fridge was adequate for storing drinks and leftovers and the small coffee-​maker and included coffee, tea and biscotti was a nice touch.
Cons —
Security — One of my biggest pet peeves. They key code system is great, but there is no way to lock the room from the inside. I’m a little uncomfortable with the entire staff knowing our code, and a few digits being the only thing stopping someone from entering our room in the middle of the night. Would love to see a slide lock or even a simple chain to give a sense of security and privacy when in the room.
Noise — This is an old building, floors creak, voices carry, not a huge deal. The location however makes it very susceptible to noise from people leaving the bars and surrounding businesses. They did make an effort here, and included a white noise machine in our room. We certainly used it after the first night.
Bathroom — This may not apply to every suite, but I was a tad disappointed in the bathroom. It’s basically concrete. Concrete floors, concrete walls. It was large, but seemed like a large drainage room with some nice fixtures added. I guess I had higher expectations given the rest of the room, and envisioned something more «suite» like. Very industrial washing room kind of feel. I will add the Milano suite is an ADA room, so perhaps that was the reason it was more functional than stylish.
TV — We’re not big TV watchers, but did bring along a few DVD’s to play as it was Thanksgiving weekend and knew the town might be dead. There was no DVD player. Understandable, I guess we’d just gotten use to staying in places where a DVD player was a given. The TV does have Dish network available, but the package they opted for was rather spartan. Certain channels weren’t available that you would expect in even a basic cable package. Finally there is a blue «power» LED-​light of some sort that stays on when the TV is off. We didn’t notice it at first, but when you turn the lights off in the room it might as well be a spotlight shining right onto the bed area. We tried to block with a number of things, from sheets of paper to little tea bags to no avail. We eventually hung a coat on the TV, so that the coat would cover the light up.
Details — Our king-​sized bed was very soft and comfortable and certainly had enough pillows. However, I believe the comforter was a queen size, and barely fit the bed, hanging about half an inch over the side of the bed. It made making the bed up annoying, and I was a bit confused as to why one would put a queen comforter on a king-​sized bed.
Overall, Bella Vita was a nice choice from a suite-​style perspective. I felt like they took it 90% of the way there, and then kind of quit when it came to getting the little details worked out, but the location can’t be beat and we’d certainly stay with them again.

Fantastic place with great service — incredibly friendly. And a kickin fireplace!