If you’re looking for a unique glamping overnight, you’ll definitely want to check out SolStay Lodging and Marina in Sandusky, OH.
You can sleep in floating lodging on the water, 4 minutes/ 1.8 miles from Cedar Point Amusement Park and only 5 minutes from downtown Sandusky.
My son and I enjoyed a 2-night stay during our visit to the Sandusky area, filled with lots of adventures.
This article is written in partnership with Shores and Islands Ohio. All opinions are my own. This article may contain affiliate links.
I always love a unique overnight, and SoLSTAY checked all the boxes.
What made our stay even better was how close it was to Cedar Point Amusement Park after a long day of extreme thrills. It was so nice to have a short drive back to our accomodations.
Where is SoLSTAY Lodging and Marina Located?
SoLSTay Lodging and Marina is located on the Sandusky Bay at 2312 River Ave, Sandusky, OH.
Admire the Art
Upon arrival at SoLStay, the first thing I noticed was the 80 ft long scenic mural depicting the area by graffiti artist Jules Muck, who is based in Venice, California.
Urban Glamping Retreat On the Water
SoLSTAY offers 20 cozy houseboats ( 12 Tiny houseboats and 8 Luxury houseboats) and 4 lakeside cottage units.
Houseboats sleep 2 people, but one boat can sleep up to 4, and their cottages can sleep between 4 and 8 guests.
You don’t need to worry about packing bedding or toiletries. Those are provided in addition to towels, board games, and more.
Guests are provided with a code for their lock the morning of their stay. Check in is 3 PM and checkout is 11 AM.
Tiny Houseboats
SoLSTAY Tiny Houseboats sleep 2 people in a Queen bed and have Wi-Fi, solar power, a portable fan, and the linens provided.
These Tiny Houseboats don’t have air conditioning, and guests are encouraged to open windows and enjoy the breeze.
The houseboats also don’t have electrical outlets but you can charge your phone in the General Store at the Lounge during their hours.
Lux Houseboats
There are two types of Lux Houseboats at SoLSTAY, with or without an ensuite bathroom. Pricing varies based on the season and time of week.
We stayed in Lux Houseboat Ensuite with Loft #7 for two nights.
Lux Houseboats Ensuites are electric-powered and sleep up to 2 or 3 people depending on if the unit has a loft.
They have a private balcony, air conditioning (YAY) and heat for the cooler months, a smart TV, a mini fridge, all linens, and an ensuite restroom.
There was a mounted TV, a mini fridge, and a few board games in the cabinet. The extra counter space was nice to have for our electronics and drinks.
The living area of the Lux Houseboat had two chairs.
Two bathrobes were also provided to use during the stay.
I slept on the lower Queen bed, and my son slept on the loft Queen bed above.
One of my favorite features of the Lux houseboat was the large window by my bed.
It was so relaxing to look out the window during sunset and in the morning.
Fair warning you may wake up earlier with the extra light, even with your blinds closed.
The Queen bed on the ground level also had a Smart TV mounted to the wall for cozy viewing.
The loft was cozy without any windows, but it did have outlets.
The ensuite bathroom also made a big difference. It was so nice to be able to have a private shower and bathroom in our unit versus walking to the shared facilities at night.
There’s a small sink, tolietries, shower with hot water and toliet similiar to a camping toliet with a foot pedal for flushing.
Lux Houseboat guests without an Ensuite use the shared facilies. They are a short walk from the dock with a private stall that has a toliet and shower.
The property is also pet-friendly with a relief area adjacent to the shared facilities.
There are also two bathrooms without showers near the General Store.
The property is so peaceful in the evening.
There was plenty of lighting to navigate back and forth from the houseboat to the common areas too.
Additional Accommodations at SoLSTAY
SoLSTAY also offers 2-3 bedroom cottages on land with air condiditioning, a private patio, private bathroom, kitchen, and queen size beds.
Common Areas for Guests at SoLSTAY
There are several shared areas for guests to enjoy, centrally located, and steps from the parking lot.
You’ll notice several seating areas that are perfect for gathering if you’re staying with a group. I also found that the vibe of the other guests was very friendly.
Guests staying in houseboats have access to the grills and BBQ tools.
Mini golf at SoLSTAY Lodging and Marina in Sandusky, OH
Guests have access to free mini golf during their stay. Golf putters and balls can be found near the entrance to the General Store.
My son enjoyed the hot tub in the evening after his run to downtown Sandusky and back. (Don’t worry, he showered before using the hot tub after his run)
Additional Info for Guests
- Rooftop Hot Tub – Open 10AM- 11PM
- Floating Sauna – Reserve in store
- Fishing Charter – Book in-store 24 hours in advance
- Self-guided Birding Tours- Purchase in-store
- Firepits on the Boardwalk
- Free Little Library
- Games – Ping Pong, Cornhole, and mini golf – open 8 AM- 11PM
Reserve Time in the Floating Sauna at SoLSTAY
Guests staying at SoLSTAY can book a session at the floating sauna in-store during their stay.
This is another great way for guests to relax and unwind with a view.
SoLSTAY General Store and Lounge
Guests have access to additional seating for hanging out during General Store hours.
You’ll find an assortment of drinks, snacks, ice, smores kit, SoLSTAY merch, and miscellanious items you may need for your stay.
If you need groceries there’s a Kroger and Aldi less than 3 miles away from SoLSTAY.
Coffee Corner at SoLSTAY
The Coffee Corner has complimentary tea and coffee.
Guests staying in the houseboats can use the Keurig in their General Store, and guests staying at the cottage units have their own coffee maker.
Kayak Rentals at SoLSTAY Lodging and Marina in Sandusky, OH
I highly recommend renting a few kayaks during your stay. You can book your kayak rental online or in-store during your stay.
It’s a great way to slow down and appreciate the surrounding area of the Sandusky Bay from another perspective.
My son and I paddled by the Pipe Creek Wildlife Area, a 97 acre nature preserve adjacent to SoLSTAY.
Kayak rentals are available by the hour, half day, or full day.
We kayaked for about an hour around the Sandusky Bay and saw several different types of birds and a family of ducks along the way.
I especially enjoyed seeing the wildlife preserve to the left and the silhouette of the rides at Cedar Point Amusement Park to my right.
Recommended Restaurants in the Area
Here are some recommendations for places to eat around Sandusky during your stay.
Sandusky Bay Pancake House – 4710 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH – Breakfast and brunch eatery.
Wake Up and Waffle – 122 E Water St, Sandusky, OH – Home of the Liege Waffle!
Small City Taphouse – 202 Columbus Ave, Sandusky, OH – 80 beers, delicious Asian cuisine and sushi.
OH Taco – 223 W Water St, Sandusky, OH – North Coast Taco Shop
Pipe Creek Wharf Bar & Grill is located next to the property if you’re looking for a resturant that offers lunch, dinner, or drinks with views of the Sandusky Bay. Check their calendar for upcoming live music and hours of operation.
Find More Information About SoLSTAY
You can find more information on the SoLSTAY website.
