Welcome to South Cliff Inn

In a 100-year old English cottage perched on the bluffs above Lake Michigan, South Cliff Inn blends historic charm with modern comforts...comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and plenty of coffee & tea. With just seven guest rooms, you won’t find crowds here. You’ll find quiet mornings, space to breathe, and sunsets that stop you mid-sentence.

Each morning, a homemade breakfast is waiting for you. Step outside and you’re minutes from Lions Beach and downtown St. Joseph. Stay in and you’re surrounded by sweeping lake views and a vibrant perennial garden that changes with the seasons.

An easy drive from Chicago, Grand Rapids, or Indianapolis...yet it feels a world away.

Come for the view. Leave restored.

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South Cliff Inn exterior, featuring the front door, mural, and parking lot

South Cliff Inn innkeepers, Daniel and Allison, in front of their inn before it was painted

Our Story

The now 100+ year old cottage was converted into the South Cliff Inn Bed & Breakfast in 1987 by William Swisher. Updated in 2018 by Wilfredo & Brandy Jaquez. Allison & Daniel Schultz have been working hard to operate and improve the inn since 2023.

South Cliff Inn is a historic bed and breakfast that has stood on the bluffs of Lake Michigan for generations. Original plaster walls, classic windows, and vintage details are part of the character that make this place feel warm and lived-in.

What we obsess over is simple:

Spotless rooms
Comfortable beds
Modern essentials where they matter
Genuinely attentive service

Our Amenities

Comfort, charm, and lakeside views combine for your perfect stay.

South Cliff Inn's Sunset room, with a glimpse of the lake view from the bedroom and balcony

Two South Cliff Inn dishes, a vegetarian egg bake, with breakfast sausage on the side

Cozy rooms make you feel at home

Every room has a private bathroom, with a shower or bathtub; smart TV with Xfinity Cable; and an electric or gas fireplace

Breakfast is part of the stay

Each morning starts with a homemade breakfast prepared in-house, with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Eat in the sunroom or on the back deck to pair breakfast with a lake view.

South Cliff Inn happy hour, with wine and light snacks

Afternoon snacks to tide you over

Light snacks are set out in the dining room each afternoon from 3pm-6pm. Coffee, tea, and water are always available.

South Cliff Inn's living room, well-stocked with books, magazines, puzzles, and board games

Plenty to do

Play bocce ball in the backyard, have fun with a board game or deck of cards from the living room, use the provided Pickleball paddles and balls at the nearby public courts, or borrow some beach chairs on a sunny day.

South Cliff Inn's perennial garden, with plenty of seating and lake views

Relax in the perennial garden

Quiet outdoor seating areas, surrounded by the large perennial garden that changes throughout the seasons. Space to read, relax, or watch the sunset.

Sunset over Lake Michigan from the South Cliff Inn's Sunset Deck

Soak in the lake views

With a west-facing garden, the sun sets directly in front of our Sunset Deck. Enjoy the lake views from the garden, the sunroom, the Harbour room, and the two balcony rooms.

Frequently asked questions

Are you open year-round?

We are open from March to November each year. Feel free to reach out when we're closed, although it may take us a little longer to get back to you.

Is breakfast included? What if I'm gluten-free/vegetarian/etc.?

A full homemade breakfast is served each morning, typically consisting of an egg casserole, sweet bread dish (pancakes, waffles, or french toast), breakfast meat on the side, breakfast potatoes, pastries, fresh fruit, and yogurt.

Multiple dishes are gluten-free and vegetarian and we can provide vegan options or accommodate other dietary restrictions with advance notice.

How much does a stay cost?

Our nightly rates range from $225 in the Spring and Fall up to $500 for a lake view balcony room in the summer. We do have two-night minimums for most of the year. Please visit our booking page for rates + availability by date.

Do you offer room packages/upgrades?

At checkout, you can order a bottle of Michigan wine, sparkling, flowers, or a romance package. You can also rent bikes and beach supplies. If there is something specific you are looking for, please let us know.

Is there beach access?

While we do have a great view of the water, we are up on the bluffs, with no way to get down to the water from our property. However, just 2 blocks away is the John & Dede Howard trail, which will take you right down to Lions Beach (10-15 minute walk).

What's next for the garden?

In 2025, we focused on planting. We planted over 100 new spring bulbs and hundreds of native flowers. Our first task for 2026 is widening the garden path, which we will start work on in March 2026. Over the rest of the year, we plan on removing more of the invasive plant species and improving the decks with newer furniture and stain.

How can I contact you?

You can reach us by phone @ 269.983.4881, by email @ southcliffinn@gmail.com, or via our contact page. We are always happy to answer your questions.

What's next for the inn?

In 2025, we had a mural and our new logo painted onto opposite sides of the building by the talented Daydreams by Paige. Our first task for 2026 is replacing all of the carpet on the second floor and remodeling the Manor room, which should be completed in April 2026.

Are pets allowed?

Service animals (animals trained to perform specific task(s) for people with disabilities) are always allowed, per ADA requirements. Pets are not allowed, but there are multiple pet boarding options less than 10 minutes from the inn.