Room Service Top Picks: The World’s Best Lakeside Retreats

The best lakeside digs for Labor Day.
Ashford castle


The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best personal finance decisions. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money.

Labor Day is almost upon us, and it might be our last chance to catch some summer sun. But sometimes, the beach is overrated. Sand in crevices you never knew you had, crowds cramping your chill, and wave pummelings can all combine for a much-hyped yet oft disappointing holiday weekend.

Enter the classic American summer retreat: The lakehouse — shade, privacy, no sand rash, and most importantly, no sharks.

From remote cabins to high-end shoreside resorts, here are the best lakeside getaways we could find. 

Our top picks: The World’s Best Lakeside Retreats

lakeside villa airbnb

Lakeside Villa

South Salem, NY

$$$$$ | Pics →

Plucked straight from the silver screen, this brilliant lakehouse is the place we all wished we could afford in college. Built with class and youthful vibrance, it would look as much the part as the venue of a relaxed evening soiree as it would a lively college do.

Rustic touches inject some fun into the stunning interior, while the outside tiki-hut-hangout could draw even the most indoorsy of us out to the lakeside. As classics go, it doesn’t get better than this.

Book your stay.

Edgewood Resort waterfront view

Edgewood Resort

Lake Tahoe, NV

$$$$ | Pics →

Need a little more luxury? Head to Lake Tahoe, and snag a room at the Edgewood. This astonishingly beautiful resort sits on the banks of the iconic lake, with the Sierra Nevada looming majestically across the water.

Opt for a traditional room, or bring a few friends and book a villa. Whatever your choice, you’re in for a treat. Wonderful dining, world-class golf courses, and one of the best assortment of resort activities we’ve ever seen help make it extra special – think movies on the shore, sangria classes, and late-night star tours.

Book your stay.

Pumphouse Point aerial water view

Pumphouse Point

Tasmania, Australia

$$$$ | Pics →

If you really need to get away this Labor Day, you can’t get further than Down Under. Pumphouse Point is breathtaking. Perched at the far end of a narrow pier on Lake St Clair in Tasmania, the Pumphouse is a full-blown experience.

All meals are included with a stay here, and dotted around the property you’ll be able to pour your own drink at the honesty bar, grab a massage, or head out in the Aussie wilderness on one of their legendary bushwalks. Spectacular doesn’t cut it.

Book your stay.

Our Other Top Picks

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. This post contains references to products from one or more of our partners and we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.

Stay in the know

Get expert insight into credit cards, loyalty programs, financial tips, and more delivered right to your inbox.

Related Stories

Smart Points Logo

Stay in the know with
Smart Points Newsletter

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Advertiser Disclosure

This article contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The relationship may impact how an offer is being presented. Our site doesn’t include all the offers available. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER!

$900 CashBack OR
90,000 bonus points

Worth over $1,500 in travel!

Partner offer. Terms apply.

DFC Partner Perks App Link Image
Special Discounts for Our Members

Save Big with Perks

Get $5,000+ in immediate travel savings with Perks. Unlock next level travel benefits, for life. Get discounts from the world’s best travel brands you won’t find anywhere else. No credit required.

DFC Concierge App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

93% off lifetime access

Save $1,200 and 10 hours of your time on every vacation. With Lifetime access to DFC Concierge, get fully customized trip itineraries to make every vacation unforgettable.

Dollar Flight Club App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

50% Off PREMIUM

You can save up to $500 on your next adventure without lifting a finger get email alerts when we find flights up to 90% off leaving your home airport. Just let us know your departure airport and we’ll do the rest.

The Daily Navigator Commitment

The Daily Navigator is an integral part of the larger DFC Media family. Through each of our brands, we’re dedicated to helping our readers travel, spend, and live smarter.

With products dedicated to affordable travel, educational content, and personal finance, we deliver the day’s essential content with none of the filler — all in a way that’s fast, easy, and fun to read. Every day million of audience members trust us to deliver educational content so that they can make informed decisions faster. We hope you’ll join them.

We’re happy to have you here!