New boutique lodging destinations to be (very) excited about.
This article first appeared in Traverse Northern Michigan. Find this story and more when you explore our magazine library. Want Traverse delivered to your door or inbox monthly? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.
Here in Northern Michigan, we like to call September “secret summer.” The lakes are still warm, the days sun-filled and, with kids back in school, the rush of July and August slows down a little, welcoming couples and solo travelers to indulge in a more laidback pace. It’s the perfect time to explore a new place—and we’ve got the lodging lowdown on three hot properties.
Photo by OTIS Harbor Springs
Otis Harbor Springs
This meticulously restored mid-century hotel near the scenic M-119 Tunnel of Trees has been the talk of the summer with Condé Nast Traveler deeming Otis Harbor Springs one of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2024. The historic property began welcoming guests in late May after a sophisticated top-to-bottom renovation. Co-founders Israel Hernandez and Ty Humpert brought in Daniel Caudill, who led the design of Detroit’s Shinola Hotel, and sought inspiration from interior designer Ken Blasingame, whose résumé includes projects at the White House and Camp David.
Thirty-one guest rooms, each marked with a hand-painted gold leaf room number, range from studios to spacious family suites, with patios overlooking a meadow-like courtyard. Special touches include custom beds designed by Caudill and Humpert, luxurious Frette linens, Italian Tolomeo bedside lamps, glass waterfall desks, vintage leather Knoll chairs and a selection of original art from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.
Winding pathways on the property give way to communal lounge spaces and intimate niches. In the courtyard, guests will find outdoor seating, bocce ball and stone fire pits. And all are invited to enjoy three public venues: Birchwood General, an onsite market offering local goods and arts alongside takeaway food and beverage; the Fireplace Lounge centered around the building’s original hearth with vintage furnishings, custom mural work and cocktails; and a window-service café overlooking an outdoor deck for al fresco dining.
Photo by OTIS Harbor Springs
Photo by OTIS Harbor Springs
Photo by Taylor Brown
Alexandra Inn, Traverse City
At the Alexandra Inn, it’s the rooftop bar, Blush, that really sets the hotel apart. Traverse City’s only waterfront rooftop bar dazzles with panoramic true-blue views of East Grand Traverse Bay. The 2,000-square-foot restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and a full bar menu to guests and the public. Menu highlights: a three-tiered charcuterie tower, apricot grilled cheese, cherry caprese salad, and the Petoskey Stone mojito with High Five Spirits’ lavender gin. A 100-foot private beach for guests and nightly chocolate chip cookies also delight.
Photo by Taylor Brown
The Dexter, Elk Rapids
There’s lots to love about The Dexter—water views from most of the 20 spacious suite-style rooms, a downstairs bar with an outdoor patio, custom furniture by Wolf Wood Co.—but the upscale hotel’s downtown location may just take the cake. Walk down the street to the marina on Elk Lake and rent a Lilypad—a six-person, solar-powered boat; park yourself next to the Osorio Tacos Y Salsas food truck at Short’s Brewing; make reservations for a BOS Wine tasting experience in a beautiful 1920s farmhouse; then tuck yourself deep into your plush bedding at the end of a day well spent.