Monday, January 9, 2017

Michigan B&B's

So, you are looking for a romantic place to celebrate a special occasion with a certain someone you love. Or maybe you need to spend some quality time - just the two of you. A Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place. They are quiet, cozy, and comfortable. Many of them are more affordable than you think – especially if they are open during the “off season” or you stay on a weeknight.

From grand Victorian mansions to beautiful log cabins, from Arcadia to Zeeland and in-between, here are some of my favorite Michigan B&B’s (in no particular order of preference):
NORTHWEST MICHIGAN (north of I-96 and west of 127/I-75):

Arcadia House B&B
LOCATION: 17304 Northwood Hwy (Scenic M-22), Arcadia, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (231) 889-4394

This lovely two-story house was built in 1910. It was a private home until 1992. New owners transformed the house into a charming Bed and Breakfast. Each of the five guest rooms have a private bathroom. Two rooms have balconies.  We stayed in Alice’s Room which has a queen-size bed, private bath, and balcony.
Alice's Room
The house is filled with original woodwork and furnishings that reflect the elegance of this 1910 home.  
Entry & Stairway
Living Room
This isn’t any ordinary B&B. They also offer mini-Spa treatments – like in-house massages, manicures, and pedicures (appointment required).
Spa Room
Not only is this a great place to feel pampered in a relaxing atmosphere but Arcadia House B&B is conveniently located in northwest Michigan near beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

For more information in Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS, I invite you to view my blog posts by clicking on the following links:



Horton Creek Inn B&B
Horton Creek Inn B&B
LOCATION05757 Boyne City Road Charlevoix, Michigan (USA)
Phone: Reservations only - 866-582-5373 -- Local 231-582-5373

The Horton Creek Inn B&B is a 6,000+ square foot log house built in 1991. It has served as a B&B for the past 18 years. The B&B has seven guest rooms. Two are on the lower level, one is on the main floor, and four are on the second floor (two of the four rooms are together creating a suite and share a bath). We had the Bear Room on the second floor.
The Bear Guest Room

What I love about this B&B is the abundant flowers and landscaping … and did I mention there is an outdoor heated swimming pool?
Pond
Flowers
Swimming Pool
 The newest addition to the B&B is the outdoor fire pit.   
Fire Pit
Lunch or dinner options can be found in Boyne City (about seven miles) or Charlevoix (about 11 miles).

The Horton Creek Inn B&B is near Young State Park (about 5 miles), the Ironton Ferry (17-19 miles), and historic sites in Horton Bay, Boyne City and Charlevoix.   

Cartier Mansion
LOCATION409 East Ludington Avenue, Ludington, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (231) 843-0101
Website: Cartier Mansion

This Neoclassical home was built in 1905 by Warren Cartier – a lumber baron, The house features original woodwork, fixtures and antiques. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 Front Entry
 Living Room
 Dining Room
Library
The five guest rooms are located on the second floor and each has its own private bathroom. Our overnight stay was in the King Suite. This room was originally Warren Cartier’s private quarters. This spacious guest room has a king-size four-poster bed, a sitting room (with a non-working fireplace), and a private balcony overlooking Ludington Avenue. The bathroom has a Jacuzzi tub and a round shower stall with three shower heads and four curving bars that spray water at various heights on your body. Previous guests describe it as “an adventure” and “an interesting experience”.   
 King Suite - Bedroom Area
 King Suite - Private Balcony
 King Suite - Bathroom
King Suite - Sitting Room
This beautifully restored B&B is historic yet offers its guests the modern conveniences they want. The B&B is located near the sandy beaches along beautiful Lake Michigan, Ludington State Park, and lots of outdoor activities.

Dempsey Manor
LOCATION: 506 Maple St, Manistee, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (231) 510-4430

This Victorian-style mansion was built in 1894 by another lumber baron – James Dempsey. In more recent years, the current owner has converted the mansion into a “storybook B&B”. The owner is an antique collector and the contents makes the house a museum in itself.    
Gentleman's Den
Ladies Music Room
Solarium
There are eight guest rooms. Some have private baths and some have shared baths.
Second Floor Hallway
We stayed in the Grand Suite. This two-room suite was Mr. Dempsey’s private quarters. It features a beautiful king-size canopy bed, non-working fireplace, a large sitting room, and modern bathroom.
 Grand Suite - Bedroom Area
Grand Suite - Sitting Area
The people who own and operate this B&B are friendly and helpful.  Their love for history and the preservation of this house is obvious in every detail.  Manistee is a Victorian Port City and this Victorian house is the grandest in town.

Hexagon House B&B
LOCATION: 760 6th St, Pentwater, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (231) 869-4102

Built in 1870, this uniquely shaped (six-sided) house is a relaxing retreat on three acres in the town of Pentwater. There are five guests rooms – four on the second floor and one on the main floor (the Cottage Rose Suite). We stayed in this room during our second visit here and I highly recommend it. It is a spacious room with his and hers closets and a private section of the porch.
Cottage Rose Suite - Bedroom Area
Cottage Rose Suite - Bathroom
Cottage Rose Suite - Private Porch Area
During our first visit here, we stayed in The Homestead Room. Each of the second floor guest rooms have their own bathrooms and private entry doors that access the second floor wrap-around porch and sun deck.   
Homestead Room
Guest Rooms - Private Doors to 2nd Level Porch
Second Level Porch & Sun Deck
Directly under the sun deck is spacious and airy living room/dining room. Also on the main floor is the Victorian Parlor/Sitting Room.   
Living Room/Dining Room
Victorian Sitting Room/Parlor
What I like about this B&B is its unique shape, outstanding service, and quiet location.  

Stafford’s Bay View Inn
LOCATION: 2011 Woodland Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (231) 347-2771 or 800-258-1886

Built in 1886, this Victorian style inn is a Michigan Historic Site. Inside the Inn there is ample places to relax or watch TV either in the Sun Room (located on the main floor) or the library (on the second floor). During warmer weather, the front porch is a favorite place to sit and enjoy the lake view.
Lobby
Sunroom
This charming country inn has 31 guests rooms with private bathrooms. We have stayed here a couple of times and will return again. Our last visit we stayed in a Forget-Me-Not Suite - Room 41. It had a king-size bed and a separate sitting area with a gas fireplace – which was great during our winter stay.
 Room 41 - Bedroom Area
Room 41 - Sitting Area
Guests receive vouchers for a full hot breakfast in the dining room. Other dining options and shopping opportunities can be found in downtown Petoskey - a short drive from the Inn.   

A quick stroll from the Inn will bring you to the shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay.  This could be a good place to find Michigan’s State Stone – the Petoskey Stone (fossilized stone which is only found in this area).
Petoskey Stone
 A Breath of Heaven B&B
LOCATION6537 E Allgaier Rd, Traverse City, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (815) 383-9999

In 2014, Scott and Laurie purchased this 4,000+ square foot log home in the Leelanau Peninsula area and opened it as a B&B. The paved driveway curves up to the log cabin which is the centerpiece of this beautiful ten acre setting. Guests are invited to enjoy the main floor, second floor loft, deck and porches. However, like many B&B’s, guests are asked not to use the kitchen area for health and sanitation reasons.

The living room has two comfy sofas, a fireplace, and a cathedral ceiling that allows the back wall to be filled with glass windows. A sliding glass door leads to the large wooden deck overlooking the woods.   
Living Room
Entry/Kitchen Area
Dining Room
Next to the fireplace is the log staircase. As you walk up the stairs, there is a unique tiled-wall waterfall. The second floor loft is the library and game room.   
2nd Floor Loft & Tiled Wall Waterfall
This B&B has two guest rooms. Tonight we are staying in the Vineyard Suite. It has a king-size bed, gas fireplace, Jacuzzi and a large walk-in closet. Essentially, it was the master bedroom.
The owners live downstairs. So, they are close by but do not intrude on their guests. In the morning, we had a lovely chat with them during our yummy and hearty breakfast. It’s a short drive to Traverse City where you will find many other dining options and shopping opportunities. This B&B was the perfect location to use as a base camp while we explored the Leelanau Peninsula and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Wind in the Pines B&B
LOCATION13573 S Gallagher Rd, Traverse City, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (231) 932-8608

When this lovely log home was built in 2004-05, it was designed specifically to be a B&B. It is nestled in a forest of spruce and pine trees in the Leelanau Peninsula near Traverse City. The innkeepers (Marion and Deterim) are a pleasant couple and made us feel right at home. Guests can enjoy the common room on the main floor as well as the patio and gardens. Beyond the patio is a water fountain and a set of stairs going up the hillside to a small gazebo located at the edge of the forest. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting under the shaded pergola listening to the soft tinkling of the wind chimes and the soothing sound of the nearby water fountain.  How peaceful!
Living Room
Pergola
Lighted Garden Stairs & Fountain
This B&B has a total of three guest rooms (one on the main floor and two on the lower level with direct access to the pergola and grounds). We have the Moose Room on the lower level. It is an octagon-shaped room with a queen size bed and large bathroom.   
Moose Room
Since our hosts are from Germany, our breakfast has a German twist to it. The filling in the puffed pastry is from a delicious German recipe. This B&B offers a quiet country atmosphere but is still close to dining and shopping options in nearby Traverse City as well as beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.


Wellington Inn
LOCATION:   230 Wellington St, Traverse City, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (231) 922-9900
Website:  Wellington Inn

Built in 1905, this neoclassical style mansion is located in Traverse City’s historic district near downtown. After an extensive renovation, the home was opened in 2003 as a Bed and Breakfast.
Entry
Living Room
Third Floor Ballroom
Each of the nine guest rooms have private bathrooms and queen-size beds (except the Milliken Chamber which has two full-size beds). We stayed in the Votruba Chamber but we were able to take a sneak peek at some of the other guest rooms. Each room has something unique to offer. For instance, in the Votruba Chamber there is a section of the wall that features the 1908 signatures of the dry-waller and painter.
Votruba Chamber
1908 Signatures
What I love about this B&B is its gracious elegance, its close proximity to downtown Traverse City, and its location within the Boardman Neighborhood Historic District. If you enjoy history or architecture, you might be interested in a walking tour of the area. The Traverse Area Historical Society has a walking tour and map available by clicking on the following link:



Not into history or walking? Downtown Traverse City has lots of shopping and dining options. Also, Traverse City is only about 30 minutes away from beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Country Hermitage B&B
LOCATION7710 US-31, Williamsburg, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (231) 938-5930
Website:  Country Hermitage B&B   

Built in 1883 by John Pulcipher, the house sits on a 400-acre working cherry farm. The Pulcipher family lived here until 1964 - without any indoor plumbing or electricity. For the next 35 years, the house remained vacant. In 1999, restoration began on the house along with an addition to accommodate a modern kitchen. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
Living Room
Dining Room
There are seven guest room (one is on the main floor). Each room has a private bathroom and either a queen or king size bed. Some rooms have views of the cherry orchards (which is beautiful in May when the cherry trees flower) and some have views of Grand Traverse Bay. We have stayed here twice and enjoyed our stay both times.
Amon Room
Pulcipher Room
I love this B&B’s location. It’s a unique country setting but still conveniently located to nearby Acme, Elk Rapids, and Traverse City.  I recommend taking a walk around the cherry orchard, relaxing by the pond, or enjoying the spacious deck.


We found this B&B to be a convenient place to stay when we did a day tour to Old Mission Peninsula.    For more information on that area, I invite you to view my blog post by clicking on the following link:

NORTHEAST MICHIGAN (north of I-69 east of US-127/I-75)

Nine Mile Point B&B
LOCATION13785 E. US Hwy. 23, Cheboygan, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (231) 627-7870
Website:  Nine Mile Point B&B

 Nine Mile Point B&B is located along the shores of Lake Huron. The closest town is Cheboygan (about 13 miles west of the B&B). Some people may prefer staying in town but we enjoy the peaceful atmosphere this lakefront B&B offers.

This beautiful 6,000 square foot log house took the owner seven years to build. It has a wrap-around porch, a large screened-in gazebo and a deck all overlooking Lake Huron. These are perfect places to watch the freighters.   
Porch and Deck
Gazebo
Freighter sailing by B&B
At the end of the house is an unofficial lighthouse complete with a widow’s walk. There is a small area in the “tower” to sit but we continue up the stairway to the top of the tower for a spectacular sunset view with a distant view of the Mackinac Bridge.
Midway Tower Sitting Room
Tower View to the East
Tower View to the West
The front entry has a gorgeous wood stairway curving to the upstairs.
   Entry & Stairway
To our left is the spacious living with a big screen TV and a view of Lake Huron.
Living Room
The four guest rooms are all on the second floor. Two rooms have a lake view and two have a woods view. Each has a private bath, electric fireplace, and a table with two chairs. At the top of the stairway is another gathering place for guests with a TV, mini fridge, and microwave. Sliding glass doors open to another deck.
Lakeside Guest Room
Upstairs Hall & Community Room
What I like about this B&B is its quiet lakefront location, its lighthouse atmosphere, and its proximity to hiking trails at Cheboygan State Park (about 11 miles) and Ocqueoc Falls Scenic Site (about 20 miles).

Brigadoon B&B
Exterior
LOCATION: 207 Langlade St, Mackinaw City, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (231) 436-8882
Website: Brigadoon B&B

I love musicals and Brigadoon was the first play production I ever saw. So, when I found this B&B, well, I had to spend a magical night in Brigadoon.
Living Room
Sunroom/Breakfast Area
Rooftop Sun Deck
Each of the ten guest rooms have a private bathroom. Our suite featured a four-poster king size bed, sitting room, gas fireplace, and a private balcony.  
Suite 202
This seasonal B&B is conveniently located within walking distance to downtown (shopping and dining) and the Mackinac Island ferry terminals.

Grand Hotel
LOCATION: Mackinac Island Michigan (USA)
Phone: (800) 33GRAND
Website:   Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel opened the summer of 1887 as a summer resort. Over the years, the Hotel has been expanded into the magnificent building it is today. It claims to have the longest front porch in the world. It certainly gives the hotel its grand appearance and it offers visitors a pleasant place to relax. 
  Grand Hotel - Front Porch
The lobby area off the front porch is – well, grand. Red geraniums are the theme around the hotel.
 Lobby Area
The Grand Hotel offers various lodging options - including a B&B package.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner (reservations and dress code are required for dinner) are served in the largest hotel dining room I have ever seen.
"L"-shaped Dining Room - Partial View
At the top of the Hotel is the Cupola Bar. It is a cozy two-level area surrounded by windows offering a breathtaking view of the Mackinac Bridge, Straits of Mackinac, and Round Island Light. We go up here after dark to enjoy the piano bar and a refreshing drink. A couple of times we watched the full moon set behind the Mackinac Bridge. Awesome!
Cupola Bar - Top Level
The hotel has almost 400 uniquely decorated guest rooms. We’ve enjoyed numerous overnight stays at the Grand Hotel celebrating various occasions. Our room rates always included a five-course dinner for two that night in the dining room and breakfast the following morning. Here are a few of the different guest rooms:
Room with a Balcony
Parlor Floor Room
Room with 2 Queen Beds
Room 268
Room 376
The hotel has a salon and spa, ice cream parlor, and boutique shops on the lower level. Go outside for a stroll through the gardens; play lawn games; relax in one of the two whirlpools; or enjoy a swim in the 220’ long Esther Williams pool. It is a heated pool but some days the water temperature may be cooler than other days. The “deep end” of the pool is nine feet. Lifeguards are on-duty while the pool is open.
Pool & Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel is a National Historic Landmark and a “must see” during a trip to Mackinac Island.
Before your visit, rent the movie “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. It was filmed on Mackinac Island and featured the Grand Hotel.    

Huron House B&B
LOCATION 3124 North US-23, Oscoda, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (989) 739-9255

This is a luxury beachfront B&B on the shore of Lake Huron. Want breakfast in bed?  At this B&B guests don’t go to a dining room for breakfast.   Instead, the breakfast is brought to each guest room at a selected time between 8-10 a.m.  How is that for romance!

After we check in at the lobby (where yummy cookies are waiting for guests), our host shows us to our room When you enter the garden area at the back of the building, you begin to understand what makes this such a unique B&B. The outdoor spaces are beautifully landscaped offering comfy and quiet places to sit and relax.  
Back Yard
Patio/Grill Area
Lakeside Seating Area
A few steps down and you are on the sandy white beach of Lake Huron. Chairs are conveniently located for your lake viewing pleasure.   
 Beach view of B&B
Lake Huron Beach
Now, it’s up the stairs to our second floor room – the Highbanks room. It has a gas fireplace (it’s 90 degrees F outside – we won’t be using it!), a king-size bed, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mini-fridge, two comfy chairs for watching the large flat-screen TV with Netflix, dishes and glassware, a welcome basket filled with snacks, a round table and two chairs … and outside was our private two-person hot tub. We didn’t lack for anything!
 Highbanks Guest Room
View from Our Room
I love the view of the gardens from our deck area outside our room. A table and two chairs allow us to watch the twilight fade into a night of starry skies.
View fro Our Deck Area
Twilight on the Garden
Night Lights
An afternoon treat is delivered to each guest room. We weren’t in the room at the time, so the treat was brought inside and placed in our mini-fridge. I received a text message telling me to look for it there.
Sweet Treats
We asked to have our breakfast delivered at 9:30 a.m. We hear a knock on our door and a happy voice announcing “Breakfast!”. The tray of food is left on the table outside our room. I bring it inside and uncover the plates of food. Dietary needs are discussed at check in time. I didn’t want any meat and my hubby wanted meat but preferred turkey bacon or chicken sausage.
In-Room Breakfast
We stayed here two nights and thoroughly enjoyed the privacy, quiet, and ambiance of the Huron House B&B. It makes any special occasion truly special. 

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN (south of I-96 and west of I-69):
Castle in the Country B&B
LOCATION:  340 M-40 South, Allegan, Michigan (USA)
Phone:  (888) 673-8054 or (269) 673-8054
Website: Castle in the Country B&B

Built in 1906, this Victorian “Castle” was originally the summer home of John and Caroline Wurtz.Eventually, Ruth and Herb Boven purchased the property and restored the mansion. In 1992, they opened it as a romantic Bed and Breakfast … but they didn’t stop there. In 2004, they expanded the property and built a second building they call the Castle Keep.  
Castle Keep
Between the two buildings, there is a total of ten “fairy tale” rooms with names like Royalty Suite and Sir Lancelot Suite.  
 Royalty Suite - Castle
Sir Lancelot Suite - Castle Keep
What I like about this B&B is its country location on 65 acres (yet close enough to visit Allegan, Saugatuck and Lake Michigan)Our early December stay began with a walk on the trails through the “enchanted forest”. A favorite spot along the trail is the screen house and dock at the shore of Lake Emerson. It’s too late in the season for us to enjoy the water activities but there are chairs and a small table inside the screen house. It makes for a quiet place to sit and enjoy the view..
Back at the Castle Keep building, we make a couple of cups of hot cocoa and take a short walk down to the screened gazebo by the pond. The last strands of daylight are fading fast and the string lights inside the screened gazebo are casting a soft glow. Here we make ourselves comfortable and sip our hot cocoa while listening to the sounds of silence.
Gazebo by the Pond
If this isn’t your idea of relaxation, try one of their royal treatment spa services/packages (prior arrangements requested)Other amenities include cable TV with DVD players, free WiFi, and a full gourmet breakfast served in the dining room at the Castle Keep building.

A stay at this fairy tale-themed castle is a great way to begin or re-ignite your “Happily Ever After”.   

Kingsley House B&B
LOCATION: 626 West Main Street (aka M-89), Fennville, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (866) 561-6425 or (269) 561-6425

Built in 1886, this beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian-style house was designated a Michigan Historic Site in 1992. It opened as a B&B in 1989. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, Cable TV, and air conditioning. The Innkeepers (Chuck and Sally) were friendly, helpful, and made us feel very welcome.

Harvey Judson Kingsley (original owner of the house) is credited for being the first to bring apples and peaches to the area. Today, the Fennville area still remains famous for its apples and other agricultural products. So, it’s no surprise that the eight guest rooms in the Kingsley House B&B have apple-related names. We stayed in the Golden Delicious Room which has a view of the west garden. Room rates vary according to season and room choice.
Golden Delicious Guest Room
Although the wrap-around porch was added at a later date, it adds an elegant appearance to the front of the house. I can’t resist spending some time enjoying the porch.
Front Porch
Inside the B&B are beautiful hardwood floors, a unique stairway (built specifically to accommodate Mrs. Kingsley’s petite body), and comfortable furnishings reflecting the time period.
Bay Window Seating Area
Unique Stairway to Second Floor
In the morning, Chuck prepared a delicious and hot gourmet breakfast which is served in the dining room.
Dining Room & Stairs in Background
The Kingsley House B&B is conveniently located near I-96. It is a short drive to the town of Saugatuck where you will find shopping, dining, Saugatuck Dunes State Park, and Lake Michigan.
Overlook of Lake Michigan from Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Baert Baron Mansion B&B
LOCATION20 S Church St, Zeeland, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (616) 748-1953
Website:  Baert Baron Mansion B&B

Built by Dr. Daniel Baert in 1872, this lovely Victorian brick building has over 4,000 square feet of living space.  It features 19 beautiful beveled lead-glass windows and a lovely wrap-around porch overlooking a garden, In 2001, Vic and Anna purchased the house and have done a wonderful job restoring it into this B&B.
Beveled Lead Glass Window
Living Room
Dining Room - Double Doors into Living Room
Vic and Anna are very gracious hosts and made us feel so welcome. We have stayed here twice and enjoyed both our visits. During our first stay, we chose the main floor Baron Suite. This spacious suite features a queen-size bed, private bath with claw-foot tub and modern shower stall, a sitting area, and four of the beveled lead glass windows. In the morning, when the sun shines through the lead-glass window, the room is filled with light and rainbows.   
Baron Suite
Baron Suite - Bathroom
Rainbows on the Stenciled Wall
Rainbows and Shadows
Our second stay was in the Attic Suite. It has two bedrooms. As you enter the suite, you see the first bedroom with a full-size bed. We go through the door on the left to access the larger second bedroom.  It features a queen-size bed, a sitting area (a few steps down), and an open bath area (slanted ceiling).
Attic Suite - Smaller Bedroom
Attic Suite - Larger Bedroom
This B&B is located minutes from Holland where you will find lots of dining and shopping options and, of course, the beaches of Lake Michigan.




UPPER PENINSULA:
Laurium Manor Inn
LOCATION320 Tamarack St, Laurium, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (906) 337-2549
Website:  Laurium Manor

Located in Houghton County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this 45-room mansion was completed in 1908. It was the home of Thomas Hoatson – the owner of a local mining company.  The family lived there until 1949 when it was sold to a new owner.  Later, the house sat vacant for many years. In 1989, the current owners bought this 13,000 square foot house and began the laborious task of renovating and restoring it.

We have stayed here twice. The first time we spent the night in the Laurium Suite. This room features a king-size canopy bed (the large room can accommodate up to five guests), private bathroom, fireplace, and a private balcony overlooking the street.  During our stay, there were still several rooms available on the second floor. So, the Inn was very quiet. We had a wonderful time here and couldn’t wait to return.
Laurium Suite - Bedroom
Laurium Suite - Private Balcony
Our second time here we stayed in the Ahmeek Room. This third floor room has a king-size bed and private bathroom. While the second floor has six guest rooms, the third floor has only three guest rooms.  We thought the third floor would be quieter during the busy Fourth of July weekend.
Ahmeek Room
Check-in time is between 3 p,m. and 11p.m. We arrived at 7:00 p.m. only to discover that our room was still not serviced. They only had one other room available - the Tamarack Room. This small room (originally the nursery) is located next to the main stairway. This was not acceptable to us. We wanted our quiet third floor room. So, we waited another 30 minutes while the maid was called back to the Inn and cleaned our room. The next morning, we spoke to the owner about the inconvenience. He did not offer any discount on this night or any future night stay. Instead, he begrudgingly said, “on behalf of the staff I apologize.” We left with a very negative feeling and have not returned to the Laurium Manor since.

Blueberry Ridge B&B
LOCATION:  193 Oakridge Drive, Marquette, Michigan (USA)
Phone:  (906) 251-0219
Website:  Bluebery Ridge B&B

This lovely home is in a quiet neighborhood with a beautiful backyard.  Daphne (the owner) is a gracious hostess.  From the moment we met, she made us feel right at home.  We began our visit in the sunroom where we enjoyed some delicious treats and a unique-tasting punch (I won't reveal her secret mixture).  
Sunroom
The three guest rooms are located on the second floor (each has a private bath).  We stayed in the Fireside Room during both our visits here.
Fireside Room
In the morning we are called to breakfast by the melodious music of Daphne playing the piano.  In the dining room, we are served a candlelight breakfast featuring (what else?) blueberries!
Dining Room
What I like about this B&B is its quiet and relaxing atmosphere and yet it is only minutes from dining, shopping, and other Marquette attractions.

Nestledown B&B
LOCATION:  975 N. Lakeshore Blvd., Marquette Michigan (USA)
Phone:  (906) 273-0996
Website:  Nestledown B&B

This Scandinavian Inn was completed in August of 2015.  You can read about their unique construction and approach to sound-proofing on their website.  Another thing you will appreciate about this B&B is its location.  It is across the street from a lovely park along the Lake Superior shore, has easy access to the bike path, and is close to shopping and restaurants.

We stayed here in 2018.  Ken and sue (the owners) made us feel very welcome.  Ken gave us a tour of the public spaces which include a dining room and living room on the main floor and a spacious living area (with TV) in the lower level and a separate area for the sauna (which we didn't use due to a lack of time).
 Main Floor Living Room
Lower Level Living Area
Our second floor guest room (#4) has a comfy king-size bed and a flat-screen TV.  We also enjoy free Wi-Fi, an evening snack, and bottles of water.
Guest Room #4
Marquette has a lot to offer and so does this B&B.

MacLeod House B&B
     
LOCATION: 6211 Co Rd 441, Newberry, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (906) 293-3841

Built by Donald MacLeod in 1898, the MacLeod House is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The MacLeod family lived in this house until 1955.

In 1988, new owners purchased the house. In 1989, they moved it from downtown Newberry to its present location a few miles outside of town on their 120 acre parcel of land. Even though the distance was a short two miles, it took two days to move it. It has served as a B&B since that time. This Queen Ann style house features a red oak staircase, a copper fireplace, wood inlaid parquet floors, and antiques.
Front Entry/- Red Oak Staircase
Living Room with Fireplace
Dining Room
The three guest rooms are located on the second floor. Each guest room has a queen size bed and private bath. We have stayed here twice.  On our first visit we stayed in Room 1 – Suite. It features a cozy sitting area and a two-person tub.
Room 1 - Suite
On our second visit, we stayed in Room 3 (Rose Room).  Room 3 is unique because the private bathroom is not en suite.  We had to leave our room and go down a short hall to use the bathroom.
Room 3 - Rose Room
I love staying at historic homes and the MacLeod House has the added bonus of a quiet country setting. It is located in “Tahquamenon Country” (about 21 miles from Tahquamenon Falls State Park). For information on Tahquamenon Falls State Park, I invite you to view my blog post by clicking on the following link:

I am always on the lookout for B&B's that are unique.  Here is a couple of my favorites in Michigan:
Henderson Castle Inn
LOCATION:  100 Monroe Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan (USA)
Phone:  (269) 344-1827
Website:  Henderson Castle Inn

Chateau Chantal  (Winery and Inn)
LOCATION:  15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City, Michigan (USA)
Phone:  (231) 223-4110

For more information on these two B&B's and other unique lodgings, I invite you to view my blog post on "Unique Places to Stay in Michigan" by clicking on the following link:

I love staying overnight at a lighthouse.  Here are two of Michigan's better known lighthouse B&B's:
Big Bay Lighthouse B&B
LOCATION: #3 Lighthouse Road, Big Bay, Michigan (USA)
Phone: (906) 345-9957

Sand Hills Lighthouse B&B
LOCATION: 6029 5 Mile Point Rd, Allouez, Michigan (USA)
Phone (906) 337-1744

For more information on these two lighthouse B&B’s and others, I invite you to view my blog post on Lighthouse B&B’s by clicking on the following link:

B&B’s are known for their delicious breakfasts. So, food isn’t the reason we return to a B&B. For me it is more about the atmosphere (location, history, and uniqueness) and the friendly folks who run each B&B. Those are the ones I want to return to whenever I can.

Since opinions, preferences, and budgets vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews. I’ll keep updating this post when I discover a new favorite B&B. In the meantime, safe travels!

While we have stayed at other B&B's throughout Michigan, here is an alphabetic list of the towns with B&B's I have featured in this post:

Michigan's Lower Peninsula:
Allegan, Arcadia, Bay View/Petoskey, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Fennville, Kalamazoo, Ludington, Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City, Manistee, Oscoda, Pentwater, Traverse City, Williamsburg, and Zeeland

Michigan's Upper Peninsula:
Ahmeek, Big Bay, Laurium, Marquette, and Newberry



  






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