Luxury Stays and Getaways: The Inn at Bay Harbor Offers a Luxurious Lakeside Retreat in Northern Michigan
The biggest downside to staying at The Inn at Bay Harbor in Petoskey is that at some point, you have to check out and—how does one leave paradise?
Nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan, this resort welcomes guests to Northern Michigan and proffers myriad ways to enjoy the best of what the outdoors has to offer.
We visited there in the fall on a weekend when the temperatures were in the 60s and all the flowers were in bloom. One of the more memorable aspects of the visit were all the aromas that embraced you throughout the resort. There was the scent of Lake Michigan, the perfumes of the flowers, the aromas of the food and drink—all impossible to bottle but a key, contributing factor to the luxurious experience of this lakeside resort.
The first thing I did upon arrival was to enjoy their signature afternoon tea. It was a beautiful day, so I partook in their outdoor dining area, surrounded by flowers with a stunning vista of Lake Michigan. An impressive element was that the two servers who provided my tea (one was being trained) engaged me in discussion to gauge the pace at which I wanted the tea served and what sort of things I was looking to get out of the experience so they could create something uniquely filling my needs.
The tea started with ice water and then I was offered a variety of teas to choose from. A pot of freshly brewed tea was brought out along with cubes of raw sugar, honey and a choice of milks and creams (including non-dairy options). After a time of sipping tea to the sounds of the crashing waves and seagulls, they brought out a three-tiered serving dish of food ranging from home-made biscuits, small cookies, salmon canapes and other savory treats.
I also got the opportunity to eavesdrop on other patrons. At a nearby table, the chef came out to talk to the guests who had been raving about his salad. He shared with them how to make it, freely giving away his secrets and inviting them back to the resort. When they pressed, he told them his story of what brought him to the resort and how his partner split her time between working for the Inn at Bay Harbor in the winter and on Mackinac Island in the summer.
That was another highlight of the resort—the staff itself. The chef who came out to share his stories to provide the guests with a unique experience and a story they could share once they left was just one example. All the staff seemed happy—whether they were or not, they either faked it extremely well or were genuinely glad to work at the resort. They always greeted guests whenever they saw them. Even the housekeeper in the hallway helped me to find my room when she saw me comparing my room key packet to the signs saying what was where.
Each night, there were free cookies at the front desk for guests to enjoy in their room. During warm weather months, they could also pick up a s’mores package and enjoy melting chocolate with marshmallows roasted on a beach-front bonfire. The balconies were outfitted with wooden rockers so even if you didn’t go to the bonfire, you could enjoy the smell of it and the laughter drifting on the winds.
Another highlight of the resort is being able to sit on the wooden recliners on the beach. Cushions are tied to the recliners to make them comfortable and large canvas tops act as umbrellas to protect against the sun.
Why You’ll Love It
The Inn at Bay Harbor has found the perfect balance between providing space for all kinds of tourists—families, golfers, beach lovers and couples. It is beautiful inside and out and the view of the Lake is absolutely stunning.
What to Expect
Plan to be pampered, whether going to the spa, eating at one of the restaurants, visiting the pool or beach or just getting a cookie each night as a midnight snack. The Inn at Bay Harbor is designed to be an all-inclusive resort with plenty of activities on the sprawling grounds.
Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the resort has been newly renovated. The Autograph Collection features independent properties that are crafted to spotlight their own unique personalities. The Inn at Bay Harbor is built in the style of Michigan’s turn-of-the-century lakeside inns.
Key Features
Spa and fitness center
An outdoor pool with private cabanas
Bike rentals
Lawn games
Wooden beach chairs with cushions along the beach
Gift shop and coffee house/bakery
45 holes of a championship golf course
Afternoon tea
Gourmet dining
Nightly bonfire with s’mores
Cuisine:
Vintage Chophouse and Wine Bar: A stately restaurant with options to dine indoors or outdoors, it has all the atmosphere and flavors of a classic steak house with a full bar and extensive wine list. It serves lunch and dinner. Highlights include filet mignon, Great Lakes walleye, beef tenderloin pappardelle and coconut red quinoa.
The Sagamore Room: The home of the Inn’s breakfast buffet, there are floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the waterfront alongside two of the walls. If you don’t want the buffet, you can order à la carte and get such delicacies as smoked salmon eggs benedict, blueberry streusel pancakes or an omelette with your choice of ingredients. Cocktails include mimosas, Blood Marys, Irish cream coffee and a classic screwdriver.
The Inn Café: This deli is on the main floor of the property and you can get Starbucks coffee, cappuccino and espresso, wine, cocktails and food. The gourmet sandwiches are grab-and-go, as is the soup, salads, pastries and organic smoothies.
Cabana Bar: This outdoor bar offers up a full menu and cocktails during the warmer months. It has lighter snacks such as a fruit bowl, hummus or smoked whitefish dip, along with a variety of salads and sandwiches.
Afternoon Tea: Served anywhere in the property from the lobby to private guestrooms to beach side, this signature offering includes a selection of teas and accompaniments and a delicious stack of three plates offering sandwiches, savory treats and desserts.
Insider’s Tip
Set aside some time to go hunting for Petoskey stones, the fossil that has made this area famous. However, when you find them, take pictures and not the stones themselves as they should be left for all to enjoy.
Spa Treatments
The Spa at The Inn at Bay Harbor has a rotating menu of specials along with spa services, nail services and fitness classes. Spa treatments include massages, body treatments, facials and waxing. Fitness classes include Barre, yoga fusion and cardio interval.
Spa Profile: The Spa at Inn at Bay Harbor
For more details about my visit to the spa, check out my Spa Diary here.
Accommodations
The resort offers a variety of accommodations from luxurious guestrooms and suites to cottage rentals that are particularly popular among families and golfers. Guestrooms range from standard rooms with two queens or one king bed and a balcony view of the beach to parlor studios and rooms in the “tower” that include a fireplace and a private, oversized balcony.
There are 10 different types of suite rooms including such amenities as full kitchen and living areas, fireplaces, multiple bathrooms, pull-out beds and multiple balconies. The cottages are standalone homes that guests can rent. They are clustered in two locations—one close to the beach and the other close to the golf club.
For more information and to book a stay, call 231-439-4046 or visit The Inn at Bay Harbor’s website and follow them on Instagram: @innatbayharbor
3600 Village Harbor Drive, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
[Photos by Bridgette Redman]
Bridgette Redman, who is a second-generation journalist, fell in love with spas and travel while working as a writer and editor for 16 years at the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. As a freelancer for the International SPA Association, she co-wrote two textbooks, nine workbooks and numerous case studies on spas. Her freelance career began in the 80s and she has written for publications in Michigan, Arizona, California, and Texas along with several regional and national publications. She is a committed storyteller who loves sharing narratives which improve people's quality of life and build community. Born and raised in Michigan, she currently lives in Lansing with her husband and son. See more of her writing at www.bridgetteredman.com