There’s something quietly magical about Michigan — the way lake breezes mingle with pine-scented air, how small towns feel both timeless and alive, and how each stay leaves you a little more centered. Exploring Michigan’s hotels and resorts felt like stepping into different versions of peace. From sleek city hideaways in Detroit to lakeside havens along Petoskey’s coast, each place offered a shift in pace — and a story I didn’t know I needed. I remember thinking, “Maybe the getaway I’ve been craving isn’t far at all.” Whether it was the hush of a harbor morning or the laughter echoing through a ski lodge, every stay left a mark that felt personal and lasting.
Best Michigan Hotels & Resorts
City Style at the Shinola Hotel - Detroit
Staying at the Shinola Hotel felt like being wrapped in Detroit’s renaissance. There was something effortlessly cool about it — industrial bones softened by warmth and design. I remember thinking, “This city knows how to reinvent itself… and I want to be part of that.” My room overlooked cobblestone streets, and each detail felt intentional — curated, but never stiff.
What I Loved Most: Wandering through Parker’s Alley in the evening, hearing music spill from open doors and the scent of espresso and leather in the air.
My highlights? Dinner at San Morello, the hotel’s Italian restaurant. I had a wood-fired pizza with spicy soppressata, honey, and fresh mozzarella. Paired with a Negroni and a corner table, it was a perfect urban escape.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Ann Arbor: ~45 minutes east
- Vibe: Stylish, boutique, downtown energy
- Highlights: Design-forward rooms, local shopping, food scene
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or spring for walking tours
- Cost: $$$
- Hours: 24/7 front desk; San Morello open lunch through late dinner
- Address: 1400 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
Riverside Elegance at JW Marriott - Grand Rapids
JW Marriott Grand Rapids stood tall and serene beside the Grand River, offering a surprisingly tranquil escape in the middle of downtown. I remember thinking, “This is exactly where I needed to pause.” The spa, the view, the little touches — everything invited me to relax into the moment.
What I Loved Most: Morning light flooding the room and a quiet walk along the river before the city woke up.
My highlights? Brunch at six.one.six inside the hotel — I had smoked salmon eggs Benedict with herbed hollandaise and a grapefruit mimosa. Watching the river from my table made it even better.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Detroit: ~2.5 hours west
- Vibe: Polished, peaceful, business-meets-leisure
- Highlights: Full-service spa, rooftop views, riverwalk access
- Best Time to Visit: Late summer for ArtPrize or spring for tulips nearby
- Cost: $$$
- Hours: 24-hour service; restaurant open for all meals
- Address: 235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Lake Breezes at Marina Grand Resort - New Buffalo
Marina Grand Resort was the kind of place where time slows down. Set against a backdrop of boats bobbing gently in the harbor, it felt like a soft exhale. I remember thinking, “I haven’t felt this calm in weeks.” Evenings by the water and mornings on the balcony reminded me how good simple can feel.
What I Loved Most: Borrowing bikes to cruise the beachside trail and catching the sunset with sand between my toes.
My highlights? Dinner at Bentwood Tavern — I had pan-seared scallops with lemon risotto and a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc. The marina view made every bite taste like vacation.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Chicago: ~90 minutes east
- Vibe: Nautical, upscale, quiet charm
- Highlights: Marina views, rooftop patios, firepits
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for lake days, fall for winery visits
- Cost: $$–$$$
- Hours: Seasonal hours at restaurant; front desk 24/7
- Address: 600 W Water St, New Buffalo, MI
Alpine Adventure at The Highlands - Harbor Springs
There’s a fairytale feeling to The Highlands at Harbor Springs — pine-scented trails, snowy rooftops, and a cozy lodge glow. I remember thinking, “I didn’t know Michigan could feel like Switzerland.” Whether skiing in winter or hiking in summer, it felt like the kind of place that made memories quietly but deeply.
What I Loved Most: Riding the scenic chairlift at dusk with mountain views stretching toward Lake Michigan.
My highlights? Dinner at Slopeside Lounge — I had a hearty wild mushroom risotto and a Michigan cherry cider. It was the warm hug I needed after a day on the slopes.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Traverse City: ~1.5 hours north
- Vibe: Cozy, alpine, active
- Highlights: Skiing, golf, chairlift rides, lodge charm
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for skiing, fall for foliage
- Cost: $$–$$$
- Hours: Varies seasonally by activity
- Address: 600 Highland Dr, Harbor Springs, MI
Family Fun at Boyne Mountain Resort - Boyne Falls
Boyne Mountain Resort felt like a playground built for all ages. From waterparks to zip lines to ski runs, it buzzed with energy. But it also had quieter moments — sunrise walks, mountain-top overlooks, and the comfort of hot cocoa in a fireside chair. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place we’ll talk about years from now.”
What I Loved Most: Riding the SkyBridge — the longest timber-towered suspension bridge — and watching the landscape unfold from above.
My highlights? A laid-back lunch at Forty Acres Tavern, where I had the blackened whitefish sandwich with fries and a local craft beer. Rustic and perfect.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Grand Rapids: ~3.5 hours north
- Vibe: Fun, family-friendly, adventurous
- Highlights: SkyBridge, Avalanche Bay waterpark, skiing
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for snow, summer for festivals
- Cost: $$–$$$
- Hours: Resort open year-round; attractions vary by season
- Address: 1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, MI
Charming Nostalgia at Colonial Inn - Harbor Springs
Colonial Inn had the charm of a postcard and the warmth of a well-loved summer home. With flower boxes on every window and a front porch made for rocking chairs, it invited you to slow down. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place where stories get passed down.”
What I Loved Most: Sitting with morning coffee, watching the harbor sparkle beyond the trees.
My highlights? Breakfast at Sam’s Graces Café nearby — I had a buttery croissant sandwich with egg, cheddar, and bacon, plus a sweet-tart cherry scone to go. It felt like a Northern Michigan hug.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Petoskey: ~15 minutes north
- Vibe: Quaint, historic, restful
- Highlights: Victorian charm, walkable harbor, cozy porches
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for lake fun, fall for colors
- Cost: $$
- Hours: Seasonal, typically May through October
- Address: 210 Artesian Ave, Harbor Springs, MI
Lakeside Luxury at Inn at Bay Harbor - Petoskey
Staying at the Inn at Bay Harbor felt like stepping into a dream. With its grand facade and sweeping lake views, it had the presence of a seaside estate. I remember thinking, “I want to freeze this moment.” Everything — from the spa to the striped umbrellas to the hush of the lake — invited stillness.
What I Loved Most: Watching the sun drop behind Lake Michigan from an Adirondack chair, wrapped in a soft blanket with a glass of wine in hand.
My highlights? Dinner at Sagamore’s Dining Room — I had the Great Lakes walleye with lemon butter and wild rice, followed by a slice of cherry pie that tasted like summer nostalgia.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Traverse City: ~1.5 hours north
- Vibe: Elegant, lakeside, timeless
- Highlights: Spa, golf, lakefront views, luxury amenities
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for resort activities, fall for color tours
- Cost: $$$–$$$$
- Hours: Year-round with seasonal dining hours
- Address: 3600 Village Harbor Dr, Bay Harbor, MI
Conclusion:
Each Michigan resort had its own way of welcoming me — a view, a meal, a moment I didn’t want to end. These weren’t just places to stay; they were part of the experience. They reminded me that luxury can be simple, that comfort can be found in small gestures, and that the right setting can shift everything inside you. I left with a full heart and a slowed-down soul — and the kind of memories that call you back, not because you need more photos, but because you want to feel that way again. If you're looking for beauty, quiet joy, and places that meet you exactly where you are, Michigan is waiting.