Elegant nostalgia, lake views, and a cozy winter escape in the heart of northern Michigan
Arriving at Perry Hotel
There’s something that just feels right about arriving at Stafford’s Perry Hotel. Maybe it’s the butter-yellow facade trimmed in white or the way the staff greets you like you’re someone they’ve been waiting for. The whole check-in experience is welcoming, unhurried, and effortless—exactly how you want your getaway to begin.
Complimentary parking makes arrival easy, and you’re right in the heart of downtown Petoskey.
Location
Set in the center of charming downtown Petoskey, the Perry is perfectly positioned for exploration. From the front doors, you can wander to locally owned shops, grab a craft coffee, or pop into a salon. It all feels like stepping back into a time when Main Street was the heart of a town—before that became a marketing slogan. Here, it’s real.
And the views? Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay peeks out from between historic rooftops and right over the bluff from the balcony. It’s stunning in every season.
Our Room at Perry Hotel
We booked a Lake View King with Balcony as part of the hotel’s winter package. The rate averaged $229 per night, and the value was truly standout. Included in our package:
- Two nights in an elegant lake-view room
- A $25 breakfast voucher
- $50 in dining dollars
- A warm welcome gift—we chose the wine (a smooth Shadow Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon), but locally roasted coffee was the other tempting option
- Snacks: fresh-baked cookies and Great Lakes Potato Chips (yes, we devoured them)The room itself was charming, if slightly worn around the edges. But what it lacked in modern flash, it made up for in character—and that view of the bay. We also fell in love with a small touch that felt like luxury in winter: a heater behind the towel rack. There’s just nothing quite like wrapping up in a warm towel after a hot shower on a snowy day.
Drinks + Dining
Our favorite thing about staying here? Breakfast in the H.O. Rose Dining Room. Picture this: you’re sitting in a cozy booth, raised just enough so you can see the lake out the window rather than the backs of other diners’ heads. Fresh-brewed coffee, a made-to-order omelet, and a full menu that feels upscale but is still comforting.
For dinner, we tucked into the Noggin Room Pub, a cozy hideaway with plaid wallpaper, good energy, and a surprisingly excellent selection of craft beer and cider. Chris ordered wings (great) and I had a chicken sandwich (also great). They brought out a bowl of popcorn, which we tried to resist… and failed. I sipped on Cinnamon Girl cider from Left Foot Charley, and it was one of the best ciders I’ve had.
Amenities + Atmosphere
The Perry Hotel isn’t about flashy perks—it’s about the small, thoughtful details that make you feel cared for. The lobby’s hutch is full of old books, including a blue-covered Hemingway short story collection that looked like it might be a first edition and a worn book of Henrik Ibsen plays. These small literary touches felt like love letters to the building’s storied past.
Speaking of Hemingway—he stayed here in 1916, on his way to the family cottage in Walloon Lake. There’s a plaque in the lobby about it, noting he paid 75 cents for his room. That kind of literary history makes staying here feel even more special.
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Hallways are lined with lush floral prints and whimsical pineapple wallpaper. The artwork nods to the jazz age, and everything is clean and well cared for. Especially the H.O. Rose Room, which is absolutely immaculate—whether you’re dining in a booth or at a lakeside table, it’s clear they take pride in every detail.
Star Rating
The Perry Hotel is officially a 3-star property, but don’t let that fool you—it punches above its weight when it comes to charm, service, and atmosphere.
Closest Airports
Flying in? Your best bet is Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), just 22 miles away and serviced by Delta. Other nearby options include:
- Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) – 53 miles
- Gaylord Regional Airport (GLR) – 60 miles
Rates
Off-season rates start around $159/night, which makes it a steal if you’re looking for a winter escape. In peak summer season, you can expect rates between $400–$700/night, depending on the date and room type.
Would We Stay Again?
With its thoughtful winter package and cozy amenities, Stafford’s Perry Hotel is the kind of place that makes you want to return each season to see how it changes—and how it stays the same.
If you’re building a winter escape in Northern Michigan, be sure to explore our guide to A Winter Wonderland Weekend in Charlevoix, Michigan. It’s filled with cozy cafés, scenic adventures, and seasonal experiences just a short drive from Petoskey.
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