Night 1: Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids, Michigan Located in the heart of Grand Rapids on the banks of the Grand River, the Amway Grand Plaza is a delightful blend of old and new. Begun in 1913 as The Pantlind, the hotel was ranked as “one of the Ten Finest Hotels in America” in 1925 and the graceful heritage of the Pantlind remains today. In 1981, the strikingly modern Glass Tower was added and the two now form the Amway Grand Plaza. Guestrooms are generously appointed, featuring thoughtful amenities for your comfort and enjoyment. The Plaza Fitness Center facilities include an indoor swimming pool with two hot tubs, lighted tennis courts, racquetball court and a wide selection of exercise equipment surrounded by wonderful city views. Intriguing dining options include Cygnus at the top of the Glass Tower, where even the ceiling is made of glass, and the 1913 Room, which was voted Grand Rapids’ “Restaurant of the Decade” in 2000.
Night 2: The Inn at Bay Harbor Bay Harbor, Michigan Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Victorian style of The Inn at Bay Harbor is reminiscent of San Diego’s fame Del Coronado hotel and evokes images of an exclusive summer resort favored by the elite of an age gone by. Large guestrooms offer balconies and coffee makers. This Renaissance Golf Resort was voted the 2006 America’s Best Golf Resort by Golf Magazine. Other facilities include the outdoor swimming pool complex, sandy beach access, a fitness room and the pampering services of The Spa at The Inn at Bay Harbor. Every table in the elegant Sagamores restaurant offers a great view of Little Traverse Bay. Perhaps, you’ll want to end the evening with a nightcap in the South American Lounge, named in honor of the famed Great Lakes cruise ship, South American.
Night 3: Ramada Plaza Hotel Ojibway Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Located in Sault Ste. Marie’s Historic Lockside District, the Ramada Plaza Hotel Ojibway overlooks the fascinating Soo Locks. Comfortable guestrooms offer a coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and cable TV. Leisure facilities at this beautifully restored and appointed historic hotel include an indoor pool and a fitness room. From the award winning Freighters’ Dining Room, diners overlook great ships carefully making their way through the Soo Locks.
Night 4 & 5: Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, Michigan Located on magical Mackinac Island, where cars are not allowed, this elegant grande dame has been welcoming sophisticated guests for over 100 years. The gracious hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Noted designer Carleton Varney has tastefully decorated each comfortable guestroom in its own unique style. All rooms offer a mini bar, in-room safe, cable TV, iron and coffee maker. The magnificent front porch, thought to be the longest in the world, offers rocking chairs and wicker furniture from which to take in the marvelous views. The 220-foot long, serpentine-shaped Esther Williams Swimming Pool, with its two adjacent whirlpools, is a popular gathering place for guests. The Jewel golf course, the clay tennis courts and the Grand Hotel Spa offer pleasant leisure-time diversions. Dining in the Main Dining Room is a gracious event for which jackets and ties are requested for gentlemen, with pantsuits or dresses being appropriate choices for ladies at dinner. The readers of Travel + Leisure consider The Grand Hotel one of the 500 best hotels in the world.
Night 6 & 7: The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel Detroit, Michigan Set amidst 23 landscaped acres neighboring Greenfield Village, this historic hotel was built by Henry Ford in 1931 on the grounds of the Ford Motor Company. This gracious hotel has been awarded 4 AAA Diamonds in honor of its charm, facilities and service. Guestrooms offer air conditioning, coffee maker, Internet browser / Web TV, iron / ironing board, hair dryer and luxurious bedding featuring down comforters, custom duvets and cotton-rich linens. Recreational facilities available include an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as a fitness room with cardiovascular equipment. The quietly elegant Early American Room serves American cuisine at dinner while the more casual Ten Eyck Tavern serves breakfast and lunch.