The Grand Hotel transports guests back to a time when a getaway could be a taste of “how the other half lives.” Celebrating its 138th season this year at its original location (first opened in 1887) on Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan, the property is also a National Historic Landmark and one of just 12 properties nationwide to earn the title “Distinctive Destination” from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
“It’s an important part of the American story,” said Kevin Filer, SVP, Design & Construction at operator and manager Davidson Hospitality.
Upon opening for the 2024 season next month, guests can expect renovations to the Cupola Bar and Woodfill Suites, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how Davidson has elevated the experience here. They’ve not only added new facilities but also done a lot to preserve its architectural character. In 2023, a five-year project to restore the façade was initiated, which includes the porch, its 42 original wood columns, wood flag poles, its siding, windows and Juliet balconies.
“The most distinctive element of Grand Hotel is its porch—one of the longest in the world,” explained Filer. “Protecting the integrity and respecting the character of the porch is first and foremost in our minds for any work on the hotel. Once you understand what is important and distinctive and beloved on a historic structure, you can carefully make changes and even add on to it as long as you continue to respect and protect its character-defining features.”
The Grand Hotel has been led by the nationally renowned HopkinsBurns Design Studio in its preservation work for more than 30 years.
And speaking of legends: Davidson engaged Dorothy Draper & Company, who originally worked on the property, to redesign the Carleton Varney Suite, named after the firm’s president/owner who passed away in 2022. They also unveiled a $10 million dollar renovation to the Esther Williams Pool—named after the American competitive swimmer and actress—back in 2021, which featured a new pool bar and kitchen, expanded pool house with state-of-the-art fitness center and a private, adults-only pool area with an infinity edge.
In 2022, they unveiled the brand new, multi-million-dollar Woodlands Activity Center, which includes pickleball, the Cedar Grove bike track, miniature golf on The Gem and much more. Last year’s renovation kick off also included updates to its Jockey Club dining venue.
We’ll continue to report on updates as they become available, but it’s clear that Davidson Hospitality will continue to not only seek new revenue sources for the Grand Hotel, but continue to honor their role as stewards of this national treasure.
