Sweet Hotel in a Sweet Town
Last July, Don and I finished up a little Michigan road tripping, in the town of Saugatuck. The charming town, on the banks of the Kalamazoo River, has been attracting summer guests since the late 1800's. I searched the internet and found a place that once catered to those early tourists and I booked two nights. |
Built in 1860's
We pulled up on a late Wednesday afternoon, in July. The place looked even more intriguing than the internet photos!
I'm not sure what this building was when it first opened, but in the 1870's, it housed a furniture store. I really can't imagine furniture stores, that long ago. The owner of the furniture store, ended up expanding and transforming the place into a summer resort/boarding house. I'm guessing his old business, furnished the hotel nicely! |
A New Greek Revival Look
In 1923 a new owner took over and made the hotel even grander. George W. Maher was brought in to help with a new look.
Maher, was a renowned architect, known for blending traditional styles with Prairie School styles. My knowledge is limited, but it's hard for me to see the European Arts and Crafts influence. I think the original building was Colonial and the Greek Columns were added. My curiosity as always, led me to the internet. I couldn't find any images of the original design, but I learned more about Mr. Maher and his amazing career. |
Back to Our Visit!
We arrived around 6:00 and grabbed a parking space right on the street! I was extra excited because our 2-day stay was going to be shared with my sister and sister-in-law! I kept fingers crossed as we headed in. I hoped Jennifer and Kate would be okay with our hotel pick.
Down the Hall
Lots of Carved Wood
Tiny Knocker
Our guest room door had a brass knocker. That's different. My photo does not show just how teeny tiny that door knocker was. Maybe it was just a tricky way to hide the peep hole. Or just a fancy way to show the room number. But, even with my reading glasses, I could barely make out the number, engraved into that brass. More on that tiny knocker, later. |
Room 101
Ahhh for the Bathroom!
Even some of the very nicest historic hotels, have cramped bathrooms. I could have lived in this spacious and luxurious room!
Exploring Time!
Breakfast
We had a nice view of the nearby park, while we sipped our coffee in flowered cups. Well, half of us chose the dainty ones, with saucers. I like having a cup or mug choice.
Enjoying the Shared Space
In the back of the hotel, we found more sitting areas. There were wine glasses available and some fresh cookies. There was a player piano, that we didn't use and a TV that luckily wasn't on.
Lounging Near the Pool
Making Friends
On my way to the room, I stopped to chat with some guests in the hall. Then, I waved to Catherine, who was heading down our way... just in time for my faux pas.
I could blame it on all the social distraction in the hallway. But I think I'll blame my goof on the tiny door knocker! If the tiny number, on the tiny knocker hadn't been so small, then maybe I would have noticed that I was standing beside the wrong door. I waved good-bye to the others, inserted the key and turned the knob. I wish I had a photo of the couple, seated in the cushioned chairs, holding their wine glasses... when they looked up, to see me coming into their room. |
Morning
I had no more embarrassing moments that evening. In the morning I tiptoed out, trying to be a quiet neighbor. I went on a run, heading past the park. Who needs a hotel fitness room, when you've got Saugatuck sidewalks! I looked back at the long hotel, on that peaceful morning.
Exploring Saugatuck
On the River
What's Notable?
Our 15-room hotel was the perfect size. It sat on a quiet street, in a town of less than 1,000... also a perfect size.
Our stay was made extra special because we got to share it with Jennifer and Kate. Don and I are so used to traveling with just ourselves, that we forget how fun it is to enjoy hotel memories, with others. By the time we 4 got the cars loaded, we were already sighing about our stay and laughing about our host. I told the others that I'd seen Catherine on my way out and I had gushed to her about our wonderful stay. I chuckled over Catherine's brief response. "Oh? Well, bye now!" |