THE HARBOR GRAND HOTEL

LOW-KEY LUXURY ON THE NEW BUFFALO HARBOR

Built on the New Buffalo Harbor and designed by Chicago firm Curioso, the Harbor Grand is a rare find in rural Michigan: a boutique hotel with an artful yet personal approach to hospitality. Big and small details, from breakfast-in-bed to a garden-level spa, feel luxurious without being fussy. Making yourself at home is easy here. Almost too easy.

Deep, aquatic blues anchor the nature-inspired color scheme of the hotel, echoing Lake Michigan outside and creating a sense of sophisticated serenity inside, where a measured warmth of wood nods to the Prairie School origins of the building. In the lobby, vintage rugs mix with modern tapestries on the wall lit by a long, welcoming fireplace. A staircase descends to Terrace Room, a bustling Italian restaurant with idyllic outdoor seating, and Foundation Spa, which offers facials and massage to help you truly unwind.

Marina-facing rooms have fireplaces that create a cozy, modern lodge feel, with sumptuous soaking tubs and Grown Alchemist toiletries. Suites include a living room area with plenty of space to spread out, with a plush sofa and wet bar. Guests can swim in the hotel’s saltwater pool and jacuzzi year-round, gather around the firepit outside, and make good use of the Ben & Jerry’s hotline.

And while there’s plenty to help you unwind here, the hotel is a quick walk away from the shops, restaurants, and bars of downtown New Buffalo, not to mention the beach. There are bikes you can take for a spin, and the Amtrak station is around the corner. Need beach chairs? Just ask. The generous, accommodating staff here are happy to help make the most of your stay, even if what you really want is to stay a little longer. Late check-outs, depending on the season, can be arranged…

Local Tip: In summer, ask the staff about sailing charters, fishing charters, and powerboat and jet ski rentals at the marina. Wine tours pick up at the hotel year-round.

words Alex Beggs
images Dan Kelleghan, Matt Haas