Luxury Hotels of the World: Stafford's Bay View Inn

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Stafford’s Bay View Inn is a beautiful, award-winning property by Stafford’s Hospitality that overlooks Little Traverse Bay. It’s been a home away from home for Northern Michigan visitors for more than a century, and has earned itself a reputation for its impeccable service, delightfully decorated rooms, attentive staff, and breathtaking views. Explore this beautiful property, and read more about why Stafford’s Bay View Inn is an excellent lodging selection for those visiting the Petoskey Area.

Stafford’s Bay View Inn in Petoskey, Michigan

Address: 2011 Woodland Ave,
Petoskey, MI 49770
Staff Helpfulness & Friendliness: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Room size: 4/5
Room Amenities: 5/5
Room and Bed Comfort: 5/5
View from Room: 5/5
Food Variety: 4/5
Food Quality: 5/5
Internet Service Quality: 5/5
Pool: N/A
Spa: N/A
Proximity to Other Points of Interest: 5/5
Valet Parking: N/A. There is ample self-parking around building.

Stafford's Bay View Inn in Bay View Petoskey Area Northern Michigan Luxury Hotels Historic Hotels by Annie Fairfax

Stafford's Bay View Inn in Bay View Petoskey Area Northern Michigan Luxury Hotels Historic Hotels by Annie Fairfax Cherry Blossom Suite

During our wonderful stay at Stafford’s Bay View Inn, we enjoyed one of their Cherry Blossom Suites, which overlooked Little Traverse Bay and the hotel’s gardens. These two room suites have a large master bedroom, en suite bathroom with a large whirlpool hot tub, a large vanity and sink area that made getting ready each day a breeze. Our room also had a fireplace and kitchenette, as well as a large closet and a beautiful bay window, which made our stay really feel like home.

Upon our arrival, we we’re greeted by the friendly staff and escorted up to our room. Across the hall from us was a large common area with a rather large selection of books, a large television, desks to work at or play games with loved ones, and a place to find refreshments like coffee, lemonade, and iced tea. Although there were often a lot of people in there having fun, we didn’t hear a peep from our room. Waiting for us on the bed was a package of Stafford’s Bay View Inn’s famous homemade cookies, which my husband absolutely loves! Our room also had plenty of amenities and sundries including bath salts and an assortment of body care products, as well as makeup towels, shower caps and just about anything one could possibly need in the bath.

Speaking of common areas, the ground floor of the hotel is the perfect space to enjoy with family or loved ones. There’s a bar, gift shop, and restaurant on the ground floor, as well as an ample sitting room with lots of space to sit and enjoy a book or chat with your travel companions. Decorated in a manner reminiscent of Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI, Stafford’s Bay View Inn also has a beautiful dining experience called the Roselawn Dining Room on the ground floor that allows guests to enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch without having to leave the property. Even if you’re not a hotel guest, the Sunday Brunch is especially lovely. Hotel guests receive a $12.50 per person dining credit per day at the restaurant, included with their stay.

Another of my favorite aspects of Stafford’s Bay View Inn was their large front porch, where we loved to sit and enjoy the sunset, and the sunrise each morning. The breeze from the bay paired with the cool shade of the porch and the beautiful flowers all around us made it a wonderful place to sit and enjoy one another’s company. The inn also offers bicycles guests may borrow during their stay, which makes riding the paved biking / jogging path from Petoskey to Harbor Springs (which connects right outside of the inn) a natural part of any guest’s stay.

If you’re looking for a space to hold an event such as a graduation party or wedding, Stafford’s Bay View Inn also has spaces for such festivities. During our stay, we witnessed two beautiful weddings thrown by the inn, and the guests had a fantastic time, and during one of the wedding receptions, the family invited us to join in on the celebration! Unfortunately, we had other obligations that evening, but I’m sure it would have been a wonderful time.

Overall, Stafford’s Bay View Inn is a beautiful accommodation in the Petoskey Area, and its timeless charms are enough to enchant even the most seasoned of travelers. I highly recommend this hotel to couples looking for a romantic getaway, or families hoping to spend time with one another “up north”.