Grand Hotel 2016 Spring Newsletter

Spring 2016 Newsletter Announcing Sushi Grand Grand Hotel Named Best Historic Resort by Historic Hotels of America Iconic Front Porch Receives Historic Update Jane Seymour Attends 35th Anniversary of “Somewhere in Time”

h e Newsletter of America’s Summer Place T

America’s True Grand Hotel Option C Pumpkin bigger, more part of block

The Perfect Ending to Grand Hotel’s Longest Season It was a sight to behold and a weekend filled with thrills and events: the first-ever Halloween Grand Hotel lit in orange lights for its first Halloween celebration at the Grand. More than 800 guests participated in the fun and witnessed Grand Hotel lit orange and decorated with 350 pumpkins, 100 cornstalks and 50 straw bales. They enjoyed a haunted trail, Bloody Mary Bar, pumpkin-carving contest, and Haunted Afternoon Tea in the Parlor. Saturday night’s highlight was the Grand Halloween Ball and Costume Party, complete with live music by Delilah DeWylde, a costume contest, cookie decorating, photo booth, and Tarot card and palm readers.

It was a fitting end to an amazing season that, with 2015’s late-falling Labor Day, allowed Grand Hotel to be open for 184 nights, the longest in hotel history. The hotel also enjoyed 100% occupancy in August and September. So start planning your costume now, as this ghoulish weekend will be back in 2020.

Costume contest winners Mr. and Mrs. Tom Gazarato

Jane Seymour Returns for Somewhere in Time Weekend This year’s magical 35th anniversary celebration of the filming of “Somewhere in Time” was extra special with the attendance of Jane Seymour, internationally acclaimed actress and one of the film’s stars.

More than 700 attendees came from five countries and thirty one states to celebrate the time-traveling love story set in and around Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island in 1912.

Ms. Seymour joined other members of the film’s cast and crew to engage with guests and fans during panel discussions, lectures and tours of the sites immortalized in the film. The graceful actress hosted a Q & A session, introduced a showing of the movie, and graciously signed autographs for fans. She also spent time on the Front Porch painting. Her artwork was on display and available for purchase in the Art Gallery.

Grand Hotel’s Friend Jacquie

Our Partnership with PPG Paint

If you visited Grand Hotel in 2015, chances are very good you were here at the same time as our friend, Jacquie Larner. From one of the first to check in during early opening to closing the Grand, she visited eight consecutive months during the 2015 season. When you take into consideration the summer season is officially six months, it’s a claim no other guest can make in our 129 seasons.

Grand Hotel is proud to announce our new paint provider, PPG Paints, supplied through independent retailer Complete Paint & Supplies located in Harbor Springs, Michigan. With the high expectation of quality and appearance, we have chosen this brand to protect and beautify the hotel in preparation for the 2016 season.

Away from Grand Hotel, Jacquie works with her family in their Mussel Beach Drive In in Bay Dan Musser III and Jacquie Larner City, Michigan. The family-owned restaurant is famous in its own right for their home-made chili dogs, stuffed cheeseburgers and hand-cut onion rings. Her love of Grand Hotel is apparent in the wall display at the restaurant.

Because no two rooms are alike at Grand Hotel, PPG’s expert color tools will be used to custom-match 38 colors from the hotel’s existing palette. As the world’s leading coatings company, the beautiful history of Grand Hotel is assured to be protected for years to come.

Handbell Musicians of America Share Their Magical Sound The Handbell Musicians of America were the first group to stay at Grand Hotel for the 2015 season. A total of 465 people and over 1,000 handbells filled the Theatre with their beautiful sound to ring in the start of our season.

2

A Letter from Dan

Open This Spring: Sushi Grand Mackinac Island’s first sushi restaurant is coming! Grand Hotel’s sixth off-site restaurant, Sushi Grand, will be located next to The Gate House at the bottom of Grand Hill and open in late May. Now hotel and island guests can order fresh sushi made right on the premises by our professionally trained chefs for dine-in or carryout.

The tasteful décor was created by the incomparable CarletonVarney of New York City’s Dorothy Draper & Co., longtime Grand Hotel interior designer. The ceiling will feature a stylized, hand-painted map of Asia on a gold foil background. The overall colors of black, gold and red are incorporated into the marble countertops, hand-painted faux bamboo walls and elaborately carved gilded grand entrance, while the floor texture resembles a wading pool.

Grand Hotel Named 2015 Best Historic Resort by Historic Hotels of America Grand Hotel is honored to be awarded the 2015 Best Historic Resort by Historic Hotels of America. The organization presents their awards each year to honor, encourage and recognize the most exemplary historic hotels, hoteliers and leadership practices. The Awards of Excellence are presented to historic hotels demonstrating the highest contribution to furthering the celebration of history and demonstrating leadership and innovation.

Ken Hayward, Executive Vice President and Managing Director at Grand Hotel, graciously accepted the award. He reached the milestone of 30 years of service at Grand Hotel, starting Ken Hayward, Executive Vice President as a sales representative in 1985. Today, he is and Managing Director of Grand Hotel responsible for the overall operation of the hotel. The University of Michigan graduate and member of the two-time Big 10 Championship baseball team was the 1985 Athlete of the Year and Big Ten Medal of Honor recipient. Congratulations to Ken. Thank you for all you do to continue the tradition and experience of Grand Hotel.

Amelia Musser and Queenie in the Spotlight In September, Amelia Musser was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Terrier Club at the Monroe County Dog Show.

It’s the same weekend Queenie, youngest daughter of Sadie who won Westminster in 2010, won Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show. Queenie is following in her mom’s paw prints, already winning 30 Best in Show awards of her own, Queenie, pictured with Gabriel Rangel, including Best Reserve in Show at the 2015 Professional Handler, Maverick Musser and AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Dan Musser III. Photo credit: Diana Han Orlando last December!

Thank you to all of our guests who visited Grand Hotel during our 2015 season. Last season was the longest Grand Hotel has been open in hotel history and for the first time ever, we actually had one of our guests stay at Grand Hotel in eight consecutive months which is incredible.

Crews are currently busy on Mackinac working diligently on many upgrades for the 2016 season, but I would first like to address a project that we decided to put on hold this winter. As you know, for the past two winters, we have been working on the Cupola Suites, adding guest rooms to the fourth floor of the hotel with dormers popping out of the roofline overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. With the extensive list of projects we wanted to undertake this winter, we decided to put the Cupola Suites expansion on hold and will revive that project next offseason in preparation for our 2017 season. The four guest rooms and two parlors we added for the 2015 season were very well received.

The most notable addition for the 2016 season will be Sushi Grand, located next to The Gate House restaurant.

Executive Chef Hans Burtscher is excited to add a sushi restaurant to our dining options, and with the help of Carleton Varney of Dorothy Draper & Co., Sushi Grand will be a truly authentic sushi bar experience. Sushi Grand will connect to The Gate House and we will serve the sushi menu within The Gate House bar area as well.

I think guests will also notice the renovation to part of our Front Porch. The steps up from the street to the hotel and the west side of the porch were renovated this winter. The old flooring and steps were removed and replaced. The steps will be, as always, carpeted in red and the porch flooring will be covered by a Tremco product much like we had previously. Some 50 years ago when it was last done, the Tremco product only came in gray, so it was painted green after it was applied. They can now make the product in our Grand Hotel green color and we think guests will notice our beautiful new porch when they see it.

This winter we are making the largest commitment to refreshing our guest rooms in my career. A majority of the white furniture in guest rooms is being repainted. We are replacing draperies, wallpaper and carpeting in many rooms and a number of bathrooms are being renovated as well. The furniture painting project is a huge undertaking and our maintenance crew and paint contractor, St. Onge Latex and Groove, came up with an innovative system to paint the furniture within the hotel on guest room floors which allows many more pieces to be painted since they do not have to be moved as far. Over 200 guest rooms will be updated in time for the upcoming season.

I feel like Grand Hotel will be in the best shape it has ever been in time to welcome guests this spring. My family and I appreciate your loyal support and we look forward to seeing you again on Mackinac during our 2016 season.

Most sincerely,

President

3

2016 Gr and Hotel Pack ages Grand Hotel Lilac Festival Package Dates available from June 3-11

Celebrate the flower for which the island is known while you enjoy the Grand Hotel experience and Mackinac Island’s 68th Annual Lilac Festival.

MAY AND JUNE

Mother’s Day Weekend Friday, May 6-Sunday, May 8

Enjoy the lilac’s spectacular varieties and distinct history as they bloom throughout the island while staying with us. Tour Grand Hotel’s lush gardens, golf The Jewel for free (cart fee required), and enjoy a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily. Also experience the crowning of the Lilac Queen, the Lilac parade in downtown Mackinac, 10K run, hayrides and other entertainment.

Show Mom how special she is with a magical weekend at Grand Hotel. Treat her to Astor’s Salon and Spa, bike or hike Mackinac Island, and enjoy a round of golf on The Jewel with its spectacular views of the Straits of Mackinac. Your package includes accommodations, a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily, evening receptions, free golf on The Jewel (cart fee required) and Mother’s Day Grand Luncheon Buffet.

Old Fashioned Mackinac Fourth of July Celebration Saturday, July 2-Tuesday, July 5

Tee up for the vacation of a lifetime: our Michigan Golf Live Package hosted by Bill Hobson, popular radio and television host of “Michigan Golf Live”.

Includes accommodations, a full breakfast and fivecourse dinner daily, prize giveaways, nightly receptions, Monday morning golf scramble with box lunch and three days of unlimited golf on The Jewel. This beautiful and challenging course provides lush landscaping, and unforgettable views of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. Reserving your tee times ahead is recommended. Call 906-847-9218.

Dorothy Draper School of Decorating Friday, May 13-Sunday, May 15

It’s our 2nd Annual Dorothy Draper School of Decorating at America’s Summer Place, with a Day of Decorating with host Carleton Varney, President of New York City’s Dorothy Draper & Co. Explore the art of creating beautiful, bold interiors, learn about the Dorothy Draper style and how to develop symphonically creative space. Immerse yourself in the colors and inspiration thoughout Grand Hotel, where Carleton Varney has been decorating for over 40 years. Package includes accommodations in one of 390 guest rooms each uniquely decorated by Mr. Varney, a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily, evening receptions and all the amenities of Grand Hotel.

Additional fees for School of Decorating sessions apply.

Register and additional details at grandhotel.com.

Memorial Day Weekend Saturday, May 28-Monday, May 30

Join us for a weekend of old-fashioned island fun and the unofficial start of summer. Enjoy activities including live music nightly, free golf on The Jewel (cart fee required), Saturday and Sunday evening receptions, and a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily. Bike and explore the island or simply sit back and relax in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch.

Titanic at the Grand Friday, June 3-Sunday, June 5

Presenting: First Scientific Analysis of the Titanic Wreck Site Changes History. Facts to Fiction Revealed for the First Time by Parks Stephenson.

Titanic at the Grand has a new turn every year and this one is not to be missed. Never before heard history of the unsinkable ship is discussed by Parks Stephenson, Titanic Historian and Forensic Analyst. His discoveries and results debunk popular myths about the ship with hard evidence presented in the proper historic context.

Come dressed and ready to relive and learn fascinating new details about the tragic ocean liner and its fate as Grand Hotel celebrates its first and final voyage.

4

For 130 years, Grand Hotel has embraced guests with its one-of-a-kind experience. Now enjoy a summertime getaway at a special package rate. Experience the beauty of the Straits of Mackinac from the world’s longest porch, stroll our award-winning gardens or beat the heat in the Esther Williams Swimming Pool. Surround yourself in a bygone era as you tour the island by bicycle or horse and carriage. Discover new things about America’s Summer Place through a Grand Hotel history lecture or garden tour. Design your own package and stay as many nights as you choose. Includes a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily.

JULY AND AUGUST

Summer Michigan Golf Live Package Sunday, June 19-Tuesday, June 21

2015 weekend host Carleton Varney (pictured center) with Rudy Saunders, Cheryl Jarvis, Joellen Kerr and Brinsley Matthews

Grand Hotel’s 129th Birthday June 27, 28 and July 1, 5, 6, 7, 10

Celebrate America’s birthday tradition with us at America’s Summer Place. Activities include the children’s carnival, ice cream social, cookout luncheon in the Tea Garden, free golf for ages 17 and younger and half off for accompanying adults on The Jewel, nightly receptions, children’s evening movies, and a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily. Then enjoy a Fourth of July American Picnic dinner at Fort Mackinac followed by fireworks. Sponsored by

Grand Hotel Master Sommelier Elizabeth Schweitzer.

Elizabeth is the eighth woman in the world to achieve the Master Sommelier title.

Summer Wine Appreciation Weekend Friday, July 8-Sunday, July 10

Grand Hotel is proud to feature Cakebread Cellars, with vineyards across Napa Valley, CA. Cakebread Cellars Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Dennis Cakebread will share his experience as a second-generation winemaker.

2016 Arts Weekend featuring Joshua Davis Grand Hotel Arts Weekend Friday, June 24-Sunday, June 26

It’s Grand Hotel’s 22nd annual weekend. Join faculty, alumni and students from the Michigan State University College of Arts and Letters, home of art, theatre, language, literature, innovation and creativity, as we celebrate the arts while enjoying Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island.

Special musical guest will be MSU alumnus and Michigan favorite Joshua Davis, performing Saturday evening in the Grand Hotel Theatre. A 15-year veteran of sharing his songs and stories, he placed third in 2015 on “The Voice.”

Includes pre-dinner cocktail receptions, a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily, evening performances showcasing theatre and music, special daytime presentations and a guided tour of Mackinac Island’s Manoogian Art Collection. The Grand Hotel Endowed Scholarship for Arts & Letters, created by the Musser family, supports students wishing to pursue creative endeavors both inside and outside of the classroom. A portion of your reservation fee helps support this scholarship.

The weekend begins with a Welcome Reception on the Front Porch followed by a five-course dinner in the Main Dining Room. Cakebread Cellars wines will be featured at two Saturday wine tastings. In the evening, enjoy a Grand Cocktail Reception and special private dinner with Mr. Cakebread. Afterwards, sip demitasse, enjoy music in the Terrace Room or gather in the Cupola Bar. Find all the details soon at grandhotel.com.

Family Added Value Days July 11-20; July 31-August 3; August 10-27

Stay three nights; get the fourth night free Stay two nights, get the third night half off Stay one night, get 25% off the second night

It’s a special family getaway at a special rate on select summer dates. Kids of all ages will enjoy complimentary children’s programs, lawn games, swimming in the Esther Williams Swimming Pool, outdoor movies in the Tea garden on select nights in August, free golf for ages 17 and younger and half off for accompanying adults on The Jewel. Also includes a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily with casual family style dinner options available.

Play Pickleball, FootGolf on the Grand nine portion of The Jewel golf course, hike or bike Mackinac Island, and explore Fort Mackinac and other historical sites.

For prices, full details and to make a reservation, call 1-800-33GRAND or visit grandhotel.com

Fall Wine Appreciation Weekend Friday, September 9-Sunday, September 11

Marshall Dirks, Director of Marketing at Proven Winners, with presenting speaker Jamie Durie Grand Garden Show Featuring Proven Winners® Sunday, August 28-Tuesday, August 30

Join us at the World’s Largest Summer Hotel for the 4th Annual Grand Garden Show, with hands-on demonstrations and presentations from some of the nation’s foremost garden design experts presented by Proven Winners. Monday night’s cocktail reception and Tuesday keynote speaker features Keith Kirsten, “South Africa’s Favorite Gardener.”

You’ll also hear from Mackinac Island’s own award-winning garden designer Jack Barnwell and PBS talk show host P. Allen Smith. Proven Winners representatives will present tips and tricks for successful gardening with some of their best-kept secrets. Package includes a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily, evening receptions, garden tours, seminars and private garden home tours around Mackinac Island.

SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

Raise your glass to an unforgettable weekend that includes entertainment, tasting sessions and exceptional dining. The weekend starts with a Welcome Reception followed by dinner in the Main Dining Room. You’ll sample domestic and imported vintages from Grand Hotel’s award-winning wine list. Saturday, learn how to select vintages during special wine-tasting events hosted by Grand Hotel Master Sommelier Elizabeth Schweitzer. That evening, enjoy a Grand Cocktail Reception followed by a special dinner. Afterwards, sip demitasse, enjoy music in the Terrace Room or gather with friends in the Cupola Bar.

Labor Day Jazz Weekend Friday, September 2-Monday, September 5

America’s Summer Place immerses you in beautiful jazz music played by some of the country’s top performers.

This year, we’re proud to feature headlining performer singer-pianist Michael Feinstein Friday night in the Theatre. Saturday afternoon in the Tea Garden will be the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies featuring their tribute to the Rat Pack. Saturday night, vocalist Jane Monheit graces the Theatre with her beautiful sound. Gospel group Empowerment Church returns again this year Sunday morning on the Front Porch. Keyboardist-composer Bob James will perform Sunday afternoon’s set in the Tea Garden. Also confirmed for all three nights is Paul Keller in the Cupola Bar, and Dave Bennett performing at The Jockey Club.

This package includes evening cocktail receptions, a cookout luncheon in the Tea Garden Saturday and Sunday afternoons, a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily, and all entertainment. Stay tuned at grandhotel.com for this year’s complete lineup of performers.

Fall Michigan Golf Live Package Friday, September 9-Sunday, September 11

Tee up for the vacation of a lifetime: our Michigan Golf Live Package hosted by Bill Hobson, popular radio and television host of “Michigan Golf Live”. This golf event includes accommodations and a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily, prize giveaways, nightly receptions, Saturday morning golf scramble with box lunch and three days of unlimited golf on The Jewel.

This beautiful and challenging course provides lush landscaping and unforgettable views of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge.

Reserving your tee times ahead is recommended.

Call 906-847-9218. For prices, full details and to make a reservation, call 1-800-33GRAND or visit grandhotel.com

Join us for this unique experience as we close our doors for the winter. This special package includes a casual dinner buffet on Sunday evening and continental breakfast Monday morning. We’re cleaning out the pantries and wine cellar, so come ready to eat, drink and be merry. Explore unoccupied guest rooms and enjoy a special presentation by Bob Tagatz, Hotel Historian and Concierge, as he explains the process to close the hotel.

AVAILABLE ALL SEASON LONG

History Weekend Friday, October 7-Sunday, October 9

Take a fascinating journey through the history of Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island. Grand Hotel Historian and Concierge Bob Tagatz is a natural storyteller who will intrigue you with the hotel’s history and how the island and the hotel came to be what they are today. Learn about the hotel’s celebrity guests, milestones and stories behind the famed wood structure built in 1887. Fall is an especially wonderful time of year to enjoy the solitude of the island and Grand Hotel.

Girlfriends Getaway Weekend Friday, October 14-Sunday, October 16

Escape and relax with friends at this four-diamond resort hotel in autumn’s solitude. Enjoy the beautiful views and historic atmosphere while making new memories. It starts with our Friday Wine and Champagne Welcome Reception followed by Saturday afternoon wine tasting.

Golf The Jewel, with free golf green fees (cart fee required). Explore the island and fall colors by bike, walking or horse-drawn carriage. Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Parlor or relax on the world’s longest porch.

Visit Grand Hotel’s unique shops, pamper yourselves at Astor’s, our full-service salon, and then dress up and join us for a five-course dinner daily in the Main Dining Room. Share old memories and create new ones.

Ballroom Dancing Weekend Friday, October 21-Sunday, October 23

Michael Feinstein, 2016 opening performer

Close the Grand Package Sunday, October 30-Monday, October 31

Put on your dancing shoes and dance the night away at Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel Orchestra, led by Alex Graham, Grand Hotel Music Director, will get you in the mood with your favorite dancing songs in both the Theatre and Terrace Room. Professional dance instructors will be on hand to help refine your moves.

Learn beginner steps including the Waltz, Rumba and Swing with the Cayaos as well as Intermediate/Advance Waltz, Rumba and Swing with the Tomlians. Experience the sophistication of ballroom dancing at the place where nightly dancing and dressing up for dinner have been a tradition for generations.

Murder Mystery Weekend Friday, October 21-Sunday, October 23

Not everything is how it seems at Grand Hotel during Murder Mystery Weekend. Time turns back to 1947 where after 25 years of crime solving, Mackinac Island super-sleuth Detective Lt. Michael Patrick Reilly is ready to hand in his badge. As his colleagues, private investigators and detectives from across the world gather to bid farewell to him and his illustrious career, discover that crime might not let Reilly retire. Join police officers, lawbreaking citizens, celebrities, old foes and old friends as we bid him goodbye as “Death Takes a Pension.”

Includes entertainment all weekend, a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily, Saturday Grand Luncheon Buffet, evening receptions, and free golf green fees on The Jewel (cart fee required).

Somewhere in Time Weekend Friday, October 28-Sunday, October 30

Celebrate the 26th anniversary of the Somewhere in Time Weekend at Grand Hotel. It’s one of our most popular package weekends, perfect for movie lovers who want to know the film’s cinematic secrets. The weekend starts with a special screening of the film, followed by discussions about the movie’s making and a meet-and-mingle with returning cast and crew. You’re invited to make a cameo appearance in costume at the cocktail receptions, Grand Luncheon Buffet and costume promenade. This pictureperfect weekend includes accommodations, a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily.

Masco Cottage

Experience the spirit of a summer cottage on Mackinac Island and amenities of a luxury resort. This four-bedroom cottage provides an intimate, spacious setting for families, couples or small groups. It’s connected to the east end of Grand Hotel by a convenient walkway and is decorated by the incomparable Carleton Varney. Relax with a private hot tub, media parlor and when you stay multiple nights, the option to have dinner served in the cottage with a menu created for you by your personal chef.

Package Available on select 2016 dates

Stay one night, get 25% off the second; stay two nights, get the third half off when consecutive package dates are available.

Make your stay at Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island Pure Michigan with exceptional values on select 2016 dates. Bike historic Mackinac Island, take a carriage tour, horseback ride or hike the island’s more than 70 miles of natural and paved trails. Golf on The Jewel for free (cart fee required), play lawn games in the Tea Garden, or relax in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch. Includes a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily.

Honeymoon-Anniversary Package

Celebrate with someone special in the world’s most special place: Grand Hotel overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. This romantic getaway includes accommodations, a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily, flowers, champagne, Grand Hotel fudge, Afternoon Tea in the Parlor, and a private, one-hour, horse-drawn carriage ride around Mackinac Island. Or simply relax in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch with the one you love.

Tea for Two Golf Package

Available throughout the 2016 season. Tee time and tea time are waiting for you. Hit the links with unlimited golf on The Jewel, the only course in the world that requires a carriage ride to the back nine. After the last putt falls amidst unforgettable views of the Straits of Mackinac, relax over Afternoon Tea in the Parlor while enjoying a musical performance. Package includes a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily.

Bed and Breakfast Package Available on select dates May-October

This package includes a full breakfast along with greater dining flexibility, accommodations in one of our 390 uniquely decorated guest rooms and all resort amenities.

For prices, full details and to make reservations, call 1-800-33GRAND or visit grandhotel.com

Take advantage of our Lakeview option

Reserve a lakeview room for many of our weekend packages, featuring spectacular views of the Straits of Mackinac.

Indicates lakeview rooms available

Free admission to Mackinac Art Museum

Each overnight guest receives free admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.

Focused around fine and decorative arts inspired by Mackinac Island, it is located on Main Street.

5

Michigan REALTORS® Celebrates 100th Anniversary

2015 Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference

New at Grand Hotel for 2016

Iconic Front Porch Receives Historic Update This season as you approach Grand Hotel, the red carpet Grand entrance leading to the world’s longest porch will be brand new for the first time in 50 years.

The stairs leading up to the Front Porch and the porch’s west end overlooking the Straits of Mackinac are being completely renovated with green, waterproof flooring for a pristine appearance. In addition, masonry work took place on the bases of 14 of the stately white pillars lining the porch. Next winter, the east end of the porch will be reconstructed. Due to the porch’s size, it requires two winters to complete the project with the entire space needing to be covered throughout the winter to protect it from the climate.

Rob Campau, CEO; Kathie Feldpausch, Senior VP and CFO; Executive Assistant Shelley Albert and Brad Ward, VP of Public Policy and Legal Affairs of Michigan REALTORS®

Michigan Association of Healthcare Advocates

WJR host Paul W. Smith and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell

Sushi Grand, Mackinac Island’s first sushi restaurant, opens in late May. Located next to The Gate House at the bottom of Grand Hill, this unique dining choice is now the sixth offsite option offered by Grand Hotel.

• • •

• • •

Other updates: More than 1,000 pieces of furniture were restored and painted. Over 200 guest rooms were updated.

Sixteen guest bathrooms have been updated in a look similar to the Cupola Suite bathrooms.

Through a partnership with MLive Media Group, the Grand Hotel Business Center now includes state-of-the-art technology and upgraded work spaces. The business center has been re-named the MLive Business Center.

For the comfort of attendees during meetings and seminars, we’ve added 400 new meeting room chairs to some of our conference rooms.

We’ve upgraded the Main Dining Room’s sound system.

Carleton Varney of Dorothy Draper & Co. in New York City, Grand Hotel’s longtime interior designer, is putting his finishing touches on redecorating the Grand Hotel Art Gallery. Located off the Parlor leading to the Theatre, the Art Gallery displays framed art from the Richard and Jane Manoogian Art Collection every year.

Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit

Brian Peters, CEO, MHA; Jeanette Havel, President, MAHA; Thomas DeFauw, Past Chair, MHA; Nancy Viele, President-Elect, MAHA; and David Finkbeiner, Senior Vice President Advocacy, MHA

Michigan Health & Hospital Association Conference

MHA President Spencer Johnson has retired after 30 years of service and leadership. Thank you for your years of loyal patronage. We wish you all the best in your retirement.

Devin Scillian, WDIV Local 4 Detroit, and Nate Silver, founder of FiveThirtyEight.com and author, The Signal and the Noise

Keynote Speaker: Mike Rowe, Founder, mikeroweWORKS Foundation and host of “Somebody’s Gotta Do It”

31st Biennial Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference

The Michigan GOP hosted an exciting event in September, bringing five presidential candidates together at Grand Hotel. It was a lively, exciting event for all. Grand Hotel President Dan Musser III was joined by Michigan GOP Chair Ronna Romney, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

6

Sandy Baruah, President & CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber and Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company

Dirty Dozen Brass Band with Amelia Musser and her son, Dan Musser III, President of Grand Hotel

Labor Day Jazz Weekend

One of Grand Hotel’s most popular events, 2015 guests were treated to the Dirty Dozen Brass Band in the Grand Hotel Tea Garden. This year promises to be just as special. Headlining performer is singer-pianist Michael Feinstein, opening up Friday evening in the Theatre. Saturday afternoon in the Tea Garden, the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies perform their tribute to the Rat Pack. Saturday evening, Jane Monheit brings her phenomenal vocals to the stage in the Theatre. Sunday morning on the Front Porch, the gospel group Empowerment Church returns again this year. Keyboardist-composer Bob James will perform Sunday afternoon in the Tea Garden.

Betsy Brandt, of TV’s AMC “Breaking Bad,” visited Grand Hotel with her husband, Grady Olsen, and their family

Also confirmed for all three nights in the Cupola Bar is Paul Keller, and Dave Bennett performing at The Jockey Club.

Glen Bulgin Honored for 25 Years of Service

It isn’t dinner in Grand Hotel’s Main Dining Room without Glen Bulgin, one of the hotel’s most recognized employees.

He’s been greeting and serving guests and making their experience here memorable for 25 years. Mr. Bulgin was honored with three awards this year. Grand Hotel gave him an award for his years of service and he was named an ambassador for Jamaica through an award given by the Jamaican government and Western Union. Here, his service is honored by longtime hotel friends Bill and Camille Leibold and their family. Thanks, Mr. Bulgin, for all you do.

Lilac Festival

Alex Graham and the Grand Hotel Orchestra add their sound to the traditional Lilac Festival Parade.

Farm Bureau Insurance is one of the Lilac Festival’s sponsors.

Fall Michigan Golf Live Golfers with Bill Hobson, host of Michigan Golf Live.

Grand Hotel Welcomes Pickleball and FootGolf

Guests enjoyed these activities, both new to Grand Hotel in 2015. Pickleball, a fun racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, is played on our tennis courts and enjoyed by players of all levels and ages.

FootGolf combines golf and soccer, with players attempting to sink the ball into a 21-inch “cup” using the fewest kicks. Guests are invited to play afternoons from 3-5 p.m. on the Grand nine portion of The Jewel.

For our golfers, additional driving range nets have been installed at the Woods nine portion of The Jewel.

Dita Von Teese visited Grand Hotel and enjoyed a trip to the Grand Stables

Carleton’s Corner Each year brings new challenges and opportunities. At Grand Hotel, we plan new events and design programs each year well in advance of the season’s opening. Much work on the room and suite redecorations is done during the winter season and some even before the summer season ended.

What is new, what has been planned, and what is in the works? All good, magical, colorful, and adventurous rooms and suites and corridor hallways but the biggest news will be the opening of our Japanese restaurant Sushi Grand, located next to The Gate House. The design will be very simplistic in the Asian style, with black pebble-like stone flooring and golden, sparkling ceramic tile on the service bar front. The walls are of a reflective gold foil on which a black Bali Ha’i Asian trellis has been printed. The counter top of black granite will serve as the surface on which red chopsticks will be placed along with white china and white bottles for warm or cold sake. What would a sushi restaurant be without sake: smooth and delicious!

The lighting over the bar surface will be achieved with down lights made from Japanese conical straw hats.

A golden and black lacquered map of Asia is being hand painted on the ceiling of Sushi Grand by the artist Alice Bear Ludwig. The delicacies of Asia await you this coming season at the Grand! Enjoy!

7

Social Media Corner Thank you for sharing your Grand Hotel memories. We love seeing your special moments as much as we love sharing ours. We invite you to follow us on social media and subscribe to our blog and eClub for special offers. #AmericasSummerPlace

129th Season Photo Contest Winners

P.O. BOX 286 MACKINAC ISLAND MICHIGAN 49757

With 1,000 entries, it’s always difficult to choose. First place received a two-night stay on Grand Hotel’s 129th birthday in 2016.

Second and third place were recognized with $100 gift cards.

Runner up: Scott Tonnessen Lombard, IL

Runner up: Ketha Knuth Marysville, MI

Instagram winner: Deborah Rouse-Raines Cincinnati, OH

A merica’s True Grand Hotel Awards and R ecognition Named Best Historic Resort by Historic Hotels of America Named a Best Hotel in Michigan by U.S. News & World Report Named an Awesome All-Inclusive Resort in the U.S. for Your Next Vacation by Good Morning America Named a World’s Best Family Beach Hotel by Travel + Leisure Named Best Hotel in Michigan by Travel + Leisure

A Look at Grand Stables The Grand Hotel Stables are located just minutes from Grand Hotel at Surrey Hills. This 8,700-square-foot working stable houses the hotel and island’s main means of transportation.

Visitors can see the horses up close along with 20 antique carriages on display. They are from the collections of both Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. The carriages date back to the mid-1800s. Visitors are encouraged to come say hello to Grand Hotel’s magnificent horses, chat with the drivers and stable hands, and explore a bit of Mackinac Island and American history.

The stable and its grounds have also been used in other unique ways. Last year the Grand Stables hosted its first wedding and Detroit Regional Chamber’s opening night reception.

It is open to the public daily free of charge.

Named as an Incredible Hotel You Can Only Reach By Boat by Business Insider Named a Top 10 Resort in the Midwest by Condé Nast Traveler Named 2016 Best of Weddings by The Knot 2016 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards 23rd consecutive year awarded the AAA Four Diamond Award Voted #1 Midwestern Hotel in the 2015 Groups Today Readers’ Choice Awards Recognized in TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame, awarded to hospitality establishments earning a Certificate of Excellence five consecutive years

Mike Rowe (pictured center) with Dan Hosford and Kirby King of the Grand Hotel Maintenance Department

Cover photo credit: Sara Wright, Grand Hotel Photography