HOTEL WALLOON, WALLOON LAKE

» PATIO DINING » WATERFRONT VIEWS

When guests arrive at Hotel Walloon, they frequently ask when the stately white lakefront building was constructed and are shocked to hear the answer: 2015.

Walloon Lake was originally home to two hotels in the late 1890s and early 1900s at the height of the “vacationland” movement promoting the lake country of Northern Michigan to wealthy summer travelers across the Midwest. But the new, 32-room boutique hotel now gracing the shore is the vision of owner Jonathan Borisch, who spent boyhood summers at a cottage on the lake. After the recession, he purchased vacant property in town to encourage retail development and built this graceful nod to bygone days with the hope of breathing life into the community of Walloon Lake.

Mission accomplished. The hotel’s vintage-meets-luxury vibe is an homage to all things Northern Michigan, with locally sourced wood and stones, and a treasure trove of artifacts, including historical photos and fishing poles.

But don’t let the rustic charm fool you—Hotel Walloon is rated a four-diamond resort and offers state-of-the-art facilities and tech in every room (think soothing, water-like colors, elegant textiles and 70-inch TVs). In fact, smaller corporate groups often opt to host boardroom-style meetings in some of the larger rooms and suites, which can accommodate up to 20 people.

Most larger groups utilize the hotel’s Talcott Meeting and Event Center, located just a stroll across the street. Here you’ll find banquet-type convertible meeting space, as well as one of Sales and Marketing Manager Emily Jensen’s favorite event amenities: “The Talcott’s outside patio is delightful. There’s a fireplace, white Adirondack chairs, Edison-bulb string lights, heaters—it’s great for coffee breaks or will seat about 60 for lunch,” she says. “I love it for a rehearsal dinner, and cocktail hours are amazing out there, with a sweet view of the village.”

“Guests absolutely want to get outdoors and play,” Jensen says. Tommy’s Walloon has your group covered for water sport activities like boat rentals, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Another special offering in summer and fall: complimentary steamboat rides around the lake for the guests.

NEW IN 2020

The hotel’s upscale Barrel Back Restaurant has a new food truck that can make your party mobile. Jensen says guests have booked it to park at the hotel patio and the Village Green Park for picnic-style fun or even off-site at a local winery, where they can nosh on bam-bam shrimp, smoked brisket, mac ‘n’ cheese and customized gluten-free and vegetarian fare.

LOCALS LOVE

Jensen says guests love getting in on the fun, “Especially quirky hometown festivals like the National Morel Mushroom Festival, Petoskey’s restaurant open houses and the card-gameby-boat, Walloon Lake Poker Run.”

HOT TIP

Don’t miss a group dinner or event at the hotel’s sister property, Walloon Lake Inn. “The sunsets are incredible yearround and you can have the indoor/outdoor space,” Jensen says. “I’d start at ‘Walloon Wine Time’ at three o’clock, and stay through for a fine dining experience.”

QUICK FACTS

» Meeting space: The Talcott Event Space has 3,410 square feet. » Heads in beds: The hotel can accommodate 90 guests. » Getting there: 1 hour and 18 minutes from Traverse

City’s Cherry Capital Airport and 40 minutes from

Pellston Regional Airport. Private planes can fly into Gaylord.