You know a place is special when it feels intentional before you even check in. That’s OTIS Harbor Springs, a boutique hotel in Northern Michigan where the food dazzles, the design speaks, and the service feels like a warm embrace. It’s a place where every detail has been considered, every flavor has a purpose, and the staff makes you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Located just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan, OTIS blends rustic charm with elevated comfort. The historic property was completely renovated by Israel Hernandez and Ty Humpert, who turned what was once a modest inn into one of the most thoughtfully designed destinations in the region.
The aesthetic strikes a beautiful balance between heritage and modern minimalism. From reclaimed wood accents and textured textiles to locally curated artwork, every corner of OTIS invites you to slow down and stay awhile. It doesn’t try to impress—it just is.
And while the rooms are cozy and the atmosphere calm, let’s be real, the food and drinks steal the spotlight.
Led by Shannon Kerry Welch, Director of Food and Beverage, and Executive Chef Shane Abe, the dining experience is a master class in what local, seasonal cooking can be. This isn’t just farm-to-table as a catchphrase. OTIS works closely with nearby farms and producers, and it shows in every dish.
Start with the pickled beet hummus; bright, tangy, and silky smooth. Add a generous swipe of the housemade salted honey brown butter on fresh bread, and you’ve got a snack that feels indulgent without trying too hard. Both are made in-house and available at the Culinary Market, and yes, I took some home.
The cocktail program is just as intentional. Casey and Becca, the hotel’s mixologists, are serving up some of the best drinks I’ve had this year. Their signature Long Drive Home, made with Black rum and espresso, is rich, balanced, and just the right amount of bold. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you want to linger a little longer.
The Culinary Market, run with warmth and ease by Sam, is its own kind of haven. Think morning coffee, snacks, pantry staples, curated wine, all locally sourced and thoughtfully chosen. Whether you’re grabbing a flat white or a bottle of something special, it’s another reminder that nothing here is accidental.
Shoutout to Kamron Bijeh-Apple, General Manager, whose leadership is felt in every smooth check-in and thoughtful touch. The team is engaged without being overbearing, relaxed but never inattentive. Every interaction feels personal.
Accommodations vary depending on where you stay on the property. Some rooms lean into that vintage feel with rich tones and cozy layers, while others are more modern and streamlined. The only hiccup is the in-room air conditioning units, which can get a little noisy at night. Fortunately, OTIS is already in the process of upgrading to central air.
And there’s more to come. Plans are in the works to expand the outdoor space, add a pool, and introduce curated seasonal experiences. OTIS is growing with purpose, not just scale.
Final Verdict:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for food, cocktails, and service
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for accommodations and late-night options
OTIS is a rare kind of getaway. It’s relaxed, refined, and rooted in care. Whether you’re escaping solo, with your partner, or with your girls, it’s the kind of place that welcomes you in and makes you want to stay just a little longer. And yes, I’m already planning my return. To book your stay, CLICK HERE.
Just announced: A new reason to hit the road this fall.
Detroit’s first and only MICHELIN Key hotel, Shinola Hotel, and OTIS Harbor Springs have teamed up for a limited-time City to Shore Experience. The curated road trip offers the best of both worlds, immersing guests in the vibrant energy of downtown Detroit and the laid-back charm of Northern Michigan, right as the fall colors hit their peak.
This first-ever partnership between the two design-forward boutique hotels, both featuring interiors by Shinola’s former Creative Director Daniel Caudill, taps into the rising “detour destination” trend.
Available for select September and October dates, the package includes:
- Wednesday and Thursday nights in Shinola Hotel’s Cass King accommodations
- Friday and Saturday nights in OTIS Harbor Springs’ Lakeside Superior rooms
- A $100 dining credit at both properties
- Complimentary breakfast each morning
Space is limited. To reserve, contact Shinola Hotel at 313-356-1400 or reservations@shinolahotel.com.
