"The Bayview Inn is in a beautiful location overlooking the bay."
windmereparents from United States
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"The ambiance of the hotel was very relaxing."
COLMac11_j6 from United States
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"The nightly social hour with a free drink and snacks was nice."
David B from United States
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"Breakfast was outstanding!"
8abug from United States
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"The Stafford cookies that you will find in your room when checking in- worth the trip by themselves!"
dascott2024 from United States
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Historic Victorian inn on Little Traverse Bay with award-winning dining and complimentary bicycles
Dining and Social Hour
Stafford's Bay View Inn is home to an award-winning culinary team with more than 100 years of combined experience. The full-service restaurant serves a seasonal Sunday brunch and American à la carte breakfasts with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. A daily social hour offers guests complimentary drinks and appetizers in the sunroom or on the lakeside porch.
Rooms and Common Areas
The hotel offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and patios or seating areas. A cozy on-site library provides games, books, and 24-hour coffee service for guest relaxation. Complimentary lemonade, iced tea, and coffee are available throughout the day, and fresh-baked cookies are placed in each room daily.
Location and Activities
The inn sits directly on Little Traverse Bay with private beach access and expansive bike routes in front of the property. Guests can use complimentary bicycles to explore the Little Traverse Wheelway, downtown Petoskey's Gaslight District, and nearby Mackinaw Trail Winery. The hotel is 29 km from Pellston Regional Airport and within walking distance of the Bay View Association neighborhood and its historic landmarks.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The hotel provides family rooms and a welcoming environment for children, with board games and a large-screen TV in the upstairs lounge. Outdoor activities like hiking and cycling on the Little Traverse Wheelway start directly from the inn. The family-friendly restaurant accommodates dietary preferences with gluten-free and dairy-free options at breakfast.
Historic Character and Services
Stafford's Bay View Inn is the oldest summer hotel north of Grand Rapids, operating since 1886 with original Victorian architecture. A small European-style elevator provides access to upper floors, and a ramp ensures accessibility for guests with mobility needs. The 24-hour front desk, business center, and electric vehicle charging station add convenience to the historic stay.
Highlights
History: Oldest summer hotel north of Grand Rapids since 1886
Dining: Award-winning culinary team with 100+ years experience
Social: Daily complimentary drinks and appetizers from 4-6
Activities: Complimentary bicycles and private beach access
Location: Steps from Little Traverse Bay and bike trails
Family: Family rooms, board games, and dietary-friendly breakfast
“This historic inn truly captures a bygone era with its elegant decor and thoughtful hospitality, making it a delightful base for exploring northern Michigan. The attentive staff and charming common areas, especially the library and sunroom, create a welcoming atmosphere, further enhanced by complimentary refreshments and a well-regarded happy hour. My own exploration found a place that balances its historical character with comfortable accommodations and beautiful bay views.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Usmichigan
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Facilities
Stafford'S Bay View Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
General
Free internet access
Parking
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Room service
Dining
Restaurant
Fine dining
Bar/ Lounge area
Business
Business centre
Room features
Air conditioning
Sitting area
Patio
Bathroom
Bathtub
Free toiletries
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
Discover a charming dining experience at Roselawn Dining Room, where a family-friendly atmosphere meets traditional elegance. The menu offers delightful options including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free selections, ensuring heartfelt meals for all preferences.
Roselawn Dining Room
Traditional American with vegetarian and vegan options
Ambiance
Warm and inviting, perfect for family gatherings and romantic dinners alike, featuring cozy decor and an intimate setting.
Key Offerings
The restaurant hosts a captivating Murder Mystery Dinner for two on Saturday nights, providing a unique dining experience filled with intrigue. Thoughtfully crafted meals cater to a variety of dietary needs.
Reservation
Recommended due to limited seating, especially for special events.
Hours vary; please check for specific meal times.
Stafford'S Bay View Inn Location
2011 Woodland Ave., Petoskey, 49770,
Map view
City landmarks
Gallery
Crooked Tree Arts Center
1.4 mi
Park
Petoskey State Park
1.6 mi
Park
Bayfront Park
1.6 mi
Store
Cutler's
1.5 mi
Landmark
Bear River Valley Recreation Area
1.8 mi
Gallery
Somebody's Gallery
1.6 mi
Landmark
Historic Gaslight District
2.1 mi
Landmark
Woolam Family Nature Preserve
2.2 mi
Park
Riverwalk Pier
2.7 mi
Nearby
1745 Encampment Ave Located along US Highway 31
Bay View Association
1900 ft
Restaurants
Big Apple Bagels
3100 ft
1123 N US Highway 31
China Buffet King
3600 ft
1192 N US Highway 31
McDonald's
3400 ft
1340 N US Highway 31
Explore Petoskey
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Bay View Association
7 minutes' walk
Historic community filled with Victorian architecture and scenic views. Great for leisurely strolls amid stunning gardens.
Petoskey State Park
10-minute drive
Beautiful park featuring trails, beaches, and picnic areas. Ideal for hiking, swimming, or enjoying nature with family.
Bear River Valley Recreation Area
4 minutes' drive
A fantastic spot for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching. The scenic river trails provide a peaceful retreat.
Historic Gaslight District
4-minute drive
Charming downtown area with boutique shops, galleries, and cafes. Perfect for a casual afternoon or evening out.
Biking Along the Bay
10-minute drive
Bike rentals available close by. Enjoy scenic lakeshore trails, suitable for all skill levels, from leisurely riders to thrill-seekers.
Yoga in the Park
4 minutes' drive
Join relaxing outdoor yoga sessions. Experience tranquility with beautiful views, ideal for unwinding after travel.
China Buffet King
13 minutes' walk
Family-friendly buffet featuring a diverse array of Chinese dishes. Great for sampling multiple flavors in a casual setting.
Big Apple Bagels
12 minutes' walk
Cozy spot for breakfast or brunch offering fresh bagels and coffee. Perfect for a quick, delicious start to your day.
Somebody's Gallery
4-minute drive
Art gallery featuring local artists. Regular events and exhibits create a vibrant community atmosphere perfect for art lovers.
Riverwalk Pier
5-minute drive
Family-friendly destination with scenic views and events. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and a playground for kids.
Getting around
City Centre
Petoskey 32 min · 1.6 mi
Airports
Pellston Regional (PLN) 44 min · 18.1 mi
Cheboygan County (slh) 102 min · 42.2 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2008
Number of rooms:
16
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Stafford'S Bay View Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Pros
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Comfortable beds
Sunset views
Cons
Lost items issue
Not handicap accessible
Guest reviews
based on 82 reviews
9.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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