Every Select Registry property is topnotch, but that doesn’t mean they’re all super expensive. In fact, the term is relative. What is reasonable to one reader may seem expensive to another. There is great variety in the Registry, and the prices vary widely. I believe there is something for everyone, but you’ll have to make your own decision.
When booking rooms, try to negotiate. Times are tough, and you never know what a simple, honest approach may yield. You might try this: “I’d really like to stay with you, but this is a little high for me. Can you do any better?” It has worked for me more than once. Often the per-night rate drops sharply if you stay an extra night.
Remember, these are privately held properties, not links of some big chain. You might even be speaking to the owner when you call. Who better to make an exception for the kindly voice on the other end of the line? If they hold to the quoted rate, so be it. You’re no worse for the asking.
I’m not sure if this would even apply to Select Registry properties, but I’ve encountered the practice when making reservations for major hotels online. You might find a killer “Internet-only” rate that is drastically lower. But be careful. Sometimes you can’t cancel these once you book them—and often they are prepaid, meaning they charge your credit card immediately, no matter when you intend to stay.
Let’s begin our sampling by concentrating on Michigan. Our fair state has eight properties listed on the Select Registry, and you might be surprised to learn that one of them is in Kalamazoo. You can learn more about this hometown entry here. Our neck of the woods is actually very well represented. There are other properties in Allegan, Lansing/Eaton Rapids, Marshall (two here) and Saugatuck. Out-state entries are in Sutton’s Bay and Petoskey.
I have admired Stafford’s Bay View Inn in Petoskey from afar for many years. But it wasn’t until a fall weekend trip a couple years ago that I actually managed to stay here. I live in a home built in 1884 so I have a special fondness for vintage B&Bs and hotels. The Stafford dates from 1886.
The inn’s 31 rooms are arranged in five different categories, and prices vary based on size and proximity to the bay. As is the case with many properties in resort areas, the rates are much lower in the off or “value” season so if getting a bargain is really important to you, check out their winter rates, starting at just $99. Although we only had time for breakfast, it was superb. Their Sunday brunch is a Petoskey legend and has been repeatedly voted Michigan’s best brunch by readers of the Detroit News.
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