The Inn at Bay Harbor occupies a prime lakefront position within the planned Bay Harbor Village development on the eastern shore of Little Traverse Bay, approximately three miles west of Petoskey in northern Michigan. Set at 3600 Village Harbor Dr, the property delivers direct views across Lake Michigan from many guest rooms, suites, and outdoor terraces. The inn operates under the Renaissance Hotels flag and combines the breadth of a full-service resort with an intimate, lakeside scale. Guest accommodations span lake-view rooms, deluxe suites, and penthouse configurations, many with private balconies oriented toward the water. The Bay Harbor Golf Club—a 27-hole Arthur Hills-designed course spread across three loops known as The Links, The Preserve, and The Quarry—adjoins the resort and ranks consistently among Michigan's most acclaimed public-access layouts. A full-service spa offers massage therapy, body treatments, and salon services, while a marina, outdoor pool, indoor pool, and tennis courts extend the recreational program across the spring-to-fall season. The resort's signature restaurant serves regionally influenced cuisine emphasizing Great Lakes ingredients, and a lakeside bar and terrace provide casual alternatives. Bay Harbor Village's collection of boutique shops, galleries, and independent restaurants is accessible on foot from the property. Petoskey's downtown gaslight district, Stafford's Bay View Historic District, and Charlevoix's harbor are all within a short drive, extending cultural and dining options available to guests. Service is attentive and caters to families celebrating milestones, couples on leisure visits, and golfers focused on the club's three distinct nine-hole experiences. The resort operates primarily from spring through fall; peak summer occupancy warrants early booking.
Room types
- Lake View Rooms
- Deluxe Suites
- Penthouse Suites
Amenities
- Golf (27 holes)
- Spa
- Lake Michigan Views
- Restaurant
- Marina
- Pool
- Tennis Courts
Location
3600 Village Harbor Dr, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
45.3597, -85.0225 View on map
Highlights
- 27-hole Arthur Hills-designed Bay Harbor Golf Club directly adjoining the resort on Little Traverse Bay
- Lakefront setting with panoramic Lake Michigan views from guest rooms, suites, and outdoor terraces
- Full-service spa, marina, tennis courts, and indoor and outdoor pools at a five-star northern Michigan property
- Bay Harbor Village boutique shops and restaurants accessible on foot from the property
- Minutes from Petoskey's historic gaslight district and the Bay View National Historic Landmark neighborhood
Tips for visiting
- Book golf tee times well ahead for July and August, especially on The Links nine which is the most requested loop
- Request a water-facing balcony room when reserving to maximize lake views
- Midweek stays offer better room availability and rates during the busy Petoskey summer season
- Combine the resort with a day trip north to Mackinac Island via ferry from Mackinaw City, about 45 minutes away
- The marina occasionally facilitates charter fishing arrangements—inquire at the concierge desk on arrival
When to visit
July and August are peak season for warm-water activities, golf, and full resort programming; September offers fall foliage, cooler temperatures, and noticeably lower occupancy levels.
Accessibility
The Inn at Bay Harbor offers ADA-accessible guest rooms with roll-in showers and mobility aids available on request. The main lodge, restaurant, and lobby areas are accessible via level or ramped entry, though some waterfront paths and marina areas include uneven or unpaved surfaces that may be challenging for wheelchair users.
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Frequently asked questions
Is The Inn at Bay Harbor open year-round?
The inn operates primarily from spring through fall, with peak season running May through October. Winter availability is limited; guests should confirm current seasonal hours directly with the property before booking.
Is golf included in the room rate?
Golf is not included in standard room rates. Tee times on the Bay Harbor Golf Club's three nine-hole loops are booked separately, though resort packages bundling accommodations and rounds are often available.
How far is The Inn at Bay Harbor from Petoskey?
The inn is located in Bay Harbor, approximately three miles west of downtown Petoskey along US-31 on the shore of Little Traverse Bay—about a five-minute drive.
What dining options are available at the resort?
The resort's signature restaurant serves regionally inspired cuisine with lake views, and a casual bar and terrace offer lighter fare. Independently owned restaurants in Bay Harbor Village are a short walk away, and Petoskey's full restaurant scene is five minutes by car.