Nestled on New Buffalo’s harbor, a short stroll from downtown and the city beach, the Marina Grand Resort delivers boutique-style lodging that oozes coziness and comfort.
“Winter on the marina is special (because) when the boats are gone, winter delivers stillness that can’t be matched,” says Toast Hotel Group President Robert Kemper. “From scenic storms brewing over Lake Michigan to the birds searching for open water and sunshine on newly snow-covered docks, it’s a magical time. Some guests never leave the building, but the adventurous might head out to our many nearby hiking trails or tasting rooms.”
A welcoming warmth greets guests as they step through the doors into a spacious area known as The Living Room, which is anchored by a large fireplace surrounded by a collection of comfortable seating options.
The area was made even more inviting with the completion of an extensive renovation project in 2023. The hotel’s restaurant (Bentwood Tavern) and meeting spaces were also updated. A renovation of the resort’s front entrance and pools is planned for 2026.
Depending on a guest’s time of arrival, a barista or evening bartender is ready with a complimentary welcome beverage for those checking in.
“The transformation opened southern-facing windows to the guest enjoyment areas and created a tucked-away, cozy tavern experience,” Kemper says. “Guests have sunny places to enjoy daytime activities and events, and a large fireplace for savoring evening beverages. (Chicago-based) Curioso Design created spaces that put people first and connect with our corner of Lake Michigan through the thoughtful use of wood, textiles, and color.”
Kemper and his wife, Collette, founded Toast Hotel Group, which also includes The Harbor Grand Hotel in New Buffalo, in 2000. Marina Grand Resort opened six years later.
The group also owns The Harbor Grand Hotel and Foundation Mind & Body Spa.
“It was important to establish, upon guests’ arrival, a sense of discovery and comfort,” Kemper says. “We achieve this through our welcoming staff, art, books and magazines, food and beverages, lighting, and music.”
Leaving The Living Room doesn’t mean leaving the soothing fireplace behind. Every Marina Grand Resort room has a hand-crafted private fireplace, as well as harbor views from private balconies or patios. Options range from 350- to 1,250-square-foot spaces that can accommodate between two and eight guests (couples, families, or groups).
Photos Courtesy of Daniel Kelleghan Photography.
The Marina King (two guests) and Marina Double Queen (sleeps two to four) are both 350 square feet and have mini-refrigerators.
All other rooms — flat-style suites — boast fully equipped kitchens, dining tables, soaking tubs, and walk-in showers, as well as a curated selection of books and magazines.
The Mariner Corner Luxury Suite (710 square feet) and Mariner Luxury Suite (750) have room for up to four guests, and have a king bed and queen sleeper sofa. Mariner Corner has one bathroom, while the Mariner Suite has 1.5 baths.
The 900-square-foot Loft Two-Bedroom Luxury Suite (two to six guests) offers an open loft with two twin beds, a king bed, a queen sleeper sofa, and 1.5 bathrooms. The Mariner Two-Bedroom Luxury Suite (1,100 square feet) can hold up to six guests. It has a king bed in one bedroom and two queen beds in another, along with a queen sleeper sofa.
The Loft Three-Bedroom Luxury Suite (1,250 square feet), which is flexible living space, can accommodate up to eight people and has a king bed in each bedroom, two twin beds in an open loft, and 2.5 bathrooms.
The Living Room Cafe serves coffee, espresso, and pastries from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the addition of beer, wine, and other snack items from 2-6 p.m. It also hosts complimentary nightly wine-tastings for guests, highlighting regional Michigan wineries.
The Bentwood Tavern serves dinner daily from 5-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday during winter months, and 5-9 p.m. during the week. Weekend brunch is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appetizers range from wood-fired French feta to cider-steamed mussels, while entrees include Steak Pot Pie, Manistee River rainbow trout, double-cut pork chops, and more. Among the desserts are a mini-Michigan pie and a cashew tart.
“Our chef-driven menu is focused on local producers and fresh approaches to tavern signature dishes,” Kemper says. “We always feature seasonal vegetables, fruits, and herbs from our local growers. Our approach to beverages is sourcing the most interesting available, from Michigan microbrewery offerings on tap to crafted seasonal cocktails, and we have a highly curated wine program that highlights next-generation Michigan winemakers.”
Marina Grand features an indoor pool and jacuzzi, game and fitness rooms, and a rooftop deck. The warmer months include options for outdoor waterfront dining, swimming in the outdoor pool and at nearby New Buffalo Beach, and the complimentary use of bikes.
The resort is a perfect retreat after fat-tire biking, snowshoeing, hiking, or sledding on the nearby dunes, says Courtney Krull-
Graybeal, executive director of New Buffalo Explored. “And it’s just minutes from downtown New Buffalo’s shops, cafes, and restaurants, such as Lakeside Goods, David’s Delicatessen, and Postboy.”
Kemper also recommends experiencing the icy views and majestic sunsets you can only see when you’re winter beach-walking. “After a snowstorm, especially, you can see ice sculptures the storm left behind, and then come back for a hot toddy at Bentwood.”
Extra Easy
The resort is located three blocks from New Buffalo’s Amtrak station. In addition, guests can dock their boats at the nearby public transient marina, a few blocks away.
Plan It!
Marina Grand Resort
marinagrandresort.com
New Buffalo Explored
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