Michigan is the hotspot for travelers, from our extensive lakes, stunning shoreline, and immense historical sites. With all of that, unique hotels and resorts are abundant just waiting to greet guests worldwide.

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Recently the popular global travel site Travel + Leisure took the time to enjoy some of the most infamous resorts throughout the Midwest for its 'World's Best Awards". Each year T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe and then share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more.

"Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.", T+L said. 

Each location was rated on the following criteria:

  • Rooms/facilities
  • Location
  • Service
  • Food
  • Value

As if having one location in Michigan was enough, our state found four fabulous properties making the list of the "Favorite Resorts in the Midwest" with one taking the top spot at #1.

What's the Top Resort in the Midwest?

Landing at the very top of the list this year is Hotel Walloon in Walloon Lake, Michigan. Always a bridesmaid and never the bride, the hotel has quietly waited for the top prize after popping up on the list in the past and finishing at #2 last year behind the Deer Path Inn, Lake Forest, Illinois.

Photo: Facebook
Photo: Facebook
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"Lake Walloon’s crystal blue waters have drawn visitors for over a century, making this 32-room property, built in 2015, a relative newcomer. Hotel Walloon combines vintage elements that nod to the area's history with design and amenities designed to appeal to discerning travelers", T+L wrote. "Another draw for visitors is the array of outdoor activities that the hotel can help arrange, from hiking to horseback riding. For those wanting to spend more time indoors, the location of the hotel makes it easy for guests to visit nearby museums, wineries, and even a local chocolate factory".

The amazing hotel isn't alone on the list being joined by three other incredible Michigan inns that are just as worth checking out. Also representing the state in a big way are;

4. Hotel Iroquois: Mackinac Island, Michigan

6. Island House Hotel: Mackinac Island, Michigan

9. Grand Hotel: Mackinac Island, Michigan

The Midwest has much to offer those looking for a great weekend away or a special summer vacation. It's nice to see Michigan getting the love it deserves.

You can view the "10 Favorite Resorts in the Midwest" list here. 

Inside the Spectacular $18M Walloon Lake Retreat in Petoskey

Consider it all Pure Michigan is the form of a home. This spectacular home situated on the iconic Walloon Lake is currently on the market for $18M making it the most expensive home for sale in the state. Although it shares those bragging rights with a rustic Alpena lodge, there is nothing rustic about this 14,000+ square foot home.

From the massive master suite with a drool-worthy closet to the lower level entertainment area with indoor golf, gym, gaming area, and bunk room/ theater room, the home has everything you can dream of. There is even a guest suite with its own kitchen area and private entrance. The outside is just as mesmerizing with a lakeside gazebo, manicured grounds, and a boat house for 2 nautical toys. Round it all out with a garage with space for 4 cars with its automatic lift and heated driveway.

Take a look inside!

Gallery Credit: Zillow

$18M Historic Randall's Point Walloon Lake Homestead

Currently offered for $18 million, making it one of the most expensive properties in the state, the compound comes with four cabins. Three of the cabins were built in the 1920s and the main log home was built in the 1970s. The original boathouse and barn remain. The homestead was founded by Bo Randall who was the founder of Randall Made Knives and a good friend of Ernest Hemingway who frequented the property for hunting. With over 5700 square feet of living space amongst the cabins, the compound is perfect for large families. A mix of modern and timeless history, this is truly a slice of Michigan history.

Gallery Credit: Zillow