The Grand Hotel never disappoints, but the announcements of the new improvements for the 2011 season really are pretty impressive.
The hotel, now open for the season, has debuted a newly-designed First Lady Suite, named for and designed to represent Laura Bush, but that's just one of the improvements guests will see this year. Cell phone reception at the Mackinac Island hotel is also better, as a result of a partnership with AT&T to improve cell connectivity in and around the hotel.
And, last but not least, the hotel has partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan on a "Live Healthy, Live Grand" program that complements a stay at the Grand with healthy eating options and exercise options.
"Michigan is home to many exceptional companies that provide world-class services locally and internationally," says hotel president Dan Musser. "These partnerships have presented us with the unique opportunity to support our state economy and enhance our guests' experience. We are very fortunate to have these corporate friends and look forward to introducing our new amenities this season."
First, let's talk about that Laura Bush Suite. There are six other First Lady Suites at the hotel, named for Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush, all of whom participated, as did Laura Bush, in the designs by interior designer
Carleton Varney. Another is named for Jacqueline Kennedy.
The Laura Bush Suite is done in simple, manor-house style, with shades of jade, cream and white, according to the hotel.
The healthy living program is certain to have an impact on all Grand Hotel guests, as the chef-created healthy menu options and daily exercise and food planning resources are provided to guests. Who says vacations are for breaking your diet routine?
There are actually even a few more improvements announced for the 2011 season; guests will be greeted by new "Grand Hotel Touch of Softness Sleep Sets," which are new custom made-in-Michigan beds and bedding sets.
And finally, the Gate House restaurant at the base of the Grand Hotel hill, has a new club room, and the hill itself has been planted with 20 new hybrid maple trees, which should be quite a sight in the fall.
The Grand Hotel has been open since 1887, and has been owned by the same family since 1933.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Dan Musser, The Grand Hotel
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