There are only 19 hotels in all of Michigan that have earned AAA’s coveted Four Diamond Status. We’ve all heard about the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, but now we have bragging rights deep in the heart of Michigan’s Great Southwest. The Inn at Harbor Shores has also earned that elite status.
Known for majestic views of the Lake Michigan and St. Joseph River waterfronts, as well as of The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, The Inn at Harbor Shores hotel has been awarded AAA’s prestigious Four Diamond Status. With only 6.3-percent of more than 27,000 properties inspected receiving the honor, the hotel joins an elite list of world-class destinations across the country, including the Grand Hotel and The Townsend here in Michigan.
General Manager Brady Cohen says of the Inn at Harbor Shores recognition, “The Four Diamond Award from AAA marks a pinnacle moment in our resort’s history,” and adds, “As Lake Michigan’s first beach, golf, and waterfront destination, we are proud to help keep Michigan tourism on the map. Not only is this a crowning achievement for The Inn, it is also well-deserved recognition of the natural beauty within Michigan and a celebration for the surrounding community.”
As part of the rating ascertainment process, a property must meet certain requirements based on an unannounced inspection. The stringent standards of a Four Diamond hotel is described by AAA as “refined, stylish with upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail.”
Ed Vandenack is President of Highland Hotel Investments. He says, “From the 92 guestrooms and 14 suites to 13,000 square feet of event space, The Inn has something for everyone,” and notes, “Our visitors include families, golfers, tourists, business travelers, and even celebrities. Overnight guests, as well as the public, have access to many of our amenities, including The Spa, Rise & Vine coffee and Michigan wine bar, and our waterside restaurant, Plank’s Tavern.”
Much of what is seen today at The Inn was inspired by history. The hotel’s waterside restaurant owes its name to a resort built in 1888 by John Oliver Plank known as Plank’s Tavern on the Beach, which was located directly west of the current location. The Inn’s classic coastal architecture, with much of it constructed from Michigan products, reflects the area’s roots in materials, colors, and art.
The award comes just five years after The Inn started taking reservations in 2014. Since its inception, it has been seen globally as part of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship television broadcast on three occasions. Harbor Shores will also play host again to the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
Located just 90 minutes east of Chicago in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, The Inn at Harbor Shores features 92 guest rooms with individual balconies and state-of-the-art banqueting facilities. On-site guests can also access a deep-water marina, a full-service spa, waterfront and golf course dining, cafes, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a public riverwalk connecting to 12 miles of recreational trails. You can learn more online at these links:
