We Are the MRLA Feature: Stafford's Hospitality Inc.

Owner Name: Stafford's Hospitality, Inc.
Company: Stafford's Hospitality
City: Petoskey, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs & Alanson
Year Founded: 1961
Website: https://www.staffords.com/
MRLA Member Since: 1979
What is your business’ niche/specialty?
We have three, full-service hotels and two waterfront restaurants in the heart of Northern Michigan. For over 60 years, Stafford’s has provided premier waterfront dining and historic lodging throughout northern Michigan. Guests enjoy attentive service, fine dining and elegant accommodations overlooking Lake Michigan, Little Traverse Bay and Crooked River, in relaxed, historic settings.
Stafford’s Perry Hotel is located in the heart of Petoskey’s Gaslight District and is perfect for romantic getaways and gracious but modern business travel. Just two miles north in Bay View is our flagship property, Stafford’s Bay View Inn. The Bay View Inn brings you the grace and romance of a bygone era set against exquisite views of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay.
Stafford’s Pier Restaurant celebrates the maritime heritage of beautiful Harbor Springs and offers true waterfront dining. Literally. It was built on the original pilings over the harbor. The Pier’s Pointer Room overlooks the historic Harbor Springs yacht basin and offers visitors a superb choice of fine cuisine. The Wheelhouse Lounge offers a casual watering hole and Dudley’s Deck is Harbor Spring’s most popular dining al fresco.
Originally built as a grist mill, Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant in Charlevoix was converted to a dining establishment in the mid-1950s. It was designed by the famed local architect Earl Young, known for his curvaceous rooflines and flowing architecture. The Weathervane Restaurant offers signature and regional cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere and is Charlevoix’s only true waterfront dining, nestled along the busy Pine River Channel in downtown Charlevoix.
Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge & Suites is nestled in Alanson on the picturesque Crooked River. This family friendly hotel was established in 2004, features an indoor pool and hot tub and is within arms reach of skiing, snowmobiling, recreational and river activities.
Why is the MRLA important to you and your business?
As members, our connections to those in the restaurant and lodging industry are priceless. We utilized the MRLA during the pandemic, to process the ever-changing rules, signage, etc. Their guidance and expertise are invaluable
Stafford's Hospitality Highlights:
Company: Stafford's Hospitality
City: Petoskey, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs & Alanson
Year Founded: 1961
Website: https://www.staffords.com/
MRLA Member Since: 1979
What is your business’ niche/specialty?
We have three, full-service hotels and two waterfront restaurants in the heart of Northern Michigan. For over 60 years, Stafford’s has provided premier waterfront dining and historic lodging throughout northern Michigan. Guests enjoy attentive service, fine dining and elegant accommodations overlooking Lake Michigan, Little Traverse Bay and Crooked River, in relaxed, historic settings.
Stafford’s Perry Hotel is located in the heart of Petoskey’s Gaslight District and is perfect for romantic getaways and gracious but modern business travel. Just two miles north in Bay View is our flagship property, Stafford’s Bay View Inn. The Bay View Inn brings you the grace and romance of a bygone era set against exquisite views of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay.
Stafford’s Pier Restaurant celebrates the maritime heritage of beautiful Harbor Springs and offers true waterfront dining. Literally. It was built on the original pilings over the harbor. The Pier’s Pointer Room overlooks the historic Harbor Springs yacht basin and offers visitors a superb choice of fine cuisine. The Wheelhouse Lounge offers a casual watering hole and Dudley’s Deck is Harbor Spring’s most popular dining al fresco.
Originally built as a grist mill, Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant in Charlevoix was converted to a dining establishment in the mid-1950s. It was designed by the famed local architect Earl Young, known for his curvaceous rooflines and flowing architecture. The Weathervane Restaurant offers signature and regional cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere and is Charlevoix’s only true waterfront dining, nestled along the busy Pine River Channel in downtown Charlevoix.
Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge & Suites is nestled in Alanson on the picturesque Crooked River. This family friendly hotel was established in 2004, features an indoor pool and hot tub and is within arms reach of skiing, snowmobiling, recreational and river activities.
Why is the MRLA important to you and your business?
As members, our connections to those in the restaurant and lodging industry are priceless. We utilized the MRLA during the pandemic, to process the ever-changing rules, signage, etc. Their guidance and expertise are invaluable
Stafford's Hospitality Highlights:
- Our people. Often referred to as People of Stafford’s, members of our team are in this business to create memories for other people. Our goal is to exceed expectations with every experience at Stafford’s and our team of passionate people do just that.
- Our locations. Since the beginning, we knew our guests wanted to be close to the water. All of our locations are on the water, or overlook our beautiful lakes and rivers.
- Our communities. We are dedicated to maintaining a positive community presence. Many of our team members volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, on local Chamber of Commerce Boards, local School Boards, etc. Giving back to those who live and work here is equally as important to us.
- Exceptional culinary delights. With over 100+ years of combined culinary experience, our chefs continue to create regional favorites including Oak Planked Whitefish, Stafford’s famous chicken salad and Stafford’s Seafood Chowder. In addition to these favorites, they continue to bring new flavors to our seasonal menus, with a focus on using fresh, local ingredients.