Otis Harbor Springs

Celebrated my 10-year wedding anniversary, in from Chicago. This place is an absolute gem. Rooms, like the rest of the common area, is adorable with amazing mid-century modern aesthetic. And the main reason I’m posting this review, this place serves up the best cocktails in northern Michigan. The cocktails here hold their own compared to any of Chicago’s finest offerings. I’ll be back!!

I was so excited about staying in this Mid Century gem and it did not disappoint!|Check in was easy and included an actual key to our room. Our room was very cool! It included a record player, vinyl records and a pink tiled bathroom! The back door to the room led to a courtyard with comfortable seating for an afternoon cocktail or your morning coffee. The lounge, which unfortunately was not open the night we stayed, was absolutely stunning! I look forward to staying again!

This was a last minute trip by my standards, and hotel options in this area are limited. I usually like to accrue points for my stays, but the 20+ minute distance ensured I booked with the room block. ||I booked via phone and prepaid to lock in the birthday block rate. Reasonable price, but a little higher than the hotel group options further away. The first night’s party for the occasion I traveled to attend was in this property’s courtyard. The check-in to courtyard bar experience was a neat blend of familiarity and professional attentiveness. Throughout the stay, the staff would banter and greet us by name or room number, while maintaining a respectful prioritization on guest needs.||This used to be a standard motel, so there is probably more work to be done in the rooms. But not necessarily, since the hotel coffee bar and normal people bars are situated in very comfy rooms with sofas. The central courtyard is another signal of the property as an experience; so you won’t spend much time in the rooms anyway.

The Otis is Brilliant!! The owners have curated an impeccable mid-century vibe while keeping the Americana charm of a motor lodge. There is not a detail overlooked from the beautiful and comfortable beds to the amazing Flamingo Estate bath products. The staff was kind and engaging during our stay! We really enjoyed the bar with the amazing art, cozy furniture and painted mural wall. We were here at the beginning of the 2025 season and really look forward to coming back when things are in high swing. Thank you, Otis, for sharing your slice of heaven in Harbor Springs.

I have heard about the amazing area just north of Traverse City & I was not disappointed. The Otis is cozy spot and is all about unwinding & enjoying a slower pace. The room was just the right amount of space and over looked the courtyard. Just down the road is the entrance to the Tunnel of Trees, which is gorgeous even without the fall colors. Harbor Springs is cute.

It may have been the particular building we stayed in, but the noise at this hotel is wild. We could hear the people talking in the next room over so clearly it sounded like they were standing in our room. The staff were pleasant, the coffee was good, and the main area with the coffee shop and bar was BEAUTIFUL. Hopefully the owners will put the same level of detail into the other spaces and remedy the noise problem.

Writing this review on behalf of my parents…they charged for a glass of ice. My mom likes her beer over ice (yes, this is an odd preference, but none the less). They added a line item on the bill $1 for ice. Ummm that’s literally an insane money grab for no reason. I’m sure they don’t charge people for ice in their water? (Unless perhaps they do). My dad thought his scotch was overpriced as well. I’m just sharing their experience. The more I think about charging someone for a glass of ice, the more absurd the concept is. It’s not clocking to you that I’m standing on business.

Drinks and “dinner “ was not a good experience. Food was pretty good but the service and presentation were abysmal. No apparent management or oversight was evident. As locals we wanted this place to succeed. None of us will be going back.

We had almost everything on the menu - the beet humus was outstanding. Honestly, it was all very good. We sat at the bar and the bartender was awesome. She crafted a bourbon drink like I'd never tasted before and as simple as it looked, I can't recreate it. So many things they serve are made scratch, in house - from the beet humus to the lime juice that goes into the drinks. Oh - get the ceviche, I think it was snapper? Outstanding.

Amazing new hotel in Harbor Springs. Stylish, fun, exceptional food and drinks. Great patio. Lovely court yard. Perfect location, near harbor springs downtown, Pond Hill Farm down the street, and quick drive from Petoskey. Great for friends, family or couples trip.