Otis Harbor Springs
Mid-century modern meets Up North Michigan. Warm, unpretentious, and design-forward without trying too hard. Think brushed gold room keys instead of key cards, a fieldstone fireplace in the bar, and meadow views out back. Locals and guests mix freely at the Fireplace Lounge.
Birch Rooms are technology-free by design — no TV. If that's not for you, book the Farmhouse or Lakeside rooms instead.
Why It Matters
One of the few genuine design-driven boutique hotels in Northern Michigan, drawing on the region's mid-century architectural heritage. Named Runner-up for Best Boutique Hotel Design at the 2024 Boutique Hospitality Awards. It's the property that finally gave Harbor Springs a proper place to stay.
Otis is a reimagined mid-century hotel sitting on 10 acres along the Tunnel of Trees route in Northern Michigan. Originally settled in the early 20th century as the Birchwood Farm Estate by Chicago banker Joseph E. Otis, the property later became the Birchwood Inn before being overhauled by owners Israel Hernandez and Ty Humpert — with design input from Daniel Caudill, former creative director at Shinola. The result is 43 rooms with custom furnishings, original art, Frette linens, and Flamingo Estate bath products. No two rooms are quite the same.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Birch Room
Named for the birch trees throughout Northern Michigan. Mid-century details, modern comforts, and notably technology-free — no TV. Good for guests who genuinely want to disconnect.
Olympic Queen
Birch Two-Queen Room
Same mid-century Birch aesthetic as the standard Birch Room but with two queen beds and a bit more space. Also technology-free. Works well for two guests who want separate beds or a parent-child setup.
Two Queens
Farmhouse Family Suite
Connects the Farmhouse Room (king bed) to the Farmhouse Bunk room. Two separate sleeping spaces with a shared daytime area. Board games, patio access, and flatscreen TV. Built for families.
King + Bunk BedFarmhouse Room
One of the more distinctive rooms with two separate entrances — a front and a back door that opens to an outdoor seating area overlooking the courtyard and horse farms. Has a flatscreen TV unlike the Birch Rooms.
KingHarbor Studio
The smallest room on property, designed for solo travelers. Has a private outdoor space for views and fresh air. Simple, well-executed, and a good value entry point.
Full-sized day bed
Lakeside Family Suite
The premium family option. Connects the Lakeside Superior Room (king) to the Lakeside Bunk room. More space and more polish than the Farmhouse Family Suite, with the same two-room layout designed for families making their annual Up North trip.
King + Bunk BedLakeside Superior Room
The most luxurious standalone room. Hedged patio, natural light from east and west, and the most polished finish on property. King bed, flatscreen TV, private patio seating.
KingLakeside Superior Two-Queen Room
Same Lakeside Superior spec with two queen beds instead of a king. Hedged patio, east-west light, flatscreen TV. Great for groups of four who want the nicest room on property.
Two QueensThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bocce court in the property's courtyard. Open to guests for casual play.
Stone fire pits in the courtyard for evening gatherings. Open-air setting with seating.
Courtyard pool noted by the Michelin Guide. Confirm availability and seasonal hours at time of booking.
Access to Lake Michigan and interior lakes (Torch, Higgins, Walloon) for water sports. Not operated by the hotel directly, but strongly promoted as part of the Otis experience.
Crystal-clear freshwater swimming at nearby Lake Michigan beaches. Sunbathing, stargazing, and shoreline walks all close to the property.
Open-air deck with seating, connected to the Fireplace Lounge. Popular for golden hour drinks.
The hotel offers the courtyard, sunlit deck, or Fireplace Lounge for private dinners or group events. Inquire by email for large party reservations.
Otis serves as a base for Nub's Nob (16 mins) and Boyne Highlands (also nearby). Both are known for all-level terrain and family-friendly atmospheres. The hotel actively markets itself as a ski-season base.
Northern Michigan winters deliver snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, sledding, and snowmobiling. Otis leans into this as a year-round destination.
Beach and trails at this nature preserve, literally 1 minute from the property. Recommended by staff for a morning walk.
The M-119 scenic route, one of Michigan's most celebrated drives, starts just 4 minutes from the property. Peak fall foliage is a major draw.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary Wi-Fi available in all guest rooms and common areas.
In-lobby café serving La Colombe coffee, specialty drinks, and rotating pastries. Open Wed–Sun 8am–12pm.
All rooms use nostalgic brushed gold physical keys rather than key cards — a deliberate mid-century design choice.
Concierge service available. Front desk can provide custom lists of local restaurant and shop recommendations.
Baggage storage available for guests.
Nourishing bath amenities by Flamingo Estate stocked in all rooms.
Air conditioning in all guest rooms.
Luxurious Frette linens and towels in all rooms.
Open-air deck with seating for guests and locals alike, connected to the Fireplace Lounge.
Peaceful courtyard featuring a pool and bocce court, per the Michelin Guide listing.
On-site shop with curated goods: wine, beer, smoked whitefish dip, picnic provisions, books, outdoor accessories, and vintage-ware. Also doubles as the lobby and check-in area.
Free private on-site parking available for guests.
BUILD YOUR OTIS HARBOR SPRINGS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning