Along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, where sailboats skim across turquoise water and summer days seem to stretch indefinitely, a new boutique hotel is putting Michigan craftsmanship front and center.
Dexter Hotel, which recently opened in the waterfront town of Elk Rapids, is a 29-room property that celebrates the artisans, makers, and designers who call the state home. Located about 20 minutes from Traverse City and Cherry Capital Airport, the hotel offers an appealing alternative to larger resort destinations, with a design-forward aesthetic and a deep connection to its surroundings.
The project comes from designer Daniel Caudill, whose work on Detroit’s Shinola Hotel helped establish him as one of Michigan’s most recognizable hospitality designers. For Dexter Hotel, however, Caudill and his Kinship Studio team looked north, drawing inspiration from the region’s natural beauty and long tradition of craftsmanship.
What makes the property particularly distinctive is the extent of its local sourcing. Nearly every custom piece throughout the hotel was designed by Kinship Studio and fabricated by Michigan artisans. Sofas, lounge chairs, beds, nightstands, tables, the reception desk, and the bar were all created specifically for the property. The drapery was sewn by a Traverse City seamstress, while the lighting collection was produced by Traverse City-based Britten Inc., including several fixtures designed exclusively for the hotel.
Even the ceramics tell a local story. Bowls, plates, mugs, trays, lamps, and soap dishes were handcrafted by Michigan potters, adding another layer of authenticity to the guest experience.
The design leans mid-century modern without feeling overly thematic. White oak features prominently throughout the guest rooms, lending warmth and texture, while copper accents and custom millwork create inviting gathering spaces in the lobby and lounge. Vintage furnishings and original artwork by Michigan artists Martyna Alexander, Pier Wright, and Jesse Hickman reinforce the hotel’s connection to the region.
Guest rooms feel residential rather than hotel-like, with thoughtful details that encourage visitors to settle in and stay awhile. Many rooms showcase views of Grand Traverse Bay, placing the area’s most compelling attraction directly outside the window.
The social hub of the property is Noble Lounge, an elevated gathering space overlooking the waterfront. Here, Beverage Director Anthony DiMaria has developed a cocktail program that balances creativity with accessibility. Several signature drinks incorporate techniques such as clarified juices and fat-washed spirits, while a substantial spirit-free menu ensures non-drinkers have equally compelling options.
Of course, the setting itself remains one of the hotel’s greatest assets. Elk Rapids occupies a prime position between Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, offering easy access to beaches, boating, wineries, golf courses, and the broader attractions of Northern Michigan. Guests can spend the day exploring nearby Traverse City before returning to a town that moves at a more relaxed pace.
What ultimately sets Dexter Hotel apart is its sense of authenticity. Rather than importing a generic luxury aesthetic, the property reflects the people and craftsmanship of the region. The result is a hotel that feels rooted in place, one that gives travelers a genuine sense of Northern Michigan from the instant they walk in the door.
Photos courtesy of The Dexter Hotel
