THOSE OF US WHO call Marquette home know all too well the cost of living here. Whether you rent or buy, your monthly tab looks nothing like it did just a few short years ago, and that’s if you can find a place. And the taxes? Statements are out, and to say a few of us are experiencing home-owner sticker shock would be putting it mildly.
But what about our visitors? Are hotel vacancies in short supply, or is there plenty of room at the inn? Is anything available for under $100, or are we looking at rates upwards of 3 bills? Where are you staying?
If I recall correctly, when the Hampton Inn opened on the waterfront a few years ago, rates for a standard room were north of $200. Fast forward to this week and a check on the lodging site Expedia shows rates at $409… $458 after taxes and fees. Similarly, the old world charm of the Landmark Inn will set you back with a new world rate of $319… $357 after the add-ons.
There are a number of hotels and motels that offer rates closer to $100, like the Cedar Motor Inn or the Brentwood Motor Inn, but the more modestly priced facilities are typically a little older and might not offer all the amenities you’d find at the higher profile locations.
More Options… Lower Rates?
New hotels are going up, with owners hoping to take advantage of Marquette’s growing popularity among the touring class. Like housing, it’s just possible that more lodging facilities will help regulate rates. (Notice I didn’t say “ will help lower rates.” Nothing goes lower anymore.)
Rates are what they are. Lodging operators will charge what the market will bear. Nothing wrong with that. And unlike those aforementioned taxes, hotel bills are optional. You can always stay home.
New… and Improved
If you’ve driven down McClellan, south of the bypass, you’ve surely seen the new Best Western Plus, shown above. That’s going to add another 87 rooms to Marquette’s potential occupancy. According to construction manager Andrew Kemper of Moyle Inc., they hope to be open early this winter. Extras will include an indoor pool, a conference center, fitness center, technology space, and a large breakfast and social area. And from high atop the hill, a nice view of the city.
Another new, but much smaller facility, is the boutique style Explore hotel going in on Baraga Avenue, in the old College Laundry building. With just 13 suites, Explore will offer a more intimate experience, with a walking-distance location. And without a doubt, the back deck overlooking much of downtown will be a popular gathering spot for guests.
Base Hospitality Group owns the facility, along with a number of other lodging locations around town. And they just bought the Ramada from long-time owners Randy and Tim Larson. According to Base Hospitality co-owner Charlie Holsworth, they plan on making some upgrades at the Ramada, including changes to the food and beverage operation. With its convenient location and popular banquet facilities, the Ramada will always be a draw for both visitors and residents.
So… How’s Business?
The new hotels on the horizon will join an already well-established list of places to stay in Marquette, so they’re jumping into a pretty competitive field.
One that’s been around awhile started many years ago as the Westwood Motel. That was the seed of what has grown to become Superior Oasis, a collection of hotels including the Days Inn, Comfort Suites, and My Place, as well as Hudson’s Classic Bar & Grill.
According to Becky Nadeau, Assistant Director of Hotel Operations, “Our occupancy has been higher this summer than the previous summer. It’s been a nice change of pace this year. Occupancy for the rest of the summer is trending upwards and it’s higher overall for the year, which is refreshing, since our winter season wasn’t what we wanted it to be.” Yeah, no snow and a canceled U.P. 200 will do that to you.
Susan Estler of Travel Marquette says different factors play into the number of people visiting here. “There are many variables such as weather that play a factor in occupancy.” Sometimes that works against us, and sometimes for us. I would think when temperatures are hitting triple digits in the heartland, more people would consider American’s North Coast as a vacation destination.
Of course, traditional hotels aren’t the only option. Nestledown Bed and Breakfast on Lakeshore Boulevard, opened in 2015, offers an experience more quaint than a traditional hotel. According to owners Ken and Sue Schauland, “We have many guests who return and become our friends!” Their location across from Picnic Rocks doesn’t hurt.
Like most, their occupancy is up in the summer, and for local events like graduation, but looking ahead, they also have vacancies. And that was a trend among other facilities. Yes, there are vacancies, but as we get deeper into summer, those can disappear quickly. In other words, if you’re thinking about coming, call ahead.
A Home Away From Home
And then there’s the short-term rental industry… the privately owned homes that can now be reserved through services like Vrbo and Airbnb. There’s a good chance you have one on your block. One hotelier suggested those options don’t affect their business too much as they tend to appeal to a different crowd. That could be true. This town does have somewhat of an eclectic appeal. Marquette is currently at the limit of 250 short-term rentals, and although legislation is in the works that would deny communities the ability to control their proliferation, I’m told our 250 maximum is probably here to stay.
You’re Welcome!
Putting up with a very busy 4th of July week, some of you might be tiring of long lines and traffic jams. Though you’re probably not alone, this guy welcomes the touring hordes. It certainly has its drawbacks, but economically speaking, tourism is a pretty good industry. People come, leave their money, and go home.
Besides, who wants to live in a town nobody wants to visit? If that’s your idea of the good life, I’m sure you could find a dying community somewhere that would love to have you. Jerusalem Demsas, writing in The Atlantic, says… “Tourists are like bees: I don’t want a bunch of them circling around me, but I also don’t want them to disappear.” I couldn’t agree more.
So, Where Are You Staying?
I only scraped the surface of the lodging options to be found around here. To be sure, a savvy shopper can probably scour the internet and find something they like… in their price range. On the other hand, if you have friends or relatives coming for a visit, and they can’t find something that suits their needs… they can always stay with you.