A Jewel Among Petoskey Hotels

Founded by Dr. Norman J. Perry, the Perry Hotel opens its doors just four years after Petoskey becomes a city. Originally built to accommodate affluent businessmen, it quickly establishes itself as a premier destination on Michigan’s Gold Coast.

During his Northern Michigan travels, a young Ernest Hemingway stays at the Perry Hotel, paying just 75 cents for his room before continuing to his family’s cottage at Walloon Lake.

Drs. John and George Reycraft purchase the hotel with plans to convert it into a hospital. Petoskey’s city leaders, recognizing the need for year-round accommodations, persuade them to keep it a hotel, preserving its role in the community.

Under the leadership of manager D. Herbert Reycraft, the Perry Hotel becomes a social hub, hosting weekly dances and dinners accompanied by a small orchestra. A four-story, 46-room wing is added, doubling capacity to 300 guests.

Herbert and Hazel Reycraft retire, selling the hotel to John Davis, who renames it the Perry-Davis Hotel. Modern updates include a panoramic dining room window overlooking Little Traverse Bay.

The Perry Hotel is acquired by Alan Gornick, continuing its tradition of hospitality and community presence. The hotel remains a cherished landmark.

Stafford’s Hospitality purchased the Perry Hotel in 1989 and undertook significant interior and exterior restorations. The efforts resulted in the hotel being listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the State of Michigan Register. Among the 21 hotels operating in Petoskey in 1900, the Perry Hotel remains the only one still in operation today.

Jon and Lauren Cotton acquire the Perry Hotel along with several sister properties. Their vision embraces the hotel’s rich history while investing in its future as an enduring icon in Northern Michigan.