Michigan craft and Mid-Century design traditions are front and center at 29-room Dexter Hotel. Located along Grand Traverse Bay in the village of Elk Rapids in northwestern Michigan’s Lower Peninsula region, the hotel was created by Kinship Hospitality founders Daniel Caudill and Kamron Bijeh-Apple, in collaboration with Shore North Development.

© Charles Aydlett

“Dexter Hotel represents a collaborative, design-led vision rooted in storytelling and place,” said Daniel Caudill, co-founder and creative director, Kinship Hospitality. “We approached this project by asking whether every element — every piece of furniture, every ceramic, every fixture — could be created by Michigan makers. Working with Northern Michigan’s extraordinary community of artisans allowed us to develop truly custom pieces that exist nowhere else, creating an authentic connection between design and region.”

Thoughtfully sourced materials, curated furnishings and custom fabrication by Michigan makers lends a distinct connection to the region. Guestrooms feature custom white oak furniture, natural materials, woven textiles and muted tones, with Frette linens and handcrafted Serta mattresses with down bedding. Both the reception desk and the bar in Noble Lounge are finished with copper and warm metal accents, while additional spaces feature custom sofas and lounge chairs, drapes sewn by a Traverse City seamstress, and fixtures from Kinship’s own lighting collection.

“What we’re building with Dexter is a style of hospitality that feels easy but considered, where nothing is overdone but everything matters,” said Kamron Bijeh-Apple, co-founder and managing partner, Kinship Hospitality. “A big part of that comes to life in Noble Lounge, which is really the heart of the property; a place guests naturally spend time, whether they’re coming down for a drink, staying for food or just settling in for the evening. The goal is for everything to feel seamless, social and worth lingering in, without ever feeling like you’re being moved through an experience.”

Throughout the hotel, guests will find Kinship’s signature scent, along with Salt & Stone amenities and ClaySpace Ceramics; custom millwork; bowls, trays, cups, plates, soap dishes and lamps from Kinship Ceramics Collection and crafted for the hotel by local Traverse City ceramicists; and Gallery Walls showcasing Michigan artists.

© Charles Aydlett

Executive chef John Korycki’s menu is built around seasonal sourcing from Northern Michigan farms and food artisans, including noteworthy cheesemakers from Suttons Bay and Northport. In Noble Lounge, beverage director Anthony DiMaria’s bar program includes classics, craft cocktails and non-alcoholic options that can be enjoyed while relaxing to views of the bay.

Dexter Hotel is located about 15 minutes from Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport, which recently experienced a $120 million expansion; and is also approximately 3.5 hours from Detroit Metropolitan Airport.