As executive director of sales and marketing for the Perry Hotel, Emily Jensen connects with tour professionals and introduces them to all the reasons their guests will fall in love with this historic hotel destination in Petoskey, Michigan. “My role is to help groups experience that magic firsthand and discover why Petoskey truly is Northern Michigan’s gem,” says Jensen, who recently shared more with Group Tour about why groups keep coming back.
Q. How would you describe Petoskey to someone who has never visited before?
A. Petoskey is a place I treasure and am fortunate to call home. There’s a Northern Michigan mystique that’s truly indescribable—from the breathtaking scenery that changes with every season to our charming communities nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan. What makes this area so special is not just its natural beauty, but the people who live here and genuinely welcome every visitor.
Q. What makes the Perry Hotel a great place for group tours?
A. The Perry Hotel offers a unique experience that combines turn-of-the-century grandeur with contemporary conveniences. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Little Traverse Bay from many of the rooms, and some feature a private balcony.
Groups can dine conveniently at the hotel’s two on-site restaurants offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The H.O. Rose Room and the Noggin Room Pub offer seasonal outdoor dining options, allowing guests to enjoy their meals in a relaxed and scenic setting.
The downtown location of the property offers immediate access to charming shops, local dining, and Lake Michigan waterfront. The central location allows our groups to easily explore the area’s attractions, making it an ideal home base for group tours.
Q. How you help tour operators plan their group tours?
A. We make planning group tours seamless and enjoyable. Our seasoned sales team works closely with tour operators to create customized itineraries at the Perry Hotel. We offer group-friendly accommodations with flexible room blocks and complimentary parking. We can tailor dining options for our groups, whether that’s including a breakfast package or casual dinner in the Noggin Room Pub. We offer event and meeting spaces on-site for private receptions and assist with venue coordination. We curate local experiences that are only possible in Petoskey.
Q. Are there areas, themes, or activities you would like to promote to group tours?
A. We love helping group tours discover Petoskey and Northern Michigan. There is so much to explore. Seasonal and scenic experiences are something we encourage and highly recommend: fall color tours, Petoskey Stone hunting, Bayfront strolls, and waterfront views. The quaint town offers historic and cultural attractions. Ernest Hemingway was a resident of Petoskey. The Historic Gaslight District in downtown Petoskey offers local museums and art galleries. Downtown boutiques and seasonal city events highlight the Northern Michigan artisans and creators.
All of these experiences start and end in Petoskey. As a full-service property, groups can discover these experiences through customized itinerary planning with our local sales team.
Q. What’s your long-term outlook for group tours at the hotel?
A. Our long-term outlook for group tours at the Perry Hotel is very positive and exciting. Petoskey’s combination of natural beauty, historic charm, and vibrant downtown makes it an increasingly attractive destination for groups from across the country. We see strong potential in promoting seasonal experiences like fall color tours and summer waterfront activities, as well as curated cultural, culinary, and shopping itineraries that showcase the best of Northern Michigan.
By continuing to enhance our group-friendly accommodations, flexible dining options, and personalized planning, we aim to make the Perry Hotel the go-to hub for group tours in the region. We anticipate steady growth as more tour operators and travelers discover the unique experiences Petoskey offers.
Perry Hotel
231-348-6017
theperryhotel.com
Lead Image:
Perry Porch
Photo courtesy of Perry Hotel
