The Looking Glass Beachfront Inn, situated across the street from the Grand Haven State Park Beach in Grand Haven, Michigan, has five rooms available seasonally from April through November for guest reservations. All of the rooms are located on the second floor of the three-story house, with beach views from each unit. The first floor is comprised of common areas such as the dining room, living room, family room, and front and back decks, while the third floor is the innkeeper's private quarters. The house sits atop a dune, and the property backs up to a wooded ravine area. Each morning, breakfast is served at 9 AM and consists of a hot dish as well as fruit, cereal, oatmeal, and tea options. The bed and breakfast provides equipment for guests to use at the beach, namely beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels. The business has been in operation since 1998, and the current owners have run the establishment for the past six years.
The interior of the Looking Glass Beachfront Inn features a first floor with multiple common areas for guests. The dining area, living room, and family room are all available to patrons throughout the day. On the first floor, there are also games and DVDs that those staying at the inn are welcome to use. There is also a small gift shop area where memorabilia from the town and the establishment can be purchased. On the second floor of the establishment are the five guest rooms. Each of the units has a name and decor style, fitting within the "laid back, beach house" theme that is desired by the establishment's management. The Sand Room and the Water Room are generally the most popular, according to one of the owners—Brian—due to the views available from the windows. While all of the accommodations at the bed and breakfast have views of the beach, these two rooms are located in the front of the house and have the most direct view of the water. The Sand Room is decorated with light tan coloring, stucco walls and a white bedspread on a king-sized bed. The Water Room features blue walls with white and blue decor in the room and on the queen-sized bed.
Across the street from the business is the Grand Haven State Park Beach. Brian remarks that the majority of guests to stay at the establishment are in the area to visit the beach. In an effort to provide visitors with an enjoyable beach experience, the bed and breakfast provides complimentary amenities such as beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, and beach toys to patrons. On the grounds of the home, there are porches in the front as well as the back of the house that those staying at the home can utilize throughout the day and in the evenings. The property backs up to a wooded ravine area as well.
The Looking Glass Beachfront Inn provides complimentary breakfast to patrons each morning. The meal is served in the dining area for guests and provides a time that visitors can get to know each other as well as the owners of the establishment. While the meal changes each morning, Brian says that there is always a hot dish for the main portion of the meal and that fruit, cereal, oatmeal, and tea are also available. Served at 9 AM each day, Brian and his wife, Sarah, are able to accommodate most food sensitivities and allergies, granted that guests notify the owners prior to their stay.
The owners of The Looking Glass Beachfront Inn, Brian and Sarah, hope that while staying at the property guests can feel comfortable and at home. They strive to provide an environment and atmosphere that is conducive to these feelings with the decor of the home and the amenities offered. They provide items that can be used at the beach for visitors who have traveled and were not able to bring things such as beach chairs or umbrellas. When Brian and Sarah took over the ownership of the property, they made many cosmetic changes with the hopes of helping patrons have a relaxing space to come to after going to the beach.
For those staying at The Looking Glass Beachfront Inn, there are multiple policies in place. There is no smoking at the establishment. Additionally, the bed and breakfast does not allow pets to stay at the property with their owners. There is also a quiet hour in place at 10:30 PM where guests are expected to be respectful of other visitors as well as the innkeepers and keep the noise levels down. Past patrons of the inn have commented in reviews on the hospitality of the innkeepers at the bed and breakfast, as well as the proximity to the water and the decor of the establishment. One patron said, "The views of Lake Michigan are amazing. The interior of the B&B is beautiful and comfortable with hospitable owners. It’s in a perfect location directly across from the beaches of Grand Haven State Park and only a few minutes drive from the town of Grand Haven. The spacious front patio is ideal for outdoor dining or enjoying wine with lakefront views."
The business is open from April through November. According to Brian, the busiest time of year for the inn is the months of June, July, and August. Brian explains that the majority of visitors come to the bed and breakfast for the beach, and according to him, those months tend to be the nicest weather months of the year. Aside from the beach, there are multiple other attractions in the surrounding area that guests can visit. There are multiple state, city, and county parks in the area, such as P.J. Hoffmeyer State Park. There is also the Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse within walking distance of the establishment. Some eateries in the area that the owners would recommend include Notos at Bil-Mar, the Toasted Pickle, and the Paisley Pig.
In 1998, The Looking Glass Beachfront Inn was first established by Howard and Norma Glass. The couple ran the establishment until 2016, when the current owners, Brian and Sarah King, purchased the property and began their time as the innkeepers. When the couple took over ownership of the property, they updated many areas of the house including the common areas, bathrooms, and guest rooms. Additionally, new windows and siding have been added to the building, as well as new paint and a change in color schemes and decor in the guest rooms.
Before the building was converted to a bed and breakfast in 1998, the house had multiple functions. Originally, the home was created as a private residence but now has served under the structure of multiple forms of lodging, such as an inn, a lodge, and a woman's retreat building. The house was first built in 1925 as a family home. Today, the home serves as a bed and breakfast, and Brian remarks that one of his favorite parts of running the establishment is being able to meet guests that come from across the country as well as foreign visitors.
1100 S. Harbor
Grand Haven, Michigan 49417
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Brian & Sarah King
Howard & Norma Glass
