When looking for vacation spots in Michigan, you may be drawn to famous places like Mackinac Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes, or the scenic far reaches of the Upper Peninsula. While these places have their many perks, we want to introduce you to an underrated option in the heart of the Lower Peninsula. This unique Michigan hotel is sure to capture your heart with its quirky charms and amenities.
During these uncertain times, keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
The Doherty Hotel is located on North McEwan Street in the town of Clare, home to just over 3,000 full-time residents. Despite its small size, the community offers a lot of family fun and enjoyment.
The hotel itself is one of Clare’s most recognizable places, as its history is truly impressive. In fact, this property first opened its doors in 1924 and has been welcoming guests for nearly a century.
At the time of the hotel’s construction, Clare was known as “The Crossroads of Michigan” for its access to two main railroad lines. The Doherty Hotel quickly became a popular stopping point for weary travelers.
Over the decades, the hotel has served as the site of many historic Michigan moments, both positive and negative. Most infamously, the taproom was the site of a shooting in May 1938.
Today, the unique character of the Doherty Hotel has remained firmly intact. Many guests appreciate the chance to visit the famous Leprechaun Lounge on the ground floor, where a mural follows a village of beer-brewing gnomes.
While the building’s name has changed somewhat over the years, even temporarily calling itself the Doherty Motor Hotel, its charm has never waned. Today there are 157 rooms to choose from.
As if that weren’t enough, visitors can enjoy an indoor pool and hot tub, free parking, an on-site restaurant and cocktail lounge, friendly service, and more. This place really offers an unforgettable experience.
Whether you are looking for a quirky place to relax or simply looking for a destination with a lot of history to spend a single night, you will be impressed by the Doherty Hotel. This is small town Michigan at its best.
For more information about this highly unique Michigan hotel, click here. Have you and your family been lucky enough to spend the night at the Doherty Hotel or even just admire the exterior on previous trips to Clare? We’d love to hear from you, so share your thoughts with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another great Great Lakes state property by filling out our nomination form here.
Looking for another great place to stay? Read about this Michigan caboose inn.
Address: Doherty Hotel, 604 N McEwan St, Clare, MI 48617, United States
