Dear Friends,

Grand Hotel was built during America’s gilded age for the very wealthy. This small segment of privileged society that wanted to get out of the crowded cities and enjoy their privileges. Today Grand Hotel serves all segments of society from the five star travelers to people like me who love old resort hotels and save up for the very special experience they offer. We value all of our guests but I do have to admit I have a soft spot for those who thought they would never be able to come here and for those who thought they would never return. No gathering of guests exemplifies this group of individuals better than Michigan Recreation and Park Association or MRPA. In the fall the hotel is able to offer the season’s most affordable rates. Close to 2000 people from senior and community centers come to the hotel from all over Michigan and a peppering of nearby states. Each Parks and Recreation department sends a representative with their group. A MRPA on sight coordinator also lives in the hotel and acts as host. They may be considered seniors but you would never know it by their activity level. Their days start with a sunrise yoga class after which a dozen activities are offered. Their choices include a Putting contest, Bead and Jewelry Making, Guided Walking Tours, Historical Lectures, Kitchen Tours, Garden Tours, Bingo, Line Dancing, Movies, Afternoon Tea, Scrapbooking, Biking, Writing contests, Personalized Carriage Tours, and an extravagant banquet on their last night in the hotel. I am exhausted just writing about these choices. One nice thing is that these options are available to all but individuals can do as much or as little as they like, there is something offered for every level of activity. Some simply enjoy finding a nice quite place to read a book.

I always enjoy the people that take the time to share their personal history at Grand Hotel. Some last visited the hotel 20, 30 or even 50 years ago. Their first hand eyewitness account of Grand Hotel surpasses any Historical Lecture I could present. Some memories are bittersweet recalling friends or a spouse no longer with us. But they are here now actively creating new memories and nothing will keep them young at heart like a new experience with new friends. There are also some people who thought they would never be able to stay at the hotel and how grateful they are to be here. These are the people that remind me why I am in the hotel business. This is the 42^nd year MRPA has been coming to Grand Hotel and I hope they will never stop coming. As an employee there is no better way to wind down the summer season and close the house with a hotel full of guests that are so happy to be here.

Thanks MRPA!

Bob T.