Dexter Hotel & Noble Lounge

I’m reaching out with a story idea about my client, the all-new Dexter Hotel in Elk Rapids, Michigan, and how the property champions Michigan’s rich tradition of craft, design and art through nearly every detail of the guest experience.

I thought this could be an interesting angle for your readers, highlighting the extraordinary lengths Kinship Hospitality, co-founded by former Shinola Creative Director Daniel Caudill, and the hotel team went to in creating a truly hyperlocal destination, with interiors, furnishings, artwork and craftsmanship sourced from across the state.

With 29 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites and the Noble Lounge—a lively restaurant and bar set just above the pristine Lake Michigan waterfront—Dexter Hotel brings a new standard of elevated-yet-grounded hospitality to one of the Great Lakes’ most beautiful coastal destinations.

Dexter Hotel reimagines a former apartment-style building in the charming waterfront town of Elk Rapids—just minutes from Traverse City and its recently expanded Cherry Capital Airport. The vision centers on material honesty, regional production and a design language rooted in Michigan’s influential Mid-century furniture legacy.

A Contemporary Reflection of Michigan Heritage
Rather than a themed experience, Dexter Hotel offers a modern, sophisticated aesthetic rooted in place—through carefully sourced materials, custom fabrication by Michigan makers and curated vintage furniture that honors the state’s design legacy. The aesthetic palette emphasizes natural, durable finishes designed to age beautifully: custom white oak furniture anchors the guest rooms, while copper and warm metals define the Noble Lounge bar and reception desk. Guest rooms are designed to feel like warm, peaceful apartments—muted tones, natural materials, woven textiles, and soft upholstery, with gallery walls featuring a mix of artistic styles.

Every Detail, Michigan-Made
What distinguishes Dexter Hotel is its comprehensive commitment to regional production. Nearly every element—from custom sofas and lounge chairs to the Kinship lighting collection, reception desk, bar, beds, nightstands, and even drapery sewn by a local Traverse City seamstress—was designed by Kinship Studio and fabricated by Michigan craftspeople.

Dexter Hotel champions local designers, artisans and craftspersons, incorporating elements and pieces throughout the hotel, including:

Custom Lighting: Flush-mount ceiling fixtures designed for Dexter Hotel and manufactured by Britten Inc., one of the U.S.’s largest fabricators and custom designers, located in Traverse City.

Signature artworks: Local Michigan artists works from Michigan sourced by Library Street Collective in Detroit, as well as paintings by Pier Wright and Jesse Hickman.

Custom Millwork: Handcrafted reception desk and Noble Lounge bar highlighting regional woodworking tradition designed by the Grand Rapids-based Wolf Studio.

ClaySpace x Kinship Ceramics: Thoughtfully curated ceramics, trays and accessories designed by ClaySpace, a local studio in Traverse City owned by ceramicist Clay Maas complete the regional craft story.

Pernette’s Northport: Dexter Hotel showcases curated vintage furnishings and one-of-a-kind objects from Northport’s beloved Pernette’s, bringing the charm of Northern Michigan’s most eclectic antiques destination into the guest experience.

Mattresses: Handcrafted Serta mattresses are produced nearby in Detroit, making the sleeping experience truly hyperlocal.

Design: Kinship Studio
Creative Director: Daniel Caudill
Photography: Charles Aydlett