It’s hard to believe it’s February already! We’ve been working hard behind closed doors to make big improvements to the Chippewa to get ready for opening weekend, that will be here before you know it.
The next time you check in with us, the first thing you’ll notice is our totally new front desk design and layout. The new layout also has a place for your luggage to be stored which will make checking in and out a lot smoother. Plus, we’re building a brand new huge Pink Pony store that you can enter from our lobby or it will have its own entrance on Main Street. The Pink Pony store will be were Destination Mackinac used to be located and they have moved one store down so there’s room for everyone. The Pink Pony store will have great selections on apparel, glassware, coffee mugs, travel mugs, hats, bar items and much more. Now, you’ll be able to Pony up at the new store and the Pink Pony!
And speaking of the Pink Pony, lots of improvements have been under way. The back area floor was on a riser making it elevated. That’s been removed so all flooring is on the same level making it one continuous floor plus it’s being replaced with beautiful Brazilian cherry wood. We’re also putting in brand new high top tables and all new bar stools. Our old Pink Pony bar stools have done their job over the years with people sitting on them, eating, drinking, while enjoying great music for hours “on end!” No pun intended! 🙂
The Pink Pony dining room has had an extreme make-over too with a brand new ceiling which is beautiful.There’s added drama with new ambient lighting, speakers and the entire dining area has been painted. Plus, we’re adding more beveled glass on the area that faces the lobby. You’ll love how great it’s going to look next time you enjoy a great meal at the Pink Pony. Plus, with many new upgrades and new equipment with the latest technology in our kitchen “hotline”, consistency in preparing numerous meals will be better than ever.
Our elevator has transported thousands of people and their luggage for many years and it was long overdue for an upgrade. The size and exterior will remain the same but now, we’ve upgraded to the latest in elevator technology which is a 4 month job and it’ll be ready to transport thousands of more people this season and in the future. We’re working all winter upgrading our fire suppression system with lots of new pipes, sprinkler heads as well as a new paint job. We’ve also added a roll-in shower to our room for our disabled guests.We’ve also put one in our sister hotel, The Lilac Tree Suites & Spa so our guests who are disabled can enjoy a great shower in both hotels.
But wait, there’s more! The work continues as we maintain and upgrade all of our guest rooms which includes upgrades to our TV’s alarm clocks with USB ports, phones, beds, bathroom fixtures, closets and new paint jobs! We’ve installed new fiber optics in both hotels which has quadrupled our guest internet Wi-Fi broadband speed and capacity so even though you’ve disconnected from life on the mainland, when you’re here,you’ll be fully connected to what you want, when you want it.We also have new outside window shutters on the east side of the Chippewa and made many upgrades and improvements to the Patio bar, equipment and bathrooms.
Whew! So that’s what’s been going on behind closed doors at The Chippewa during our off-season. We’re working hard to get the Chippewa Hotel ready for Opening weekend so it will be even better when you return to your home away from home next Spring or Summer after a long winter. We’ve done a lot but there’s still more work to be done.
See you in the Spring!
George Piliouras for The Chippewa Hotel
