The resources available for meetings in Marquette is expanding as new hotels are built and one key meeting/lodging venue undergoes renovations.
Susan Estler, Travel Marquette CEO, reports that several new hotels are in the works as another primary property completes renovations. Among the projects planned that will benefit meetings in Marquette is The Vault, which is going in the iconic 1891-built Marquette Savings Bank Building. Jennifer Julien, co-owner of The Braveworks—the Houghton-based development company behind the project—says The Vault will include more than 40 well-appointed rooms in a “modern luxe” atmosphere, a grotto spa and fitness room, an underground cocktail bar, and a street-level coffee shop. Estler says it will be similar to The Vault already operating in Houghton.
Julien says that The Vault will connect to a to-be-built 50-room boutique hotel with venue space overlooking the lake, a pre-function bar, and outdoor patio, plus a restaurant and bar.
“It doesn’t have a name yet,” Julien notes. “It will be a franchise—think Tapestry or Curio—and have a separate lobby.” A new 200-space parking garage will serve the public and hotel guests.
The Vault Marquette Hotel will open in 2026. The entire project is expected to be completed in 2027.
Meanwhile, a new Towne Suites will be attached to the existing Fairfield Inn Marquette, with a common check-in area, Estler says. And The Landmark Inn, which with the Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, and Northern Michigan University’s Northern Center represent some of the top spots for meetings in Marquette, has been undergoing renovations.
“NMU renovated (Northern Center) and opened I think just before the pandemic and so that is a multifunction space,” Estler says. “The Holiday Inn is the largest hotel we have—it’s 192 rooms and is pretty self-contained (with) meeting space and a beautiful garden out back, which is great in the warmer months. And The Landmark … has two different places for meetings—they’re pretty flexible.”
Estler says the new hotels create overflow for planners seeking space for meetings in Marquette, adding, “There’s a lot suddenly happening. We’re excited about The Vault and the boutique hotel and the renovations on The Landmark…and of course the expansion of the Fairfield and all of that.”
