Welcome to

Nestled in rural Northern Michigan, Motel Bear Lake is a woman-owned, woman-powered, retro-modern motel redefining the roadside lodging experience and revitalizing its local community.

Motel Bear Lake

woman-owned.

woman-powerd.

  • MARTA TURNBULL headshot

    Marta Turnbull

    OWNER, THRIFTER, NUMBERS NERD

    I grew up spending weekends, summers and every holiday in Bear Lake at my grandparents' houses. We still have my dad's childhood home on the lake where these traditions are passed down to the next generation.

    Professionally, I've spent the previous 15 years working with tech and e-commerce companies around the world as well as building a diverse housing company in Northern Michigan, Up North and Away, and starting Traverse City-based non-profits: Up North Pride and Pour for More.

    I'm so grateful to now use my experience to invest in the Bear Lake community.

    My goals for Motel Bear Lake:

    • Impeccably host our guests

    • Empower our team

    • Meticulously care for our property

    • Promote local businesses

    • Lift up our community

    Bear Lake is my happy place. My heart lives here. I'm committed to running a business that honors this.

    - Marta Turnbull | Owner and 3rd Generation Lover of Bear Lake

  • Kendall McIntyre headshot

    Kendall McIntyre

    OPERATIONS MANAGER, DETAIL LOVER, DOG MOM

    Bringing more than a decade of experience managing the day-to-day operations of Up North and Away, Kendall now oversees all motel operations including managing our housekeeping team, contractors, guest communication, and all mechanical aspects of our 1960’s motel property.

    She believes our attention to detail, commitment to excellence and clear communication is what sets Motel Bear Lake apart.

  • Join our team!

    HOUSEKEEPER

    We are looking for a reliable Housekeeper to join our Hospitality Team at Motel Bear Lake.

    We value time management skills, clear communication, attention to detail, and a willingness to be a part of a close team dynamic.

    Responsibilities

    Specific tasks include but aren’t limited to changing linens, making beds, cleaning bathrooms, emptying trash, dusting, vacuuming, and maintaining outdoor areas

    Hours and compensations

    - Part-time - 1099 Status

    - Starting at $15/hour

    Contact us to apply.

Contact Us

Phone
1 231-224-6273

Summer Hours
Open Daily
9 am– 8pm

Location
12273 West St

Bear Lake, MI 49614

Mailing Address
PO BOX 122

Bear Lake, MI 49614

Questions?
Check out our What to Expect page for quick solutions.

Special Requests
For group bookings, special arrangements, or other inquiries please email: info@motelbearlake.com

Organizations we support

Follow our woman-powered motel revival

See behind-the-scenes

Check for community events

Recent Press

Wish you were here.