woman-owned. woman-powered.

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.

💕 Follow our woman-powered motel revival 💪:

See behind-the-scenes: Instagram.com/motelbearlake
Check for community events: Facebook.com/motelbearlake -
Read our feature in the Northern Express: A Retro-Modern Motel Transformation

When you pull into Motel Bear Lake today, you're greeted by a new road sign and freshly painted doors. Park in front of your room and open your texts for your unique door code and Wi-Fi password. No time wasted in a lobby.

When your keyless digital lock opens, you'll be welcomed by a fresh, airy feel and a nostalgia that takes you back to simpler times. Look closer. You'll be charmed by vintage furniture, artwork and books, and relieved to find modern amenities like smart TVs, charging stations, and organic toiletries.

You might feel giddy when you peek into the bathroom to find original floor-to-ceiling tile, shiny 60’s chrome accents and stacks of crisp towels. When night falls, crawl into freshly laundered linens and sleep late behind black out curtains and a humming white-noise machine.

Before you head out, take a quick selfie in front of our Michigan mural wall.

Vacation is easy here. It’s a nice place to stay. Just like the new sign says.

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Motel Bear Lake Team

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

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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.

Our Story