For 35 years Frankenmuth's Bavarian Inn Lodge has offered modern hospitality experience in old-wor

• By: Jillian Mikolaizyk
• Posted: Feb 8th, 2021
• Blog:

With decades hosting over 7 million guests, Lodge continues to grow and expand its offerings

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – FEB. 8, 2021 – Looking back since opening its doors to guests in 1986, today the Bavarian Inn Lodge continues a 35-year-old tradition of wishing a warm “willkommen” to visitors enjoying one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth.

This month, and continuing throughout the year, the Lodge is observing its 35th anniversary of providing old-world hospitality in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere with its 350 employees.

To help celebrate the 35th anniversary, the Lodge is offering guests $35 off the standard rack rate for an overnight stay on most Sunday through Thursday nights during the month of February. The offer applies to all room types, for any number of mid-week nights, but does excludes Feb. 14-15.

Throughout the 2020 health pandemic the entire Lodge team worked to offer a safe and fun place for guests. During that time, the Lodge developed extensive health and cleanliness protocols. It also adapted in several ways, expanding its famous fun center to outdoors for the summer, enhancing outdoor dining options and finding other safe, unique ways to serve guests and visitors. Overall, this past year the Lodge has sought to expand, improve and be the “go-to” place for people to stay in Frankenmuth.

Since its opening, the Lodge has completed seven major property projects, investing millions in the Frankenmuth community. Starting out with 100 guest rooms in 1986, the Lodge now encompasses 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites. Extensive upgrades have improved the rooms over the past five years as well.

A single swimming pool back in 1986 (which is now reserved for adult guests only) the Lodge has grown to become one of Michigan’s largest indoor water park hotels with the expansive Family Fun Center, housing two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools.

Today the Lodge’s expanded Family Fun Center includes over 160 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village, Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course and the Ratskeller Café which offers family karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge offers two lounges and two restaurants (decorated with authentic German woodcarvings) to provide guests a variety of dining and entertainment options. In true resort style, the lodge hosts year-round nightly entertainment.

In addition, the Lodge – situated on seven acres of lush lawns – has become a popular central destination for a variety of family events, such as weddings, reunions and weekend getaways. It has hosted over 2,200 weddings in its 35 years and been visited by U.S. presidents and other national and international dignitaries.

Business meeting and convention planners have named the Lodge a favorite comfortable conference space, with the amenities that make for successful business events from 2-500 people. The Lodge has logged more than 2.4 million room-nights since its opening and has continuously earned a top rating on TripAdvisor®.

“From the very beginning it was our goal to ensure every stay was memorable for each and every one of our guests,” says Bavarian Inn Lodge President and Owner Judy Zehnder Keller. “Over this past year we have been challenged, like so many businesses in Michigan, to operate safely and effectively without missing a beat when it comes to serving our guests.

“We’ve been proud to be a part of so many generations of families who return to stay with us,” she added, “and we look forward to continuing to provide the best possible lodging experience.”

Looking back, Zehnder recalls the opening of the hotel in 1986 didn’t come without some last-minute, on-the-run preparations, including moving her home’s  living room furniture to the lobby when the ordered furniture hadn’t arrived in time, and emptying her family’s kitchen pantry of cereals to fill out the breakfast menu. “Now, 35 years later,” she says, “we can all laugh about it.”

To enjoy the anniversary offer, a credit card payment will be charged within 24 hours of booking and is non-refundable. The limited time offer must be booked online and cannot be combined with any additional discounts, coupons, gift cards, or vouchers. To book go online to bavarianin.com.

Bavarian Inn Lodge

For 35 years, nestled along the banks of the Cass River in Frankenmuth, is one of the state's largest indoor water park hotels. The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square foot Family Fun Center houses two thrilling water slides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 160 video and redemption games, a two-level children's play village and Willy's Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, nightly entertainment year-round and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. Banquet facilities can accommodate events for 2-500 guests to enjoy Old World Charm with modern technology and delicious meals. In over 35 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 2.4 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its continuous top rating on TripAdvisor®.  Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com. 

Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com