About the Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association

2018 Board of Directors of MBBA 2018 MBBA Board, clockwise from top left: Al Heminger, Mike Venturini, Claire Vandenburg, Gail Gotter, Patricia Widmayer, Marci Palajac

Our Mission

MBBA exists to inspire guests to experience the unique member bed and breakast inns that guarantee quality lodging and personal hospitality in Pure Michigan.

Our History

We are a trade organization representing Michigan’s finest bed and breakfast inns. Founded in 1983 by a handful of innkeepers representing a fledgling B&B industry, MBBA is now one of the oldest and largest continuously-operating B&B associations in the country. MBBA represents scores of member Inns located across the state. Member innkeepers promote the tradition of Great Lakes hospitality in unique and personal ways. As an association, we partner with a variety of travel industry organizations to promote Michigan tourism and to form a collective voice for bed and breakfast interests.

Quality-Assured B&Bs

Each #MichBnB inns strives to provide a romantic getaway, a memorable vacation or event venue, or a comfortable business accommodation. In choosing a Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association member inn, you will experience accommodations meeting the highest quality standards. Each member inn must adhere to a strict code of cleanliness, food safety, building protection, security, and professional hospitality. Our independent, trained Quality Assurance Teams perform regular inspections of member inns and encourage continuous improvement through sharing of best practices.

Board of Directors for 2018

Patricia Widmayer, president, Glen Arbor B&B & Cottages | Email
Claire Vandenburg, vice president, At Willow Pond B&B | Email
Marci Palajac, secretary, House on the Hill B&B | Email
Mike Venturini, treasurer, Munro House B&B and Spa
Gail Gotter, director, LogHaven B&B & Barn | Email
Al Heminger, director, Huron House B&B and Hotel Saugatuck

Our Awards

In 2011, MBBA won a Michigan Governor’s Award for Innovative Tourism Collaboration. That was so long ago, we almost forget what it was for, except to say that it recognized the close working relationship between board and staff and also the spirit of mutual support among member innkeepers.

Award won by MBBA for tourism collaboration — MBBA received the Governor’s Award for Innovative Tourism Collaboration

In 2018, the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) bestowed its Association Leadership Award on both Linda Singer, administrative director, and Sandy White, marketing director. Linda was sitting in the audience at the PAII national conference in Orlando when the awards were announced. They were a complete surprise.