Innkeepers get — and give each other — last-minute getaways

MBBA’s lodging exchange is pretty informal, but innkeepers who have long enjoyed swapping room nights with each other suggest some guidelines, below.

We also maintain on this page a list of B&Bs whose innkeepers say they are open to an exchange.

To be added or removed from the list or to add or change some terms, email the MBBA office.

How it works best

An innkeeper seeking a getaway calls the possible host inn at the last minute — within 24 hours of hoped-for arrival — to express an interest in escaping for some much needed R&R and to check availability.

Introduce yourself as an MBBA member. Explain how many nights you would like to stay. Offer the same number of nights at your place. If the innkeeper would like to trade with you sometime, pack your bags.

Paying customers come first, so if the inn becomes fully booked before you arrive or during your stay, your host will notify you, and you graciously will make other arrangements,

You are agreeing to swap room nights on an equal exchange and for no monetary value, simply for the chance to get away, rest, recharge and
learn from each other.

If you are called about a potential swap and you can’t see yourself getting away to that innkeeper’s town or if the timing is wrong for you, you simply express that. There’s no deal and no offense taken.

The lodging exchange is a win/win opportunity. If we have rooms sitting vacant, an Inn to Inn exchange not only provides the opportunity to barter for a future getaway but also to get to know colleagues better.

B&Bs open to room swaps

Dempsey Manor B&B Inn and Victorian Tea Room, Manistee. We will be delighted to welcome our fellow innkeepers.

Garden Grove Inn, Union Pier

Glen Arbor Bed and Breakfast and Cottages, Glen Arbor. Happy to share our inn in May, late October, and early November.

Hotel Saugatuck, Saugatuck

House on the Hill B&B, Ellsworth

Huron House B&B, Oscoda

Kalamazoo House B&B, Kalamazoo. Call us last minute.

Kingsley House B&B Inn, Fennville. Weekdays, off-peak.

Leonard at Logan House, Grand Rapids

Ludington House B&B, Ludington. We are happy to offer a complimentary room night to other MBBA members, based on availability, if you request a reservation less than 24 hours in advance.

Maple Cove, Leonard.

Prairieside Suites Luxury B&B, Grandville. We are happy to swap a complimentary room night with MBBA members based on last-minute (day of arrival) availability. Call when you’re leaving to see what we have available.

The Spring Lighthouse, Elk Rapids

Torch Lake B&B, Central Lake. Would love to trade a room with MBBA members for a last-minute getaway. Call Deb Cannon to discuss.

Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate, South Haven. June 15-October 15 call within 24-48 hours. In the quieter times of the year, call ahead, and we will plan an exchange!