Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Duffey.
Hi Meghan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My Story:
My path to owning and creating The Bell, a boutique motel in Petoskey, Michigan, started in an unexpected way. For most of my career I have been in the tech industry in New York or San Francisco, leading strategic enterprise sales teams and helping businesses transformation and innovate. That work gave me incredible experience, but I always knew I wanted to create something of my own. I wanted to create a place that combined experience, design, and storytelling, and also gave me the chance to invest in a community I care about.
Just over a year ago, I found a 1900s cottage in downtown Petoskey called Little Bay Cottage. The property stood out immediately because it was unlike anything else available in the heart of town due to strict city restrictions on short term rentals. Petoskey has the historic Perry Hotel, which has long been a landmark, but there was a gap for something more intimate, quaint, and a full amenity stay. I knew this was the opportunity to bring my vision to life.
Over the past year I have been shaping the property into more than a place to stay. Each of the four flats has full kitchens and separate living areas, which makes it perfect for boh short visits and longer stays and for travelers who want to feel rooted in the neighborhood. My goal has been to create a destination that reflects the charm and history of Petoskey while also elevating the experience with design, mood, and a sense of discovery.
Now I am preparing for the next chapter. Little Bay Cottage will officially relaunch as The Bell in spring and summer of 2026. The name and brand capture the moody coastal character and Victorian influences of Petoskey, while setting the tone for a boutique experience that feels distinct from traditional hotels or short term rentals. For me this is more than real estate or lodging. It is about creating a place where guests can step into the rhythm of “Up North,” connect to the history of this town, and leave with memories they will carry long after their stay.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Reimagining a historic property in a place like Petoskey comes with its own unique set of challenges. One of the biggest is that the city has very strict short term rental restrictions. That meant I could not simply operate the property as an Airbnb or vacation rental, even though the demand is there. Instead, I had to position the business as a true boutique motel and build the guest experience in a way that aligned with both the regulations and the vision I had for the brand.
On top of that, taking on a property from the early 1900s means constant surprises. Old buildings carry history, but they also come with quirks and hidden repairs you only discover once you start making changes. Learning to navigate those realities, while still maintaining the aesthetic and charm of the original structure, has been a big part of the process.
And of course, doing this while balancing a full career in tech has been its own challenge. My professional background gives me the discipline and structure to run a business, but building something physical and experiential is very different from leading teams and sales strategies. It has required me to wear every hat: owner, designer, marketer, and operator, and to learn by doing.
Those challenges have shaped the project into what it is becoming. They forced me to think creatively, to connect more deeply with the Petoskey community, and to hold onto the bigger vision of what The Bell can represent. In many ways, the obstacles are part of what make this rebrand so meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
About The Bell
The Bell is a boutique motel in downtown Petoskey, Michigan, soon to relaunch after a rebrand from Little Bay Cottage. It is designed for travelers who want more than just a bed for the night. Each of the four flats has a full kitchen, living space, and thoughtful design details that give guests the feeling of having their own cottage in the heart of town, with all the convenience of being just steps away from Petoskey’s shops, restaurants, and waterfront.
What sets The Bell apart is its uniqueness. Because of Petoskey’s strict short term rental regulations, there are very few places downtown where visitors can stay in a space that feels like a home rather than a traditional hotel room. The Perry Hotel is the historic anchor in town, but The Bell offers a more intimate and moody experience that blends Victorian character with a coastal, modern feel.
Petoskey itself is part of the magic. It is a small town overlooking the blue waters of Lake Michigan, where sunsets paint the horizon and the pace of life slows down. There is something truly special about coming “Up North”, it has a coastal beauty, a walkable downtown, and a community charm that makes it feel both timeless and welcoming. The Bell is designed to capture that feeling and give guests a way to immerse themselves in it.
Brand wise, I am most proud that The Bell reflects both the history of the property and the spirit of Northern Michigan. The name is inspired by the sound of church bells that echo through downtown, a reminder of Petoskey’s heritage and community. The design draws on coastal tones, warm textures, and an atmosphere that feels both elevated and welcoming.
What I want readers to know is that The Bell is not just another place to stay. It is an experience crafted with intention. It is for couples who want a romantic weekend away, for families looking to settle in and explore, and for anyone who wants to feel connected to the rhythm of “Up North.” When guests leave, my hope is that they carry not just memories of Petoskey, but the feeling of having stepped away into a magical place.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating experiences that feel meaningful and lasting. In my career and in my life, I have always believed that how people feel is what stays with them. That belief is at the core of The Bell and how I try to operate as a human being. Guests may remember the details of the space or the design, but what they carry home is the feeling of being cared for, of slowing down, of connecting to a place and to each other.
It also matters deeply to me to honor Petoskey and the “Up North” spirit. This town overlooking Lake Michigan has a magic that is hard to put into words, but easy to feel once you are here. I want to protect that sense of place and at the same time invite people to experience it in a way that feels elevated and intentional.
On a personal level, I care about creating things that outlast the moment. My background in tech has taught me about building for scale and business aptitude, but curating moments has taught me about building for memory. What matters is leaving something better than you found it, whether that is a team you led, a community you supported, or a guest who leaves your property with a smile and a story to tell.
Pricing:
- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1210079874150350919
- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1210088364182979700
- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1210094207264261653
- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1210110884956941038
Contact Info:
- Website: https://littlebaycottage.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanduffey
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghankduffey/
