Lansing’s Old Hotels and Motels: 1900s-1960s

What does staying in a hotel or motel mean to you?

Getting away from everything?
Relaxation?
A secret affair?
Stealing towels, ashtrays, food trays, or ice buckets?
Or just to rest from a long day of driving?

There aren't many other reasons to list, but the above are the most common.

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I've known people that have stolen almost everything except the bed. Room telephones, coffee makers, TV sets...oh, yeah. The only thing I have ever taken out of a motel room are bars of soap.

The little motels you find on the outskirts of various towns are the ones used for quickies with the neighbor or co-worker. The expensive hotels are for attempting to impress someone. Motels that you find within city limits are mostly used by travelers who want to be near party stores, bars, and restaurants.

One thing I have discovered about my night's sleep in a motel: I am usually somewhat comfortable. The pillows are softer and the mattresses are harder...and occasionally it's really nice to wake up, look out the window, and see a beach, like you get in Traverse City.

Lansing has had a vast number of motels and hotels throughout its history. Some of the following you may remember, but most you might not...unless you're much older.

Scroll down and take a look back at this smattering of Lansing's old hotels and motels, ranging from the 1900s to the 1960s...(any of 'em still around?)

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