Palmer House Inn Bed & Breakfast

108 W. Erie Street, Albion, Michigan 49224
Innkeeper(s): Scott Marvin
 
  • Introduction

    Welcome to Palmer House Inn Bed & Breakfast, offering elegant bed & breakfast accommodations, small private parties, and special occasions and gatherings. The inn features four guest rooms and a guest suite each with private bath. All guests receive a full breakfast and refreshments upon request.

    Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take a step back in time to a quieter, elegant era at our lovely South Central Lower Michigan Bed and Breakfast. The Palmer House Inn is an elegant 1880’s Victorian Mansion located in Albion, Michigan. Six guest rooms are decorated in 19th century style with vintage furnishings and 20th century luxuries like central air, Jacuzzi baths, phone, wireless internet, and cable TV. Sip a glass of wine on the wrap around porch, schedule a Spa package designed to meet your individual needs, or close the door to your own romantic suite, and wake in the morning to the scents of a gourmet breakfast made just for you.


    Make Palmer House Inn your destination for packages including pampering, murder mystery, romantic, wine tasting, private parties, birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, intimate weddings and more. Palmer House Inn offers a wonderful chance to create a memory of a lifetime.

    Located one block from Downtown Historic Albion

    The residence at 108 W. Erie was built by Dr. Palmer and used as a medical office. In 1882 he was united in marriage to Miss F. Elizabeth Hamilton, who was also a doctor. After their marriage, she soon became one of the community's most successful physicians, but at the age of 47, she took her own life. Dr. Palmer decided to quit the medical practice after her death and sold the building. In 1903 Dr. Palmer was elected mayor of Albion by a large majority.

    History

    "In 1882, Dr. Palmer was united in marriage to Miss F. Elizabeth Hamilton, a native of the Republic, O. She had also studied medicine in the same school from which her husband graduated.

    After their marriage, Dr. Palmer came to Albion and opened an office, and she soon became one of the community's most successful physicians. Her popularity seemed to eclipse that of her husband. She was held in high esteem by members of the medical profession and residents of the city. She displayed marked skill and thorough understanding of the scientific principles of medicine and surgery. She was elected a member of the board of education, and for six years she served as its president.


    July 27, 1899, Elizabeth Palmer took her own life in what is now Victory Park; but then was known as Brockway woods at the foot of Mingo street and across the railroad tracks, now a part of the (Albion) College athletic field. She was 47 at the time. After she had been missing for a day, her body was discovered in the woods and it was ascertained she had purchased a quantity of strychnine from a local drug store. Following her funeral, her husband closed their office, and devoted his energies to other fields of business activity. He became president of the Albion Buggy Co., and was named a director of the Albion Malleable Iron Co,. and a director of the Commercial & Savings Bank.

    Dr. Palmer had built the residence at 108 W. Erie, which he used as a medical office, and also cared for seriously ill patients there. But when he decided to quit the medical practice after the death of his medic wife, he sold that building to Dr. A. B. Grant who practiced there a number of years.


    After Dr. Grant's death, the building was sold by his son, Dr. Herman Grant, a Detroit physician to Charles E. Marsh, father of Mrs. Howell, and then an undertaker here. Dr. Palmer, once out of medical practice, engaged himself in industry and civic affairs. In 1903, he was elected mayor of Albion by a large majority and history reports that he gave the city (of Albion) a business like administration.

    The home is currently under ownership of Scott Marvin, school teacher, and proprietor of the Palmer House Inn Bed and Breakfast."

    -Taken from the Morning Star December 29, 1986 Albion, Michigan in an article entitled "Roots! From Whence Came We?"

  • Insider's Info

    Travelers are always looking for memorable and relaxing experiences. Let’s discover more through the words of our innkeepers. Many thanks to Scott Marvin for sharing his own secrets with BBOnline.com!
    Why do most travelers stay at your inn?

    Most travelers return to stay at the Palmer House because if its Historic ambiance (like staying in a museum). its quiet and convenient downtown location near Albion College.

    What are you best known for? What makes your inn unique? What do you love most about your inn?

    The inn is unique for its collection of antiques and furniture, elegant historic architecture.

    If someone has never been to your city, what is the #1 reason to come visit?

    Events at Albion College are what draw most guest to the inn.

    What’s the best compliment you have ever received about the inn?

    The best compliment I have received are the return visitors that have been coming back for many years.

    What’s the best kept secret about the area?

    The best kept secret for the area are the large number of parks and recreation sports like disk golf, canoeing and kayaking, hiking and biking,

    If a traveler is staying at your inn for 4 nights, what should he/she do in the area?

    Golfing, wine tasting, microbreweries, spa services offered on site, are just a few of the things to do over an extended stay.

    Is there anything within walking distance of your inn?

    There are restaurants, parks,sporting events, music concerts, and shopping within walking distance from the inn.

    What is your favorite restaurant/food in the area?

    Many of the guest enjoy the Mexican fare at La Casa or the college enjoy Cascerelli's just around the corner.

    Any good area guides/websites that travelers could reference?

    No Comment

    How many rooms does your inn have?

    The inn has 5 luxury guest rooms.

    Do you accept pets?

    The inn is pet friendly.

     

  • Intimate and Elegant Victorian Wedding Packages

    Spend that special day in style.
    We will provide flowers, champenoise, and deliectibles.

     

     Package I - Wedding and Honeymoon Package

    • Officiating Minister's fee
    • Bouquet and boutonnieres
    • Wedding cake
    • Disk of Photographs
    • Decorations for the inn

    This package price is $949.00 A 50% deposit is required at time of reservation and the balance is due upon arrival.
     

    Package II - Wedding and Honeymoon Package

    Three nights of all 6-luxurious guest rooms (accommodating 14 guest)

    • Officiating Minister's fee
    • Bouquet and boutonnieres
    • Wedding cake
    • Disk of Digital Photographs
    • Decorations for the Inn
    • Appetizers for 25 guests
    • Instrumental or vocal musician(s)

    This package price $2,960.00 A 50% deposit is required at time of reservation. Remaining balance due upon arrival.

    The Palmer House Inn Bed and Breakfast can provide additional services available upon request.

    Palmer House Inn guests receive a 10% discount on gowns, accessories and in-store items at Bellisima Bridal Boutique in historic downtown Albion.

  • Area Attractions

      Restaurants
    • Cascarelli's, Albion, MI
    • Lopez Taco House, Albion, MI
    • Charlies' Tavern, Albion, MI
    • The Phoenix, Albion, MI
    • The Sweet Tooth, Albion, MI
     
    "Gourmet" Restaurants
    • Georgeo's, Marshall, MI
    • Midtown Grille, Marshall, MI
    • Schuler's, Marshall, MI
    • BiCi Bistro, Battle Creek, MI
    • Bella Notte, Jackson, MI
     
    Entertainment (bars, theaters, etc.)
    • Theatre at Albion College, Albion, MI
    • New Bohn Theatre, Albion, MI
    • Cornwell Turkeyville, Turkeyville, MI
    • Gary Fields's Comedy Club, Battle Creek, MI
    • Potter Center, Jackson CC, Jackson, MI
     
    Golf
    • Tomac Woods, Albion, MI
    • Concord Hills, Concord, MI
    • The Grande, Jackson, MI
    • Hickory Hills, Jackson, MI
    • Ella Sharp, Jackson, MI
     
    Wineries
    • Cascade's, Jackson, MI • St. Julian Wine Co., Parma, MI
    • Cherry Creek Cellars, Parma, MI
    • Lone Oaks, Grass Lake, MI
    • Sandhill Crane Vineyards, Jackson, MI
    • Arcadia Brewing Co., Battle Creek, MI

    Historical Gems
    • Gardner House Museum, Albion
    • Governor's Mansion, Honolulu, House, Marshall, MI
    • American Museum of Magic, Marshall, MI
    • Ella Sharpe Museum, Jackson, MI
    • Kimball House Museum, Battle Creek, MI
    • Historic Bridges Park, Battle Creek, MI
     
    Shopping
    • Books `n More, Albion, MI
    • Jackson Crossing, Jackson, MI
    • Lakeview Square Mall, Battle Creek, MI
    • Unique Boutiques and Galleries in Marshall, MI
    • Bargains and Collectables, downtown Albion, MI
     
    Antiques
    • Wanda Brown Antiques, Albion, MI
    • Jackson Antique Mall, Jackson, MI
    • Marshall, MI (many and varied)
    • Allen, MI (Antique Capital of MI)
     
    Cider Mills
    • Sweet Seasons Orchards, Concord, MI
    • Flavor Fruit Farms, Jackson, MI

    Skiing

    • Cross Country, Ella Sharp, Jackson
     

    Kayaking/Canoeing

    • Canoe-the-Zoo
    • G.R.E.A.T. Canoeing, Jackson, MI
    • Public Access available for canoeing Kalamazoo River from/to Albion
     

    Cycling

    • Many country roads amenable to cyclists. (beautiful in the fall)
     

    Walking Paths

    • White House Nature Center Trails, Albion, MI
    • Leila Arboretum, Battle Creek
    • Marshall River Walk, Marshall, MI
    • Ella Sharp Park, Jackson, MI
    • Waterloo Recreation Area, Ann Arbor, MI
     

    Other Attractions

    • Kid's n Stuff, Albion, MI
    • Albion College, Albion, MI
    • Cascades Water Falls, Jackson, MI
    • Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek, MI
    • Cereal City, Battle Creek, MI
     

    Kayaking/Canoeing Events

    • Festival of the Forks, Albion, MI
    • Hot Air Balloon Shows - Battle Creek, MI and Jackson, MI
    • Michigan Shakespeare Festival, Jackson, MI
    • Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, MI
    • Performing Arts Series, Potter Center, Jackson CC, Jackson, MI
     

    Hunting or Fishing

    • Duck Lake, Albion, MI
    • Swain's Lake, Concord, MI
    • Willard Lake, Battle Creak
    • Kalamazoo River
    • Hunting available with permission of landowners
     

    Parks

    • Victory Park, Albion, MI
    • Cascades, Jackson, MI
    • Ella Sharpe, Jackson, MI
    • Swain's Lake, Concord, MI
    • Fort Custer, Battle Creek, MI
     

    Other

    • Star Commonwealth, Albion, MI
    • Full Blast (Children's park), Battle Creek, MI
    • Battle Creek Art Center, Battle Creek, MI
    • Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Jackson, MI
    • Michigan Theatre, Jackson, MI
    • Southern Exposure Herb Farm, Battle Creek, MI
     

    Horseback Riding

    • Nancy Held Equestrian Center, Albion, MI
    • Childs’ Place Buffalo Ranch, Hanover, MI
    • Liberty Hills, Concord, MI
     
    Area Destinations
     
    Allen (Antique Capital) 20 min.
    Jackson 15 min.
    Battle Creek 30 min.
    Lansing 30 min.
    Chicago 3 hours
    Ann Arbor 40 min.
    Detroit 1 hour 30 min.
    Ft. Wayne 1 hour 30 min.
    Toledo 1 hour
    Kalamazoo 45 min.
    Grand Rapids 1 hour 30 min.