The Kirby Hotel & J Paul's Dining Room 294 West Center Street, Douglas, MI 49406

"We had a wonderful dinner at J Paul’s. The food was great and the me service is top notch! Very quaint and romantic atmosphere."

"What an absolute delight! We couldn’t have been happier with our stays. (Yes multiple!) My wife and I were married here at the Kirby this fall and in the year prior we made multiple trips into town to plan everything and we always stayed here. Chris and Courtney could not be more wonderful or more lovely. They bend over backward for their guests to be sure that everyone is taken care of and beyond happy. My wife and I wish we could just move up here and live at the Kirby full time! Their food at the restaurant downstairs is top notch. Breakfast is perfect. Their bar selection is amazing, Courtney is a cocktail genius. The rooms are always spotless and so comfortable. The property is quiet but close enough to get to everything easy. It’s also a very short drive, or maybe even a walk if you’d like, to water views. We could not recommend the Kirby more! It is absolutely our choice when we come into town! We can’t wait for our next trip up!"

"We had our wedding at the Kirby and could not be happier with our experience. It was the perfect, intimate setting for our small gathering. Chris and Courtney were engaged and responsive to ensure that everything went smoothly and were so helpful throughout. Highly recommended!"

"DON’T DENY YOURSELF THIS PLEASURE. To call the Kirby a ‘hidden gem’ would only be admitting my ignorance about such a fantastic restaurant. Last night (a Thursday) at dinner, the place was full and convivial, the diners were lively and comprised of a mix of locals and visitors (such as myself). This always tips me off to an impending, wonderful experience. And I was also tipped off, by a nearby table of two couples, who celebrate their anniversaries together here every year, the night’s pork entree, which has to be a highlight of my dining out so far this year. (See pic). Craft cocktails were amazing! I had a vanilla & lavender concoction (they were kind enough to let me substitute tequila for the vodka - exactly what I wanted). Crab cakes were the perfect appetizer for the two of us. And then I had that delicious entree. We ended dinner with a creamy homemade cheesecake. But we didn’t end the night there. Everyone at the bar and some of the tables nearby continued a lively conversation after most of the other tables had cleared out. There had been some patrons who were drinking heavily and got somewhat belligerent with their young, lovely server (who had to inform them that further wine bottles would not be coming). But they hadn’t at all spoiled the experience for us. It happens in Santa Monica, even at the finest dining establishments, way too often. Though we had other places to go, we were staying in the hotel later that evening. We reserved the last two available rooms, so the hotel was fully booked, but one wouldn’t have known it. The other guests were so considerate and quiet. There were even deer at night (see the blurry photo) by their water feature and wild turkeys with all their chicks roaming the grounds in the morning. BTW, I slept like a baby on a thick memory foam mattress and higher-thread count sheets than I have at home. In the morning, we had Belgian waffles (it was hard to choose among the options, pancakes, French toast, etc). Breakfast was included with the room fee! Again, Chef Chris took simple, fresh ingredients and straddled the food worlds of comfort and culinary. See photo. After that, Chris and Courtney, each disarmingly sincere and passionate about hotel/restaurant guests having a wonderful experience, chatted with us (and other guests) over coffee and that delicious, private breakfast fare. Seriously 5-star."