Hotel pays tribute to accordion polka music player

A themed hotel does not have to be grand to have heart. In Frankenmuth, Michigan, dubbed “Little Bavaria,” the Marv Herzog Hotel that opened eight months ago, pays tribute to Marv Herzog and his accordion playing life. Herzog, one of Frankenmuth’s most renowned residents happened to be a world traveling bandleader, accordionist and close friend to Bob Drury, owner of the Drury hotel chain. When Herzog died a few years ago, Drury wanted to honor him with a hotel that encapsulates the quality of Herzog’s life. That’s some friend!

The hotel Drury built is European boutique, cozy more than glitzy. As one might imagine, this tribute hotel has memorabilia throughout. Herzog’s accordion and microphone are in the lobby. Each of the 38 rooms has a collage of his belongings that reflect aspects of his life. Ellen Creager who wrote the Detroit Free Press article about the hotel quotes a reviewer on Trip Advisor.com who said he stayed here for a lark but found himself having a great time. Frankenmuth, Michigan has the aura of a Bavarian town so the hotel fits perfectly. There’s even a Bavarian Bier Garten.