506 S Oakland Street St. Johns, MI 48879
Your Questions Answered About The Nordic Pineapple Bed and Breakfast in Saint Johns, MI
About The Nordic Pineapple
What is The Nordic Pineapple? The Nordic Pineapple is a seven-suite bed and breakfast located in a restored 1861 historic home at 506 S Oakland Street in Saint Johns, Michigan. We are a family-run inn operated by owners Greg and Kjersten Offenbecker, along with our live-in innkeeper Darci, who manages day-to-day operations and prepares our full plated breakfast each morning. We are a proud Select Registry member.
Where does the name come from? Kjersten is third-generation Norwegian, so she is the "Nordic" part. Greg is the "Pineapple" part. The pineapple is the international symbol of hospitality, and as Kjersten likes to say, Greg is simply the fruity part of the equation. The name reflects both family heritage and a genuine spirit of welcome.
Where exactly is The Nordic Pineapple located? We are at 506 S Oakland Street, Saint Johns, Michigan 48879. Saint Johns is in Clinton County in mid-Michigan, about 25 minutes north of East Lansing and Michigan State University, and about 30 minutes north of Lansing.
Is The Nordic Pineapple easy to get to? Yes. We are easily accessible from US-127, making us a straightforward drive whether you are coming from Lansing, Detroit, Grand Rapids, or further north.
Is there a hotel in Saint Johns, Michigan? Saint Johns does not have a traditional hotel. The Nordic Pineapple Bed and Breakfast offers a full-service lodging experience in the heart of downtown: seven private suites, ensuite bathrooms, and a full hot plated breakfast included every morning. For guests who want comfort and character over a standard hotel room, it is a better stay.
How many suites do you have? We have seven suites, all with private attached bathrooms. Five suites include jetted tubs. Our suite names are The Purple Viking, The Teal Bear, The Blue Ram, The Green Duck, The Pink Pumpkin, The Orange Pear, and The Yellow Pig. The Yellow Pig can connect with an adjoining room called The Piglets to sleep up to five guests total, making it our best option for families. Browse all of our suites to find the right fit for your stay.
Why Choose a Bed and Breakfast
What is the difference between a bed and breakfast and a hotel? The short answer is that a hotel gives you a room. A bed and breakfast gives you an experience. At The Nordic Pineapple, every suite is individually decorated, every bathroom is private and ensuite, and every morning starts with a full hot plated breakfast made from scratch using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. There is no front desk to check in at, no vending machine down the hall, and no continental breakfast with sad packaged muffins. You are staying in a historic 1861 home where the people running it actually care whether you had a good time.
What is the difference between a bed and breakfast and an Airbnb? Airbnbs can be great, but the experience is variable. You are renting someone's space, often without anyone there, and breakfast is whatever you find in the fridge. At The Nordic Pineapple, our live-in innkeeper Darci brings over 40 years of hospitality experience and cooks a full plated breakfast from scratch every morning. If something comes up during your stay, someone is here. If you want a restaurant recommendation at 9 pm, someone is here. That consistency and personal attention is the core difference.
Is a bed and breakfast more expensive than a hotel or Airbnb? Sometimes, though not always as much as people expect. A B&B rate typically includes a full breakfast for two, which at a restaurant would run $30 to $50 easily. Factor that in, add the private ensuite bathroom, the personal service, and the character of staying somewhere genuinely unique, and the value looks pretty different. We also offer a five-night discount and our Twos-Day Escape midweek special that can bring the nightly rate down meaningfully.
Is a bed and breakfast good for couples? It is honestly one of the best options for couples looking to reconnect or celebrate something. Five of our seven suites have jetted tubs. Breakfast is made for you every morning. It feels like someone actually thought about your stay, because they did.
Is a bed and breakfast good for families? It depends on the property. At The Nordic Pineapple, we welcome families with children ages five and up. Our Yellow Pig suite can connect with the Piglets room to sleep up to five guests, making it a great option for a small family that wants something more interesting than two hotel rooms side by side. One exception: when a group books the entire inn as a private whole-house rental, guests of all ages are welcome.
Is a bed and breakfast appropriate for a business trip or corporate stay? More than people expect. We offer quiet, comfortable private suites, reliable high-speed fiber optic Wi-Fi, and a real breakfast that sets you up better than a drive-through or a hotel lobby grab-and-go. We also host small corporate retreats for teams that want a more relaxed and productive setting. Visit our Corporate Retreats page for details.
Breakfast
Is breakfast included with every stay? Yes. Every room includes a full hot plated breakfast served each morning. Our innkeeper Darci and co-owner Greg are both in the kitchen depending on the day, and both take real pride in what comes out of it. We go out of our way to source local and seasonal ingredients whenever we can, because we think food tastes better when it comes from nearby. Breakfast is served in the dining room or on the porch depending on the season.
What kind of breakfast do you serve? A full hot plated breakfast, made from scratch each morning. Nothing is reheated or pre-packaged. The menu changes based on what is fresh and in season. Darci, our live-in innkeeper with over 40 years of hospitality experience, does the cooking most days, with Greg cooking two days a week.
What time is breakfast served? Monday through Friday, breakfast is served from 7:00 am to 10:00 am. On Saturday and Sunday we start a little later, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? Yes. We accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions and do our best to make sure every guest has a breakfast they will enjoy. It helps to let us know before you arrive so we can plan ahead. Reach out at 989-292-4178 or mention it at booking and we will take it from there.
Can we have breakfast in bed? Yes. For $10 per person per day, we will bring breakfast to your suite. It is a popular add-on for anniversaries, honeymoons, or any morning when you just do not want the day to start too fast.
Do non-guests ever come just for breakfast? Breakfast is included exclusively for overnight guests. It is one of the perks of staying with us.
Reservations and Policies
How do I book a room? The easiest way is directly through our website at thenordicpineapple.com/rooms. You are also always welcome to call us directly at 989-292-4178. Either way, booking direct ensures you get the best available rate and gives you access to any current promotions.
Do you have a minimum stay requirement? No. We welcome guests for a single night just as warmly as those staying a full week. We know that sometimes one night is all you can carve out, and we think that is worth celebrating.
What are your check-in and check-out times? Check-in is between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm. If you expect to arrive after 9:00 pm please let us know ahead of time. Early check-in between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm is available for $30. Check-out is at 11:00 am. Late check-out until 12:00 pm is available for $20, subject to availability, and must be requested before 10:00 am on the day of departure.
What is your cancellation policy? We offer two rate options. Our non-refundable rate is our lowest price and cannot be refunded, credited, or changed under any circumstances. Our Peace of Mind rate allows cancellations up to 72 hours before arrival for a $30 fee. Cancellations within 72 hours or no-shows are charged in full. Groups reserving more than two rooms require 30 days notice. We strongly recommend travel insurance if an unexpected cancellation would cause financial hardship.
Is parking available? Yes, we have off-street parking on our grounds adjacent to the inn. Each suite is allocated one parking space. If you are traveling with more than one vehicle, street parking is available nearby. Please reach out in advance if you anticipate needing extra space.
Is Wi-Fi available? Yes. Complimentary high-speed fiber optic Wi-Fi is available throughout the inn.
Pets, Children, and Smoking
Is The Nordic Pineapple pet friendly? No. For the comfort of all our guests, pets are not permitted on the property. Certified service animals are welcome with appropriate documentation. Please let us know in advance if you will be accompanied by a service animal.
Do you allow children? Yes, we welcome children ages 5 and older. We are not able to accommodate infants, toddlers, or children under 5. Our Yellow Pig suite with The Piglets room is designed specifically with families in mind and sleeps up to five guests. One exception: when a group books the entire inn as a private whole-house rental, guests of all ages are welcome.
Is smoking allowed? No. The Nordic Pineapple is a completely smoke-free property. This includes cigarettes, cigars, vaping, and e-cigarettes, and applies to all indoor and outdoor areas including porches and the fire pit. A $250 fee applies to any violation.
Location and Getting Here
How far are you from Michigan State University? We are approximately 20 to 25 minutes from Michigan State University in East Lansing. We are a popular choice for MSU football weekends, basketball games, graduation, parents weekends, and campus visits. Our suites book up quickly around MSU events, so we recommend reserving early.
How far are you from Becker's Bridal in Fowler? Becker's Bridal, the largest bridal store in Michigan and the Midwest, is approximately 10 minutes from the inn. We are the closest bed and breakfast to Becker's Bridal and a natural fit for bridal parties, brides-to-be, and their families traveling for appointments. Learn more about planning your Becker's Bridal trip around a stay with us.
How far are you from downtown Lansing? Downtown Lansing and the State Capitol are about 20 to 30 minutes away. The Wharton Center for Performing Arts is also within easy reach, making us a comfortable base for concerts and Broadway shows.
What is there to do in Saint Johns? Saint Johns has a charming walkable downtown with boutiques, locally owned restaurants, cafes, and antique shops. Our biggest local event is Mint Fest, held the first weekend in August, a community festival celebrating the area's mint farming heritage. The parade runs directly in front of the inn. Fall brings the Fall Feastival food truck event in September. Uncle John's Cider Mill, a beloved regional destination, is about 10 minutes away and draws visitors throughout the fall season. For a full list of local attractions and things to do, visit our Things to Do page.
Special Stays and Group Bookings
Do you host corporate retreats? Yes. With seven private suites, meeting and gathering spaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, daily plated breakfast, and a peaceful setting between Lansing, Grand Rapids, Mount Pleasant, and Flint, we are a popular choice for small corporate retreats and team off-sites. Optional lunch and dinner packages are available. Visit our Corporate Retreats page for details.
Can we book the entire inn for a group or event? Yes, we accommodate full inn buyouts for groups. Please contact us directly to discuss availability and pricing. When a group books the entire inn, guests of all ages are welcome.
Do you offer packages or specials? Yes. Stay five nights and save 10% automatically at checkout. Book three nights including a Tuesday and your Tuesday night is free with code TWOSDAY.
We are also well known for our signature events, including fully immersive murder mystery weekends and Euchre tournaments that draw guests back year after year. Individual bookings are welcome for all of our events. Visit our Packages and Specials page and Event Calendar to see what is coming up next.
Still have questions? We are happy to help. Call us at 989-292-4178 or reach out through our contact page. We love hearing from guests before they arrive.
