The Best Hotels to Book in Traverse City, Michigan
Nicknamed the Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City produces about 75 percent of the country’s tart cherries. In this waterfront city you’ll find dynamic dining options, distinctive architecture, lakeside vistas and plentiful shopping. Take the time to walk the well-kept streets and explore the city’s historic buildings, many of which are renovated storerooms and sawmills that now house stylish shops and hip breweries. Traverse City has a range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, from boutique hotels to swanky resorts with private beaches. Here are our picks of hotels in Traverse City, bookable on Culture Trip.
Cambria Hotel – for a suite stay
Hotel
At this relaxed hotel in Traverse City, there’s plenty of space to meet fellow guests in their welcoming lobby and communal areas, with exposed brick and bright furnishing providing an inviting atmosphere. Sophisticated suites feature an upscale, spa-inspired bathroom, fully stocked with luxe PURE bath products perfect for a pamper session. Take a dip in the heated indoor pool or grab a reuben sandwich at the full-service restaurant, Reflect Bistro, rated the top restaurant in Traverse City.
Hotel Indigo – for trendsetters
Hotel
Hotel Indigo provides a unique blend of comfort and value in a trendy setting, with leafy plants and bright, locally sourced artworks. Build up a sweat in the hi-tech fitness center, before snacking on complimentary fruit. Still hungry? There are two on-site restaurants offering excellent local dishes, Michigan craft ales and small plates. For the best views of the city and shore head to their open-air rooftop bar for picturesque views of Grand Traverse Bay, and sip carefully crafted twist cocktails, shaken to perfection by their experienced bartenders.
Delamar Traverse City – for being in the lap of luxury
Hotel
The centrally located Delamar Hotel offers a spot of luxury from the moment you check in, with a complimentary glass of champagne. Sink into comfortable sofas and relax next to an open fire in chic surroundings. Delamar provides easy access to the water and is just 200yd (182m) from Clinch Park Beach. The outdoor patio space and pool is one of the biggest draws and is the perfect place for the family to hang out. Sleek rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows offering superb views of Grand Traverse Bay, as well as modern furnishing and expansive bathrooms, fully stocked with Bvlgari bath amenities. Hungry? Enjoy fine dining at their Waterfront Restaurant, with Great Lakes-inspired cuisine that features sustainably sourced dishes.
Best Western Plus, Traverse City – for serious swimmers
Chain Hotel, Hotel
This award-winning hotel is situated at the base of the Old Mission Peninsula, between two bays of Lake Michigan. As such, it’s a short distance from Old Mission Peninsula wineries, top-rated restaurants and sandy beaches. Enjoy quirky design features such as spiral staircases in loft suites, and fill up on their complimentary hot and continental breakfast each morning. When you’re back from sightseeing, take a dip in their 11ft-deep (3.3m) heated indoor pool, the deepest in Traverse City. You’ll have the time, as it’s open 24 hours. When you need to leave, Cherry Capital Airport is just 10 minutes away, and the hotel offers a free shuttle service to guests.
Bayshore Resort – for a pleasurable retreat
Hotel
Bayshore Resort is a Victorian-style hotel with a private beach on the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay. Choose from a selection of homely rooms, including a spa room with a jetted tub big enough for two, or a luxe suite with a view of the bay. Breakfast is filling and complimentary, and there is a pleasant indoor pool with charming mobile decorations and a whirlpool to sit in. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center, and a games room, to keep you entertained on Northern Michigan’s rainy days.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – for easy Sunday mornings
Chain Hotel, Budget Hotel, Hotel
Sitting between the East and West branches of Grand Traverse Bay, the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is centrally located to ski slopes, hiking trails, beaches, lakes, shopping, entertainment and museums. Begin your day with a freshly brewed coffee from the quality, in-room coffee maker, and relax in bed while you read the free weekday newspaper. Breakfast here is complimentary and features comfort food classics like French toast and waffles. Once you’re done with breakfast, de-stress in the wood-paneled indoor pool and hot tub room, immersing yourself in the hotel’s chalet vibes.
Courtyard by Marriott Traverse City – for food lovers
Chain Hotel, Hotel
Here’s a trusty Marriott hotel within easy reach of beaches, local walking trails and Cherry Capital Airport. Retail therapy is also close, as the hotel is directly across from the Grand Traverse Mall, with its huge range of retailers and large food court. If you’d prefer to eat in, the hotel’s cozy Bistro serves a range of American classics for breakfast and dinner, such as the BRT sandwich – that’s Applewood-smoked bacon, romaine lettuce and juicy tomato. Pick up a freshly brewed Starbucks coffee and get your daily caffeine fix, then burn off your energy boost in the 24-hour fitness room or inviting indoor pool.
Baywatch Resort – for a spa-like stay
Hotel
Ideally located on the shoes of Lake Michigan, the Baywatch Resort boasts a private beach on East Grand Traverse Bay. Embrace the beach life – grab a yoga mat and do your mountain pose on the soft sand of their exclusive beach, or watch a colorful sunset from your balcony. Rooms are stylishly kitted out with coastal chic, beach towels and luxe amenities. Better still, several of the rooms feature a bubbler spa tub.
Comfort Inn Traverse City – for a pet-friendly property
Chain Hotel, Hotel, Spa Hotel
This pet-friendly hotel in Traverse City has spacious suites, and is located just 2mi (3.2km) from downtown Traverse City. There’s even a complimentary shuttle to take you straight there, so you won’t need to stress about parking. Two-bed rooms feature jetted tubs, and some suites can sleep up to six people. You and your party will want to check out the spa and well-equipped fitness center – with both weights and cardio equipment – available to guests 24 hours a day.
Sugar Beach Resort – for watersport lovers
Resort, Hotel
Sugar Beach Resort sits pretty on the white sugar sand beaches of East Grand Traverse Bay, near thrilling watersport activities like jet skiing and parasailing. It has direct access to the best beach in the area, and is a 15-minute walk to Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, so it’s a very popular family vacation spot. Even if you don’t take the kids out, they’ll love the hotel’s games room and its selection of arcade machines. When you’re ready to wind down, coral-blue rooms have a coastal chic vibe, with several offering private balconies. You’ll also find a health club, indoor pool and heated whirlpool available for chilling out in.