Traverse City hotels

Arrive in Traverse City for the waterside fun and let Bayshore Resort challenge you to stay inside. Most of its rooms have bay-view balconies or patios, but it’s the suites that make this one of the best hotels in Traverse City, especially in the colder months.

The inviting suites welcome overnighters with warm fireplaces, a wet bar for stirring cocktails, and a two-person private spa tub. Leaving the suite is hard; leaving the hotel is even harder.

An indoor pool and hot tub make a swimsuit a must-pack. The games room is great for kids and the young at heart, especially if you’re like me and use it to procrastinate working out at the indoor fitness centre.

When you can bear to drag yourself away from the resort, take advantage of the complimentary breakfast then hop on the free shuttle service to head downtown.

As one of the best boutique hotels in Traverse City, the Baywatch Resort is always on my radar. Its 10 different room types cater to all travellers’ tastes. The Walkout suites are fantastically convenient, making it effortless to walk from the king-size bed to the beach. Higher floors have bay-view balconies, some with a sleeper sofa or whirlpool tub.

I love that the Baywatch Resort delivers a serious 'wow' factor yet still feels laid-back. All rooms have microwaves, coffee makers, and mini-fridges, meaning you’ve got all the modern conveniences you need.

The resort fee also ensures everyone has beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas. Imagine getting all of the perks of a beach-front resort no matter which room you rent – that’s the serene simplicity of the Baywatch Resort.

It’s clear that the Delamar is one of the best fancy hotels in Traverse City from the moment you step into the lobby. Being greeted with a welcome glass of bubbly is such an unexpected treat. I shouldn’t be surprised, though; with complimentary airport shuttle service, Delamar truly tries to care for its guests from the moment they arrive in town.

Delamar also offers plenty of exclusive experiences. Wine tastings at Mari Vineyards and Petoskey stone hunting excursions are just two of the many activities the hotel can arrange.

As for the rooms, they’re on a level all of their own. The Bay View King is perhaps the best suite – its separate living area is perfect for watching the sun set over the lake.

Though Country Inn and Suites by Radisson is technically closer to the East Arm, the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay is nearly as close. This hotel is great for visitors who want to explore both bay shores and the city itself.

The modern rooms offer just the right amount of comfort and convenience. A desk, microwave, refrigerator, and double beds are everything you need for a cosy yet simple stay. Adjoining rooms are ideal for couples, families, and friends travelling together.

Some may visit for the National Cherry Festival, but I’m plenty pleased with the free cookies in the lobby. The hot breakfast, equally free and delicious, will set you up for a day spent skating at Howe Arena or charting a Nauti-Cat Cruise.

Trust me, there’s no twiddling thumbs when visiting Traverse City in the colder months, especially if you’re staying at Cambria Hotel. This is one of the best hotels in Traverse City that isn’t set on the beachfront.

The indoor swimming pool and hot tub are surrounded by windows, allowing everyone in the pool to watch the snowfall without feeling the chill. The lounge is just as cosy, with its comfy sofas and roaring fireplace.

The grab-and-go market is handy for bringing snacks up to the spacious suites, which can accommodate up to six people. But I prefer to eat at the Reflect Bistro, where the seasonal Michigan menu always has exciting additions from local farms. The Dennos Museum Center is right across the street – this art gallery, performing arts centre, and kids’ area offers hours of indoor fun no matter the weather.

Where better to stay in the world’s cherry tree capital than Cherry Tree Inn and Suites, one of the best hotels in Traverse City for anyone with a sweet tooth. The complimentary hot breakfast has a little something for every taste, including fresh fruit and pancakes drizzled in syrup. The Sweet Shoppe sprinkles more sugar on your trip with a selection of coffees, muffins, and other treats.

Indoor and outdoor pools offer flexibility for the seasons, while other standout amenities include bicycles and non-motorised water sports rentals. Be it a cold summer night or a chilly winter morning, the private beach’s fire pits are enough to convince me to stay seated on the sand for hours.

The Harbor Springs Suite, however, lets you relax in the same way without venturing far from bed, thanks to its gas fireplace, two-person hot tub, and private bay-view balcony.

Grand Beach Resort sits right in the center of the shoreline, granting fantastic panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay. As one of the best hotels in Traverse City for an easygoing holiday, waking up in a beach-view room is nothing short of spectacular.

All the best hotels in Traverse City understand the allure of the lake, which is why I’m thrilled that Grand Beach Resort offers water sports rentals. Being able to hire kayaks, paddle boards, and jet skis instantly amps up the fun.

I also have an affinity for mini-golf and ice cream while on holiday, both of which are right across the street from Grand Beach Resort.

With Grand Beach Resort being one of the best hotels in Traverse City, you can count on its sister property, Sugar Beach Resort, to offer the same high level of service. It’s a wonderful place to unwind – and I’m not just saying that as someone who loves a complimentary arcade. The indoor pool and spa are great additions to the long private shoreline stretched out behind the hotel.

It might be an unpopular opinion, but I’m perfectly content with a non-beach-view suite. They’re just as comfortable and equipped with the same amenities. Pro-tip for those travelling with older kids or adults: some of the non-beach-view rooms at Sugar Beach come with two king beds and two private bathrooms.

Sugar Beach Resort also has a gift shop, which is an awesome amenity that allows the kids to pick up one last souvenir before heading home.

Parkshore Resort is one of the best hotels in Traverse City for any traveller type. The Parkview Room, for instance, has an oversized desk for working remotely, while the Courtside and Beachfront rooms are geared towards those that only need a place to sleep and shower.

I find the Efficiency Suites most convenient: the themed suites for kids, coupled with the living room and kitchenette, make it easier for me to work on the road while still keeping the kids entertained.

When I need a bite to each, the full menu room service is a great perk. Steak burgers, fresh raw oysters, and other delicious dinners from the Parkshore Lounge offer a great taste of Michigan without having to leave the hotel.

Every inch of the 300-foot private beach at Pointes North is splendid. It’s so easy to lay back on the sand and get into holiday mode here. I think the heated outdoor pool is a major perk; since it faces the bay, parents can lounge in the water while watching the kids build sandcastles.

All of the rooms at Pointes North are set on the beachfront, something only a few of the best hotels in Traverse City can claim. What’s more, they’re all spa rooms too. So, whether you feel like soaking in the two-person spa tub or gazing out at the water, you need only walk to the other side of the room.

This slice of paradise in Northern Michigan is also close to Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park, a great urban public park with a beach and biking trails.