Traverse City is one of the best locations for a beach vacation. It boasts spectacular views of the Grand Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan and has many attractions to offer. Here, you may experience kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and so much more.
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was named the “Most Beautiful Place in America” a few years ago, making it a must-visit. If you’re here during November, you can enjoy the Traverse City Beer Week. Some vineyards here include Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery. For a scenic stay, read on for the top lakefront hotels in Traverse City, Michigan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to lake. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Bayshore Resort (from USD 88)
Choose this charming hotel with an indoor pool and private beach area to soak in the sun. This property provides air-conditioned cozy rooms with free WiFi, beverage makers, and breathtaking views of the bay from some rooms. Soak in the hot tub to unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing.
This family-friendly hotel also has laundry facilities and daily housekeeping to ensure your hygiene. With restaurants and fast food chains nearby, you’re spoilt for a choice of meals.
Bayshore Resort
Address: 833 East Front Street
4.49 km (2.8 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean rooms wish they had microwave in roomit is always clean and reasonably priced (in the off season)Host:
very friendly staff nice how decorated for christmas quiet close to downtown and beachRead more reviewsLocation:
we loved how walkable it is to downtown traverse city from this hotel
2. Delamar Traverse City (from USD 159)
Spend your vacation right by the gorgeous Clinch Park Beach when staying in this hotel. While some rooms in this hotel offer spectacular views of the bay, you can rest assured about the comfort of all the accommodation options. Moreover, it is close to the airport, and its central location lets you enjoy several surrounding attractions such as the Centre Ice Arena and Clinch Park.
Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast to start your day right. Then hop into the hot tub or sauna to unwind after a day of outdoor activities such as zip lining and hiking.
Delamar Traverse City
Address: 615 E Front Street
4.12 km (2.6 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
kids loved the indoor and outdoor pools and the food was surprisingly pretty goodthe pools were clean and greatCleanliness:
hotel was clean but due to covid housekeeping didn’t clean the room everyday which was finethe hotel and room was very nice and cleanHost:
staff very friendly and helpfulwe had the best experience ever the beach literally next door and the staff is amazingRead more reviewsLocation:
the location to downtown is excellentgreat location in traverse citygreat location and outdoor areathe location is lovelylocation right on the water was fantastic walking distance to downtown and lakefront super pool for the kidsEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
3. Hotel Indigo Traverse City, an IHG Hotel (from USD 129)
This lakefront hotel close to Clinch Park Beach provides air-conditioned rooms, with some having gorgeous bay views. This 3.5-star hotel is located in the shopping district and has on-site shopping and golfing facilities. Enjoy American cuisine and happy hours in the in-house restaurants, too.
The rooms are spacious and boast dedicated workspaces for your convenience. If you are craving outdoor adventure during winter, you can go skiing and snowshoeing near here. It is also close to culturally significant areas such as the Old Town Playhouse and City Opera House.
Hotel Indigo Traverse City, an IHG Hotel
Address: 263 W Grandview Parkway
3.46 km (2.2 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it was very clean and close to all attractionswe enjoyed the stay and the hotel is modern and cleanthis was our first stay at the hotel indigo and it did not disappoint very clean comfortable and spaciousHost:
and the location was perfect staff was so friendly and the restaurant had a wonderful breakfast menuRead more reviewsLocation:
great location the reviews are correct about the road noisegreat location and the lobby is very inviting
Other lakefront accommodations in Traverse City, Michigan
4. East Bay Escape (from USD 398)
Stay at this unique house with hexagonal interiors and enjoy a long stretch before the East Grand Traverse Bay. You’ll witness spectacular waterfront views from the dining area, living room, and kitchen. This place is perfect for bigger travel groups and families.
Get free gym access and several discounts on bus reservations, nearby outdoor activities, and other rental services. Spend a peaceful vacation by the lake with a local quiet time that adds to the serenity of this location.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very comfortable and cleanRead more reviewsLocation:
roomy house with great location on the lake
5. Boardman Ridge Penthouse (from USD 226)
This condo above the Broadman Lake Trail can host up to four guests. Savor the gorgeous lake views, especially from the bright living area with huge windows. You can visit with kids as provisions for children are present. Unwind amidst the calm serenity of the location from your private patio and outdoor seating.
There’s a dining table and an island with chairs. The spacious house allows everyone in your group to spread and relax. The kitchen has all the necessary devices and cooking basics. Internet and parking are also available for your ease.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the living room has a huge couch a couple of chairs large tv and fireplacethe second bedroom had a very comfortable queen bed and two large closetsa nice open floor plan with a fully furnished kitchen a sit at island and dining room tablethe king bed was very comfortableCleanliness:
we had a terrific time and this beautifully decorated impeccably clean and super cozy spacious condo style vacation propertyit was so bright airy comfortable and immaculately cleanwe cannot say enough good things this place was very nice and cleanHost:
katy was attentive helpful and very knowledgeable regarding the areathe property manager was incredibly responsive attentive and wonderful to work withcheck-in was simple and the owner and management company are extremely friendly and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
very clean and new the location is awesome
6. Island View Cottages (from USD 110)
Island View Cottages offer a peaceful retreat amidst the greens with a magnificent beach view. Enjoy direct waterfront access through a dock. The host also offers other cottages and larger houses with beach access that can host bigger travel groups if you wish.
Commuting from downtown Traverse City is made easy with free on-site parking and its proximity to brew buses for wine tours. The cottage consists of a well-equipped kitchen and a well-stocked bathroom. Heating, cooling, and more are present to keep your stay secure and family-friendly.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the room was greatgood small touches like sand toys grills foot buckets kitchen items fire pits etcCleanliness:
clean and just steps to the beachthe beach is clean and a nice spotthe cottages were clean neat and welcomingright on the beach which is clean and clear watercozy & clean with a vintage family summer cottage vibeHost:
friendly staff and other gueststhe hosts were communicating super quicklyhosts were very friendly and called before check in to make themselves availabletom was also very kind and responsive whenever we needed anythingi felt comfortable safe and the staff were helpful with suggestions for the areaRead more reviewsLocation:
cute cozy and close to everythingbeautiful location in a very rustic cabinit is the perfect location in traverse cityclose to restaurants quiet and an amazing location next to the beachnica area and close to the fun
7. Private house with gorgeous bay views (from USD 635)
Enjoy scenic views of the bay from the rooftop deck or head straight to the beach, located just steps away from this private accommodation. The Broadman River offers great hiking and fly fishing experience, while Bayfront Park offers rental for bikes, kayaks, and more for your outdoor adventures.
Enjoy quality time with your peers with the outdoor barbeque grill. Relax in the private hot tub with a gas fire pit on the deck to add to the aesthetics. There’s a well-stocked gourmet kitchen for meals and over 30 eateries nearby to satisfy your taste buds.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean definitely would recommendit is extremely clean comfortable and spaciouseverything was clean and comfortable and felt like home away from homespotless beautiful design and great deck viewsHost:
bob provided great trips on the area and was very responsive to a few questions we hadRead more reviewsLocation:
we could walk to downtown easilyperfect location central to everything in traverse citythis is an amazing home close to downtown and the water
Superhost
8. Cozy loft located downtown (from USD 250)
This loft has gorgeous waterfront views from the recently renovated porch on the second floor. Live in the historic Darrow building, one of the best locations for tourists to explore the surrounding region. Access the downtown restaurants and amenities easily from this location or go for wine tours.
This accommodation has all the necessary arrangements and family-friendly amenities for a comfortable stay. The outdoor area features barbeque facilities, and the kitchen is well-furnished with all necessities. WiFi and parking facilities are also available.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we loved the view & the roomy comfortable living room & kitchencharming apartment with unbelievable sunriseit’s so cozy and the view of the bay is awesomethe beds were comfortable and there was plenty of space to spread outCleanliness:
the house was clean and well stocked with sheets blankets towels and dishesit was very clean and the beds were extremely comfortablethe airbnb itself was very clean and nicely decoratedit was super clean and had everything we neededthe place was cleanHost:
the hosts were great and responded very promptlyanna is a great host and super responsiveexceeded expectations and also a great hostplenty of space and the hosts were very helpful and responded quicklyRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is greatwonderful space with an ideal locationwalking distance from beaches restaurants and attractionsit's in a great location to explore the entire areanice location and quieter than i was expecting
Visit Traverse City, Michigan!
Plan a trip to this spectacular location as soon as possible. For a comfortable and affordable stay, consult the above listing for the best lakefront options and enjoy.
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