Traverse City is Michigan’s great escape, the cherry capital of the world nestled on the state’s northern coast and surrounded by sandy dunes and beaches and filled with luxury resorts welcoming travelers to Pure Michigan.
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Now a bustling tourist destination, Traverse City started its life in 1852 as a remote sawmill town. In fact, it wasn’t until 1864 that roads were built to provide an alternative to arriving by water. Today it is a popular ski destination in the winter and beach destination in the summer. It is surrounded by wineries and golf courses and filled with hotels that range from quirky bed and breakfasts to world-class resorts. Their oldest and most iconic annual event, The National Cherry Festival, takes place over eight days each July.
Grand Beach & Sugar Beach Resort Hotels
It’s not hard to understand why guests rave about these two sister beach-front properties with a variety of rooms to fit the needs of many different travelers. With their 300 feet of beach frontage, private balconies and heated indoor swimming pool and hot tub, the sister properties offer luxury for travelers year-round. If you’re traveling with a larger family or group, they also provide multiple bedroom townhouses and villas that sleep 8 to 10. They serve daily continental breakfasts and have partnered with local restaurants such as Apache Trout Grill, West End Tavern, The Omelette Shoppe and Boones Prime Time Pub to keep guests well fed. Prices from $79 per night (off-season).
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
One of the Grand Dames of Traverse City hospitality, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa had a humble beginning when its owner built a small 9-hole golf course in 1967. Now it is part of the luxury brand KSL Recreation Corporation, and it features three golf courses, tennis courts, two swimming pools, multiple restaurants and a luxurious, full-service spa. The spa is a favorite for guests and locals alike and provides a wide range of services including wellness packages. In addition to massages, facials, hydrotherapy, manicures and pedicures, they also do hair artistry, waxing and men’s services. Want to know more about the resort before you go? Tune in to their Barefoot Podcast, the official lifestyle podcast of the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Prices from $121 a night.
The Baywatch Resort
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With its private beach on the shores of East Bay, The Baywatch Resort offers luxurious comfort in its 35 luxury suites. Take your pick from suites that contain bubbler spa tubs, balconies with a view of the lake and pillow-top beds or others that have patios and multiple king-size beds. The resort’s private sandy beach welcomes guests with its beach chairs and umbrellas. The resort will even provide the beach towels. They’ve also installed a texting service so guests can easily make requests and the front desk can communicate room availability. Prices from $85 a night (off-season).
Hotel Indigo
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The Hotel Indigo is a stylish and modern boutique hotel in the heart of Traverse city. Featuring 107 rooms and suites with balconies overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, it caters to business travelers while welcoming leisure guests. If you’re traveling there in the winter, you’ll appreciate their heated parking garage. Guestrooms feature triple sheeting on the beds, a large working desk with an ergonomic chair and spa features in the bathroom. Their full-service restaurant Warehouse KiTChen + Cork features American cuisine for breakfast and dinner. H &L Social is a seasonal rooftop venue that serves food and beverage when weather permits.
Pinestead Reef and Resort
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The four-star Pinestead Reef and Resort offers 46 spacious condominiums ranging from one bedroom to three, all with full kitchens, living areas and private balconies over looking the sandy beach and lake. Michigan’s first time-share resort, it features 700 feet of beach, an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, tennis courts and picnic and barbecue areas. There is also a playground and game room. Prices from $99 (off-season).