Where to Stay in Traverse City: Top Hotels Near Downtown and Along The Bay
Looking for the best places to stay in Traverse City? From walkable downtown hotels near Front Street to waterfront stays right along Grand Traverse Bay, there’s a wide range of options for every type of traveler.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best places to stay in Traverse City, from boutique hotels to full-service resorts, to help you find the right fit for your trip.
I’ve rounded up the best Traverse City hotels, including downtown stays, beachfront properties, resorts, and budget-friendly options, to help you choose the perfect home base for your trip.
If you’re planning a short visit, check out my 2-Day Traverse City Itinerary for easy trip planning.
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Downtown Traverse City Hotels
Staying downtown puts you within walking distance of Front Street shops, restaurants, Clinch Park, and the waterfront. This is a great choice for anyone who loves the idea of heading out our your door to enjoy dinner downtown – no car needed.
Hotel Indigo Traverse City
Hotel Indigo Traverse City is a modern, boutique hotel in the Warehouse District, just a short walk from downtown and the waterfront. From here, it’s easy to head over to nearby shops and restaurants.
Best of all, the Hotel Indigo has one of the few rooftop bars in Traverse City, with gorgeous views of Grand Traverse Bay. It’s a great spot to relax at the end of the day while enjoying a drink and watching the sun go down.
Hotel Indigo also has an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and comfortable, updated rooms.
Find Hotel Indigo at 263 W Grandview Parkway in Traverse City.
Park Place Hotel and Conference Center
The historic The Park Place Hotel and Conference Center, built in 1930, sits right in the center of downtown Traverse City. This location makes it easy to explore downtown on foot. From here, you’re just steps from Front Street shops and restaurants, as well as local favorites like the City Opera House and the historic State Theatre.
The Beacon Lounge on the 10th floor is a highlight, offering drinks, small plates, and live music with beautiful views of Grand Traverse Bay at sunset. There’s also an on-site restaurant, Minerva’s, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Park Place also offers a complimentary shuttle to Cherry Capital Airport. The Park Place is located at 300 E State Street, Traverse City.
Boardwalk Suites & Residences
Boardwalk Suites & Residences is one of the newer places to stay in downtown Traverse City, offering a modern, apartment-style option right in the heart of the city. Located just a block from Front Street, it’s an easy walk to some of Traverse City’s best restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and breweries, with Grand Traverse Bay and the TART Trail close by.
The suites are designed with full kitchens, in-unit laundry, and comfortable, well-furnished living spaces, making them a great option for longer stays or anyone who wants a little more room to spread out.
This is also a more tech-forward stay, with self check-in through a virtual front desk starting at 4 pm and 24/7 guest support via text, giving you flexibility without a traditional front desk setup. With its central location and modern amenities, Boardwalk Suites works especially well if you want a downtown stay that feels a bit more like home.
Boardwalk Suites is located at 232 East State Street in downtown Traverse City.
Traverse City Waterfront Hotels
If lake views and beach access are high on your list, staying right along Grand Traverse Bay is hard to beat. Many waterfront hotels offer pools, easy access to the beach, and balconies overlooking the shore.
It’s the perfect choice for visitors who want to start their morning with sunrise over the water while savoring a good cup of coffee.
Delamar Traverse City
Delamar Traverse City is a stylish waterfront hotel in downtown Traverse City, offering easy access to Front Street, local restaurants, and nearby beaches. Its central location makes it a strong choice for travelers who want to explore the city on foot, and it’s just steps from Sunset Park Beach.
The setting is especially memorable in the evening, with waterfront dining and cocktails available on-site. In the warmer months, guests can enjoy live music on the outdoor patio while taking in sunset views over West Grand Traverse Bay.
The Delamar is also a great year-round option. The heated outdoor pool stays open in winter, allowing guests to relax in the warm water and enjoy poolside cabanas, with food and drinks available from the hotel’s restaurant and bar.
Located at 615 East Front Street, the Delamar combines walkability, waterfront access, and upscale amenities in one convenient downtown location. The hotels offers complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport.
Sugar Beach Resort Hotel
Sugar Beach Resort Hotel is a family-friendly option located directly on the sandy shoreline of Grand Traverse Bay, making it a great pick for travelers who want easy beach access. If starting the day with lake views sounds appealing, this property delivers — mornings are especially nice here, with beautiful sunrise views right from the beach.
Guests can relax year-round thanks to the heated indoor pool and hot tub, plus a fitness center for those who like to stay active during their trip. It’s a comfortable place to stay year round.
You’ll find Sugar Beach at 1773 US-31 North, conveniently located near popular spots like Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park and Traverse City State Park.
Alexandra Inn
The Alexandra Inn is a locally owned waterfront boutique hotel overlooking East Grand Traverse Bay, known for personalized service and a more intimate atmosphere with just 32 guest rooms. It’s a great place to stay for couples who want a quieter stay. With its private beach and direct water access, it offers a peaceful setting that feels luxurious yet relaxed.
One of the standout features is the Blush Rooftop Terrace, where guests can enjoy panoramic bay views. It’s an especially great spot for sunsets, especially during the fall season when colorful foliage reflects across the water.
The Alexandra Inn is located at 2227 US-31 in Traverse City.
Baywatch Resort
Baywatch Resort is a newer waterfront hotel set along the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay, offering a relaxed stay with direct access to their private beach. It’s a great option if you’re looking to spend time right on the water, with beach chairs, umbrellas, and even toys available for guests during the warmer months.
The rooms are bright and modern, and many include balconies overlooking the lake—an easy spot to start your morning or wind down at the end of the day. In the summer, it’s an easygoing place to enjoy the beach, while in the quieter winter months, it works just as well for a peaceful getaway.
The Baywatch also makes a convenient base for winter trips. Located just a couple miles from Mount Holiday Ski Area, this hotel you quick access to skiing while still being close to downtown Traverse City.
The Baywatch is located at 1529 US 31 North in Traverse City, and has a free airport shuttle.
Resort-Style Stays Near Traverse City
These hotels are best for travelers seeking a more all-inclusive feel and are interested in amenities like wine tasting, golf, spas, pools, or family activities.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is one of the largest and most well-known places to stay near Traverse City, offering a full resort experience just seven miles from downtown. The property offers a wide range of amenities.
The resort is especially popular with golfers thanks to its three championship courses, including the renowned The Bear Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus. Guests will also enjoy a full-service spa, multiple restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, and tennis and pickleball courts.
Grand Traverse Resort works well for travelers who want everything all in one place while still being within easy reach of downtown Traverse City.
The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is located at 100 Grand Traverse Village Boulevard in Acme. The airport is located approximately 10 minutes away, and you can arrange for shuttle service through the resort’s bell stand.
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge is one of the most family-focused places to stay in Traverse City, especially if you’re traveling with kids. The resort is built around a large indoor water park, so an overnight stay comes with hours of built-in entertainment regardless of the season.
The water park includes slides, splash zones for younger kids, a lazy river, and a wave pool, making it easy for families to spend an entire afternoon without leaving the resort. At the center of it all is Fort Mackenzie, an interactive treehouse packed with rope bridges, water toys, and a giant tipping bucket that sends water cascading down every few minutes.
Even outside the water park, there’s plenty happening around the property. Families will find activities like bowling, mini golf, an arcade, and a climbing wall, along with themed events such as story time and character appearances that keep younger travelers entertained.
Dining is easy as well, with several casual restaurants and snack spots located inside the resort. With so much available on-site, Great Wolf Lodge works well for families who want a place where the kids can stay busy while parents relax.
Find Great Wolf Lodge at 3575 N US Highway 31 South, Traverse City.
The Inn At Black Star Farms
The Inn at Black Star Farms is one of the most unique places to stay near Traverse City, set right on a winery estate in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to be immersed in a wine country experience.
Stays include a bottle of house wine, a daily hospitality hour with small bites, complimentary tastings, and a gourmet breakfast. With vineyards surrounding the property and several wineries just minutes away, it’s an easy place to settle in and enjoy the slower pace of the peninsula.
The address for Black Star Farms is 10844 E Revold Road in Suttons Bay, about 20 miles outside of Traverse City.
Comfortable Hotels Just Outside Downtown
Good mid-range lodging options are available that are just a short drive from downtown.
Cambria Hotel Traverse City
Cambria Hotel Traverse City is a modern, comfortable hotel near the base of Old Mission Peninsula, making it especially convenient if wine tasting is on your itinerary. From here, it’s an easy drive to the peninsula’s wineries while still being close to downtown and the shores of Grand Traverse Bay.
What sets the Cambria apart is Reflect Bistro, the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Their culinary team focuses on fresh, farm-to-table ingredients, and the menu has earned a reputation as one of Traverse City’s top-rated dining spots. Locals consider it a hidden gem, and the happy hour menu draws a regular crowd seven days a week. We especially love their charcuterie boards!
The Cambria has an indoor pool, on-site fitness center, and a free shuttle to Cherry Capital Airport between the hours of 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
Cambria Hotel is located at 255 Munson Avenue in Traverse City.
Hampton Inn Traverse City
Hampton Inn Traverse City is a reliable, mid-range choice for travelers who want a convenient home base to stay close to downtown Traverse City. Located along the main corridor into town, it’s just a four mile drive to the shops and restaurants along Front Street and only five minutes to the airport.
It’s also right across the highway from the Traverse City State Park Beach, making it easy to spend time by the water.
Rooms are clean and comfortable. Guests at the hotel can enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and a complimentary hot breakfast.
The Hampton is located at 1000 U.S 31 North, at the intersection of Three Mile Road. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to the airport between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Traverse City
If you’re trying to keep costs down, there are still plenty of solid places to stay in Traverse City that offer a convenient location without a high price tag.
Travelodge by Wyndham Traverse City
Travelodge by Wyndham Traverse City is a budget-friendly option for travelers looking for a simple, affordable place to stay. Located along the main route into town, it offers easy access to downtown Traverse City, the shops and restaurants on Front Street, and the beaches of Grand Traverse Bay.
One of the biggest perks here is that the hotel is pet-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your dog behind while visiting northern Michigan. If you’re looking for a practical, no-frills place to sleep while spending most of your time out exploring the area, Travelodge offers a convenient and budget-conscious home base.
Travelodge is located at 704 Munson Avenue in Traverse City.
Where We Recommend Staying for Your Traverse City Visit
If you’re visiting Traverse City for just a couple of days, staying close to downtown just might make the most sense. Many of the highlights in my itinerary — from strolling the shops along Front Street to exploring the Village at Grand Traverse Commons — are only a short walk or quick drive away.
A downtown or nearby waterfront hotel also makes it easy to head out for dinner, grab ice cream, or take a sunset walk along Grand Traverse Bay. With so much packed into a two-day visit, having a central home base lets you spend less time driving and more time enjoying the city.
Need a rental car while you’re in town? DiscoverCars has you covered!
Final Thoughts on Choosing Where to Stay in Traverse City
Where you stay in Traverse City really comes down to the kind of trip you want. Downtown hotels put you close to the action, while waterfront stays offer easy access to the beach and time by the water.
No matter which you choose, having the right home base helps you make the most of your time here. And if you’re planning a quick visit, you can use my 2-Day Traverse City itinerary to map out each day and see more of what makes this area special.
