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Cherry Buzz

Aug 11, 2026

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Best Hotels in Traverse City

2026 Guide

Best Hotels in Traverse City – 2026 Lodging Guide

Planning a visit to Northern Michigan and looking for the Best Hotels in Traverse City?

From beachfront resorts overlooking Grand Traverse Bay to comfortable downtown accommodations, family resorts and smaller local properties, Traverse City offers lodging for almost every type of getaway.

 

Discover the Best Hotels in Traverse City

 

Where you stay can make a big difference in your Traverse City experience. Some visitors want to wake up overlooking the bay, while others prefer to be close to downtown restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

 

Our Best Hotels in Traverse City 2026 guide highlights lodging options with strong Google ratings so you can quickly compare popular places and find one that fits your trip.

 

Use the listings below to check each property's Google rating and follow the link for the latest information, reviews, directions and other details.

 

Find the Right Place to Stay

 

The Traverse City area offers accommodations for many different types of trips, including:

 

  • Beachfront hotels and resorts
  • Downtown Traverse City lodging
  • Family-friendly hotels
  • Romantic weekend getaways
  • Hotels near Grand Traverse Bay
  • Resorts with pools and recreation
  • Extended-stay accommodations
  • Boutique hotels and smaller properties
  • Lodging near wineries and attractions
  • Hotels for business and group travel
  •  

Stay Close to Everything Grand Traverse Has to Offer

 

Whether you're planning a summer vacation, fall color tour, wine weekend, family getaway or a quick Up North escape, finding the right accommodations is a great place to start.

 

Captn Cherry & Gus Explore Traverse City

 

Captn Cherry and Gus are always looking for places that help visitors enjoy more of the Grand Traverse area.

 

Our hotel listings are intended to give you a useful starting point based on Google ratings available when the guide was researched. Ratings and other property information can change, so always follow the Google link for the latest rating and details before making a reservation.

 

Find Your Place. Explore Grand Traverse.

 

Once you've found your hotel, the adventure begins. Explore Cherry Buzz for local restaurants, wineries, attractions, events, outdoor activities and other ideas for making the most of your time in the Grand Traverse area.

# Hotel / Lodging Google Rating Google Reviews Link
1 The Sierra Motel 4.9 718 Google Listing
2 Lakemore Resort 4.9 142 Google Hotels
3 Boardwalk Suites & Residences by Kasa 4.7 43 Google Listing
4 The Baywatch Resort 4.5 1,000+ Google Listing
5 Best Western Plus Traverse City 4.5 879 Google Listing
6 Home2 Suites by Hilton Traverse City 4.6 83 Google Listing
7 Cherry Tree Inn & Suites 4.4 1,100+ Google Listing
8 Comfort Inn Traverse City 4.4 693 Google Listing
9 Grand Beach Resort Hotel 4.3 1,100+ Google Listing
10 Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City 4.3 7,600+ Google Listing

 

26 Comments

Join the conversation

  • ML
    Megan L.· Aug 11, 2:21 PM

    Still think camping is the best way in Traverse, but some of these look nice for winter trips.

    • CB
      Cherry BuzzAuthor· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      Camping is such a fun way to experience the area, but for winter stays or added comfort, the hotels and resorts are great alternatives.

  • FM
    Felix Monroe· Aug 11, 1:14 PM

    Can someone recommend a spot good for a romantic weekend? Anniversary coming up.

    • CB
      Cherry BuzzAuthor· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      For a romantic weekend, consider one of the boutique or bay-view hotels, they often offer special packages for couples and stunning views perfect for an anniversary.

  • H
    Harper88· Aug 11, 12:08 PM

    Stayed at an extended stay place last fall, way cheaper for a week. Not fancy but did the job.

  • JP
    Jan P.· Aug 11, 11:02 AM

    Appreciate the Google ratings being included, too many outdated lists out there.

    • CB
      Cherry BuzzAuthor· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      Thanks for noticing! Including up-to-date Google ratings was important to us so readers can make the best choice for their stay.

  • M
    MitchB· Aug 11, 9:56 AM

    Bet some of these don’t even have free parking. Always check the fine print.

    • HS
      Harvey S.· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      MitchBYeah, parking can be a pain. Especially downtown, I learned that the hard way last year.

    • CB
      Cherry BuzzAuthor· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      That's a great tip, parking policies do vary, so it's always wise to check each hotel's details before booking.

  • PG
    Paula Green· Aug 11, 8:49 AM

    Seems like everywhere gets booked fast in July. Pro tip: try late September, less crowded and still pretty.

    • JK
      Jonah K.· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      Paula GreenGood tip! Early October is nice too if you want the fall colors. Less chaos, for sure.

  • LT
    Lynn T.· Aug 11, 7:43 AM

    Grand Traverse Bay sunsets from our hotel room, you can’t beat it.

    • EF
      Eric Fellows· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      Lynn T.That view really is special. We stayed right on the bay for our anniversary and watched the sunset every night.

  • DC
    Darrell C.· Aug 11, 6:37 AM

    Honestly, family resorts are a lifesaver with little kids. Pool and free breakfast = vacation.

    • SV
      Serena V.· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      Darrell C.Totally agree, Darrell. My kids basically live in the pool on vacation. It makes everything so much easier.

    • CB
      Cherry BuzzAuthor· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      We agree, family resorts with amenities like pools and breakfast make things so much easier for parents and kids alike!

  • AF
    Amy Feld· Aug 11, 5:31 AM

    Anyone stayed at one of the boutique hotels? Wondering if it's worth it or just go big hotel.

    • CB
      Cherry BuzzAuthor· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      Boutique hotels can offer a more unique and personalized experience compared to larger hotels. If you like local character and a cozier atmosphere, they’re definitely worth considering.

  • R
    Rex_26· Aug 11, 4:24 AM

    Didn’t know there were hotels right by the wineries. Might have to try that next time.

  • SJ
    Susan Jansen· Aug 11, 3:18 AM

    Downtown is the way to go. You can just walk to everything, no parking hassles.

    • CB
      Cherry BuzzAuthor· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      Downtown lodging definitely makes exploring Traverse City's restaurants, shops, and entertainment a breeze, walkability is a big perk!

  • MD
    Mike D.· Aug 11, 2:12 AM

    Hope they included some pet-friendly spots, our dog goes everywhere with us.

    • TW
      Tonya W.· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      Mike D.Some do! We brought our lab to Traverse City last summer and had no trouble finding a spot. Just have to call ahead to double-check.

  • TW
    Tricia W.· Aug 11, 1:06 AM

    Love going up for cherry fest. Beachfront hotel is my pick every time.

    • CB
      Cherry BuzzAuthor· Aug 11, 3:27 PM

      The beachfront options offer that classic Traverse City experience, especially during events like the Cherry Festival, glad you enjoy them!

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