Looking for the best places to stay near Traverse City, Michigan? Check out the best places to stay for your Northern Michigan vacation:

Why this blog? My name is Maddy and I spent summers growing up visiting the Traverse City area. I’m committed to showing you around the Great Lakes, from Traverse City to Lake Superior (where I live now!)

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Where to stay near Traverse City, Michigan:

From cozy cabins to campsites and lakefront hotels, here are the best places to stay near Traverse City, Michigan!

1) Alexandra Inn

If you’re looking for one of the highest-rated places to stay in Traverse City and want a beach front location check out the Alexandra Inn. This place is great for couples and has a boutique hotel feel and is walking distance from the Reffitt Nature Preserve.

2) Retreat North Tiny Cabins

If you’re looking for a secluded cabin in the woods to stay at while you enjoy Northern Michigan, check out Retreat North Cabins (my stay here was hosted!). These tiny cabins have a private hot tub, sauna access, and really gorgeous forest views and are just North of Michigan’s “Caribbean of the North”, Torch Lake.

The cabins are about an hour from Traverse City, but make for a good spot for anyone looking for a quieter type of Up North vacation, with a day trip in to Traverse City and time on the water.

READ: Best Things to do in Torch Lake, Michigan

3) The Baywatch Resort

The Baywatch Resort, located near the Alexandra Inn, is a slightly larger resort with similar vibes and beachfront access. Keep in mind that with most resorts in the area, beach view rooms tend to be more expensive but the view is definietly worth it in my opinion.

4) Forks State Forest Campground

Forks State Forest Campground is a beautiful rustic campground on the Boardman River, perfect for anyone planning an adventure-ready Traverse City trip. The campground is nestled halfway between the Muncie Lakes Pathway and the Sand Lakes Quiet Area and all sites are first-come, first serve for $20 a night.

This spot has beautiful river access (the Boardman is cold, clear and sandy-bottomed) and has a vault toilet and hand pump for water. There are only nine campsites, so I recommend coming in with a backup plan. There are a handful of State Forest Campgrounds near Traverse City with a similar setup. Also check out Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground.

READ: Best Hiking Near Traverse City

5) Delamar Traverse City

Delamar Traverse City is the best place to stay in Traverse City if you want something beach front and easy walking distance to downtown, and have a flexible budget. Delmar has an upscale feel with a heated pool, sauna, and a restaurant able to accommodate pretty much any dietary restriction and is located right next to sunset park.

6) Park Place Hotel & Conference Center

If you’re looking for a centrally-located hotel in Traverse City to soak up the best of the town, check out Park Place Hotel. Park Place is walking distance from pretty much everything there is to do in Traverse City, from great bars and brewpubs to bookstores and coffee shops.

Personally, I think the best thing about this location is proximity to Hannah Park, where after you grab your morning coffee you can walk the Boardman River. In the fall, be sure to keep an eye out for spawning salmon.

READ: Best Things to do in Traverse City, Michigan

7) Keith J Charters Traverse City State Park

Keith J Charters Traverse City State Park‘s Modern Campground is situated across from the beach at Grand Traverse Bay and is just a quick drive or bike ride from downtown Traverse City. This campground is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a good spot to set up an RV near a beach with wooded campsites.

Additionally, the park has two mini cabins available for any one looking for something cozy, but still budget-friendly.

READ: Best Things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

8) Hotel Indigo Traverse City by IHG

Hotel Indigo Traverse City by IHG is your go-to spot if you’re looking for a place to stay walking distance from downtown Traverse City with a rooftop bar. Really can’t complain about a rooftop bar.

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9) Cherry Tree Inn & Suites

Cherry Tree Inn & Suites is so cute and every time I pass by it I add it to my little “where to stay next time” list. This is a really good location if you’re looking to do winery tours of the Old Mission Peninsula, or generally just a good location to basecamp and explore both the actual city and get out to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and other areas.

Cherry Tree Inn is beachfront, and the views of the lake from the pool look really cool.

Plan more Northern Michigan Adventures:

• Check out the Best Hiking Trails in Michigan (+ maps linked!)
• Planning a beach trip? Here’s a quick guide to some of the best beaches in Michigan!
• Michigan is gorgeous! Check out nine Michigan road trip ideas!

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