Hotels

I grew up in Michigan, and while I loved it in the summer, I had a hard time understanding why people came to visit during the winter. It just gets so cold. However, now that I live in the South, I understand the desire to get a snow fix, and if you want winter weather, you might want to check out one of these hotels in Traverse City, Michigan, which is a tourist destination each month out of the year.

Bayshore Resort Traverse City

Bayshore Resort
833 E Front St,
Traverse City, MI 49686
231.935.4400

Whether it’s winter or summer, if you’re in the area, it’s nice to be on the beach, making the Victorian-style Bayshore Resort a great choice. Plus, it’s within walking distance to the charming downtown, which is great in the summer but even better in the winter, so you don’t have to drive through snow or ice.

According to reviews, they have a unique complimentary breakfast bar, and clean, spacious rooms. However, if you’re hoping for a view from your room, be sure to verify exactly what your view will be. Rates start around $70.

Grand Beach Resort Hotel
1683 US 31N
Traverse City, MI 49686
231.534.6708

This is another hotel with reasonable rates and great reviews. With a heated pool, game room, videos, and breakfast (including gourmet cinnamon rolls and Belgian waffles), it’s really family friendly, leading plenty of people to make going to the Grand Beach Resort Hotel an annual family vacation. Plus, the beach has gotten rave reviews, and we all know how important that is! Rates start at $64.

Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City
3575 North US 31 South
Traverse City, MI 49684
231.941.3600

Want more than a few arcade games to keep your kids busy? You need to look into the Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City — this place has its own waterpark, and it’s open year-round, so even if it’s freezing outdoors, you and your crew can splash it up and have a blast. In addition, they offer an arcade and a story hour at night, which comes in handy if you choose to take advantage of the adults only hot tub.

It doesn’t sound like quite the perfect location for, say, young singles or a couple seeking a romantic giveaway, but it’s hard to imagine finding any place in Michigan more suited for families with young children. All this fun comes at a price, though — rates begin around $154.

Thunder Bay at Great Wolf Lodge