Michigan is a paradise for nature lovers and urban amenity aficionados alike. It’s surrounded by three of the Great Lakes, blanketed in forests and dunes, and bejeweled with vibrant cities and towns – all begging to be explored. There’s no better way to do so than booking a stay for yourself and your favorite travel companion, or the whole family for that matter, and venturing out to experience all the Great Lakes State has to offer. Check out some of the best places to stay in Michigan – from the Detroit metropolitan area to the top of the Upper Peninsula – for yourself.
Table of ContentsBest Affordable Places to Stay in MichiganBest Places to Stay in Michigan for FamiliesBest Romantic Places to Stay in Michigan for CouplesBest Places to Stay in Traverse CityBest Places to Stay Near Escanaba
Best Affordable Places to Stay in Michigan
You don’t have to break the bank on a weekend getaway or vacation rentals in Michigan. In fact, you can choose from any number of rental cabins, condos, apartments, and homes that cost less than $100 per night.
- Cozy Waterfront Cottage, Erie Management/VRBO Location: Erie, MI Size: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath Price: $93/night Amenities: Deck, hot tub, dock, grill, kayaks, access to Lake Erie Ratings: 5.0 stars This cozy waterfront cottage on a peninsula near Lake Erie, south of Detroit, boasts a lot of bang for the buck and is ready for your long weekend getaway or weeklong vacation. With vaulted ceilings and updated amenities, this property is the perfect escape for nature lovers, but it’s only 10 minutes from all that downtown Toledo has to offer. Cozy Waterfront Cottage, Erie, MI 2. Beautiful Carriage House, Washtenaw County Management/VRBO Location: Washtenaw County, MI Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath Price: $90/night Amenities: Fire pit, gazebo, updated kitchen, internet Ratings: 5.0 stars A stay in this beautiful carriage house in the woods won’t put a hurt on your wallet. With an updated kitchen and a fire pit, this rental is close to several golf courses, theaters, and botanical gardens. Plus, with its proximity to both Detroit and Ann Arbor, it makes a perfect base camp for both University of Michigan home games and Motor City nightlife. Beautiful Carriage House, Washtenaw County, MI
Best Places to Stay in Michigan for Families
Michigan is a fantastic state for a family vacation, with a broad range of accommodations in some fantastic settings. Lakefront cabins are among the most popular types of lodging for families in Michigan as the outdoor spaces supplement the indoor square footage, permitting folks to spread out and enjoy themselves.
Management/VRBO
Location: Erie, MI Size: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath Price: $93/night Amenities: Deck, hot tub, dock, grill, kayaks, access to Lake Erie Ratings: 5.0 stars This cozy waterfront cottage on a peninsula near Lake Erie, south of Detroit, boasts a lot of bang for the buck and is ready for your long weekend getaway or weeklong vacation. With vaulted ceilings and updated amenities, this property is the perfect escape for nature lovers, but it’s only 10 minutes from all that downtown Toledo has to offer.
Cozy Waterfront Cottage, Erie, MI
Location: Washtenaw County, MI Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath Price: $90/night Amenities: Fire pit, gazebo, updated kitchen, internet Ratings: 5.0 stars A stay in this beautiful carriage house in the woods won’t put a hurt on your wallet. With an updated kitchen and a fire pit, this rental is close to several golf courses, theaters, and botanical gardens. Plus, with its proximity to both Detroit and Ann Arbor, it makes a perfect base camp for both University of Michigan home games and Motor City nightlife.
Beautiful Carriage House, Washtenaw County, MI
- Lakefront Luxury Lodge, Cheboygan Management/VRBO Location: Cheboygan, MI Size: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths Price: $200/night Amenities: Open kitchen, porch, hot tub, fire pit, outdoor dining area, beach Ratings: 4.9 stars With gorgeous Lake Huron views, this lakefront luxury cabin is a perfect place for a family vacation. The rustic log home sleeps up to eight people and boasts more than 2,200 square feet of living space - and even more outdoor space to play in. Cheboygan, MI 49721, USA 4. Beautiful Home on a High Bluff, Ludington Management/VRBO Location: Ludington, MI Size: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths Price: $443/night Amenities: Fire pit, lake views, game room, outdoor grilling area Ratings: 5.0 stars You won’t believe the views when you walk into this bluff-top home with sweeping Lake Michigan vistas from almost every room. The vacation home’s four bedrooms and 2,220 square feet of living space can accommodate up to 12 people. Walk along the bluff, play ping pong or darts in the game room, or enjoy a crackling blaze at the fire pit. Ludington, MI 49431, USA
Best Romantic Places to Stay in Michigan for Couples
With so many romantic places to stay in Michigan, couples have an almost endless variety of options when selecting accommodations for a cozy getaway. From beachfront cottages to luxury condos and cabins tucked away in the woods, you and your favorite travel companion are certain to find a spot perfect for a romantic interlude in the Great Lakes State.
Location: Cheboygan, MI Size: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths Price: $200/night Amenities: Open kitchen, porch, hot tub, fire pit, outdoor dining area, beach Ratings: 4.9 stars With gorgeous Lake Huron views, this lakefront luxury cabin is a perfect place for a family vacation. The rustic log home sleeps up to eight people and boasts more than 2,200 square feet of living space - and even more outdoor space to play in.
Cheboygan, MI 49721, USA
Location: Ludington, MI Size: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths Price: $443/night Amenities: Fire pit, lake views, game room, outdoor grilling area Ratings: 5.0 stars You won’t believe the views when you walk into this bluff-top home with sweeping Lake Michigan vistas from almost every room. The vacation home’s four bedrooms and 2,220 square feet of living space can accommodate up to 12 people. Walk along the bluff, play ping pong or darts in the game room, or enjoy a crackling blaze at the fire pit.
Ludington, MI 49431, USA
- Beachfront Nest, Union Pier Management/VRBO Location: Union Pier, MI Size: 1 bedrooms, 2 baths Price: $450/night Amenities: Outdoor hot tub, Jacuzzi whirlpool, 2 fireplaces, free wifi, private deck, beachfront Ratings: 5.0 stars The Nest offers all you might hope for in a romantic beachfront getaway: beachfront elegance, views across Lake Michigan to the Chicago skyline (on clear days and nights), a fireplace, private beach access, and an outdoor hot tub. In addition to all the modern amenities you’d expect, including smart TVs, internet, and cable, you and your partner will also appreciate the king-size memory foam bed with lake views and a gas fireplace. Beachfront Nest, Union Pier, MI 6. Nature Preserve Cottage, Charlevoix Management/VRBO Location: Charlevoix, MI Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath Price: $145/night Amenities: Outdoor hot tub, fireplaces, private wooded yard, fire pit, nature trails Ratings: 5.0 stars Active couples will love this nature preserve cottage which is within easy walking distance of many outdoor activities, and a five-minute drive from amenities like restaurants and ice cream. Walk to the Lake Michigan dunes, ride the biking trails, hike the Mt. McSauba nature preserve (or hit the trails in winter for some cross-country skiing or exploring with the provided snowshoes), tee off at one of the nearby golf courses, or schuss the day away at Mt. McSauba ski area. Then head back to the cottage for a hot tub, and cozy up with a glass of wine and a warm-up near the indoor fireplace or with s’mores at the fire pit in the wooded backyard. Nature Preserve Cottage, Charlevoix, MI
Best Places to Stay in Traverse City
Traverse City, located near the tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, is one of the state’s most popular getaway destinations. Located on aptly-named Traverse Bay, Traverse City is the jumping-off point for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and is within easy driving distance of the quaint tourist destinations of Charlevoix and Petoskey, and it’s home to some of the most charming accommodation in Michigan – as well as top-notch restaurants, breweries, and wineries.
Location: Union Pier, MI Size: 1 bedrooms, 2 baths Price: $450/night Amenities: Outdoor hot tub, Jacuzzi whirlpool, 2 fireplaces, free wifi, private deck, beachfront Ratings: 5.0 stars The Nest offers all you might hope for in a romantic beachfront getaway: beachfront elegance, views across Lake Michigan to the Chicago skyline (on clear days and nights), a fireplace, private beach access, and an outdoor hot tub. In addition to all the modern amenities you’d expect, including smart TVs, internet, and cable, you and your partner will also appreciate the king-size memory foam bed with lake views and a gas fireplace.
Beachfront Nest, Union Pier, MI
Location: Charlevoix, MI Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath Price: $145/night Amenities: Outdoor hot tub, fireplaces, private wooded yard, fire pit, nature trails Ratings: 5.0 stars Active couples will love this nature preserve cottage which is within easy walking distance of many outdoor activities, and a five-minute drive from amenities like restaurants and ice cream. Walk to the Lake Michigan dunes, ride the biking trails, hike the Mt. McSauba nature preserve (or hit the trails in winter for some cross-country skiing or exploring with the provided snowshoes), tee off at one of the nearby golf courses, or schuss the day away at Mt. McSauba ski area. Then head back to the cottage for a hot tub, and cozy up with a glass of wine and a warm-up near the indoor fireplace or with s’mores at the fire pit in the wooded backyard.
Nature Preserve Cottage, Charlevoix, MI
- Boardman River Retreat, Mayfield Management/VRBO Location: Mayfield, MI Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths Price: $393/night Amenities: Fireplace, hot tub, kayaks, tubes, waterfront patio Ratings: 4.8 stars Built in 1955, this gorgeous log home sits directly on the Boardman River, a blue-ribbon trout stream, and is only about a 10-minute drive from Traverse City. The home’s three bedrooms and 3,500 square feet of living space can sleep up to eight people. Paddle or tube the river, fish, relax in the hot tub, or kick back in front of the massive stone fireplace. Mayfield, MI 49696, USA 8. Leelanau Therapy, Elmwood Charter Township Management/VRBO Location: Elmwood Charter Township, MI Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 Price: $280/night Amenities: Outdoor hot tub, Jacuzzi whirlpool bath, fire pit, two suites Ratings: 5.0 stars Perfect for a family getaway or a romantic weekend, this secluded home offers solitude and space. The property can sleep up to eight people, but a couple could just as easily ensconce themselves in one of the main guest rooms and enjoy the en suite whirlpool, king bed, mirrored ceiling, and balcony. No matter how many people join you, everyone will enjoy the outdoor hot tub and fire pit, as well as the nearby trails and wineries and the close proximity to Traverse City. Elmwood Charter Township, Elmwood Charter Twp, MI, USA
Best Places to Stay Near Escanaba
Escanaba is a charming town in northern Michigan – on the Upper Peninsula – that’s situated on the shores of Lake Michigan and surrounded by state and national forests, state parks, ski resorts, and strands of sandy beach. Michiganders and folks from throughout the Midwest flock to Escanaba, where they can stay in some of the most charming vacation rentals in Michigan, for weekend escapes and longer getaways all year long.
Location: Mayfield, MI Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths Price: $393/night Amenities: Fireplace, hot tub, kayaks, tubes, waterfront patio Ratings: 4.8 stars Built in 1955, this gorgeous log home sits directly on the Boardman River, a blue-ribbon trout stream, and is only about a 10-minute drive from Traverse City. The home’s three bedrooms and 3,500 square feet of living space can sleep up to eight people. Paddle or tube the river, fish, relax in the hot tub, or kick back in front of the massive stone fireplace.
Mayfield, MI 49696, USA
Location: Elmwood Charter Township, MI Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 Price: $280/night Amenities: Outdoor hot tub, Jacuzzi whirlpool bath, fire pit, two suites Ratings: 5.0 stars Perfect for a family getaway or a romantic weekend, this secluded home offers solitude and space. The property can sleep up to eight people, but a couple could just as easily ensconce themselves in one of the main guest rooms and enjoy the en suite whirlpool, king bed, mirrored ceiling, and balcony. No matter how many people join you, everyone will enjoy the outdoor hot tub and fire pit, as well as the nearby trails and wineries and the close proximity to Traverse City.
Elmwood Charter Township, Elmwood Charter Twp, MI, USA
- Rapid River Lodge, Rapid River, MI Management/VRBO Location: Rapid River, MI Size: 55 bedrooms, 4 baths Price: $343/night Amenities: Fire pit, river views, fireplace, outdoor hot tub, game room, waterfall Ratings: 4.9 stars Tucked onto 40 Hiawatha National Forest acres, Rapid River Lodge is the perfect Upper Peninsula rental for a family vacation - or even a family reunion. The riverfront property can accommodate up to 20 people who will enjoy the large outdoor fire pit, the 80-foot deck, and listening to the small waterfall on the river adjacent to the property. The large field stone fireplace and game room with bumper pool and air hockey will keep folks happy when they’re indoors, too. Rapid River, MI 49878, USA 10. La Casita del Bosque, Wetmore Management/VRBO Location: Wetmore, MI Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths Price: $486/night Amenities: Fireplace, pizza oven, kayaks, lakefront, sauna, outdoor grilling area Ratings: 4.8 stars Ideally situated between Escanaba and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this luxury lake home is a secluded escape. With 11.5 acres and a spring-fed lake to explore, you’ll find plenty to do on the property, itself - but you’ll also enjoy its proximity to the Hiawatha National Forest, Pictured Rocks, Munising, and Escanaba. Michigan, USA
Clearly, these are only a few examples of the best places to stay in Michigan and far from a comprehensive list. Hopefully, a stay at one of these accommodations will whet your appetite to get out and discover other cabins, homes, and cottages that could be listed among the best places to stay in the Great Lakes State. One of the best ways to explore the available accommodation and vacation rentals in Michigan is to hit the road.
Location: Rapid River, MI Size: 55 bedrooms, 4 baths Price: $343/night Amenities: Fire pit, river views, fireplace, outdoor hot tub, game room, waterfall Ratings: 4.9 stars Tucked onto 40 Hiawatha National Forest acres, Rapid River Lodge is the perfect Upper Peninsula rental for a family vacation - or even a family reunion. The riverfront property can accommodate up to 20 people who will enjoy the large outdoor fire pit, the 80-foot deck, and listening to the small waterfall on the river adjacent to the property. The large field stone fireplace and game room with bumper pool and air hockey will keep folks happy when they’re indoors, too.
Rapid River, MI 49878, USA
Location: Wetmore, MI Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths Price: $486/night Amenities: Fireplace, pizza oven, kayaks, lakefront, sauna, outdoor grilling area Ratings: 4.8 stars Ideally situated between Escanaba and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this luxury lake home is a secluded escape. With 11.5 acres and a spring-fed lake to explore, you’ll find plenty to do on the property, itself - but you’ll also enjoy its proximity to the Hiawatha National Forest, Pictured Rocks, Munising, and Escanaba.
Michigan, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
More Unique Getaways And Vacation Rentals In Michigan December 23, 2022 Trent Jonas What are the best unique hotels in Michigan?
The best unique hotels in Michigan are those that create an unforgettable experience - that’s what makes them unique. So, whether it’s the quirkiness of the property, the history or Victorian architecture, or the sheer elegance of the accommodation, in Michigan, you’re certain to find a unique stay that speaks to your taste and will leave you with lifelong memories. Here is a handful of examples of the types of charming and unique hotels you can find in the Great Lakes State.
Doherty Hotel, Clare, MI Old Mission Inn, Traverse City, MI Bear Cove Inn, St. Ignace, MI The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI Old Harbor Inn and Caboose Inn, South Haven, MI Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Acme, MI
In addition to these fantastic hotels, be sure to check out all the unique stays available in Detroit. Visit the hotels’ or B&Bs’ websites for reservations and to verify what amenities and accommodation options they may offer, such as kitchenettes, complimentary breakfast, indoor pools, fitness centers, or pet-friendly rooms. What are some of the most unique getaways in Michigan?
The Great Lakes State is home to some of the most singular spots in the country, which means you could find a unique getaway in Michigan every week of the year. For example, Detroit is not only the Motor City, where the United States auto industry was born, but it is also home to Motown, a force that changed the shape of music around the globe. Learn more about it with a visit to the Motown Museum and a stay at the Siren Hotel in downtown Detroit. With its location at the heart of the Great Lakes, it’s not surprising that Michigan is home to two stunning national park units, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshores. Located on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, respectively, the parks are famous for such features as massive sand dunes and stunning lakeside hiking trails. Either of these makes for an awesome getaway like none you could find anywhere else in the country. Look for the dozens, if not hundreds, of annual festivals that are perfect for unique getaways in Michigan, like the Tulip Time Festival in Holland or the Plymouth Ice Festival. You can usually find a charming bed and breakfast or the area’s best hotels in the towns that host such festivals.
The OIYS Visitor Center
More Unique Getaways And Vacation Rentals In Michigan
December 23, 2022
Trent Jonas
What are the best unique hotels in Michigan?
The best unique hotels in Michigan are those that create an unforgettable experience - that’s what makes them unique. So, whether it’s the quirkiness of the property, the history or Victorian architecture, or the sheer elegance of the accommodation, in Michigan, you’re certain to find a unique stay that speaks to your taste and will leave you with lifelong memories. Here is a handful of examples of the types of charming and unique hotels you can find in the Great Lakes State.
Doherty Hotel, Clare, MI Old Mission Inn, Traverse City, MI Bear Cove Inn, St. Ignace, MI The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI Old Harbor Inn and Caboose Inn, South Haven, MI Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Acme, MI
In addition to these fantastic hotels, be sure to check out all the unique stays available in Detroit. Visit the hotels’ or B&Bs’ websites for reservations and to verify what amenities and accommodation options they may offer, such as kitchenettes, complimentary breakfast, indoor pools, fitness centers, or pet-friendly rooms. What are some of the most unique getaways in Michigan?
The Great Lakes State is home to some of the most singular spots in the country, which means you could find a unique getaway in Michigan every week of the year. For example, Detroit is not only the Motor City, where the United States auto industry was born, but it is also home to Motown, a force that changed the shape of music around the globe. Learn more about it with a visit to the Motown Museum and a stay at the Siren Hotel in downtown Detroit. With its location at the heart of the Great Lakes, it’s not surprising that Michigan is home to two stunning national park units, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshores. Located on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, respectively, the parks are famous for such features as massive sand dunes and stunning lakeside hiking trails. Either of these makes for an awesome getaway like none you could find anywhere else in the country. Look for the dozens, if not hundreds, of annual festivals that are perfect for unique getaways in Michigan, like the Tulip Time Festival in Holland or the Plymouth Ice Festival. You can usually find a charming bed and breakfast or the area’s best hotels in the towns that host such festivals.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The best unique hotels in Michigan are those that create an unforgettable experience - that’s what makes them unique. So, whether it’s the quirkiness of the property, the history or Victorian architecture, or the sheer elegance of the accommodation, in Michigan, you’re certain to find a unique stay that speaks to your taste and will leave you with lifelong memories. Here is a handful of examples of the types of charming and unique hotels you can find in the Great Lakes State.
- Doherty Hotel, Clare, MI
- Old Mission Inn, Traverse City, MI
- Bear Cove Inn, St. Ignace, MI
- The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI
- Old Harbor Inn and Caboose Inn, South Haven, MI
- Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Acme, MI
In addition to these fantastic hotels, be sure to check out all the unique stays available in Detroit. Visit the hotels’ or B&Bs’ websites for reservations and to verify what amenities and accommodation options they may offer, such as kitchenettes, complimentary breakfast, indoor pools, fitness centers, or pet-friendly rooms.
What are some of the most unique getaways in Michigan?
The Great Lakes State is home to some of the most singular spots in the country, which means you could find a unique getaway in Michigan every week of the year. For example, Detroit is not only the Motor City, where the United States auto industry was born, but it is also home to Motown, a force that changed the shape of music around the globe. Learn more about it with a visit to the Motown Museum and a stay at the Siren Hotel in downtown Detroit.
With its location at the heart of the Great Lakes, it’s not surprising that Michigan is home to two stunning national park units, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshores. Located on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, respectively, the parks are famous for such features as massive sand dunes and stunning lakeside hiking trails. Either of these makes for an awesome getaway like none you could find anywhere else in the country.
Look for the dozens, if not hundreds, of annual festivals that are perfect for unique getaways in Michigan, like the Tulip Time Festival in Holland or the Plymouth Ice Festival. You can usually find a charming bed and breakfast or the area’s best hotels in the towns that host such festivals.
