Here Are The 17 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Michigan
Trent Jonas
Author
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
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.
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.
1. Lake Huron Home, Chippewa County
- Location: Chippewa County, MI
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 2 full baths
- Price: $230/night
- Amenities: Fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, fireplace, gas grill, picnic table
- Rating: 5.0 stars
What could be better than a beachfront getaway on Lake Huron? Gorgeous views right from your backyard and only steps to the beach. With a 2,000-square-foot deck, you can do some pretty intense grilling sessions every night. This wonderful Lake Huron home is very spacious and filled with light. If you are wondering where to stay in Michigan for a fun beach vacation, this is it.
2. Lakefront Luxury Lodge, Cheboygan
- Location: Cheboygan, MI
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 2 baths
- Price: $311/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.
3. Beautiful Home on a High Bluff, Ludington
- Location: Ludington, MI
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 12), 3.5 baths
- Price: $495/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.
4. Charming Farmhouse in the Orchards, New Era
- Location: New Era
- Size: 5 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bathrooms
- Price: $143/nightly
- Amenities: 4 acres of orchards, jetted hot tub, piano, game console
- Ratings: 4.82 Stars
This charming 1930s farmhouse is an idyllic getaway that sleeps up to 10 people. It’s nestled on four acres of apple and cherry orchards and the kids will love picking fruits. A retro game console is available and the rec room has ping pong and books. There’s a 52” HDTV and an electric fireplace. This spacious getaway is one of the best Airbnbs in Michigan.
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 around $150 per night or less.
5. Cozy Waterfront Cottage, Erie
- Location: Erie, MI
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 5), 1 bath
- Price: $156/night
- Amenities: Deck, hot tub, dock, grill, kayaks, access to Lake Erie
- Ratings: 4.9 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.
6. Beautiful Carriage House, Washtenaw County
- Location: Washtenaw County, MI
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 1 bath
- Price: $116/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.
7. Cabin in the Woods, Interlochen
- Location: Interlochen
- Size: 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom
- Price: $143/nightly
- Amenities: 7-acre wooded lot, pet-friendly, smart TV, AC & heating
- Ratings: 4.94 Stars
This lovely little cabin sits among 7 acres of trees and is such a beautiful place to stay. It’s about 30 minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes. Your furry friends are welcome to stay with you. There’s a full kitchen, a grill, and a fire pit so you can cook any way you please. It’s such a lovely unique Airbnb in Michigan.
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.
8. Beachfront Nest, Union Pier
- Location: Union Pier, MI
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 4), 2 baths
- Price: $539/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.
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9. Nature Preserve Cottage, Charlevoix
- Location: Charlevoix, MI
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 4), 1 bath
- Price: $160/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.
10. Cute Log Cabin, Walloon Lake
- Location: Walloon Lake, MI
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 1 full bath
- Price: $400/night
- Amenities: Fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, fireplace, gas grill, picnic table
- Rating: 5.0 stars
This charming log cabin in the desirable Walloon Lake Village is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Upper Michigan. Cuddle in the hammock by the fire at night, splash around in the hot tub, or head to town for shopping and wonderful restaurants - all within walking distance. Some time away with that special someone is going to be quite memorable when you stay at this cute log cabin by Walloon Lake.
11. Little Log Cabin on the Big Muskegon River, Big Rapids
- Location: Big Rapids
- Size: 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathrooms
- Price: $153/nightly
- Amenities: hot tub, historic construction, spiral staircase, bonfire area, kayaks
- Ratings: 4.94 Stars
This cozy historic cabin is remodeled yet retains some of its original walls and hand-carved chinking. You’ll be right on the river and see eagles, ospreys, geese, and swans. There are kayaks and a paddle boat and when you’re done paddling you can soak in the hot tub. It’s a lovely romantic getaway.
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 accommodations in Michigan – as well as top-notch restaurants, breweries, and wineries.
12. Boardman River Retreat, Mayfield
- Location: Mayfield, MI
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 3 baths
- Price: $748/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.
13. Leelanau Therapy, Elmwood Charter Township
- Location: Elmwood Charter Township, MI
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 3
- Price: $655/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.
14. Luxury Downtown Condo, Traverse City
- Location: Traverse City
- Size: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom
- Price: $150/nightly
- Amenities: downtown location, reserved parking, Roku TV, games and puzzles
- Ratings: 4.98 Stars
This luxury downtown condo is right in the heart of downtown within walking distance to tons of excellent restaurants and shops. The kitchen is fully equipped with a few thoughtful extras thrown in. There’s a washer and dryer in the unit and the place is tastefully decorated. It’s the perfect home base for exploring Traverse City.
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.
15. Rapid River Lodge, Rapid River
- Location: Rapid River, MI
- Size: 5 bedrooms (sleeps 18), 4 baths
- Price: $760/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 and 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.
16. La Casita del Bosque, Wetmore
- Location: Wetmore, MI
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 10), 4 baths
- Price: $445/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.
17. The Swede’s House @ 1603, Escanaba
- Location: Escanaba
- Size: 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bathrooms
- Price: $119/nightly
- Amenities: garden, antiques, EV charger, HDTV
- Ratings: 4.84 Stars
This 95-year-old home is a wonderful combination of old-fashioned architecture and modern conveniences. There are lots of extras like a piano, exercise equipment, a washer and dryer, and a Roku HDTV. It’s a beautiful place with lots of wooden interiors and antique furnishings and decor.
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:
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