
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Best for resort-style stays with multiple pools, on-site golf and an extensive spa and fitness complex.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is a large, full-service four-star resort and conference center on East Grand Traverse Bay with golf, multiple pools, a sizable spa and family-focused amenities. Best Western Plus Traverse City is a recognizable midscale, 3-star downtown Traverse City hotel for travelers who want straightforward rooms and walkable access to Front Street and museums.
Updated · about 6 miles (10 km) apart

Best for resort-style stays with multiple pools, on-site golf and an extensive spa and fitness complex.

Best for travelers who want a familiar midscale brand in a walkable downtown spot close to Front Street and local museums.
When Grand Traverse Resort and Spa wins: Choose Grand Traverse Resort and Spa if you want a destination property—multiple indoor/outdoor pools (including an indoor water playground), a large on-site spa (Spa Grand Traverse), championship golf, Beach Club access and lots of on-site dining and family activities. It’s the better pick for weddings, conferences and multi-day stays where on-property amenities matter.
When Best Western Plus Traverse City wins: Pick Best Western Plus Traverse City if you want a dependable, midscale branded hotel close to Front Street, The Dennos Museum Center and Grand Traverse Bay. It’s compact, easier to navigate and better if you plan to spend most of your time in downtown Traverse City rather than on a big resort property.
Bottom line: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is a full-service resort experience for families, golfers and groups; Best Western Plus Traverse City is a practical, recognizable downtown stay for sightseeing and short city visits.
| Category | Grand Traverse Resort and Spa | Best Western Plus Traverse City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Resort destination with on-site activities, golf and meeting space | Midscale, downtown hotel oriented to practical stays |
| Location | Acme on 900-acre property, private Beach Club on East Grand Traverse Bay (about 10 minutes from Cherry Capital Airport) | Triangle Neighborhood / downtown Traverse City, within easy walking distance of Front Street and The Dennos Museum Center |
| Size (rooms) | Approximately 500 rooms (tower plus cottages and condos) | 50 guestrooms |
| Who it’s best for | Families, golfers, groups, conference attendees and spa guests | Sightseers, short-stay travelers, visitors wanting downtown access |
| Pools & water play | Multiple pools: two indoor + two outdoor, an Indoor Water Playground, family hot tub and two adults-only outdoor hot tubs; Beach Club access (seasonal) | Indoor pool (1) and basic fitness area |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple restaurants and bars on site (Aerie, NIIJII, Jack’s Taproom, The Den, Marketplace, pool bars and others) | No signature on-site fine-dining venues listed; breakfast buffet available; grab-and-go options not highlighted |
| Spa & wellness | Spa Grand Traverse with 12 treatment rooms, signature facials and massages, 100,000 sq ft Health Club & Fitness Center | Not published |
| Known for | Conference and wedding space, championship golf, family recreation and Beach Club access | A familiar Best Western Plus brand with a convenient downtown location and airport shuttle service |
| Airport shuttle & transit | Complimentary shuttle to Cherry Capital Airport and to Turtle Creek Casino; resort shuttles to Beach Club (seasonal) | Roundtrip airport shuttle complimentary during limited hours and free area shuttle within 5 mi |
| Policy highlights | No pets (service animals exempt); primary guest must be 21+; nightly resort fee usually covers fitness and pool access | Allows pets in specific rooms (fee applies); primary guest must be 21+; breakfast buffet available for a fee |
Set on a large Acme property on East Grand Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is about a 10-minute drive from Cherry Capital Airport and roughly 20 minutes from downtown Traverse City.
Best if you want resort seclusion, on-site activities and easy access to the bay and nearby wine country.
Best Western Plus Traverse City sits in the Triangle Neighborhood close to Front Street, The Dennos Museum Center and Grand Traverse Bay.
Best if you want a downtown base for exploring Traverse City on foot.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa offers a mix of tower rooms, bay-view rooms and condo-style suites that range from standard rooms to one-bedroom condos.
Choose Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for larger room variety and condo/suite options suited to families or longer stays.
Best Western Plus Traverse City offers standard midscale room types and suites with fridge, microwave and complimentary Wi‑Fi.
Choose Best Western Plus Traverse City for straightforward, comfortable rooms close to downtown attractions.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has multiple on-site restaurants and bars ranging from the 16th-floor Aerie fine-dining experience to casual poolside and pub options.
Better for guests who want varied on-site dining and several evening options without leaving the property.
Best Western Plus Traverse City provides a daily buffet breakfast (fee), room amenities like refrigerators and microwaves, and basic common-area coffee/tea.
Better for travelers who need a reliable morning breakfast and simple in-room dining conveniences.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa offers a complex pool setup with indoor and outdoor pools, a water playground and seasonal Beach Club access.
Best for families and active travelers who want on-site water activities and beach access.
Best Western Plus Traverse City has a single indoor pool and a fitness area suitable for brief swims and workouts.
Good for travelers who prioritize downtown access but still want a hotel pool.
Spa Grand Traverse and a large Health Club serve wellness-focused guests; the resort also offers on-site evening entertainment spaces such as The Den.
A clear pick if spa treatments, fitness programming and on-site nightlife matter to your trip.
Best Western Plus Traverse City provides basic fitness facilities but no published full-service spa or late-night entertainment offerings.
Better when you plan to use downtown restaurants and pubs for nightlife and seek basic fitness amenities at the hotel.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa — indoor water playground, family-friendly pools, on-site activities and many kid-oriented recreation options.

Best Western Plus Traverse City — compact downtown location within walking distance of Front Street, The Dennos Museum Center and local shops.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa — Spa Grand Traverse and a 100,000 sq ft Health Club with classes and extensive treatment menus.

Best Western Plus Traverse City — consistent Best Western Plus standards, accessible rooms and an airport shuttle during limited hours.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa — it has multiple pools, an Indoor Water Playground and family-friendly activities and dining.
Best Western Plus Traverse City — it’s located in the Triangle Neighborhood within easy walking distance of Front Street and museum attractions.
Yes. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa runs a complimentary shuttle to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC); Best Western Plus Traverse City offers a complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle during limited hours.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has Spa Grand Traverse. Best Western Plus Traverse City does not have a published full-service spa.
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