
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Best for families and guests who want resort amenities — multiple pools, an on-site spa, golf, and a private Beach Club on Grand Traverse Bay.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is a large, full-service destination resort in Acme with golf, multiple pools, a large spa and family-focused recreation. Cambria Hotel Traverse City is an upscale, nationally branded downtown Traverse City hotel for travelers who want walkable access to Front Street and a polished city stay.
Updated · about 6 miles (roughly 10–15 minutes by car)

Best for families and guests who want resort amenities — multiple pools, an on-site spa, golf, and a private Beach Club on Grand Traverse Bay.

Best for travelers who want a compact, well-rated branded hotel within walking distance of downtown Traverse City attractions.
When Grand Traverse Resort and Spa wins: Choose the resort if you want on-property activities (championship golf, a large health club, an indoor water playground, multiple pools and a full-service spa) and space to spread out with family or for meetings and events.
When Cambria Hotel Traverse City wins: Choose Cambria if you prefer a smaller, polished hotel that puts you steps from Front Street, nearby museums and downtown dining with easy access to Cherry Capital Airport shuttle service.
Bottom line: Pick Grand Traverse for resort amenities, beach access and golf; pick Cambria for a downtown, branded stay and easy walkability to Traverse City’s main attractions.
| Category | Grand Traverse Resort and Spa | Cambria Hotel Traverse City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large destination resort with family recreation, golf and convention facilities | Upscale branded downtown hotel geared to adults and business/leisure travelers |
| Location | Acme on East Grand Traverse Bay, about 6 miles northeast of downtown Traverse City | Centrally located in downtown Traverse City (steps from Front Street) |
| Size (rooms) | about 500 rooms (property listings vary) | 92 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages — family-oriented with kids' water playground (main guest must be 21 to check in) | All ages (main guest must be 18 to check in at this property) |
| Pools & water | Two indoor pools, two outdoor pools, an indoor water playground, indoor family hot tub and two outdoor adults-only hot tubs; seasonal private Beach Club access | One indoor pool and one hot tub |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site restaurants and bars (Aerie, NIIJII, Jack’s Taproom, The Den, Grand Lobby Bar, Marketplace, beach bar options) | One restaurant (Reflect), one bar/lounge and a coffee shop/cafe; limited room service hours |
| Spa & wellness | Spa Grand Traverse on-site with 12 treatment rooms and extensive health club (100,000 sq ft) | Not published |
| Meetings & events | Extensive — Governors' Hall and Michigan Ballroom plus ~86,500 sq ft of meeting/event space | Conference space ~1,033 sq ft (conference center/meeting rooms) |
| Airport access | Complimentary shuttle to/from Cherry Capital Airport (about 10 minutes) | Complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle (available on request) |
| Parking | Free self-parking and optional valet; EV charging stations | Free self parking and RV/bus/truck parking |
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa sits on a large property in Acme on East Grand Traverse Bay, about 6 miles from downtown Traverse City.
Choose the resort for bay access and a spread-out property outside downtown.
Cambria Hotel Traverse City is in the Indian Woods/downtown area, steps from Front Street and a short walk to museums and the bay.
Choose Cambria for walkable downtown access and shorter trips into town.
Grand Traverse offers a wide range of rooms, suites and condo-style options across its tower and Shores/Valleyview buildings.
Choose Grand Traverse for more room-type variety and multi-room/condo-style options for families or longer stays.
Cambria has a smaller set of suites and accessible room options focused on comfort and functionality.
Choose Cambria if you want straightforward, well-equipped suites close to downtown.
Grand Traverse has several on-site restaurants and bars covering fine dining, family meals and casual pool/beach food.
Choose Grand Traverse if you want multiple dining options without leaving the property.
Cambria keeps dining simple with one main restaurant and a bar plus a coffee shop/cafe.
Choose Cambria if you prefer quick downtown access to many independent restaurants and a single reliable on-site dining option.
Pools and water play are a major part of Grand Traverse’s appeal for families and active guests.
Choose Grand Traverse for more pool options, a water playground and seasonal beach access.
Cambria provides a single indoor pool and one hot tub for guest recreation.
Choose Cambria if you need a hotel pool for short dips and don’t need a large water-park-style setup.
Grand Traverse has an extensive health club and a full-service spa with many treatment rooms.
Choose Grand Traverse if you want a full spa program, fitness classes and on-site entertainment.
Cambria offers a fitness facility and a quieter bar/restaurant scene aimed at downtown evenings.
Choose Cambria for a quieter evening in a downtown setting with easy access to local nightlife.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa — indoor water playground, multiple pools and family activities.

Cambria Hotel Traverse City — steps from Front Street and close to downtown attractions.

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

Cambria Hotel Traverse City — polished branded rooms, complimentary airport shuttle and easy walkability.
Cambria Hotel Traverse City is in downtown Traverse City (steps from Front Street). Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is about 6 miles northeast of downtown in Acme.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa — it has an indoor water playground, multiple pools and family-friendly dining and activities.
Not published — Cambria’s listing shows fitness facilities, pool and hot tub but does not publish an on-site full-service spa.
Yes. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa runs a complimentary shuttle to/from Cherry Capital Airport; Cambria Hotel Traverse City offers a complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle (available on request).
Explore how Grand Traverse Resort and Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·