
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Best for families, golfers, and groups who want on-site activities, multiple pools, and large meeting space.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is a large, four-star all-ages resort in Acme focused on golf, meetings, pools and a full-service spa. Cherry Tree Inn & Suites is a smaller, 2.5-star bayfront suite hotel on Grand Traverse Bay for guests who want beach access and relaxed, suite-style rooms.
Updated · about 5.5 km apart

Best for families, golfers, and groups who want on-site activities, multiple pools, and large meeting space.

Best for travelers who want direct beach access, bay views, and suite-style rooms with kitchenettes.
When Grand Traverse Resort and Spa wins: choose Grand Traverse for multi‑course golf, a large 100,000‑sq‑ft Health Club, Spa Grand Traverse, multiple indoor/outdoor pools (including an Indoor Water Playground), and extensive meeting or wedding venues.
When Cherry Tree Inn & Suites wins: pick Cherry Tree for simpler, bayfront suites, a private beach feel with direct water access, complimentary full breakfast, and an easy location close to Traverse City beach and downtown attractions.
Bottom line: both suit vacationers, but Grand Traverse is the choice if you want resort facilities, spa treatments and large‑scale meeting or family amenities; Cherry Tree is better if you want a smaller, beachfront suite hotel with free breakfast and straightforward bay access.
| Category | Grand Traverse Resort and Spa | Cherry Tree Inn & Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large, full-service resort with activities for families, groups and golfers. | Smaller bayfront suite hotel with relaxed resort-style appeal. |
| Location | Acme, about a 10‑minute drive northeast of downtown Traverse City. | Traverse City waterfront on Grand Traverse Bay, steps from Traverse City Beach. |
| Size / rooms | Roughly 459–500 rooms reported across the resort and tower. | 76 individually decorated guestrooms. |
| Ages / policy | All ages resort; minimum check-in age 21 for the primary guest; some adults-only hot tubs on property. | All ages; minimum check-in age 18 (property policy notes). |
| Pools & water access | Multiple indoor and outdoor pools, Indoor Water Playground, two outdoor adults-only hot tubs and a private Beach Club (seasonal). | One outdoor pool and indoor pool; private beach access on Grand Traverse Bay and one hot tub. |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site restaurants and bars including Aerie Restaurant & Lounge, NIIJII, Jack’s Taproom, The Den and Marketplace. | Snack bar/deli onsite plus complimentary full breakfast; no signature fine-dining venues listed. |
| Spa & wellness | Spa Grand Traverse on-site (12 treatment rooms), large Health Club & Fitness Center (100,000 sq ft). | Health or beauty spa nearby (no on-site full spa detailed in listing). |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive meeting/wedding venues (Governors' Hall, Michigan Ballroom, ~86,500 sq ft total event space). | Conference space about 646 sq ft and one meeting room. |
| Free breakfast | Optional breakfast fee listed on some channels; not typically included by default. | Complimentary full breakfast served daily (7:00 AM–10:00 AM). |
| Parking & shuttles | Free self-parking, optional valet, airport shuttle to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC). | Free self parking and complimentary ferry/train terminal shuttle; free area shuttle listed. |
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa sits on a large 900‑acre property in Acme, a short drive northeast of downtown Traverse City.
Better if you plan to use resort shuttles, play golf, or want a property with its own beachfront access and big grounds.
Cherry Tree Inn & Suites sits directly on Grand Traverse Bay and is steps from Traverse City Beach.
Better if you want to stay right on the bay and walk to the beach and nearby lakeshore activities.
Grand Traverse offers tower rooms, bay- and golf‑view rooms, and multiple condo-style suites suited for families.
Better for families or groups who need more on-property room variety and larger suite/condo options.
Cherry Tree Inn & Suites emphasizes suites and studio layouts with many bayview and kitchenette options.
Better for travelers who prefer suite layouts with kitchenettes and bay views without the scale of a large resort.
Grand Traverse has multiple full-service restaurants and bars, from fine dining to casual pub fare.
Better if you want a range of full-service dining and evening entertainment options without leaving property.
Cherry Tree offers simpler on-site dining with a snack bar/deli and complimentary full breakfast.
Better if you want included breakfast and easy casual meals, but not a broad restaurant roster.
Grand Traverse’s signature amenities are its multiple pools, Indoor Water Playground and private Beach Club.
Better for families and guests who want a large pool complex and programmed water activities.
Cherry Tree centers on bayfront beach access and a smaller pool offering.
Better if your priority is beach access and straightforward waterfront recreation rather than a large pool complex.
Grand Traverse offers a large Health Club, full-service Spa Grand Traverse, and multiple nightlife/entertainment spaces.
Better for guests wanting spa services, fitness programming and large-scale event or conference facilities.
Cherry Tree lists nearby health/beauty spa options and offers simpler on-site entertainment.
Better for small meetings and guests who prefer local spa options rather than a large resort spa.

Grand Traverse — Indoor Water Playground, multiple pools and family programming.

Cherry Tree Inn & Suites — steps from Grand Traverse Bay and Traverse City Beach.

Grand Traverse — Spa Grand Traverse, 100,000‑sq‑ft Health Club and 54 holes of championship golf.

Cherry Tree Inn & Suites — complimentary full breakfast and many kitchenette suite options.
Grand Traverse — it has an Indoor Water Playground, multiple pools and family‑focused activities that make it easier to keep kids entertained.
Cherry Tree Inn & Suites — it’s on Grand Traverse Bay and is steps from Traverse City Beach.
Yes. Grand Traverse offers condo-style rooms and suites with kitchenettes (Shores/Valleyview condo types). Cherry Tree lists many kitchenette and suite options such as Bayview Two Queen with Kitchenette.
Grand Traverse — it has extensive meeting and event venues (Governors' Hall, Michigan Ballroom and roughly 86,500 sq ft of event space) compared with Cherry Tree’s ~646 sq ft conference space.
Explore how Grand Traverse Resort and Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·