
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Best for multi-day resort stays with on-site golf, a large fitness/health club, and multiple family-friendly pools.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is a large, four-star Northern Michigan resort focused on golf, multiple pools, a full-service spa, and event space — best for families, golfers, and groups. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Traverse City, MI is a three-star, midscale branded hotel near downtown Traverse City — best for value-focused travelers who want walkable access to the waterfront and Front Street.
Updated · about 10 km (6 mi) apart

Best for multi-day resort stays with on-site golf, a large fitness/health club, and multiple family-friendly pools.

Best for budget-conscious travelers who want a predictable chain stay within walking distance of Traverse City's bayfront and downtown.
When Grand Traverse Resort and Spa wins: choose the resort if you want on-site championship golf, a full-service spa (Spa Grand Traverse), an indoor water playground and multiple pools, and large event or meeting facilities. It's built for longer stays, families, and activity-focused guests.
When Country Inn & Suites wins: pick Country Inn & Suites if you prefer a simple, midscale, nationally branded option close to Front Street and Grand Traverse Bay, with included buffet breakfast, free parking, and a compact set of guest conveniences.
Bottom line: Grand Traverse Resort is the choice for resort amenities, golf, and on-site dining/entertainment; Country Inn & Suites is the practical downtown alternative for travelers who want value and easy access to downtown Traverse City.
| Category | Grand Traverse Resort and Spa | Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large resort and conference center with golf, family pools, and a full spa | Midscale, branded city hotel focused on straightforward comfort and value |
| Location | Acme, about 6 miles (10 minutes) northeast of downtown Traverse City; private Beach Club on East Grand Traverse Bay | In Traverse City (Triangle Neighborhood), within a 10-minute walk of Lake Michigan and Front Street |
| Size | Very large property (roughly 500+ rooms reported; 900 acres; multiple meeting venues) | Mid-size hotel with 107 air-conditioned rooms |
| Ages / audience | All-ages resort with family-focused facilities; a couple of adults-only hot tubs | All-ages midscale hotel (not adults-only) |
| Pools & water features | Two indoor pools, two outdoor pools, indoor water playground, family hot tub and two adults-only outdoor hot tubs; private Beach Club (seasonal) | One indoor pool and one hot tub; children's pool listed |
| Spa & wellness | Spa Grand Traverse with 12 treatment rooms, signature facials and many massage options; 100,000 sq ft Health Club | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues including Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (16th-floor, bay views), NIIJII, Jack’s Taproom, The Den and casual Marketplace | Not published |
| Meetings & events | Extensive: Governors' Hall and Michigan Ballroom plus many other indoor/outdoor venues totaling ~86,500 sq ft | Small to mid-size meeting support (business center, 24-hour business facilities) but not a convention resort |
| Parking & transport | Free self-parking, optional valet, airport shuttle to Cherry Capital Airport, and seasonal beach shuttle | Free self-parking onsite; Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) is the preferred airport ~6 km / 3.7 mi away |
| Breakfast | On-site restaurants and in-room options; optional breakfast fee appears available through some channels | Complimentary buffet breakfast (weekday and weekend hours listed) |
Grand Traverse Resort sits in Acme on a large property with seasonal private Beach Club access on East Grand Traverse Bay.
Better if you want resort seclusion, bay access, and easy access to regional outdoor attractions.
Country Inn & Suites is in Traverse City's Triangle Neighborhood, within easy walking distance of Front Street and the bayfront.
Better if you want walkable access to downtown, waterfront dining, and local shops.
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa offers a wide mix of rooms, tower rooms and condo-style units suited to couples, families and longer stays.
Choose the resort for more room variety and family- or group-friendly condo options.
Country Inn & Suites has standard midscale rooms focused on straightforward comfort and practical amenities.
Choose Country Inn for predictable, no-frills rooms near downtown at a midscale price point.
Grand Traverse Resort offers multiple on-site restaurants and bars covering casual to fine dining.
Pick the resort if you want a range of on-site dining choices and venue options for evenings or events.
Country Inn & Suites does not list signature restaurants or bars; dining is oriented to convenience.
Pick Country Inn if you want free breakfast and plan to eat off-property for most meals.
The resort centers on aquatic amenities: multiple pools, an indoor water playground, and a seasonal Beach Club.
Grand Traverse is the clear choice for families or guests who want extensive pool and beach facilities.
Country Inn & Suites offers compact pool facilities suited to short stays.
Country Inn's pool is fine for a quick dip; for broader aquatic programming choose the resort.
Grand Traverse has a large Health Club and a full-service spa plus on-site entertainment options.
Better for guests who value a full wellness program and evening entertainment without leaving the property.
Country Inn & Suites has standard fitness and business facilities but no published full-service spa or nightlife.
Choose Country Inn if you need basic fitness and business services and plan to use downtown venues for nightlife or spa visits.

Grand Traverse Resort — indoor water playground, multiple pools, family hot tub and many kid-friendly activities.

Grand Traverse Resort — three championship courses (54 holes) and an on-site golf academy.

Country Inn & Suites — walkable to Front Street, museums, and the bayfront.

Country Inn & Suites — midscale, familiar chain experience with free buffet breakfast and practical rooms.
Country Inn & Suites is in the Triangle Neighborhood within a short walk of Front Street; Grand Traverse Resort is about a 10–20 minute drive from downtown.
Grand Traverse Resort — it has an Indoor Water Playground, multiple pools and family-friendly hot tub settings tailored to children.
Not published. Country Inn & Suites' supplier listing does not show a full-service spa; Grand Traverse Resort has Spa Grand Traverse on-site.
Grand Traverse Resort — it has extensive meeting and ballroom space (Governors' Hall, Michigan Ballroom) and can host large conferences and weddings.
Explore how Grand Traverse Resort and Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·