The Beach Haus - Traverse City

This hotel is highly praised for its direct beach access and the stunning bay views from many of its rooms, making it a memorable destination. Guests frequently highlight the extensive recent updates and renovations that have transformed the property, giving it a fresh and modern feel despite its older origins. The hotel consistently receives commendations for its exceptional cleanliness and the friendly, helpful staff who contribute significantly to a positive guest experience. The evening offering of freshly baked cookies is a particularly beloved feature. This hotel is an excellent fit for couples seeking a romantic getaway by the water, families looking for a convenient beach vacation with ample space, and sightseers who appreciate being close to local attractions. To enhance your stay, be aware that while the breakfast is convenient, some guests have mixed feelings about its quality, and light sleepers might consider rooms away from the main road due to potential traffic noise.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's standout feature is its private beach area, which is consistently described as clean, well-maintained, and equipped with plenty of chairs, lounges, and umbrellas for guest use. Many rooms offer direct access to the beachfront or a balcony with bay views. Inside the rooms, guests appreciate the convenience of a mini-fridge with a separate freezer compartment and a microwave, along with artisan bath products. The lobby provides 24-hour access to coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, and guests can purchase local ice cream and wine. While there is no swimming pool, the hotel offers grills for guest use, though some report they may be old or not fully functional. It is important to note that the property does not have an elevator, which can be a consideration for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. A coin-operated laundry facility is also available.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its spotless cleanliness and the overall well-maintained condition of the rooms, which have undergone significant updates. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, with many appreciating the king-size pillows and quality linens, though a few guests found them either too soft or too firm. Rooms are generally noted for being spacious. However, noise can be a concern for some, with mentions of thin walls allowing sounds from loud neighbors or the ice machine, and persistent traffic noise from the main road. The air conditioning units are also sometimes reported as loud or having inconsistent performance. A recurring issue for several guests is the presence of spiders and cobwebs, particularly on balconies and in outdoor areas, and occasionally inside rooms. Some guests also noted issues with screen doors being torn or coming off their tracks.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a unique breakfast service where guests can select items from a menu for delivery directly to their room in a box. Feedback on this service is mixed; while many find it convenient, some express disappointment with the quality, particularly the frozen breakfast sandwiches that require microwaving, and occasionally report issues with items like moldy oranges or poor-tasting juice. However, the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies offered every evening are universally loved and frequently highlighted as a delightful touch. Additionally, the lobby provides 24-hour access to coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, which guests appreciate for its convenience. There is no full-service restaurant or room service available on-site, but guests can purchase local ice cream and wine in the lobby.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location directly on the beach, providing guests with private access to the sand and bay. This prime setting allows for beautiful views and easy enjoyment of the waterfront. It is conveniently situated within a short drive of downtown Traverse City and many popular tourist attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. Guests also note its proximity to various restaurants, a small market, and recreational rentals like jet skis and kayaks. While the location offers great accessibility to amenities, it is located on a main road, which some guests report can lead to noticeable traffic noise, particularly for rooms facing the street. Parking is available and generally considered easy for guests.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently describing them as very friendly, helpful, attentive, and accommodating. Many reviews highlight specific instances of staff going above and beyond to assist guests, from providing local recommendations to addressing requests promptly. The check-in process is generally reported as quick and efficient. Guests appreciate services such as the option for early check-in when rooms are ready, the convenient breakfast delivery to rooms, and the popular evening offering of freshly baked cookies. While the staff's presence is highly valued, some guests note that the front desk closes in the evening, and there is no overnight staff on-site, which can be a minor concern for late-night needs or emergencies.

Additional Information
This property is characterized as an older hotel that has undergone significant and noticeable renovations, blending a charming, quaint style with modern updates in the rooms. While many guests find it to be a great value for its location and amenities, some feel it is overpriced for what it offers, particularly given its two-star rating. The hotel uses traditional physical keys for room entry rather than modern key cards, which some guests find outdated. Unique touches that enhance the guest experience include the frequent visits from friendly ducks on the patio and the availability of local ice cream for purchase in the lobby. Guests should be aware that the property does not have an elevator, which can impact accessibility for some.