Bayshore Resort is a 120-room Victorian-style beachfront hotel located at 833 East Front Street in Traverse City, Michigan, directly along the sandy shoreline of West Grand Traverse Bay. Situated just east of downtown Traverse City at the base of the Old Mission Peninsula, the property combines classic turn-of-the-century resort architecture—complete with wrap-around porches, gabled rooflines, and bayfront balconies—with modern leisure amenities. Travelers stay here for direct access to a private sugar-sand beach on Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, complimentary shuttle service to downtown and Cherry Capital Airport, and proximity to both the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsula wine trails.
What to Expect at Bayshore Resort
Accommodations at Bayshore Resort are divided into five distinct categories tailored to different travel styles: Standard Rooms, East Side Rooms, Bayfront Rooms, Spa Rooms, and spacious Suites. Bayfront Rooms are the most sought-after for their private balconies or walk-out patios overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay, where guests can watch sailboats, passing ferries, and evening sunsets over the water. Couples and winter travelers frequently book the Spa Rooms and Suites, which include gas fireplaces and in-room whirlpool tubs alongside traditional Victorian-inspired furnishings, refrigerators, microwaves, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
Beyond the guest rooms, the resort operates as a four-season waterfront lodge with facilities suited to families, couples, and corporate groups. During summer months, the private sandy beach provides lounge chairs, gentle swimming waters, and clear views across the bay toward the Leelanau Peninsula. Year-round amenities include a heated indoor swimming pool, an adjacent whirlpool hot tub, a fitness center, and an arcade game room. Every stay includes a daily continental breakfast served in the main hospitality area, as well as access to dedicated conference and meeting rooms for business retreats.
- Private West Bay Beachfront: Direct walk-out access to a groomed sugar-sand beach on West Grand Traverse Bay with seasonal beach seating and shallow waters ideal for swimming and wading.
- Bayfront Balconies & Fireplace Suites: Choice of 120 smoke-free rooms and suites, including waterfront units with private patios or balconies and upgraded suites featuring gas fireplaces and two-person spa tubs.
- Indoor Pool, Hot Tub & Game Room: All-season recreation area housing a heated indoor pool, soothing whirlpool spa, exercise room, and family arcade.
- Complimentary Daily Breakfast: Free morning continental breakfast included with all room reservations, featuring pastries, fruit, cereals, coffee, and juice before a day of sightseeing.
- Free Airport & Downtown Shuttle: Complimentary on-demand shuttle transfers connecting guests to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) and downtown Traverse City’s Front Street shops and dining.
Bayshore Resort at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 833 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686 |
| Neighborhood / Area | East Front Street / West Grand Traverse Bay Waterfront |
| Operating Hours | 24-hour front desk; Check-in 4:00 PM / Check-out 11:00 AM (21+ required to check in) |
| Admission / Price Range | $$–$$$ (Seasonal mid-range to upper-midscale resort rates; 48-hour cancellation policy) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 4 nights |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free on-site surface parking; complimentary shuttle to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC, 10 minutes away) and BATA Bayline bus stops on E Front St |
| Official Website & Phone | bayshore-resort.com | +1 231-935-4400 (Toll-Free: 1-800-634-4401) |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Peak demand at Bayshore Resort runs from late June through August—especially during the National Cherry Festival in early July—and during the autumn foliage and wine harvest season in October. If you want a first-floor patio opening directly onto the beach or an upper-floor Bayfront Room, book several months ahead via the official website or by calling the reservation desk at 1-800-634-4401 (note that same-day bookings must be made by phone). Guests must be at least 21 years old to check in, the entire property is smoke-free, and only service animals are permitted. Free surface parking is included on site, and the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) Bayline bus runs along East Front Street free of charge.
The hotel features step-free main lobby access, elevator service to upper guest room floors, paved walkways, and ADA-accessible guest rooms. From the resort’s front door, travelers can step directly onto the paved Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trail for flat, scenic walking or cycling along the bay. Within a 5-to-15-minute walk or short shuttle ride, you can explore Bryant Park Beach next door, Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College (0.6 miles east), Clinch Park Marina, and the independent boutiques, microbreweries, and farm-to-table restaurants lining downtown Front Street (0.8 miles west).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the check-in requirements and best times to stay at Bayshore Resort?
The front desk operates 24 hours a day, with standard check-in starting at 4:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM; guests must be 21 years of age or older to register. Summer (June through August) is ideal for swimming and relaxing on the private West Bay beach, while September and October offer quieter waterfront views and milder weather for touring nearby peninsula wineries.
What is included in the room rate and what is the cancellation policy?
Room rates fall into the moderate-to-upscale range ($$–$$$) depending on the season and room category, and every stay includes daily continental breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and shuttle service to the airport and downtown. Reservations can be canceled up to 48 hours prior to arrival without penalty, whereas cancellations made within 48 hours of arrival incur a charge equal to the first night’s stay plus tax.
How many nights should travelers budget for a stay in Traverse City?
Most travelers book 2 to 4 nights at Bayshore Resort to balance beachfront downtime with regional day trips. That window gives you one full day for downtown Traverse City and the West Bay shoreline, a day to tour the wineries and lighthouse on Old Mission Peninsula, and another day to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Leelanau Peninsula.
Is Bayshore Resort accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, the property is equipped with step-free entrances, elevator access to all floors, and ADA-compliant guest rooms. Families appreciate the shallow waters of the private sandy beach, the indoor heated pool, the game room, and the complimentary breakfast, though travelers with pets should note that only ADA service animals are permitted on the premises.
When planning your Traverse City travel guide or comparing verified hotels and resort hotel in Traverse City, pair this stop with standout local spots including Mama Lu's – A Modern Day Taco Shop, Cherry Tree Inn & Suites, Dennos Museum Center, and F and M Park (0.5 km away).
