Disclosure: Grand Traverse Resort invited me to enjoy their resort for a weekend. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
From across the Grand Traverse bay I see a steel and glass structure jutting up from the land. Surrounded by nature and just beyond the shore Grand Traverse Resort stands higher than any other building in the area. The sunlight reflects off the building as I make my way around the bay. Drawing closer to the resort I finally turn onto the resort drive and the stress starts to leave my body. This is my weekend away with no worries or cares and I just know that staying at the Grand Traverse Resort will provide the perfect fall weekend escape that I have needed.
Located along Grand Traverse Bay the Grand Traverse Resort is a full-service, year-round resort with championship golf, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a full-service spa, boutique shopping and upscale dining. The best rooms in the resort are in the tower which provides sweeping views of the region. During the fall the views are an explosion of colors complete with reds, oranges and purples dotting the landscape.
Walking into the resort we are warmly greeted by the front desk staff. A quick check in and we make our way across the extensive lobby. A large sunlight fills the space with an airy feeling and a bar tucked along the back wall offers libations for guests and visitors alike.
ROOMS
The glass elevators whisk us up to the 14th floor while giving us a great view of the area. Our room is located at the end of the hall around a corner which is always my favorite room location since it tends to provide a more quiet experience.
The room is large with two double beds, dresser, tv, small counter area with fridge, coffee maker and sink. Large, oversized windows look out over the golf course. The bathroom is fairly spacious and has a large jacuzzi tub that easily fits 2.
The beds are very comfy and provided us with a great nights sleep. Turn down service left chocolates on our pillows which is always a very nice touch.
FOOD
The resort offers 3 different dining options in the resort itself. There are a couple other off-site locations (on/near the golf course). Aerie Resturant is an upscale dining option located on the top floor of the tower building. Complete with floor to ceiling windows the Aerie offers one of the best dining views in the Traverse City area. We arrived at dusk and watched as night fell across the land and stars came out to play.
Live music in the adjoins lounge provided background music for our meal. We started with sweet potato beignets, tomato soup and spinach salad. For a main course Alan ordered the salmon and I had the paperdelle. We completed the meal by sharing the cherry toffee pudding.
The next morning we enojoyed breakfast at the Sweetwater American Bistro. Quick and friendly service brought us coffee and a freshly made breakfast. A breakfast buffet is also available.
SPA
(c) Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Want to enjoy a few idyllic moments of complete bliss? Be sure to make an appointment at the spa. During our visit I had a shellac nail treatment and Alan had a relaxation massage. I arrived at the spa a few minutes early so I was able to enjoy a nice, hot cup of tea in a warmly lit relaxation area. Before long , the young technician met me and walked me back to the manicure station. She pleasantly chatted with me throughout my visit and I enjoyed my time being pampered.
After my nails were done I waited for Alan in the relaxation lounge in the lower level. I love this dimly lit area. It was the perfect spot to nap wait for Alan.
The full-service spa offers everything from hair and nail care to massages and body treatments. In addition to spa services, guests have full use of the sauna, mineral pools and the health club.
ACTIVITIES
The Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is a full-service resort complete with a number of activities. Three championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, four indoor and outdoor pools which includes an indoor water park, a sandy beach, water sports, boutique shopping and more.
On the Friday night of our visit there was live folk music performed by Jim Hawley in the lobby. Chairs and sofas were rearranged to accomodate groups of friends and the nearby bar was open for cocktails. Jim started playing around 7p so we enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail before taking the elevator to the 16th floor to Aerie for dinner. After our lengthy and enjoyable dinner we made our way back to the lobby where Jim was still playing. It was a perfect Friday night.
LOCATION
The resort is located about 15 minutes from downtown Traverse City in the small town of Acme. The resort isn’t located directly on the bay, but does have bay front property with a beach across the street. The resort offers a shuttle service to the beach and to the nearby casino.
Learn more about the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa:
Love this resort! It is the “jewel” in the Traverse City area. We have stayed here during all the seasons. When my kids were little, we loved to sled on the hills and use the ice rink. We have stayed on the beach side in a condo. They have a beautiful beach and pool. We actually have enjoyed concerts on the beach during the summer. Also, 10 minutes from beautiful downtown Traverse City.
The Grand Traverse Resort definitely sounds and looks like an upscale place to visit and relax. I enjoy the idea of a manicure and a Jacuzzi. I’m glad you both had fun.
This does look like a beautiful Fall escape! Love the views and looks like they have a lot to offer for food as well as entertainment. Glad you had a good time!
This resort looks really beautiful! Also, the food looks amazing!
Amazing views, fantastic accommodations and you and hubby fst separate beds. That sounds like the BEST GETAWAY to me!!
What a pretty place. And that food looks so good.
Looks like a gorgeous resort. I love that you have a view to watch the leaves change, and that fish looks absolutely incredible. Definitely going to check them out when we are in the area next week!
Looks so peaceful and relaxing! I love the views
Wow, that building is so impressive and has a great view! Love the food too!
what a beautiful resort. I wanna go there!
What a relaxing little getaway. I need a vacation bad too!
We love Traverse City. If we ever get back I want to go to the Spa at the Grand Traverse Resort! Thanks for sharing the review and photos.
That looks like a great hotel. I would love a weekend escape.
This place looks amazing.. from the food to the lodging! It looks like a place you can go to just to get away from home.. even if home is 30 minutes away.
I’m in Michigan and Traverse City is my favorite place to be in Michigan. It’s such a wonderful area up that way. My uncle was a chef at the Grand Traverse hotel for many years. I’ve never been to this particular resort there but now I want to. Think I am going to tell hubs that is where we should go for our anniversary if the weather holds up!
Those beds look super comfy and the food looks great. Seems like a great place to stay!
Wow, looks like a great relaxing little getaway. That food looks heavenly too! A glass elevator sounds scary to me though lol!
Glass elevator? That sounds like fun! It’s always nice getting away to a place with a stunning view. Sounds like a great weekend escape.