Traverse City's Hidden Gem: Courtyard's Unforgettable Stay (MI)

Courtyard Traverse City Traverse City (MI) United States

Traverse City's Hidden Gem: Courtyard's Unforgettable Stay (MI)

Traverse City's Hidden Gem: Courtyard's Unforgettable Stay (MI) - A Messy, Honest Review

Okay, folks, let's get real. I've just spent a few days at the Courtyard Traverse City, and before you ask, no, this isn't some sponsored, sugar-coated fluff piece. This is real life, with all its glorious imperfections. So, buckle up, because we're diving deep. And yes, I'll throw in some SEO keywords along the way, because, well, I need to get paid too! 😉

First Impressions (and the Parking Saga)

Finding the Courtyard was a breeze. But parking? Oh boy. While they do have car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site], I'll be honest, it felt like a Tetris game sometimes. Weekends? Forget about it. Just be prepared to circle a bit. However, they do have car power charging station, which is a huge plus for the eco-conscious travelers. The exterior corridor was a bonus, offering that classic motel vibe that I kinda dig.

Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Honestly!)

Alright, let's get the important stuff out of the way. Wheelchair accessible is a definite check. They've got the ramps, the elevators, the whole shebang. However, getting around the property felt a little clunky in certain areas. The Facilities for disabled guests are present, but some pathways felt a bit narrow. That's the honest truth.

The Room: Cozy Comfort, But…

I opted for a non-smoking room (thank GOD!), and the air conditioning was a life-saver. The blackout curtains were a dream come true, perfect for those precious extra hours of sleep. They also had a safe box – always a good thing – and an in-room safe box. The complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker were appreciated, especially after a long drive. The desk was perfect for pretending to work, and free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a necessity. Plus, the Internet access – wireless was strong! But… the pillows? A little sad. Like, not enough plump. I may have considered stuffing them with extra towels… but I'm digressing. The slippers were a nice touch, though.

Cleanliness and Safety: They're Trying!

Okay, listen up. This is important. In these pandemic times, cleanliness is KING. The Courtyard gets a Daily disinfection in common areas, room sanitization opt-out available, which gives you several ways to keep the room as clean as you want. They use anti-viral cleaning products and have professional-grade sanitizing services, which is comforting. There's hand sanitizer everywhere! Though, I did witness one rogue hand sanitizer bottle that had been… well, assaulted. (Let's just say it was not a pretty sight). And, of course, they have staff trained in safety protocol. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property also helped me feeling better. But, rooms sanitized between stays, is not a bad news.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food, Mostly

I'm a sucker for a good breakfast. They have the Breakfast [buffet], with a little bit of everything - the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, cereal, sad looking pastries. I also tried the Breakfast takeaway service – which was a solid option when you just wanted to grab and go. The restaurants on-site were decent, nothing to write home about but ok. The bar was a nice spot to unwind, though, and they have a Happy hour. The poolside bar was tempting, but I never made it that far. The Coffee shop was a lifesaver.

Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams (Or Not?)

Now, this is where the Courtyard shines, in a slightly underwhelming way. They boast a Spa, a Fitness center, and a Swimming pool [outdoor], so I had high hopes. The pool was fine, the Pool with view was good, but it was a little crowded at times. (Maybe it's just me, but children's screams and splashing water are not exactly my definition of relaxation.) The Fitness center was small but functional, with the usual treadmills and weights. No Body scrub or Body wrap, unfortunately. I’m a sucker for a Spa, but I heard there was only massage options and not an entire Spa, which I found disappointing. A Sauna or Steamroom would have been a welcomed addition but no, so Spa/sauna is off.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter

The concierge was helpful. They have a convenience store, which saved me from a midnight snack crisis. Daily housekeeping kept things tidy (thank you, housekeeping!). Luggage storage was a blessing. A dry cleaning option is available as well. However, I didn't spot a Shrine (not that I was looking for one), but who knows!

For the Kids: Family Friendly, But…

They claim to be Family/child friendly, so I had to check it out. The Babysitting service is an option. They also have Kids meal, which is always good, but I wished there were more facilities for them to have fun.

Getting Around: Smooth Sailing (Hopefully)

Airport transfer is available, which is super convenient. They have taxi service options, but I’m not sure about the wait time. Valet parking is worth the splurge if you can.

My Biggest Takeaway? The People!

Honestly, the staff were the real stars. They were friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care. That alone made the experience a notch above. The front desk [24-hour] service was also a great plus.

The Offer: Your Traverse City Escape Awaits!

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. If you're looking for a solid, reliable stay in Traverse City, with a good dose of convenience and some decent amenities (and you're not too picky about the pillows), the Courtyard is a good choice.

Here's the deal:

• Book now and receive: Free Wi-Fi, included breakfast, and a guaranteed room with air conditioning.
• Bonus: Mention this review and get a complimentary beverage at the bar!
• Claim Your Escape: Don't wait! Visit [Link to the hotel's website] and book your unforgettable Traverse City adventure today!

SEO Keywords (Just in case you missed them!):

• Traverse City Hotels
• Courtyard Traverse City
• Wheelchair Accessible Hotels Traverse City
• Family Friendly Hotels Traverse City
• Pool Hotel Traverse City
• Free Wi-Fi Traverse City
• Michigan Hotels

Final Verdict:

The Courtyard Traverse City? It's not perfect, but it's good. It's a comfortable, convenient base for exploring all that Traverse City has to offer. It's a hidden gem, but one with a few slightly tarnished facets. But hey, that's life, right? And sometimes, the imperfections make the experience all the more memorable. So, go, explore, and enjoy your trip to Traverse City! And maybe bring your own pillow. 😉

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Courtyard Traverse City Traverse City (MI) United States

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a totally unfiltered, possibly disastrous, totally real trip to Courtyard Traverse City. This isn't your glossy tourist brochure – this is my Traverse City, warts and all.

Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh, God, What Have I Done?" Moment

• 2:00 PM: Flight to Traverse City! (Or, more accurately, crawling out of a cramped seat after a flight that felt like an eternity). My mood already hinged on the coffee levels. Pray for me.
• 3:00 PM: Arrival at Cherry Capital Airport. (Which, bless its heart, is basically a glorified shed, but hey, it's efficient.) Grabbed my rental car – a surprisingly peppy little thing named "Betsy." Betsy and I had a fraught relationship from the start.
• 3:30 PM: Check-in at the Courtyard Traverse City. The lobby looked…corporate. A bit sterile. Ugh. But hey, free coffee… at least, I thought.
• 4:00 PM: The Room Reveal. Okay, so, the view… wasn't exactly postcard-worthy. Overlooked a parking lot. BUT, the bed beckoned. Like a siren song. Fell into a brief nap.
• 6:00 PM: Dinner Fiasco at a "Highly Recommended" Restaurant. I'd read rave reviews about this farm-to-table place. Sounded divine! Picture in your mind, fresh, local, delicious. What I got? Overpriced microgreens, and a server who clearly hated her life. I, for one, was not pleased.
• 8:00 PM: Wandering Around Downtown. Needed to shake off the bad dinner vibes. The cherry pies were tempting, the shops were cute, but the pre-dinner disappointment still lingered. Walked along the waterfront. The water was pretty, I'll give it that.

Day 2: Cherry Frenzy and the Great Lake Michigan Meltdown

• 8:00 AM: Desperate Search for Decent Coffee. The Courtyard's "free" coffee? Instant, and tasted the cardboard. Found a local coffee shop called "Roast & Toast." Thank God. Saved my life. (Seriously, coffee = life.)
• 9:00 AM: Cherry Orchard Pilgrimage! Traverse City = Cherry City, right? Thought, "how hard can it be to find a cherry orchard?" Turns out, harder than you'd think. Drove around for an hour before finally finding one. Cherry picking was fun, until the heat. Ended up with a bucket full of cherries (and a major sunburn).
• 12:00 PM: Cherry Baked Goods Bonanza. The cherries needed to be converted to a pie, quick! Got a pie from a Cherry Republic that was OK, but not worthy of a holy occasion. This prompted an existential crisis about the perfect cherry pie.
• 1:00 PM: Lake Michigan's Unforgiving Embrace. I decided to hit the beach. The waves looked glorious, the sun was shining. Jumped in! It was freeeeezing!! Ran out screaming like a banshee. I mean, it's Lake Michigan, not the Caribbean!
• 4:00 PM: Brewery Tour. Found a few breweries, but they seemed overpacked with tourists and seemed to be pushing a bunch of bland, generic beers.
• 7:00 PM: The Great Pizza Hunt. I was starting to have serious food angst! I just wanted some good food. After scouring the internet, I was able to find a pizza place that was amazing.

Day 3: Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Inner Child Unleashed

• 9:00 AM: Rise and shine…and pray I could find coffee. (See previous days' note, because I wasn't making the same mistake twice!)
• 10:00 AM: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! This was the highlight. The drive was gorgeous. Driving the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive felt like something right out of a movie! The view from the top of the Dune Climb was spectacular.
• 1:00 PM: Dune Climb Debacle. Okay, so the Dune Climb. It looked easier when I was looking at it from afar. I started the climb and after about 10 minutes I regretted my decision. My legs were screaming, but the view from the top was just breathtaking.
• 3:00 PM: Beach Relaxation. I earned it! Strolled up and down the beach, watched the waves, and felt an unexpected wave of peace wash over me.
• 6:00 PM: Farewell Dinner. Found a decent place this time! Celebrated the end of a journey.

Day 4: Departure and the lingering "I'll Be Back… Maybe"

• 9:00 AM: Coffee and a Last Look. One last cup of Roast & Toast coffee as I looked out the window.
• 10:00 AM: Leave and get out of dodge. Checking out, and heading to the airport. Betsy the car was good for one last ride.
• 11:00 AM: So long, Traverse City. The flight. The ride home.

Post-Trip Ramblings:

Traverse City was… a mixed bag. Some things were amazing (Sleeping Bear Dunes!), some were terrible (the overpriced food). The weather was beautiful, but Lake Michigan's coldness was brutal. I definitely didn't eat as well as I wanted. My emotions ran the gamut. Would I go back? Maybe. If I could find a perfect cherry pie, that is. And maybe, just maybe, if Betsy the car could come with me.

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Courtyard Traverse City Traverse City (MI) United States

Courtyard Traverse City: The Unfiltered Truth - You REALLY Want to Know!

Is the Courtyard Traverse City REALLY a "Hidden Gem"? Or is that just marketing fluff?

Okay, let's be real. "Hidden gem" gets thrown around *way* too much, right? And honestly, I'm skeptical of *anything* that's marketed. But… I'm willing to admit, the Courtyard *kinda* earns it. Listen, it's not like you're stumbling upon some secret underground speakeasy. It's a Courtyard by Marriott. They're everywhere. BUT - and this is a big but – the location? Chef's kiss. Right on the bay. The views?! Seriously, they'll make you want to cry... tears of joy! Or maybe just because you spent all that money on a hotel room. Anyway, the gem part comes from the **experience, not the bricks.** You are so close to EVERYTHING. Downtown is a hop, skip, and a stumble (maybe a few stumbles after a night at a brewery, let’s be honest). Finding a parking spot at the hotel is a gamble, and the elevator might be a little slow on busy weekends, but let’s be honest, being on the bay when the sun sets makes it all seem worth it. Worth the elevator, the parking and the cost.

What about the rooms? Are they… clean? Cozy? Modern? Or, you know, the usual hotel blah?

Rooms... yeah, they're rooms. Let's not pretend we're talking about a castle here. They are, generally, clean. I mean, I'm not a germaphobe, but I haven't found any… visible horrors. Cleanliness is key for someone like me, mostly. The bed? Comfortable enough. It did start to feel a little "saggy" after a few nights, but hey, maybe that’s just my bad back talking. The décor? Functionally modern. Think… beige and slightly impersonal. Let me tell you about the time I tried to find a power outlet behind the desk and it was a total black hole. I was on a deadline! Eventually found one… but not without a little grumbling. The view? Priceless. Seriously. If you get a bay-facing room, *demand it.* The view completely redeems the "blah" in the room description. It's THAT good.

The pool? Is it worth packing a swimsuit for? Or should I just spend my time at a brewery? (Priorities, people!)

Okay, pool time. It’s… fine. Indoor pool. Clean-ish. Lots of little kids. You might spend most of your time dodging errant pool noodles and shrieking children. I'm not going to lie, I prefer the brewery. Always. The pool is good for a quick dip after a long day of exploring, but don't expect a five-star aquatic experience. It's a solid 'meh' in my book. If you *love* pools, great! Bring the kiddos. If you’re even remotely considering skipping the pool for a pint and a pizza… do it. You’ll thank me later. The pool is good for a while and then my skin just feels weird. It is worth it to just take a walk on the bay and enjoy the sunlight. So much better.

What's the deal with the breakfast? Is it free? Delicious? Or a dry-cereal-and-stale-muffin situation?

Oh, the breakfast. Okay, so I’m pretty sure it's not *free* free, right? Included with the room, yeah – but nothing is really "free" these days, is it? And let’s talk about the food. It ain’t the Ritz. But it's also not the worst. They have the usual suspects: yogurt, cereal (the dry kind, absolutely), some sad-looking fruit, and (thank god) usually a waffle maker. Waffles are your friend. Make waffles. Pile them high with whatever you can scrape up. The coffee? Drinkable. The eggs sometimes look a little… suspect. I once got a "breakfast sandwich" that was basically a sad, wilted piece of something with what looked like scrambled eggs. I was so hungry, I ate it. But I regretted it. So, proceed with caution. Prepare to make your own waffle masterpiece.

The location is key, right? What can I walk to from the hotel?

Location, location, location! This is where the Courtyard *truly* shines. You can walk to *everything*. Seriously. Downtown Traverse City? Five minutes. Restaurants, shops, ice cream (essential!). The Open Space? A quick stroll. The beach? Right there. You can ditch the car (hooray for no parking headaches!) and just wander. It's bliss. Though it's a little far to walk to the vineyards, or the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. But hey, Ubers are always there. You can practically taste the cherry pie from the hotel. (Okay, maybe not *taste* it, but the aroma is certainly enticing.) The convenience is a game-changer. Makes a weekend trip feel like a real vacation! Seriously, if you take one thing away from this, it is the location, location, location.

Are there any hidden fees I should watch out for? Or other annoying surprises?

Yes. Yes, there are. The dreaded resort fee. Usually a pretty insignificant amount, but still… an annoyance. Parking (as mentioned) can eat up some of your budget. Watch out for super-expensive snacks in the little "market" area. The vending machine will also steal your money. And the ice machine on the top floor? Always broken. *Always*. I swear, I’ve seen it in various states of disrepair. Otherwise, it’s standard hotel fees. You can always call ahead and ask, the staff is typically friendly!

Tell me about the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or just going through the motions?

Okay, the staff. Generally, they're good. They're not *overly* effusive, but they're polite and helpful. Check-in is usually smooth. Housekeeping is… well, they clean. I’ve had a mix of experiences, sometimes the rooms are spotless, sometimes it's just the beds rearranged. But overall, no major complaints. I had a minor issue once and the front desk handled it quickly and professionally… though I did have to wait in line for a little bit. Like, a *little* bit… it was probably a busy day. They seem to be trying their best, and honestly, that's all I can ask for. Especially when you're tired after a long drive. They’re mostly nice, I'd say.

What's the one thing I *absolutely* need to do or experience while staying at the Courtyard?

Okay, here’s the truth. You *have* toDelightful Hotels

Courtyard Traverse City Traverse City (MI) United States

Courtyard Traverse City Traverse City (MI) United States

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