Island View Cottages

Location is incredible, with a nice beach and gives the perfect set up for each family having their own space for a larger get-together. The owner was very kind & helpful when we booked. The cabins themselves leave much to be desired. From the rock-hard mattresses, to the moldy A/C units, to the existing bug splatters on the walls upon our arrival, the only way it was a step above camping was having a shower under the same roof. You can't truly say it's a full bathroom, since the shower is in the kitchen, so hopefully you are ~very~ comfortable with everyone who is staying in your cabin. I think I'd rather just camp, to avoid the false sense of comfort. Any basic amount of maintenance or cleanliness beyond clean linens would make this a much better experience. Some much needed updates would make this a great stay, but unfortunately that wasn't our experience.

First the pros: Great location, in walking distance to downtown and eating/drinking establishments. Also, great for families with kids right on the beach. Kids loved walking a few steps to the lake. ||Now the cons: Our cabin (#5) had a very strong and offensive odor. It was coming from the window AC unit, not the knotty pine as the owners have suggested in other responses to this same complaint. I now know why they have a lot of air fresheners scattered around (they didn't help). I removed the AC air filter (which was filthy) and sprayed about 1/2 a can of Lysol into the AC unit. This helped for a couple of days and I had to repeat it. The owners would be advised to learn how to clean these cheap, little AC units or, better yet, throw them away and buy new ones for $125. Also, this is a common problem with these little units (mold and other things growing in them) and the owners can google the problem and how to remedy it. The bed was something close to a full size or maybe old 'double' but nowhere near a queen size but my wife and I are not large people so it worked. Only two burners out of four worked on the stove. Wifi was good. ||These cabins were probably quaint 75+ years ago; today they're just tiny to the point of being a joke. The bathroom was smaller than one you'd find on a small RV. The kitchen/living room was combined and again, very small. The only place to sit was on a small, fold out (uncomfortable) couch and the "kitchen table" was barely large enough to hold two paper plates. All of the furnishings were on the level of something you'd buy from Goodwill. The place suffers from an advanced level of deferred maintenance with overgrown shrubs and trees and roofs that look like they are on their last legs. All it takes is a bit of labor to keep the vegetation from taking over. ||Cabin #4 was a "2 bedroom" but the second BR used to be a living room that someone plopped down a bed (hard as a rock)in the middle so you have to walk thru one BR to get to the other. Also the 'living area" was the 2nd BR with two chairs; otherwise you sit on the bed to watch TV. Shower stall in the kitchen was another 'quaint' feature. AC unit in this one also reeked. ||I've been in the real estate business for over 40 years (property manager and licensed appraiser) so I'm pretty sure I know why they are milking this cash cow and doing no updates. They would have to get permits and update the units to modern standards. You know, things like decent size bathrooms, getting rid of the asbestos exterior siding and other expensive items. IMO, the best thing for this property is to bring in a large bulldozer, clear the site, and start over with a decent building instead of keeping these cottages together with baling wire and chewing gum. They even have their property sign located where it blocks the road view to the east and you will have to take your life in your own hands getting out. Move the sign back a few feet for the safety of your guests.||We stayed four days and kinda 'got used' to it at the end but I don't think something that you pay good money for is something you should have to get used to. if these cottages were $50 - $75/night, sure. But for just a bit more money you can get a decent motel a few doors down. Not next door, that building is literally falling down. I know these owners can't control what happens next door but redeveloping both of these sites would be the best thing that could happen to this side of Traverse City.

This place is more than everything you want and need. The cabins are rustic and homey and fully equipped with small BBQs. It’s walking distance to downtown but super quiet, there are big trees and a private beach on the property with spectacular sunset views, lounge chairs, fire pits and tonnes of wood. The staff were crazy friendly. I wish we could’ve packed this place up and brought it with us on our road trip.

We would definitely stay here again. Cozy and comfortable - though the bed wasn’t ideal it was still a great place to stay. A great location with beach access, and a short walk to a lot of great food and shops. Well worth booking for your trip to Traverse City. You’ll be comfortable having your own little space while you explore the city.

We had a thoroughly enjoyable stay in Cabin 7 for four days in the early fall. The cabin and property are a bit rustic but clean, comfortable, and well thought out, with everything we needed. We especially appreciated the well-stocked kitchen and barbecue that enabled us to cook our own food and avoid restaurants during covid. Cabins, picnic tables, and beach chairs are spaced far enough apart to allow for safe social distancing, yet near enough to be sociable with other guests. The owners are responsive and friendly, and we lacked for nothing during our stay.||||I think the best feature of the property is how it feels so secluded and cozy - even the beach feels private - yet the moment you step off the property you're right in the heart of central Traverse City. It's really the best of both a country destination and urban amenities. Enthusiastically recommended.

Great little place with BEACH ACCESS. We stayed in Cottage #11. Our hosts/landlords were wonderful; friendly and attentive. It offers a laid back atmosphere. Our cottage included a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Everything is very clean. Window AC and pedestal fan is really all you need. We did not cook or do the fire pit thing at the location, but many of our "neighbors" did and it was a very collegial, but quiet vibe. The beach access is superb and we spent a lovely afternoon sunning and swimming. It is about a 15 minute walk to downtown Traverse City. Just enough to work off all the wine, beer, and good eats. Would highly recommend and would come back!

Two families descended upon this quaint locale for a family wedding. We had no idea of what to expect as it is not a typical hotel experience. What we found was something so much better. The cottages are cute, beds comfortable, kitchens stocked with the basics and the owners so accommodating to our needs. The beach is perfect at any time of the day and especially for an evening camp fire. We loved our time here and would definitely come back!

The cottage we stayed at was very rustic. The nights were cool, so air conditioning was not needed. The other people that stayed there were super nice and loved their cottage. The caretaker bend over backwards to make sure your stay was memorable. Bed was comfortable. The appliances reminded me from the 1950's but worked well. Loved the privacy and the quaintness.

Love the quirky little cabins. The proximity to town and having our own beach is the best. Everyone is like family. Tom and Sean make our vacation always so special and fun. Thanks for a great week

Love the enthusiasm here. New energy coming into making this place as great as it can be. The details were noticed. The beach was the best stretch of beach along the entire bay, original and how a natural lake Michigan beach feels. Not blown out for 300 lawn chairs. A cut fire pit, a hammock in the dune grass. Just right. We dropped in last minute and got Cabin 8, right up by the water and shuffle board court. It was great. Cute, clean and vintage. Looking forward to another stay.

Seriously awesome cottages. Quaint and adorable. Super clean and accommodating. Beautiful little beach and friendly and helpful staff.

If you're looking for the perfect little spot for you and/or your loved one(s), this IS IT. There are cottages, and homes you can choose from that are set right on the beach of Grand Traverse Bay. We stayed in cottage 7, and it was perfect. Our cottage was waterfront, and even though it was cold, our window was open the whole time. Our cottage had a master bedroom (with the BEST window of the waterfront property), a 2nd bedroom that had a queen size bed and a tv, and the kitchenette is where the eating table, the bathroom, the stove and sink were located. I thought that the shower that was located in the kitchen would be weird, but it wasn't at all! All the rooms are separated by a door, so privacy is there if needed. Island View Cottages are located right on Front St, with everything you need right there. The closest grocery store is GLENS. It is 24 hours! There are gas stations, fast food, boutiques, pubs, and even things for children to do right down the road. The gentleman who owns and operates this facility is as sweet as could be. He offered us a map of tours that we could take, and noted specific spots that we should stop by. We took his tour advice and drove up to North Port (where my boyfriend wanted to locate TIM ALLEN) and back to Traverse City. It was a BEAUTIFUL drive, and took about 3 hours to and back. All in all, this is a GREAT place to spend some QT with yourself, or your loved ones. We were in the off season pricing, and only paid 185.00 for two nights on WATERFRONT, my boyfriend had never been to the beautiful north of Michigan (or even Michigan) so we will visit Ludington next year so he can take in all of MI, but we will never forget our trip here.

Great spot! My family has been going here for 4 years in a row now. Nice and cozy! Great beach with fire pits and free wood. My 4 and 6 year old love it here. Walking distance to down town and bike trails. Best kept secret in TC

This was the perfect spot to discover how beautiful Traverse City is. Owners are helpful and sweet, and upgraded us to a waterfront cabin with a view of the bay. Cabins range in size, but have everything you need to make meals or relax on a rainy day. The location is about a 15-minute walk to downtown restaurants, but feels secluded. Would love to come back with extended family, rent a couple of cabins, and stay for a week. I was overwhelmed by how many options there are in the area for inns, but now that i've seen Island View, I wouldn't stay anywhere else but here.