Island View Cottages

Yes we are in Traverse City, yes we are walking distance to a beautiful beach. It’s a shame it’s not better maintained. I would not call this little shack we got a sleeps 3. 2 full size people cannot comfortably fit on the little very uncomfortable bed, a third full-size person cannot fit on the little couch Pull out. The sheets have holes in them and/ or are very frayed. The microwave is unreachable for us short people. If you are going to put it in this location, provide a step ladder. This might be comfortable for a single individual or a young married couple- but not 3, 60+ women. I have stayed at many Airbnbs across the country- most go out of their way to make you feel at home and comfortable, this place does not. Also suggest get rid of the throw rugs- tripping hazard.

The cottage itself was fine, but pulling out onto the busy road is extremely dangerous. Overgrown bushes and the placement of the sign completely block the view of oncoming traffic to the left. This needs to be addressed before someone gets hurt—if it hasn’t already happened.

I really wanted to love this place, but unfortunately I didn’t. We stayed in Cottage 8 and the bed was extremely uncomfortable—it felt like just a thin blanket over springs. The shower was in the kitchen with no privacy at all. Every time I stepped outside, my clothes smelled like stale cigarettes, even though it’s advertised as a non-smoking cabin. For the price, it just wasn’t ideal. On a positive note, the host was very nice and the private beach access was definitely a highlight.

It's been years since I have been in Traverse City. My niece and a brother celebrated my birthday here. I really enjoyed staying in one of the cute cottages. The outdoor seating on lake was great. We spent time both during the day and at night.

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.

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.

If you like old-style cabin living you'll love this place. It's right on the West Bay Beach and has amazing sunsets.

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.

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.