Mitchell Creek Inn, Traverse City

I absolutely adore Mitchell Creek Inn. My friends and I have stayed at this motel upwards of a dozen times, and we have already made our reservations for summer 2010. If you want a chain with a lot of amenities, then it isn't for you. You won't find upscale, chic, and classy here. What you will find is a clean, pleasant stay at a quiet laid-back inn. The motel sits on the main drag just to the east of Traverse City - about 3 miles out maybe. It is *directly* across from the State Park and beach. There is a crossing light at the corner which makes the 3 minute walk to the beach easy. The rooms are clean and cozy; some might describe them as small, but I think they are fine. My companions and I are very comfortable. We stay in the kitchenette and cabins, so I have not personally been in the smaller room. There are no phones, so bring your cell. But honestly, how many people don't have cell phones now... There are a number of restaurants in the area that will deliver (but that's another review). They will allow pets and do provide internet access. The rooms do have cable television. The beds are very comfortable and fresh. The owners are sooooo nice and very kind and helpful. The rates are quite reasonable for the touristy location. While the rooms themselves are close the main road (I don't think the noise is bad), there is a beautiful woodsy area with Mitchell Creek running through it at the back of the property. They have a gazebo area and fire pit with comfy Adirondack chairs. I can't tell you how many evenings I've sat back there with friends, the owners, and other guests enjoying drinks and the fire. Though simple, your basics are covered. I've *never* had a "ugh" moment at this motel. The atmosphere is very cabin or cottage like - simple but homey. Love this place!

We booked this motel partially because there were not many vacancies available in town and after seeing a picture of it on the web, which gave an impression of being in the forest. In reality the forest was behind the motel only. Windows in all rooms face a parking lot and a busy state highway. All day long and at night we had to listen to a road's traffic noise. Rooms are very small. For a family of four you need to book two rooms because each room has one full bed and you can not fit in nothing much else. Some rooms have a fridge. Ours did not. Also there are no closets or microwaves. Electric lights are not bright. It feels like a closet light. No table lamps or night lights. We had to buy pillow cases because what we had gotten in the room did not look fresh. We paid $100 per night per room, which was crazy. But it was too late to change hotels, there were no available rooms in town. No coffee makers either. No coffee. Period...