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2-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

The Sierra Motel

Straightforward motel near Lake Michigan with free Wi-Fi, parking, and pet-friendly rooms. Close to beaches, Dennos Museum, and Cherry Capital Airport.

230 Munson Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States View on map
9.6/10
Exceptional Based on 637 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Air-conditioned Pet-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable stays with convenient location

Guests appreciate the motel’s straightforward accommodations and proximity to local attractions, especially given its location near Lake Michigan and Northwestern Michigan College.

Guests often praise

  • Compliments on the clean, simple rooms that provide basic comfort.
  • Free parking and reliable, fast Wi-Fi are consistently valued.
  • Good accessibility features and air-conditioning enhance guest convenience.
  • Pet-friendly and kid-friendly policies make it suitable for families and travelers with pets.
  • Quiet surroundings despite being near the highway.

Worth knowing

  • There is no breakfast service or on-site restaurant available.
  • The motel does not offer a pool, fitness center, or airport shuttle.
  • Located about a 14-minute walk from the beaches of Lake Michigan and a short drive to downtown Traverse City.
  • Nearby golf course access is an added benefit for enthusiasts.
  • Some guests may find the amenities minimal, reflecting a straightforward motel experience.

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a budget-friendly, no-frills place to stay near Lake Michigan.
  • Visitors interested in exploring nearby cultural sites like Dennos Museum Center and Mari Vineyards.
  • Families and pet owners looking for accommodating, accessible lodging.
  • Guests attending events or studies at Northwestern Michigan College due to close proximity.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts planning to enjoy local hiking, skiing, or golfing activities.
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About this property

Welcome to The Sierra Motel

Located just off Highway 31 in Traverse City, The Sierra Motel offers straightforward, no-frills accommodation ideal for travelers seeking basic amenities near Lake Michigan. Its simple, air-conditioned rooms provide free Wi-Fi and complimentary parking, supporting a comfortable and practical stay for guests. The motel welcomes both families and pets, though it does not feature on-site dining, a pool, or fitness facilities.

This two-story property is a short 14-minute walk to nearby beaches and only a few minutes' drive from the heart of Traverse City, making it a convenient base for exploring the area. Nearby attractions include the Dennos Museum Center, with its mix of art and interactive exhibits, the Mari Vineyards offering tours and tastings with scenic views, and Mt. Holiday, which caters to seasonal outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking.

The Sierra Motel has received a strong overall rating of 4.8 from over 600 reviews, reflecting a generally positive guest experience centered on value, location, and ease of access. Check-in begins at 3:00 PM, with check-out at 11:00 AM. The motel’s proximity to Cherry Capital Airport—just a 6-minute drive—adds to its appeal for those arriving by air.

While it shares the area with several other hotels and motels offering varying levels of service and amenities, The Sierra Motel stands out for providing a straightforward, accessible option without extra frills. This makes it suitable for visitors who prioritize practicality and convenience over luxury.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Golf course

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Pool
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Sierra Motel

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Set off Highway 31 and a 3-minute walk from Northwestern Michigan College, this straightforward, 2-story motel is 14 minutes' walk from the beaches of Lake Michigan and 5 minutes' drive from central Traverse City.

  • Munson Avenue at Davis Street 4 min Walk
  • E Front St at Fair St 5 min Walk
  • E Front St at Milliken 6 min Walk
  • Cherry Capital Airport 6 min Car · 8 min Transit
  • Manistee County Blacker Airport 1 hr 20 Car · 11 hr 28 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Michigan. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Mt. Holiday 580 reviews

Mt. Holiday

3100 Holiday Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

4.6 · Ski Resort
Dennos Museum Center 464 reviews

Dennos Museum Center

1410 College Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

4.7 · Art Museum
Mari Vineyards 1,012 reviews

Mari Vineyards

8175 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

4.5 · Winery
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