ONE-STOP DESTINATION A Grand Beauty on the Bay

BY KATI

There’s no shortage of beautiful views at Grand Traverse Resort.

On the shores of the Lake Michigan’s East Grand Traverse Bay, the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is situated on 900 acres that encompasses three championship golf courses, a beachfront and plenty of space to roam. Just 12 minutes from Cherry Capital Airport, it offers everything from 86,500 customizable square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space to 23 spa treatment rooms and is the perfect site for event planners looking for a location that has everything at their fingertips.

“We just went through a $3 million dollar, three-year renovation of the whole property, including all of our guest rooms and meeting spaces,” said director of sales Katie Leonard. “We have more than 20 meeting spaces that are both indoor and outdoor and 14 new suites, and we are one of the four largest resorts in Michigan.”

Groups of any size will find something to fit their meeting needs, whether having a catered banquet at the beach, a plenary session in the column-free ballroom or a leadership meeting in one of the leather-outfitted boardrooms. Dominating the landscape, the resort’s hotel tower is 16 stories. Signature restaurant Aerie takes up the whole top level, featuring panoramic views and American cuisine. The Beach Club also offers outdoor meeting space and dining options, and groups can customize their experience with a sunset bonfire or live music.

When it comes to fun, Grand Traverse has it dialed in: It not only offers golf and the spa but also tennis, shopping, an entertainment center ideal for group bonding, and a 100,000-square-foot fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools.

“One of the pools is right on the beach of Lake Michigan,” said Leonard. “One of the benefits of being outside of a downtown area is that people don’t leave the property as much during a conference, so groups generally have higher attendance levels here because it is a destination location.”

When it comes to off-site activities, the area is known for its wineries, so Grand Traverse will help planners coordinate tastings and other outings, such as cooking classes. Their sister property has a casino and offers a free shuttle to get there.

“Traverse City is a great little foodie town,” said Leonard. “It’s all water and wineries around here. We’re about 10 minutes from downtown, so beyond the resort are tons of additional restaurants, nightlife and shopping.”

Meeting Spaces

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has 86,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. There are more than 20 spaces available for groups to meet, including the 9,240-square-foot Michigan Ballroom with 14-foot ceilings. Governor’s Hall is 19,000 square feet, and the two exhibit halls are 18,000 and 12,000 square feet. Numerous other configurations are available.

“All of our meeting space has been completely renovated over the past three years,” said Leonard. “The Plaza is our largest outdoor venue, and it can accommodate about 500 guests.

Accommodations

There are 525 total guest rooms on property, with accommodations ranging from 14 newly renovated suites to beachy condos. The property’s hotel tower features more luxe accommodations including suites, while the six-story neighboring hotel features 240 rooms just steps from amenities like the pool and restaurants. Condo options include those on the shores of the East Bay and those beside golf course fairways. Grand Traverse even offers full resort homes.

“The hotel is just finishing the renovation of all of its rooms, including the 14 suites,” said Leonard.

Dining

Grand Traverse has several award-winning dining options that offer a range of choices for groups. On the 16th floor of the hotel tower, Aerie, Grand Traverse Resort’s signature restaurant, offers upscale contemporary fare and a panoramic view.

“It overlooks everything,” said Leonard. “It’s stunning. It’s the best view in town. We have live music there on the weekends, and it has a lounge and a private dining space.”

ON-SITE ACTIVITIES

The amenities at the Grand Traverse are plentiful: three golf championship courses, a 100,000-square-foot fitness and tennis center, two indoor pools, an indoor water playground, two indoor hot tubs, one outdoor pool, one outdoor hot tub, five outdoor tennis courts, four indoor tennis courts and a spa with 23 treatment rooms. At the beachfront, groups can enjoy bonfires with s’mores, live music and sunset banquets, along with equipment for water sports. The resort offers several on-site boutiques and an entertainment center called the Den, which features an escape room, bowling, axe throwing and an arcade that makes for great team-building activities.