The Sierra Motel — Attraction in Traverse City

Last summer, we saw this motel being renovated, and decided it might be fun to stay there this year; and boy are we glad we did! The hotel is owned and operated by a wonderful couple: Barrett & Andrea. They couldn't be kinder or more concerned with your stay being a great one! They live on the premises and seemed to be available anytime we needed anything.

Motel & Rooms: The motel was originally built in 1957, and they renovated the entire property with a fun, colorful, mid-century modern vibe. Each room is unique, and their attention to detail is incredible! Keep in mind, the rooms are being cleaned by the owners - the people with skin in the game. Our bathroom was so clean, it looked like it had never been used! Even below the bathroom sink, where most people would cut corners or save money with white, plastic plumbing, Barrett installed finished chrome plumbing. All the fixtures were chosen to keep with the MCM theme. The rooms have a mini-fridge that looks like a pastel-colored refrigerator from the 1950s, the table was one of those round, white-lacquered pedestal tables, the Keurig machine in our room was pink, and even the ceramic coffee mugs they provide in each room are retro colors - the only thing NOT 1950s in the rooms are the belongings you bring into them! The bed was very comfortable and the bedding was clean and white. Most hotels or motels, you're in the room long enough to sleep, shower, change, and then you leave to go have good experiences elsewhere. We actually spent time in the room just enjoying the coffee, the ambiance, the view out the window - the room itself was a good experience to enjoy.

Service: We received a text letting us know we could check-in early - that our room was ready ahead of time. Barrett also told me, "if you ever need anything, just text us at that number." So I could be lying in bed, and text that we need clean towels, and they would bring them to our room. I've never had that anywhere I've ever stayed before. As I mentioned above, the owners are the ones running the motel. They provide Starbucks Keurig K-cups, bottled water, creamer - the in-room coffee setup is far superior to anywhere else we've ever stayed.

Location: Located right on Munson Avenue (right before it turns into Front Street) at the base of the Old Mission Peninsula. Munson isn't a road you want to turn left onto, but because the motel sits on a corner, you simply leave the parking lot on the little side street (Hamilton), turn right, drive through the quiet neighborhood to Eighth, and and either take Eighth (west) into TC, or take Fair (north) to drive up Old Mission Peninsula. The motel has plenty of parking, and you can park right outside the door to your room. The doors are covered, so if it were raining, you can stay dry standing outside your room. This is an ideal situation in Traverse City, regardless of what you're there for. There is also a quiet neighborhood immediately south of the motel for walking, running, or walking dogs. And 3 short blocks west of the motel is the Civic Center Park, with paved walking/running paths - it's a huge park!

Dog-Friendly: While they haven't necessarily worked to advertise themselves as a dog-friendly motel, our two well-behaved dogs were very welcome for the week we stayed. There is plenty of grass nearby for going potty, and we walked through the neighborhood multiples times each day.

We will absolutely stay here every summer...

A Perfect Retro Home Base for a Modern-Day Adventure

We stayed at The Sierra Motel during the National Cherry Festival while in town for the Weird Al and Puddles Pity Party concert, and honestly, it was one of the most memorable stays we've ever had.

Founded in 1957 and still carrying the charm of that golden era, this place is the kind of throwback that works. The retro styling is intentional, playful, and clean. From the colorful New England-like paint scheme to the mid-century modern touches inside the room, like the 007 poster, old-school appliances, cool faucets, and matching retro microwave and fridge, everything felt like it had been chosen with care.

The walk-in shower was unexpectedly luxurious for a motel, with a wide spray shower head and wand. The beds were new and super comfortable, and despite being a single-room space, it felt thoughtfully laid out and full of personality.

What really made it special, though, was the staff. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely tuned into the guest experience. The best moment? I walked across the parking lot wearing an Air Supply concert tee, and the owner, who was actively cleaning rooms—stepped out and told us they'd switched the office music to Air Supply and Yacht Rock just to match the mood. That kind of personal touch doesn’t happen in big-chain hotels.

The parking lot was another pleasant surprise. It was freshly painted, very clean, and had plenty of room, even for our Ram 3500 Dually, which usually feels like a burden in tight lots. Location-wise, it’s hard to beat. The motel sits just two miles from downtown/Old Town/Slab Town. You can walk it easily or hop on one of the city's shuttle buses, which make getting around simple. Along the walk, there were tons of great restaurants and local spots worth checking out.

Even though the staff wasn’t in matching uniforms, their kindness and attentiveness were so consistent it felt like they were in uniform just not the kind made of fabric.

This place made us feel like we were back in the heyday of American road trips, except with clean sheets, bright bathrooms, and updated beds. We’ll definitely...

Our recent stay at the "Sierra Motel" was nothing short of a nightmare, and I use the term "luxury" very loosely. From the moment we checked in, it was clear that this place was a far cry from its advertised grandeur.

Let's start with the room. The furnishings were dated and worn, with a distinct aroma that can only be described as a blend of mothballs and damp carpet. As if that wasn't enough, we soon discovered evidence of termites feasting on the wooden furniture, and tiny rat holes scattered throughout the walls—a lovely touch for a supposedly upscale establishment.

The bathroom was equally disappointing. The shower curtain looked like it had seen better days, with suspicious stains that made us avoid it altogether. And don't get me started on the amenities—or lack thereof. The soap bars were so minuscule, it was like they were rationing cleanliness.

But the real horror began at night. It seemed the walls were paper-thin, because we could hear every intimate detail of our neighbors' escapades. The walls seemed to vibrate with every moan and thump, making for an unforgettable symphony of discomfort.

To add to our misery, the hotel seemed to have a rodent infestation. We spotted rats scurrying across the hallway at night, and even found droppings near the elevators—an experience we never expected from a place that charges exorbitant rates.

The final straw came when we attempted to enjoy a peaceful meal. The "exclusive" restaurant boasted a view of the city skyline, but what we got was a table next to a window with cracked glass and a view of a construction site. The food was overpriced and underwhelming, and the service left much to be desired.

In conclusion, our stay at the "The Sierra Motel" was a series of disappointments wrapped in a veneer of false luxury. From termites and rat holes to thin walls and overheard escapades, this place managed to shatter our expectations in every possible way. If you value your sanity and your wallet, steer clear of this supposed "luxury"...