Cambria Hotel Traverse City

While the typical brick-and-stucco siding exterior of the hotel isn't anything to write home about, this is a warm and welcoming chain outpost with a healthy dose of personality. Guests drive up to a covered entrance, and there's plenty of free parking surrounding the building. The two-story lobby is large, and there are multiple seating groups where guests can hang out next to stacked-stone walls or a grand piano. A large-screen TV keeps everyone up-to-date on the news, weather, and sports, and a gas fireplace is a nice touch. The Reflect bistro and bar, fairly typically decorated in neutral tones, is off to the side. The hotel draws all types of travelers, including couples, families, businesspeople, and solo travelers.

The hotel is located on Munson Avenue, 2 miles from downtown Traverse City. The lively center of town -- full of shops, bars, restaurants, brewpubs, and coffeehouses -- takes about five to 10 minutes to reach by car depending on the destination. Surrounded by businesses, a convenience store, and other lodging, the hotel is within a short walk of Munson Medical Center, Northwestern Michigan College, and Dennos Museum Center. The National Cherry Festival, which features parades and concerts, and the Traverse City Film Festival are both held about 2 miles from the hotel, reachable in five minutes by car. The City Opera House and Traverse City State Park are also both a five-minute drive from the hotel. The famous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore takes about 40 minutes to reach by car, while Cherry Capital Airport is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. 

All rooms are suites and feature an open shelving divider with decorative vases between the bedroom and living area. Decor is attractive and homey, if distinctly chain-like, with dark patterned carpeting, modern dark wood furnishings, large statement headboards, and modern artwork on the walls. Red pillows and lamps add a splash of color to the otherwise neutral color scheme. All rooms include 42-inch flat-screen TVs in the bedrooms, 32-inch flat-screen TVs in the living area, mini-fridges, microwaves, and Keurig coffeemakers. Bathrooms are modern, with contemporary above-counter sinks, black granite countertops, curved shower curtain rods for extra space, hairdryers, makeup mirrors, and Bath & Body Works toiletries. King Suites have only a shower, no tub. Rooms don't have much of a view except for the parking lot, since the property isn't directly on the lakefront like many others in the area. 

This mid-range chain offers a nice amount of freebies and features for a hotel of its size. Reflect, an atrium-style bistro in the lobby, serves American fare for all meals. There is a casual dining room inside, with large orange chandeliers, though guests can eat outside on the terrace in warmer months. There's also a full-service bar and lounge seating. Breakfast is available but is not included with room rates. The indoor pool and hot tub are open 24/7 and windows along one side allow in natural light and views of the parking lot. A few lounge chairs allow for poolside relaxing. A spacious and modern fitness center is adjacent, with a good handful of cardio equipment but limited weight options. A free shuttle takes guests downtown to restaurants, brewpubs, and shopping. Refill sundry shop is also open around the clock. Events space accommodates up to 60 people, and an executive boardroom seats 14 people for meetings. A business center offers Internet access and fax, copy, and printing services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and airport transfers are also free.