A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Walk to Front Street
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
On beach
Spa pool on site
Patio
Kitchenette
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Explore the area
Traverse City, MI
Traverse City Visitor Center
Place, Traverse City Visitor Center
8 min walk
Front Street
Place, Front Street
10 min walk
Clinch Park Beach
Place, Clinch Park Beach
13 min walk
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
11 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Living Room
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Dining area
About this property
Sunny West Bay Retreat,
Cozy Apartment on the Bay, steps from Downtown.
Wake up in a sun-filled apartment steps from West Bay, cross the street to the beach, and walk two blocks to the best of downtown Traverse City. This ground-floor suite inside a passive solar home has its own private entrance and keyless lock — your own space, your own schedule. Perfect for a couple or small group ready to explore Michigan's most beloved lakeside town. The apartment includes a queen bedroom, a living area with a memory foam sofa bed, a full bath with tub, and a bay-view kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and sink. Cable TV and high-speed Wi-Fi are included. Park your car in the gravel driveway when you arrive — you won't need it again. West End Beach is directly across the street. The TART bicycle trail runs right outside. Two blocks away you'll find breweries, wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and live music in the heart of downtown TC. Bay Bakery, Frenchie's, Sledders Restaurant, and Wonder Freeze ice cream are all just down the block — whether you're here for the beaches, the trails, the food scene, the festivals, or simply an escape up north, this is your ideal base camp.
Rooms and spaces Bedroom: queen bed. Living area: memory foam sofa bed. Bathroom: full bath with tub. Kitchen: kitchenette with full-size refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and sink.
House rules No smoking indoors or outdoors. This is a strictly non-smoking property.
Location description Located in a residential neighborhood three blocks from downtown Traverse City, directly across from West End Beach and the TART bicycle trail. On-site parking available — but you may not open your car door for days.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses some solar energy
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Traverse City
Located in Slabtown, a neighbourhood in Traverse City, this apartment is near a water park and on the beach. Shoppers can check out Front Street, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and Traverse City Beach. Great Lakes Children's Museum and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and ice skating.
Traverse City Visitor Center - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Clinch Park - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Front Street - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
City Opera House - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Clinch Park Beach - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
Getting around
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 14 min drive
Restaurants
Water Bearer Coffee - 7 min walk
North Peak Brewing Company - 8 min walk
Barrio - 10 min walk
Lil Bo - 5 min walk
7 Monks Taproom - 12 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunny West Bay Retreat,
Cozy Apartment on the Bay, steps from Downtown. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Sunny West Bay Retreat,
Cozy Apartment on the Bay, steps from Downtown.?
As of 21 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sunny West Bay Retreat,
Cozy Apartment on the Bay, steps from Downtown. on 19 Oct 2026 start from AU$421, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Sunny West Bay Retreat,
Cozy Apartment on the Bay, steps from Downtown.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sunny West Bay Retreat,
Cozy Apartment on the Bay, steps from Downtown.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sunny West Bay Retreat,
Cozy Apartment on the Bay, steps from Downtown.?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Sunny West Bay Retreat,
Cozy Apartment on the Bay, steps from Downtown. located?
Located in Slabtown, this beachfront apartment building is in the city centre and within a 15-minute walk of Lake Michigan and Front Street. West End Beach and Clinch Park are also within 10 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We really enjoyed this property. Very cozy and they almost literally thought of everything and had great suggestions on excursions in the area. We will definitely stay there again.
We had a lovely stay at this VRBO. Cute decorations and a comfortable space, very quiet for sleeping, ultra close to the bay, and clear and quick communication. 10/10 will stay again.
We loved our stay from the moment we walked in. Better than expected accommodations: clean, comfortable, quiet and the perfect location. We will definitely return!
This little apartment had everything that my husband and I needed for our stay. Perfect for a couples getaway! Close to lots of breweries, distilleries and wineries. We had a great time and we will for sure stay here again!
Vacation to northern Michigan lake towns, and enjoyed this rental apartment. Walking distance to food, shops, beach, and very clean. Would certainly stay again.
We had a wonderful time at The Rock Shop 2. The hosts were very informative and ready to help if we needed anything. It is a great location for the trails and for downtown activities. Would stay there again.
Beautiful view, great location and super cute apartment
Elizabeth M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 July 2021
Thanks for staying with us and keeping the apartment in good shape. We hope you had a great visit. If you ever want to come back, contact us directly and we'll give you the "friends and family" discount. Bob & Becky
We stayed here 10 years ago when we first got married. 10 Years later, the place is still kept up very nicely. Will be happy to come back and stay there again,
Chris D.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct 2023
Hope to see you in 10 years for your 20th Anniversary :)
Studio had everything and more!! Wonderful location across from the beach.Bob and his wife were wonderful!! Definitely would stay there again!
Nora T.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct 2023
Nora, thanks for staying with us!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Rita K.
21 Feb 2017
Amazing apartment and location
We absolutely loved it! Great location. The apartment was spotless. Every detail thought out. The owners are very good people too. We would stay again and recommend to others
Rita K.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Bring your bikes next time :)
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Christian T.
29 Aug 2017
Impeccable space is a great spot!!
This apartment is terrific. We couldn't have be happier!
Christian T.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Thanks, we're glad you enjoyed your stay.
Bob & Becky
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Aubri S.
6 Nov 2017
Cozy and comfortable apartment with great views and can't be beat location!
Despite the drizzly and damp weekend, this apartment was incredibly cozy and comfortable. It was so nice to have a clear view of the Bay from the huge windows. The location is great - we were within walking distance to all the local bakeries, coffee shops and restaurants. We would definitely stay here again!
Aubri S.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Thanks for the review. I ordered a sunny weekend, but my powers in meteorology seem to be lacking. Thanks for staying with us.
Bob and Becky
From reservation through advance info all the way to arrivals
Todd O.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Ron K.
4 Sept 2013
WOW ! What a cool place !
What an amazing place! We loved our stay in Traverse City. The guest suite was quirky and fun (and clean), Bob and Becky were able to guide us to all of the great local eateries. The location was perfect - we walked and biked everywhere. We'll be back.
Perfectly located, quaint, clean and functional. Our family loved it and the hosts were top notch providing many great amenities. We hope to be back soon! Thank you!
Awesome place, great view, very clean, everything you need. These hosts have thought of everything. Very comfortable, and in the middle of everything.
Brent A.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
About the host
Hosted by Bob Eichenlaub
Your hosts, Bob & Becky have called Traverse City home for decades and love it more every year — which is exactly why we want to share it with you. Before retiring, Bob spent his career as a Special Education teacher and builder, and Becky worked in philanthropy. These days you'll find us out running the trails, biking the TART, or skiing up north. Bob has biked across countries and continents, and will tell you without hesitation that the riding around Traverse City is the best he's found anywhere in the world. We know this town inside and out — the hidden beaches, the best spots for a morning coffee before a long ride, the restaurants worth waiting for, and the ones the locals actually go to. If you want recommendations, just ask. We're happy to help you make the most of your time here.
Why they chose this property
We chose this spot deliberately, and after decades here we'd choose it again without hesitation. We're in the heart of Slabtown, one of Traverse City's most cherished historic districts, sitting right on the edge of downtown without any of the noise. Step outside and you're directly across Grandview Parkway from West Grand Traverse Bay — one of the most pristine deepwater bays in the country. The views stop you in your tracks, and full public beach access means the water is yours whenever you want it. As avid runners, bikers, and skiers, we couldn't ask for a better home base. The TART trail runs right alongside the house, connecting miles of waterfront riding and running in both directions. Bob has biked all over the world and keeps coming back to these roads and trails — that says everything. Two blocks in the other direction puts you in the middle of everything Traverse City has to offer. But honestly, on most mornings you'll find yourself standing at the water's edge first, coffee in hand, watching the bay catch the light — and wondering why you ever need to leave.
What makes this property unique
The story behind this home Our home has a history as interesting as the neighborhood it sits in. More than a decade ago, Becky and I stumbled onto an old storefront on Grandview Parkway — the Davidson Rock Shop, a Traverse City institution that had been polishing Petoskey stones and selling them to tourists for over 50 years. The building was part of the city's original downtown, built just after the Civil War, sitting directly across from West Bay. We fell in love with the location and decided it was worth reimagining entirely. We sold the small attached house to friends, cleared the commercial side, and started from scratch. What was left was a narrow infill lot — 25 feet wide and 117 feet deep — with fire-rated walls required on both long sides, meaning no windows on either flank. Bringing light and air into what is essentially a shotgun-style building was the central design challenge, and it became an obsession. I had also decided I wanted to build the most energy-efficient home in Traverse City. The result follows the German Passive House standard, which combines super-insulation, an exceptionally tight building envelope, an energy recovery ventilator for fresh air circulation, and passive solar design. The floors and domestic hot water are heated entirely by solar panels on the roof. I retired from teaching on a Friday and started tearing down the old building the following Monday. After four major design revisions, the final version includes a garage and the apartment you're staying in on the ground floor. It's a building with a story — and we think that makes it a pretty special place to call home for a few days.