Apartment

Sunny West Bay Retreat, Cozy Apartment on the Bay, steps from Downtown.

Photo gallery for Sunny West Bay Retreat, Cozy Apartment on the Bay, steps from Downtown.

Living area
Sofa bed has a queen size memory foam mattress (new platform stye -no springs;)
Interior
Living area
Great work space.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchenette
  • Laundry room
  • Air-conditioning
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Traverse City, MI
  • Place, Traverse City Visitor Center
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Front Street
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Clinch Park Beach
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • 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

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.

Amenities (select from VRBO's checklist — key ones to flag)
High-speed Wi-Fi, cable TV, full-size refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, private entrance, keyless entry, on-site parking.

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.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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 solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
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

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 ice skating and snowmobiling.
Map
Traverse City, MI

What's nearby

  • 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
  • Clinch Park Beach - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Village at Grand Traverse Commons - 19 min walk - 1.7 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪North Peak Brewing Company - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Water Bearer Coffee - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Barrio - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Right Brain Brewery - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Modern Bird - ‬5 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 7 May 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 18 Aug 2026 start from AU$503, 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 5-minute walk of Wags West and Lake Michigan. 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 126 out of 131 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 131 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 131 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 131 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 131 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

This is a nice place with a wonderful location and a lovely view.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy apartment in a great location

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Stay

The location is great, and the view is beautiful! We could walk anywhere we wanted and there were snacks, coffee, and a soaps provided.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Will H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great get away

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation

Vacation to northern Michigan lake towns, and enjoyed this rental apartment. Walking distance to food, shops, beach, and very clean. Would certainly stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristi W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place to stay!

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

We loved the apartment and the amenities that came with it. We hope to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherry R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent!

Loved this location!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Loved the location, cleanliness and information provided by owner.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice space with great views

Beautiful view, great location and super cute apartment
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience.

Clean, well thought out. Great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wynnifred J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!!

Perfect location, clean, beautiful view of the lake! Well stocked.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best house/location in TC!

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,
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nora T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderfull

Studio had everything and more!! Wonderful location across from the beach.Bob and his wife were wonderful!! Definitely would stay there again!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rita K.

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
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Christian T.

Impeccable space is a great spot!!

This apartment is terrific. We couldn't have be happier!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Aubri S.

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway.

Great location! Clean,neat, close to everything. Awesome experience! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

The apartment was wonderful and met all of our needs and more. Would recommend this property to anyone.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Todd O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Srat in TC!

From reservation through advance info all the way to arrivals
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ron K.

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brent A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great View

Awesome place, great view, very clean, everything you need. These hosts have thought of everything. Very comfortable, and in the middle of everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise!

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Bob Eichenlaub

Host profile image
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.

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