10+ Unique Hotels and Airbnbs In Michigan From a Local -RachelsFindings

Rachel HannahMarch 2, 2022

The unique hotels and Airbnbs in Michigan will provide the perfect setting for any type of adventure or getaway you are looking to have in the Great Lakes State. I have stayed at about half of these different hotels and Airbnbs so I am happy to personally recommend those to you based on the wonderful experiences I have had. The rest are picks that I have heard great things about or that are on my bucket list!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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Nature Focused Hotels and Airbnbs in Michigan

Camp Squid Airbnb

small blue round tent surrounded by trees
outdoor wooden walled shower with trees surrounding it

Camp Squid is the perfect Airbnb in Michigan to get off the grid and enjoy being surrounded by nature. It’s close to The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore and near some of the best small towns in Michigan so it’s a great base to explore from. This camping experience was perfect for us because we don’t own a tent so we didn’t have to go out and buy one to get the experience.

At Camp Squid, you can choose to stay in a tent, cabin, or yurt. Each site includes its own firepit and access to free lumber. On the grounds, there are two sets of wooden portapotties and a shared outdoor shower. During the weekend there’s a community bonfire and live music.

  • Location: Benzonia
  • Starting Price: $100/night

The Lost Tepee

tepee with buffalo design by lake

Right across the Mackinac Bridge on the west side of the U.P. lies the most beautiful property. If you’re looking for an exotic Airbnb in Michigan the Lost Tepee will not disappoint. From this location, it is also very convenient to take the Saint Ignace ferry to Mackinac Island

The tepee is literally a few feet from the water so you will enjoy the peaceful sounds of the waves crashing onto the shore. At night, walk out onto the dock and enjoy the view of the Mackinac Bridge all lit up. To this day, this stay is one of my most memorable and I cannot wait to visit again!

  • Location: Saint Ignace
  • Starting price: $120/night
  • Sleeps: 2 adults in queen size cot

Floathaus of Saugatuck

inside of a houseboat mini stacked fridge and kitchen with white walls and latter to attic with bed
white two story floating boat house with small upper and lower deck

The Floathaus is located on the Kalamazoo River in the Saugatuck just a few minutes drive from Oval Beach on Lake Michigan. This is one of Michigan’s most unique Airbnb’s that is inspired by the floating homes you see in the Pacific Northwest. Kayaks are provided to explore the shops and restaurants in the area. Apart from those activities, make sure to check out the nearby Mt Baldhead loop, it will provide amazing views of Lake Michigan. Guests get access to the waterfront pool and park, laundry, grills, and additional showers.

  • Location: Saugatuck
  • Starting price: $375/night
  • Sleeps: 4 adults

Round Barn Estate

sky view of a round barn house and vineyard property. One of the unique airbnbs in Michigan
wood and white house shaped building with circular attachment and outdoor patio with bushes

The Round Barn Estate is a property like no other just a short drive from Lake Michigan’s Warren Dunes (one of my favorite Michigan hidden gems!). Imagine being able to stay on a winery that has its own distillery and brewery? It gets better. The Mt. Tabor Trails on the premises link their guest from the Round Barn Estate property to Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. During the winter igloos and firepits are set up so you are able to enjoy this unique Airbnb in Michigan any time of the year! Perfect for group getaways and special celebrations.

Location: Baroda

Avg. price: $393/night

Sleeps: 8 adults in 4 bedrooms

Finding's Fact: You don't have to be a guest to enjoy the properties wine and brews, it's open to the public!

Art Gallery Waterfront House

two story house on grassy riverfront property

I stayed at this large house with a group for a wedding on the Thornapple River 12 miles outside of Grand Rapids. This unique Airbnb was one of the most scenic, calming, and private locations in Michigan that worked great for our large party.

There was plenty of room to spread out and the kitchen downstairs connects to the outside which makes it convenient to go in and out for drinks. A majority of the art inside the home was done by the host. She lives in the other house just a short walk down the driveway and was super accommodating whenever we needed anything! Something to note, the grills are basic charcoal which made grilling hamburgers tricky.

  • Location: Middleville
  • Starting price: $250/night
  • Sleeps: 10 adults in 3 bedrooms

Big Bay Point Lighthouse B&B

drone angle of red brick lighthouse on the coast of a lake with dirt parking lot
cottage styled room with brick fireplace and chandelier

Sweeping views of Lake Superior can be seen from most of the cozy rooms inside of Big Bay Point Lighthouse in the Upper Peninsula. Full access to the lighthouse tower is dependent on which room you reserve. Each stay includes a breakfast cooked by the host each morning. A great location to make several different day trips to key activities in the U.P. You’ve got to add this unique Michigan Airbnb to your bucket list!

  • Location: Big Bay
  • Starting price: $320/night

Amenity Focused Airbnbs and Hotels in Michigan

Mint House inside of Philip Houze Apartments

outside of philip houze hotel and one of the best budget places in detroit

This hotel in Michigan is located within walking distance of all of Detroit’s best activities and restaurants. The rooms are spacious and updated lofts that require a security code to enter. The studio I stayed in was tastefully decorated and roomy. It had a full kitchen which was great for breakfast and the king-size bed was unbelievably comfortable. A really great value for the price.

  • Location: Detroit
  • Starting price: $160/night

Grand Hotel

On Mackinac Island, you will have the chance to stay at one of the most historic and unique hotels in Michigan with views of Lake Huron and the island. The Grand Hotel is a renowned National Historic Landmark and a top resort in the United States. No room is the same, the design and color scheme mix bright colors and bold patterns to transport you back in time. In my opinion, dining at the hotel’s main dining room, although pricey, is an experience you can’t pass up. There’s also afternoon tea, a salon and spa, shops, a cocktail bar, and a pool.

Location: Mackinac Island

Avg. starting price: $269/night

Colonial Inn Hotel

colonial style hotel dining room with white walls, white chairs, and yellow table cloths
two queen sized beds with white sheets. pale yellow walls with bright artwork in white frames above beds. gas fireplace against wall

This historic “inn” is a lot more exciting than the name would suggest. Founded in 1894 the Colonial Inn has accommodated its guests with a whole lot of northern charm. This is one of the most unique hotels in Michigan that offers budget rates and exceptional amenities.

A full breakfast is included on the porch or inside the dining room. The hotel also provides a pool, spa, gym, 24/7 front desk, and dock access to Lake Michigan just a few minutes of a walk down the street. The rooms are bright and inviting and the basic queen-sized room I stayed in had a gas fireplace and an XL-sized bathtub with jets.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

tan carpet and cream walls with two queen beds and a desk with floor to ceiling windows with view of trees
purple sunset sky reflecting into lake with tower hotel and golf club building

The Grand Traverse Resort is one of the unique hotels in Michigan because of its award-winning golf course, it’s among the best in the Midwest. If golfing isn’t your thing enjoy booking a day at the spa, relax in the heated pool and hot tub, or eat at one of the several restaurants inside the hotel. Plus, the hotel is only 15 minutes from downtown Traverse City and just 30 minutes drive to tour all of the best wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula.

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

The historic Amway Grand Plaza Hotel sits right on the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids. This hotel has over 600 rooms that range from modern to historic. When you walk around the different sections of the lobby you will be impressed as you take peaks at the different restaurants, shops, bars, and the classically styled Victorian sitting room. During your stay, you’ll also have the option to enjoy the spa & salon, heated pool, fitness center, sauna, and sports courts.

Location: Grand Rapids

Avg. starting price: $191/night

The Homestead

The Homestead is a beachfront resort on the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The resort is laid out in a neighborhood style to provide privacy for each of the different units. A home away from home! Near the beach club of The Homestead, you’ll find access to several restaurants, shops, a pool, and a spa. There are tons of activities to enjoy during your stay so you won’t want to leave the resort. There’s a golf course, tennis courts, lawn games, bike and walking trails, fishing, and watercraft rentals. According to reviews, the rooms are a bit outdated, so don’t plan to spend a lot of time inside.

Location: Glen Arbor

Avg. price: $400/night

The Element at The Metropolitan

This unique hotel in Michigan is inside of the historic Metropolitan Building in downtown Detroit. A prime location to explore the best parts of the city. The rooms are simple, modern, and comfortable. There’s front desk assistance and continental breakfast provided. After a long day exploring head to the top-floor penthouse and enjoy craft cocktails from The Monarch Club.

Location: Detroit

Avg. starting price: $249/night

Stone Chalet Bed & Breakfast and Event Center

One of the more unique hotels in Michigan just 6 minutes away from Michigan Stadium and close to downtown Ann Arbor. This historic stone A-frame house is a romantic place to stay. There are only 10 rooms available so make sure to plan out your trip in advance. The Stone Chalet has a rich history and you can book a guided tour if you want to learn more about the property.

a frame brick house with third floor patio and a bright red door with trees
dark floral wallpaper and victorian style wooden bedfram with white bedding and floral circle run connected to a small sitting room

Location: Ann Arbor

Avg. starting price: $159/night

Related: Explore Michigan’s Capitol City

Final Word on Unique Places to Stay in Michigan

There are so many unique hotels and Airbnbs in Michigan to choose from so I hope this collection of stays helps you plan your next unique trip! I have a lot more Michigan content you can check out, some of my favorites are listed below!

Weekend in Grand Rapids

Things to do in Lansing

Best small towns in Michigan

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