Arbutus Lake Cottage

Photo gallery for Arbutus Lake Cottage

A lakeside deck with outdoor seating and a view of the lake.
A kitchen with grey cabinets, a wooden ceiling, and an 'ACCESS SITE' sign.
A cozy cabin interior with a stone fireplace, wooden ceiling, and a dining area with white chairs.
A cozy cabin interior with a wooden ceiling, a sofa, a coffee table, and a kitchen area with a microwave.
A cozy cabin interior with a stone wall, a wood-burning stove, a dining table with chairs, and white cabinets.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the beach and sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Arbutus Lake

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Patio
  • Dog-friendly
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Traverse City, MI
  • Place, Forest Lakes
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Arbutus Lake
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, beach near Barbeau Drive
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Traverse City

Located in Traverse City, this cabin is on the beach. Shoppers can check out Front Street, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and Traverse City Beach. Centre Ice Arena and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf are also worth visiting. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as power boating and other activities like winery tours.
View more Cabin rentals in Traverse CityOpens in a new window
Map
Traverse City, MI

What's nearby

  • Forest Lakes - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Arbutus Lake - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • beach near Barbeau Drive - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • beach near Arbutus Lake - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Front Street - 15 min drive - 18.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪J & S Hamburg - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Peegeo's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Kingsley Local Brewing - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪K.I. Bar & Grill - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Arbutus Lake Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much is parking at Arbutus Lake Cottage?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Arbutus Lake Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Arbutus Lake Cottage?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Arbutus Lake Cottage located?

Nestled on the beach, this Traverse City cabin is just steps away from Forest Lakes and Arbutus Lake. Spider Lake is 2.8 mi (4.4 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

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. 66 out of 81 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 81 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 81 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 81 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 81 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean and very quiet. We had a good experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Location
The place was clean and nice
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We come up to TC every year for Cherry Fest! This by far is our favorite spot! We spent most of our days cruising Arbutus or playing on the beach. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin worked great for us.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, loved having the kayaks available to take out with the family! Quick ride to get into town!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

It was just awesome!

One of the nicest cabin's and area we evered stayed. On top of that the weather was also nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great time

My family and I enjoyed our stay. We were close to Traverse City. The beach at the cottage was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
This is a smallish 3-bedroom cabin a stone's throw away from a beautiful lake. Don't expect luxury dwellings! The interior felt like it was lacking some natural light and the bathroom was cramped, even for us city people who are used to tight bathrooms. But the space was clean and functional, appliances were in good working order, we loved the porch which faced the water, and it was quiet and serene. The a/c worked very well, for those who are traveling in the summer.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect lake getaway

Exactly what we were looking for. Enjoyed the beach, lake, kayaks and fire pit. Easy to eat in or dine out. Lots of places to explore within an hour drive.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Incredible Cabin for a getaway

Emily and Dave were very responsive and helpful with any questions we had. Their cabin is clean, kid friendly and would have any wooded cabin seeker looking to come back after their stay. Everything is as listed with this property.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

City Guys

The resort was a nice community. The property itself was really chill and homey. It had all the amenities a family or group of friends would need. There was a fire pit and kayaking available and it was close to Sleeping Bear Dunes for hiking. Everyone in the resort area was friendly and helpful with one thing or another. I’d for sure recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cute,clean and cozy. Kitchen and living area are roomy. The listing is accurate. Communication with owner was excellent. Grille will need replacing in the future. I would make anyone who is handicap, which we are not, but there is a hill to go down to get to the lake. Last but not least the fishing was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great little quiet getaway

What a great cottage! It was perfect for our family of four (two adults, a 14 and an 11 year old). A very relaxing location in a quiet little cottage community with an easy drive to Traverse City if you want to get out and about. The hosts were very nice but also not at all intrusive. The cottage had all the amenities we needed (kitchen equipment, a propane grill) and some extra thoughtful touches (firewood!, nice hand soap, ample towels, a few toys, games and books). The use of kayaks was great, and the small beach was perfect. Once we figure out next summer’s vacation schedule, we hope to book again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A short stay reuniting old friends

This lovely cozy cottage served as a meeting place for old college friends to meet up and enjoy a few day together. The cottage had everything we needed. Pots, pans, towels, etc. the fireplace was warming and welcoming. The views of the lake were astounding. I would recommended this cottage to anyone visiting the greater Traverse City Area. It’s - short 15 minute drive to the heart of Traverse City and a just a little further to Michigan’s wine country
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Quiet family vacation

Property is small but clean and nice. 2nd twin is a trundle stored under the other twin. We could only get one tv to work. Beds were comfortable. Close location to lake. We kayaked almost every day. Very relaxing. Property has two kayaks but there are more on the beach for use. Kitchen had dishes for cooking at home and a grill. Very quiet and safe area. Close to Traverse city.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect place to get away with the kids

We can’t say enough great things about our experience here. We have 3 boys ages 6-8, and they were in love with this lake too. The cottage is clean, adorable, and had everything we needed. Our kids enjoyed the games and the Wii when it rained. Otherwise they were swimming, fishing kayaking, playing on the swings in the little park area. We love that it was close to Traverse City so that we could check out the Cherry Festival, and everything else TC has to offer (restaurants). It’s only a 15 minute drive, and you go from the most quiet, serene lake, to the hustle and bustle of TC. We did not want to leave after 7 days, and are looking ahead to see when we can come back. Love love love it here!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 19 March 2020
Thank you so much for your very sweet review. We hope you come back and visit soon.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Half-Marathon Oasis

My group of friends and I participating in the Bayshore Half-Marathon this year wanted a place outside the heart of Traverse City to avoid the hustle and bustle of the holiday crowd, but close enough to justify trips into town for meals and supplies, and boy was this place perfect! The host was very responsive leading up to the reservation with all the questions I had. It was a little tricky to find, but we got very specific instructions on how to get there and what to put into Google Maps to get us there and we managed. My whole group and I agreed that the photos do not do it justice and the place is even nicer in person. We all slept comfortably and didn’t feel like we were on top of each other in the main living space (six of us in total). We were able to enjoy a day on the water with the kayaks on site and had a lovely fire in the fire pit next to the cabin. Honestly, it was the escape we all needed and I could not recommend it anymore. If anyone needs an escape, this is the place to go to!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Beds were comfortable. The couch could really use a good cleaning, along with the entire cabinet. It wasn’t filthy, just not the cleanliness I’ve come to expect renting through VRBO. The area was pretty. There was a mouse I caught with a trash can in kitchen. I let the owners know and they said they have someone keeping up on it, but there weren’t any traps I could find. The response “well it’s getting cooler out so that happens…” didn’t help. They did offer to let us check out early, but I’m in the middle of a vacation. I don’t really want to load up and unload again for two nights. but it also gets cooler where I live and I dont have mice. The response tells me they don’t think much of it. I personally think it’s pretty gross, especially since I had to kill the mouse myself.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Arbutus lake stay

More directions on finding cabin would help!! Maybe turn left at Pineview resort sign! There was a truck parked in front of street sign so we kept going straight!! Turned around and found on way back! Property manager was great to deal with!! Quickly answered any questions we had!! Kitchen could use more lighting and coffee table in front of couch would be a nice addition! Overall great stay!!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Weekend getaway made perfect with comfy and cozy cabin to recharge -

What a lovely cabin - complete with Halloween decorations and comforts that quickly made me feel at home after two days of Traverse City explorations with my hiking partner golden retrievers. Clean, cozy and extremely comfortable. The lake was Beautiful! Definitely plan to return next year!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Very nice and cozy house and the fall colors around the lake were absolutely stunning..

The house was very clean and comfortable beds as well. Perfect fire pit and chairs. Also the store just a couple miles away have breakfast, lunch and dinner.. yes we all were very happy and didn't want to leave.. cheers and until next time..
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great getaway!

Came with husband and pup for a weekend getaway in the fall. The space was cozy and family friendly. Loved the property. We arrived after dark and weren't familiar with the area. The sign for the Pineview Resort wasn't easy to see in the dark, so "up the hill" means turn left to go up the hill to get to the street with the little red house. Would also appreciate a map of the resort with where the dump was. We found it, but a map would be helpful to make it less of a guessing game. Loved our stay and would return in another season! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Clean cottage

Super clean and cozy. Beds were comfortable and plenty of clean towels and blankets. We really enjoyed our stay here!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fabulous

The cottage was beautiful, comfortable and well appointed. Loved all of the special touches such as succulents, fire pit with wood and lovely dishes for kids and adults. Definitely recommend and will stay again. The host was very attentive to email questions. All of them. 😂
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Loved it. Will be back!

Cabin was as described, great communication with owner!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
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