Retro done right. The atmosphere here feels like a step back in time. It is all done tastefully though, not going too far. This is a classic motel with the doors to the rooms leading directly outside. The rooms are not large and are a little awkwardly shaped, making tv placement a little weird. However everything was very clean. The room I booked had 2 beds a small dinner table with 2 chairs. A refrigerator and coffee maker, along with a medium sized TV and 1 bedside table. The bathroom was also kinda small, but it did have a walk in shower with a shower head high enough for tall people. My only real issues was there is almost no storage. No dresser andbonly a small hanging rack. Also the lighting is a little dim. The plus are the beds are very comfy. It's Individually own, not a corporate monster. It's dog friendly. Plus the location is great. The service was super friendly. I've never checked in via text message before, but it worked. Overall my stay was wonderful! I give it a 5 star review. Would I return? Absolutely, and my doggie agrees. It hard to find a nice place to stay that's dog friendly and fairly priced. read more

See all

This place is adorable. Very well maintained by the young owners. Price is equal to the franchise's in the area but the quality is top notch here. read more

As we turned off Munson Avenue into the Sierra Motel's parking lot, I couldn't help but imagine cruising in a classic '59 Chevy Corvette or a '65 Ford Mustang Convertible! The Sierra Motel, which opened its doors in 1957, exudes a retro mid-century charm that grabbed us. Owners Barrett and Andrea, who originally hail from Napa Valley, have meticulously updated the motel. Our stay featured a luxurious king-size bed, high-quality furniture and fixtures that reflect the quintessential Mid-Century Modern style, and a well-appointed bathroom with stunning tile work. The era-appropriate paint schemes, both inside and out, added to the overall "cool" vibe of the place. Huge plus: dog-friendly with a reasonable $25 charge! We are eagerly looking forward to our next visit! read more

See all

This place is amazing! The friendly staff you could image. It is a perfect location and the retro design is awesome. I am so glad we found this hidden gem. read more

Perfect for our needs - we wanted a place to stay in TC before flying out early the next day. This place is a little noisy, being right on the main road, and the wall air conditioner was quite loud, but we were happy to have AC (it worked great). Loved that we could check in with a door code and loved that the room had a fridge and Keurig. Only complaint is we said we had three people and there were only two coffee cups and two Keurig pods. Not a big deal, but maybe consider that for future guests. This is an affordable, cute, clean, responsive place to stay in TC. The owners have done a great job of updating it and providing just what you need. I'd recommend the Sierra Motel for people who aren't spending a lot of time in the room, but who need an affordable place to stay with up to 4 people. read more

The entire hotel was restored/renovated in the last year according to the owners. I forgot to take pics but you can see them on the website. The owners take a lot of pride in it and they should. They did a great job with the decorating. Our room had a 1950's vibe to it but felt timeless as well--more of a modern take on the era. Not a huge room but we were very comfortable. It's been years since I've stayed in a motel and now I will look for more. I loved being able to back the car up to the door and easily unload our luggage. Sold! Would definitely go back. read more

The owners were so nice. We were so surprised by the room it was SO cute and really clean. Staying here was better than staying in any hotel I've stayed in because it has this homey vibe to it. You can tell they put a lot of effort into this motel to keep it look fresh and new:) We will be back again for sure! read more

See all

If returning to Traverse City this is where we would stay again. Stayed one night in July 2025 on the way to Mackinaw Island. Restored to 1960's perfection with 2025 standards. Super clean, cute, comfortable. A true gem. read more

Clean bathrooms, adorable updated retro decor, and comfortable beds. We typically avoid motels but the Sierra was truly an exceptional experience.. would highly recommend. Save some money and go to Sierra. read more

We stayed one night at the Sierra Motel and had a great experience! The staff was welcoming and the room was cozy and clean. We loved being able to bring our dog along to visit Traverse city too. read more

The Sierra Motel - Queen size room - Hotels Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

See all

I love finding those special places that are unique and therefore memorable when I travel, especially when I travel alone on my motorcycle. The Sierra Motel is a perfect example of that kind of place. It's an old school mom and pop motel beautifully renovated just this year. Made to look retro with respect given to its stated origins from 1957 (same year the Dodgers moved to L.A. by the way). Although motel might date back to the 1950's everything else is new. Rooms were very clean and comfortable. Furnishings are top notch and fixtures and shower were great. T.V., while not super large, had Spectrum T.V. which had all the channels I needed. I watched the Dodgers win game three while sipping on my bourbon and coke. Barret and Andrea were wonderful hosts, reaching out via text before I arrived and even providing me with a current leaf report when I told them I was on a leaf looking trip. Also love the old style of motel that allows you to park immediately outside of your door. Highly recommend. read more

See all

Okay, this place has a great retro, 50s style - colors, decor, appliances, the works. Adorable. Not a bunch of frills, but it's clean, well kept, and inexpensive for the area. Would absolutely come here again. read more

If you are looking for a motel, look no further. This motel has everything you want and need. Very clean and friendly. Great price and location. read more

Far exceeded my expectations. The rooms were clean and neat. The showers were great. The bed was very comfortable. I travel for business and stay in many motels and hotels. This one has everything the average person needs at a reasonable price. read more

The owner is amazing and makes you feel at home. The motel is a basic motel but super clean with hardwood floors. Hospitality at its best. I'll definitely come back just because of the owner being so sweet. read more

One of the cleanest motels I've stayed in. Nothing fancy, but everything you need at a very reasonable price and location. Friendly, helpful owners who want you to enjoy your stay. There is no reason to stay anywhere else unless you are looking for something more luxurious. Bathrooms are small, but navigable. Parking by your door. Comfortable beds. Will stay here again. Did I mention it was very clean? read more

We stayed at the Sierra Motel last night after a great day in the traverse city area, we decided to get a room for the night rather than drive all the way home. We read the other reviews saying how clean and comfortable it was, and were so happy to see it was still that way. The room was just what we needed, very clean, great location and the biggest surprise was how comfortable the beds were! Thank you Sierra Motel for a nice stay, we will be back the next time we are in the area. read more

It is everything you really need if you don't have kids and are in the traverse city area. The rates were very good and so is the location to downtown. We had our bikes and it took us less than 10 minutes to get downtown (which you don't want to drive to b/c the parking is terrible). The owners were very nice and friendly. The beds were comfortable and we slept well. He bathroom could have been a little larger, but it served it's purpose. The lighting was a little scarce also, but the room was clean and even had a mini fridge and microwave. They serve a mini-breakfast in the mornings usually a pastry, coffee and a juice. The owner was very nice and made sure that everything was alright and we didnt need anything. My ranking is based on our experience. We are not saying it is a four star hotel. read more

Extremely clean and very comfortable. I got stuck in Traverse due to car trouble and despite coming in 30 minutes before the office closed, the owner was extremely nice and seemed genuinely concerned about my situation. I really can't find anything to complain about... It's a mom and pop kind of hotel but they do their best to provide the best service and rooms that they can, and for a commuting college student, the price is fantastic. I'm definitely coming back in the future if needed. read more

I stayed here for a month while I looked for a place to rent in Traverse City. The front desk lady, the owner, was nice when I checked in. The rate was $800. Although the room appeared clean, my sox got black from walking on the carpet. After about two weeks it got really creepy. The neighbors were downright losers and loners and people made noise all night coming and going. Then a day before I was to leave the maid showed up at 10 AM. I told her I was sleeping because I was up all night working. I didnt want my room cleaned because I was going to leave. She bolted to the office and my phone immediatly rang. It was the owner Connie. She told me that her and the police had a right to check my room ~ anytime they wanted. What? Are you joking?Where did this come from? I made sure I had a witness when she "checked" my room before I left. No class. read more

This is the first time for me, and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprized! Very nice, comfortable, modern, and very clean accommodations inside and out. And I know it doesnt mean much as far as comfort, ... but even the night laser lights were a nice touch. Shows care. I will for sure look this place up next time I am in town, and I will tell friends. read more

The Sierra Motel - Hotels Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

I almost hate to share this, as this is our favorite stopping place before & after our hiking adventures... but they deserve a shout out. The family that owns this gem is so accommodating and friendly, we feel at home the minute we get here. It's not just clean, it's spotless! Now, especially when y'all hear the low price, please don't pass it on to too many people lol... I still want my room available. Great job Sierra!! read more

Traverse City is out of its mind by the prices they charge for hotels. Plus they insist that you are required to stay 2 nights. Offering NO other options. We were fortunate enough to stumble over SIERRA MOTEL. A mom-and-pop operation that is incredibly great! The hotel room is caught in a time warp,... but it is extremely clean. WHEN WHAT YOU NEED IS A SHOWER AND A CLEAN BED..... We highly recommend staying at this adorable motel. Barb & Ron read more

This is an older hotel that is very clean with very nice owners. They could stand to update the furniture and carpet but the bed is comfortable and there is a mini fridge and microwave in the room. The "continental breakfast" only includes muffins, coffee, and orange juice. read more

So clean and comfortable. A perfect place to stay, especially as a guest for a wedding. The owner was very helpful, even coming to the rescue with a corkscrew and hairspray for the bride. :) The only thing I would say needs improvement is the pillow quality! I would recommend this place! read more

Clean and nice staff. Most comfortable motel and have no complaints. I felt like a home room. Decent bed and they have everything like tv, fridge and very clean bathroom. I do recommend to visit this motel and stay to enjoy Traverse city read more

The Sierra Motel - Hotels Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

First let me say I am very picky about were I stay. We decided to go to Traverse City last minute to the film festival and rooms were hard to find and very expensive. I was able to get a room here and it was the cheapest and was afraid how it would be! I was amazed at how clean the room was! The rooms are all updated, spotless and the employees friendly and helpful! Don't stay at the overpriced "chain" places stay here! Book directly with them and save more money! Great location and so CLEAN! read more

I booked late and this was the only option. Not trying to "be one of those people" but we usually stay at VRBO or 4-5 star hotels. This was a comfortable, clean and friendly place. Their son even offered to help replace my dead battery. They care more about their motel guests than people I've dealt with at 5 star hotels. read more

Clean and quiet, but way too pricey at $120 (with tax)/night for a motel. Bathroom was tiny and the toilet wouldn't flush all the way. read more

See all

This is a nice motel located on the main drag of Traverse City. You are directly across from the beach. This motel serves it's purpose. If you are going to Traverse City to go shopping or just to relax for a couple of days, then this is a motel for you. It is nothing special and the bathroom is small. But who cares. The room are very, and I mean very clean. I recommend staying here. read more

My sister and I stayed overnight at the Sierra Motel. The hotel was very clean, and the staff was extremely accommodating. When we pulled up to the hotel our car completely died. Unbelievably, the owner's son took it upon himself to help us! He not only charged the battery, but offered to go purchase a new one and install it for us so we could enjoy our day. His thoughtfulness and generosity are traits seldom seen. This is a family run operation that truly treats their guests as though they are staying in their own home. Do yourself a favor-try this little gem where kindness rules! Sincere thanks Hugo! read more

This woman is rude, nosey, and very inappropriate. She barged into my room quite early and demanded to know why I had a bottle of vodka. She proceeded to dump out a cup I had with a mixed drink from the night before. I was with a friend, we were quiet, and just having a fun time. She gave us 15 minutes to vacate the premises. One of the most bizarre experiences I have ever had. read more

I'm sitting here scratching my head at the good reviews... maybe it was just my awkward experience. I went in to ask about a room for a weekly price. The office was downright scary. It looked like an office for a machine shop company or something. A man with his shirt unbuttons all the way waited on me. Personally, for me, the weekly rates were too much for a place like this so I started to say "thanks but no thanks" when a woman came out of the back trying to push me into staying. She was wearing nothing but a bath robe! I was standing there thinking... I have never been waited on by someone only wearing a bathrobe before. There were other people walking around the back room and it was just a crazy experience. I had to get out quickly. read more

Clean, comfortable with friendly office staff. Wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.

Very nice and clean. Staff very helpful and nice. The traffic on 31 is a little loud but wouldn't deter me from coming back. Overall a great place! read more

My daughter, grandson and I stayed here in August. We drove up from Port Huron with no reservations and was hoping to find something reasonable and clean. We stopped at another down the road and it was pricey. Drove by this and was impressed at how clean the outside was. The owner asked my daughter if she would like to see the room(don't find this anymore). It was clean, and had a fridge and microwave. And the best part was the price. The owners are very friendly, you park right at your door (which is also a big plus). The told you whats in the area and paid attention to my grandson where most places look down at small kids. In the morning they make sure you were comfortable and all was ok. The carpet could be updated however it was very clean. If you want a place to swim this is not it ....no pool which was ok with us. I would much rather stay here then somewhere with all the extras you pay for and don't even use. DEFENTILY will stay here again!!!!!!! Kudos to the staff. read more