Catch me cozy on the couch on a weeknight evening and it’s likely I’ll be scrolling through my phone. Not on Facebook or Instagram (okay, maybe Instagram), but the Airbnb app. Looking for new listing gems, off-season discounts and interior design that makes me swoon. And – of course – the prerequisite: family friendliness.
I’ve referenced and recommended my “Michiweekend” wishlist so often that I figured I may as well share it with everyone else who’s looking for the perfect Michigan vacation rental, but who may not enjoy aimless Airbnb perusal like I do. Each of these options check my boxes – aesthetic, comfort, location – and are endorsed with excellent reviews if I haven’t stayed there myself… yet (wink, wink). While most are listed on Airbnb, I’ve included a few that have moved off of the platform since my stay or offer private booking.
Scroll down to see photos, locations and stand-out features of each. Or, see my entire Michigan Airbnb wishlist here.
Updated: March 2024
WEST MICHIGAN
Union Pier: The Leo Cottage
Read our review here | Book online | $$$$
Designed by Kate Marker, this three-bedroom rental near Lake Michigan exudes charm inside and out. From it’s magazine-worthy country kitchen to the master with a bedside claw foot tub and wood stove, every corner has detailing that delights. The interiors alone make it worth the splurge, but the outside amenities – with hot tub, fire pit, bicycles and ping pong – add just as much value and is only a short walk from the beach.
Allegan: Bear Creek Farm
Book online | $$$
This three-bedroom barn vacation rental had me at alpaca farm, but it only gets dreamier when you see the stone walled kitchen and sky-high, cedar-clad interior. Sitting on 40 private acres reserved exclusively for guest use, this find feels rare enough as is, but boasts a six-person sauna and hot tub to boot. It’s located approximately 25 minutes from either downtown Saugatuck or Holland, and it’s been saved in my favorites folder for years.
Niles: Black Oak Estate
Book online | $$$$
This property lives in infamy inside my brain, sleeping a whopping 35 guests and boasting an indoor pool, basketball court, two kitchens and three living rooms. In my dreams, I’ve rented it with 31 of our best friends for a NYE celebration – *clink!* Set on 28 acres, it’s 12,000 square feet might feel a bit much, but I’m pretty sure that I’d be having too much fun to mind. Pool or basketball not your thing? You’ll find billiards, air hockey, fusball, arcade, and gym with Peleton to keep you busy otherwise.
South Haven: Lake House with Pool
See our IG story here | Book online | $$$$
This modern farmhouse ranch, located a few steps from the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, had the most comfortable vacation rental bed that I’ve ever slept in. I may have dreamt of it since. It’s simple decor (dressed beautifully for the holidays!) and standing master tub made us feel right at home, but the in-ground pool is the biggest treat, with orchard trees within view. If you want to book this three-bedroom beauty, it looks like you’ll need to commit to a week-long stay this year, but I can guarantee a memorable vacation.
Kalamazoo: Timber-Frame Lakeside Retreat
Book online | $$
A 15-minute drive from downtown Kalamazoo, this is the retreat you’re looking for if you want to get it away from it all… just not too far. Full of warmth and built by hand with immaculate architectural detail, this two-bedroom cabin offers 300 feet of lakefront and comes with access to two kayaks. This is your opportunity to get back to basics with a weekend of s’mores round the campfire, fishing in the lake and settling in with a good book during naptime.
Michiana: Buffalo House
Book online | $$$
An eclectic update on a 1932 hunting cabin, this cozy and rustic retreat is only a short walk to Lake Michigan’s beach and has graced the pages of Country Living. Inside, you’ll find a bevy of board games and puzzles and a screened-in porch that’s a perfect spot for either. Just a few streets away is a new city playground to end your daily walks.
NORTH MICHIGAN
Elk Rapids: Fernhaus
Read our review here | Book online | $$$
Thirty minutes from Traverse City, you’ll pass this quaint, modern cabin en route to Elk Rapids. Conveniently for parents, it sits just across the roadway from Elk Rapids Day Park, with a calm beach, playground and simple walking trails. Inside the chic space, you’ll find two bedrooms (one queen and two twin beds) and a spacious and inviting kitchen and living area with coffee nook. The design is minimal and earthy and deliciously high end.
TRAVERSE CITY: Lakemore Resort
Read our review here | Book online | $$$$
Located right on Arbutus Lake, a short drive from downtown Traverse City, Lakemore Resort’s beautifully designed homes sit side by side along the lakeshore. You can rent one, or more, which make the property ideal when traveling with friends or planning a family reunion. In-ground hot tubs, pontoons for rent, kayaks and canoes make the most of the laid-back vibe, and adirondak-surrounded fire pits call for late, lazy nights under the stars. We’ve stayed here for an extended weekend away with family friends, and have also booked it for a larger, adults-only wine weekend.
Harbor Springs: Cabin 6
Read our review here | Book online | $$
A bright and sun-filled A-frame, Cabin 6 is nestled near Boyne Highlands and Nub’s Nob, making it an ideal ski base station. We visited in the warmer months, however, and found it to be the sweetest little getaway, in close proximity to downtown Harbor Springs, Petoskey State Park and Tunnel of Trees. Upstairs is a light-filled loft master bedroom, and you’ll find a queen main floor bedroom and walkout-basement-level living room and bedroom combo with an additional two queen beds. Sleeping space is aplenty, but living space is at a premium, which makes the front deck and shared bonfire an appreciated option with lovely wooded views.
EAST MICHIGAN
Lexington: Hen House
Book online | $$$$
Sleeping up to 12, this trendy downtown condo is up a long flight of steps but makes up for the inconvenience with its proximity to everything that this sweet Lake Huron town has to offer. Its well suited for large groups (think: girls weekend) but also thoughtfully caters to young families with a master bedroom and attached nursery nook – complete with crib, sound machine and sound monitors. What it lacks in green space, it compensates for in two decks that offer bird’s nest views of the tiny lakefront town.
Departing DTW 