My son and his lovely bride picked The Sands. We stayed the night and the rooms were clean and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. They provided a dinner afterwards and it was very good. It was "off season" however next summer my husband and I will return as they have many things to do here right on the property. Overall we will definately stay again!

My husband and I can only recommend The Sands Motel and we had great vacation staying there for three nights. We didn't even expect to have such a relaxing time in Traverse City, but it really felt like we were away from it all, and we extended our stay for another night even though we needed to move to the room next to us for the extra night. We will definitely be back! While this hotel might not be for everyone because it might not be sophisticated or professional enough for some people, we loved it there and did not want to leave. If you can look beyond the lack of basic maintenance like non-functioning bathroom fans, lose towel bars, ductape on torn window screens and other little things like that), and if the really busy and loud street that the motel is on does not bother you, you will have a great time here (no, I'm not being sarcastic).
When we arrived we were able to check in early and we loved the room because of its great view to the beach and bay. We had the Double Deluxe Room and for the little bit of extra money, this room was absolutely worth it. Acommondations are basic and clean, but the location on the beach and the personal service and hospitality makes up for anything else that might be lacking.
We used the free kajaks every day and also took the free bicyles for a ride once on the nearby trail (which was more like a maintenance road next the railroad tracks). You could walk or rather run across the street to a small deli store and quite a few different restaurants down the street.
Whenever we needed something we felt like the general manager Chris and everyone else who worked there went above and beyond to accomodate your needs in a very friendly and welcoming way. We enjoyed long walks on the beach and sitting by the fire at night with live music on the weekend. We even lit a small fire in the morning to have breakfast on the beach while watching the sunrise. They offer a good continental breakfast and you can use the grills outside if you want. We had such a great time and we will definitely be back!
Please note that when you look up this motel on Google Maps it will show in the wrong location. It is actually located directly on the beach East of the State park a couple hotels down the street.

Last weekend my husband and I, along with some other friends had the pleasure of vacationing at the Sands Motel in Traverse City. We had an awesome time and the place is located right on the beautiful East Bay. We did some kayaking and enjoyed a nightly fire and meet some great people. The owner, Chris, was very nice and helpful as was all the staff. The place was clean and we could tell Chris had been busy adding special touches around the property to make it a pleasing and enjoyable place to hang outside. The Sands is centrally located and close to restaurants and town. We had a lovely time and would definitely recommend this place to others and can’t wait to go back next year. I am pretty sure this will turn out to be a yearly vacation site for us. Thank you Chris and all the staff for making our little get-a-way so wonderful! Donna

Chris is the owner of this place and was a great host! Very personable, professional, helpful, kind, and very customer satisfaction oriented! Chris is the personality that makes the stay at the Sands in TC GREAT! The entire staff goes above and beyond the call of duty with all guest needs/wants, from parking to restaurant suggestions, asking if anyone needs anything from the store, etc. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Rachel, Patrick, Chris, the live music, everything!
If I cant stay at the Sands I am not staying in TC! Period.