The hype
Locals and travelers alike rave about the restaurant and the views, but the experience varies wildly depending on which wing you sleep in.
Terrace Bay Hotel
$93-150/ night
Book this if You want the only full-service waterfront resort experience in the Escanaba/Gladstone area and don't mind paying for breakfast.
Why People Love It
- Stunning sunrise views over Little Bay de Noc from private balconies
- On-site Freshwater Tavern is arguably the best dining in town
- New 2024 tower addition offers genuine upscale comfort
Quick Take: A tale of two hotels: a sparkling new waterfront resort attached to an older roadside motel that's still catching up.
Reviewed by @Kaylyn_.M: I stayed at Terrace Bay and the vibe was exactly what I needed. The balcony view of the lake is insane, and I loved grabbing a coffee downstairs before my morning walk. It feels like a hidden gem in the Upper Peninsula.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Standard' rooms feel like a different era compared to the new tower suites, with thinner walls and dated bathrooms.
- You book a 'Tower' or 'Lake View' room
- You want dinner and drinks without driving
- You appreciate a good fish cleaning station and freezer for your catch
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed towels in the older wing.
- Bathroom hygiene: New tower bathrooms are spotless (10/10); older rooms have dated grout and wear (6/10).
- Maintenance: New addition is flawless. Older section has reports of peeling paint and loud HVAC units.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality; clean but not luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Fresh in the new wing; occasional musty/old carpet smell in the unrenovated corridors.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Wedding receptions in the ballroom (weekends)
- Highway US-2/41 traffic (road-facing rooms)
- Thin walls in the older wing
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is 3:00 PM, Check-out is 11:00 AM
- The on-site Biggby Coffee opens at 6:00 AM for your caffeine fix (paid)
- Free bike and kayak rentals are available for guests in summer
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for weekends)
- Swimsuit for the indoor pool and hot tub
- Cooler for leftovers (mini-fridges are standard, but small)
Room Genie
Best picks
- New Tower King Suites (completed 2024) for modern soundproofing and best views
- Lake View rooms with balconies (sunrise is worth the upgrade)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Rooms (often face the parking lot/highway)
- Rooms directly above the banquet hall during wedding season
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would like to request a room in the new 2024 Tower addition, specifically a Lake View unit on an upper floor to minimize noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is breakfast included?
No. There is an on-site Biggby Coffee and a 'to-go' breakfast option for a fee ($0-6), but no free continental spread.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
No. The Terrace Bay Hotel has a strict no-pet policy. You'll need to look at the Quality Inn or Travelodge in Escanaba for pet-friendly digs.
Does the hotel have a pool?
Yes, there is a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. It overlooks the bay.
How far is it from Escanaba?
It's located in Gladstone, about a 10-15 minute drive (8 miles) north of downtown Escanaba.
Is there a restaurant on site?
Yes, the Freshwater Tavern is excellent and popular with locals. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Are there hidden fees?
No official resort fees if you book direct, but watch out for third-party sites adding 'service fees' that the hotel warns against.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'fish cleaning station' isn't just a bucket—it's a proper setup with a guest freezer, making this a pro move for anglers.
- ✨
Ask for a room *away* from the banquet hall if you're staying on a Friday or Saturday night.
- ✨
The bike path right outside connects you to Van Cleve Park; grab a free hotel bike and ride to the beach.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Standard' rooms are significantly older than the lobby photos suggest.
💡You can hear the bass from the wedding DJ in rooms directly above the ballroom.
💡The hot tub can get dominated by unsupervised kids in the evenings.
💡There is no elevator in some parts of the older wing—ask for ground floor if stairs are an issue.
💡The sunrise view from the lakefront rooms is genuinely world-class and worth the 6 AM wake-up.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Terrace Bay Hotel is located and what's nearby.