Planning a Michigan brewery tour is one of my favorite ways to explore both craft beer and local charm all in one trip. With so many breweries spanning the state, figuring out where to stay can make or break the whole adventure. A little advance planning helps the whole experience go smoothly, both for sampling and for relaxing after a busy day of tastings. If you’re not sure how to choose the best accommodations for your brewery route, I’ve put together some tips and ideas to help you enjoy your stay, whether you’re cruising the lakeshore or making your way through Grand Rapids.
The Appeal of Michigan Brewery Tours
Michigan’s craft beer scene is huge, with more than 400 breweries scattered all over the state. Breweries range from small, homey spots tucked away in historic neighborhoods to destination taprooms overlooking Lake Michigan. A good brewery tour isn’t just about the beer on tap. It’s also about experiencing different cities, regions, and the local hospitality packed into every stop.
People pick Michigan for beer road trips because of the scenic drives, the friendly towns, and the strong sense of community you’ll find at most breweries. Having a comfortable place to stay nearby makes the whole trip more relaxing and gives you a base to try new places, ask locals for recommendations, and unwind after a fun day. If you stick around a bit longer, you might stumble upon lesser-known breweries and events you wouldn’t have encountered on a tight schedule.
Factors To Think About When Choosing Where to Stay
Deciding where to stay for your Michigan brewery tour depends on a few things. Here are some points that have helped me choose over the years:
- Location: It’s a good idea to pick a city or region with the most breweries you want to try. Staying close to your top picks saves on driving and lets you walk, or use a rideshare, between tastings.
- Group Size: If you’re traveling with friends, a house or Airbnb can be cost effective and fun. For solo trips or couples, hotels and B&Bs offer more flexibility.
- Transportation: Look for spots with walkable downtowns, good rideshare availability, or easy access to brewery shuttle services. That way, everyone can relax and enjoy the tastings.
- Budget: Michigan offers everything from lowkey motels to high end resorts. It’s helpful to decide on your budget before booking so you can get the most out of both your lodging and your brewery stops.
- Atmosphere: Some travelers like quiet country inns, while others prefer lively urban hotels near the action. Pick a place that fits the vibe you want for your tour.
Checking reviews on travel sites and brewery forums can also help narrow down the best value for your route and group. Locals on social media often give great tips about which neighborhoods are especially brewery-friendly and which accommodations regularly get high marks from beer fans. If you’re planning to stay for several nights, check to see if multi-night discounts are available as well.
Popular Michigan Regions For Brewery Tours and Accommodation Options
Certain areas in Michigan have become hot spots for brewery crawls and offer unique places to stay. I’ve had good experiences in all of these regions:
1. Grand Rapids (“Beer City USA”)
Grand Rapids has more than 40 breweries and a walkable downtown packed with hotels, hostels, and boutique inns. For brewery lovers, staying downtown is pretty convenient. Hotels like the Amway Grand Plaza or the CityFlatsHotel put you within easy reach of Founders, Harmony, and Atwater Brewing. Weekend packages sometimes include beer-themed perks or shuttle services. If you want a change of pace, you can quickly get to neighborhood breweries just outside the downtown core by rideshare or short drive.
2. Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo’s collegetown vibe makes it super lively and fun. Founders like Bell’s Brewery call this area home, and you’ll find lots of brewery events and pub crawls. Airbnbs and chain hotels dot the downtown, but I prefer unique spots like The Henderson Castle for something out of the ordinary. Many places in Kalamazoo partner with breweries for discounts or even tours. The downtown also boasts local coffee shops, music venues, and late night food—perfect for stretching your night out beyond the breweries.
3. Traverse City & Northern Michigan
Northern Michigan isn’t just famous for wine; the brewery game is strong here, too. Traverse City draws a big summer crowd, so booking early can help. Waterfront resorts like The Delamar or cozy B&Bs offer great access to breweries such as Right Brain, North Peak, and Brewery Terra Firma. Exploring the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas opens up even more unique breweries with epic scenery. Cabins and cottages are a good option if you want more privacy and lake views. In addition, many of these spots are close to hiking, biking, or even kayaking, making your trip packed with outdoor fun between brewery stops.
4. Detroit & Ann Arbor
While Detroit is mostly known for its music and car culture, the brewery scene here is growing with places like Batch Brewing and Atwater. Downtown Detroit hotels put you close to the breweries and also city attractions. Ann Arbor, just a short drive away, offers charming collegetown inns like Graduate Ann Arbor, plus cool independent motels. Both cities work well for public transportation and group brewery bus tours. Exploring around Ann Arbor also lets you check out smaller towns like Ypsilanti, which has become a small but mighty brewery destination in its own right.
Types of Lodging to Match Your Brewery Style
After lots of weekends exploring Michigan’s breweries, I’ve picked up on a few types of lodging that really fit different trip styles:
- Boutique Hotels: For those who want personality and walkability, downtown boutique hotels offer easy access to the action and cool amenities. Many feature local artwork, inhouse craft bars, and even beercentric packages.
- Bed and Breakfasts: B&Bs bring charm and a personal touch, making them great for couples or small groups. Hosts often know the local brewery scene and will point you toward hidden gems (or even brew their own beer at breakfast!).
- Vacation Rentals: If you’re headed out with friends, a rental house or cabin gives you space and privacy. Many Michigan rentals are dogfriendly and set up for groups, with outdoor fire pits, grills, and plenty of parking for a designated driver.
- Chain Hotels: Familiar and easy to book, chain hotels can be found in every Michigan city with breweries. They work well for simple overnight stops and often offer loyalty points if you travel frequently.
- Resorts: Northern Michigan and along the lakeshore, you’ll find resorts with spas, pools, and golfing right near great breweries. Perfect for mixing beer tasting with a little bit of luxury or outdoor adventure.
The best fit really depends on your group and how you want to experience the Michigan beer trail. When traveling with a partner, I often opt for a B&B to get a sense of local flavor and slower mornings. If I’m with a big group, having a roomy cabin or house makes it easy to gather after a full day of tasting and swap stories without squeezing into a hotel lounge.
Tips for Booking Your Stay
Booking a place for a Michigan brewery tour takes a little bit of planning, especially during busy months. Here are some things that have worked for me:
- Book Early: Collegetowns and popular waterfront spots fill up quickly during festivals, summer, and fall color season. Reserving a few months in advance is a smart move.
- Look for Brewery Packages: Some hotels and inns work with local breweries to offer discounts, “brew passes,” or exclusive tastings if you stay with them. These bundle deals add value and fun extras to your trip.
- Consider Transportation: Look for accommodations near public transit or with shuttle or bus options for safe travel between breweries. A few tour companies in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Traverse City operate brewery bus routes on weekends.
- Check Group Policies: If you’re traveling with a bigger group, check for vacation rentals with flexible checkin times and clear policies about noise. Splitting the cost with friends can make even premium rentals more affordable.
Pro tip: Always read the cancellation policies and keep an eye out for any restrictions on group sizes or late-night arrivals. Sometimes an extra email or call to your lodging host can clear up questions in advance and make check-in smooth.
Challenges and Clever Solutions While Brewery Touring
Of course, even with the best planning, a brewery tour can have its hurdles. Here are a few you might run into and some workarounds I’ve learned:
- Transportation: Designated drivers can’t always join all the fun, but bus tours and ride-hailing apps keep the group together and safe. Some breweries even have partnerships with local cab companies or offer free rides back to area hotels.
- Inclement Weather: Michigan weather is unpredictable; having backup plans (like a brewery with board games or cozy taproom nooks) keeps the day interesting even if storms roll in.
- Booking Overlaps: During big events, hotel rooms can get overbooked. Signing up for cancellation alerts or using travel apps that track availability can help secure backup options. Lastminute rental sites are pretty handy, too.
- Finding Hidden Gems: The best local advice usually comes from bartenders, servers, or other guests at your accommodation. It’s always worth asking for recommendations off the beaten path.
Another tip: If you run into a packed taproom or a closed kitchen, look for nearby food trucks or local carryout that pairs well with your brews. Flexibility is key, and sometimes those unexpected detours lead to the most memorable moments of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of questions from friends planning their own Michigan brewery weekends. Here are a few that come up the most:
Question: Should I focus on one city or try to do a multicity route?
Answer: For a short trip, sticking to one region makes it easier (and safer) to get around. If you have a long weekend or more, stringing together stops in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Ann Arbor is totally doable and gives a nice mix of big and small breweries.
Question: Are there brewery hotels actually inside a brewery?
Answer: A few places, like Hotel Coolidge in Grand Rapids or the Inn at St. John’s near Detroit, offer rooms right in brewery buildings or next door. While full brewery hotels are rare, plenty of hotels feature beer-themed rooms or host special tasting nights.
Question: What if someone in my group doesn’t drink?
Answer: Plenty of breweries in Michigan serve craft sodas, ciders, or kombucha. Towns with lots of breweries tend to have cool coffee shops, parks, or shopping areas close by, so there’s always something for everyone.
Making the Most of Your Stay
Finding the right place to stay adds a whole other layer to the fun and relaxation of a brewery tour. Whether you prefer fancy hotels, quirky B&Bs, or lakeside cabins, Michigan offers plenty of options near every brewery trail in the state. Good planning and an open mind mean you’ll stumble upon awesome places and maybe even a new favorite brew. So, map out your route, grab your tasting glass, and get ready to experience the unique flavors (and warm welcomes) of Michigan’s breweries. Wrapping up, a well-chosen place to stay goes beyond just a soft pillow. It connects you to the local community and turns a simple beer trip into an unforgettable adventure. Cheers to your next Michigan brewery adventure!