Staycation Packages and Deals for Those with Getaway FOMO

I Want to Get Away (But I Can’t Fly Away)

By Brighid Driscoll | Jan. 13, 2024

Snowy, icy northern Michigan winters are one of the few deterrents from living Up North year-round. (At least for those who aren’t into cold-weather sports.) While the snowbirds seek solace in southern locales, the rest of us will soldier on here, trying to stay awake past 9pm and remembering to shovel with our legs and not our back.

But you can still channel your inner Lenny Kravitz—a staycation may be the perfect way to break up the winter blues if a trip to warmer shores isn’t in the cards. Off-season rates and winter packages are the perfect reason to plan a close by getaway, and Northern Express has a few to check out.

Delamar

Delamar Traverse City (pictured) is a fantastic option for a winter staycation right in the heart of downtown Traverse City.

“Our Snow Days day pass gives you access to all of our wonderful amenities we offer throughout the winter,” says Marketing Manager Layla Field. Those perks include complimentary s’mores kits, a hot cocoa bar, 20 percent off drop-in classes at on-site Yen Yoga, and the use of heated indoor and outdoor pools.

The outdoor pool is heated to a balmy 94 degrees and is surrounded by cabanas that can be rented out for an additional fee. “There’s a special menu where you can order food and drinks to enjoy in the cabanas. They don’t have to be rented with a Snow Days pass,” says Field. Snow Day passes are $35 for adults and $25 for kids ages three to 12. (Littles ages two and under are free.)

For a true staycation, however, staying a couple of nights at the hotel is a must. The Michigan Neighbor rate is a discount offered to residents of Michigan and our neighbor states. And an upcoming Wellness Weekend promises to soothe both body and mind. Twenty spots are available for the Jan. 26-28 weekend packed with yoga, classes on mindfulness, nutrition coaching, massages, sauna sessions, and more.

Boyne Mountain Resort

Escape the weekend crowds and embrace the solitude of mid-week skiing. Glide through pristine slopes, revel in shorter lift lines, and savor the uninterrupted thrill of downhill descents. Boyne Mountain offers a Nothing Beats Midweek deal that includes a third night at half price and discounts on skiing and more now through March 8. (Alternatively, guests staying four nights can get a fifth night free.) The promo works on any dates booked Sunday through Thursday except for Jan. 14 and Feb. 18-22. And keep in mind: Kids five and under sleep and ski/ride for free.

KOTI Vacation Rentals

Get out of your head and into nature at KOTI, a collection of cabin rentals in Williamsburg. Located near Acme Creek and the TART trail, these 14 fully furnished cabins boast tall ceilings and a modern, efficient design. They’re all about embracing a cozy, Scandinavian aesthetic—thus the name KOTI, Finnish for “home.” The idyllic setting invites a seamless blend of nature and city exploration. Gather up the family or a few friends, and then go online and use the code STAYCATION to book a two-bedroom cabin for $350 for two nights, or $450 for two nights in a three-bedroom.

The Oviatt House

Tucked away on Eighth Street in Traverse City is The Oviatt House Bed and Breakfast. A Scottish blacksmith built the house in 1900, and the original woodwork and wood floors have been preserved. History buffs will appreciate that the B&B’s furniture was all carefully chosen to reflect the Federalist Era of 1750 to 1850. Owner Julia Lawson is offering guests a Mid-Winter Special that includes a third night for just $25 throughout January and February.

Antiquities' Wellington Inn

Speaking of history, the beautiful and stately Wellington Inn sits at the corner of Washington and Wellignton in downtown TC. Built in 1905, the building stands as a grand testament to Victorian elegance. Originally the residence of a prominent lumber baron, it has evolved from a family home to a medical clinic and, eventually, a beloved bed and breakfast. Beyond its architectural charm, the Wellington Inn has become famous for reported paranormal activity, adding an intriguing layer to its storied past. During the off-season (through April 30), their room rates are $100 cheaper than peak rates. The eight uniquely decorated guest rooms within the Inn include breakfast with your stay, and two separate apartments can add breakfast at an additional charge.

Lake ‘N Pines Lodge

Located in Interlochen, Lake ‘N Pines Lodge is all about embracing the outdoors in the winter season. Surrounded by the secluded woods of the Pere Marquette State Forest, the lodge has plenty of trails near the property. Guests can immerse themselves in beautiful northern Michigan forest with a winter hike or snowshoe, and Lake ‘N Pines offers sporting gear rentals for those looking for adventure.

Want something a little more…indoorsy? All the lodge’s suites come with a $20 gift certificate to a local restaurant for breakfast, the use of an outdoor jacuzzi, and over 200 DVDs for quiet nights in. Or try out their TC Escape package ($99+), featuring a bottle of wine from Leelanau Cellars, a $50 dinner gift certificate, and $35 for a movie at the AMC Cherry Blossom 14 theater.

Other winter packages include a Take to the Trails package ($155+) with a wine tasting for two at M22 in Glen Arbor, plus a $50 dining gift certificate and the option for cross-country ski or snowshoe rentals; and Hills and Hops ($180+), which includes AMC and dining gift cards, two two-hour passes to Mt. Holiday Ski Resort, and a six-pack of Michigan beers.

The Park Place

The Park Place Hotel in downtown Traverse City has been a local landmark since its 10-story tower rose in 1930. Their annual Winter at the Park package includes breakfast for two in all weekday bookings, and Guest Relations Officer William Becker says it’s a great way to get away and relax for a mini-vacation. “It’s a great excuse to come out to the city for a night, do some shopping, and get breakfast before starting your day,” he tells us. Guests can pick from a full breakfast menu at Minerva’s Restaurant attached to the hotel.

Becker says that a can’t-miss part of a Park Place stay is a visit to The Beacon Lounge, aka the Top of the Park. The circular, glass lounge caps the hotel and offers guests a great view of the bay and downtown alongside drinks and small plates. The lounge is open from 5pm-10pm on weekdays, 5pm-11pm on weekends, with live music from 7pm-10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.