The Oviatt House Bed and Breakfast

This is where I stay when I'm in Traverse City. Franny is always wonderful, inviting, kind, friendly, and makes a mean breakfast. The location is great if you want to walk downtown or to any of the bars/restaurants/breweries. Stop looking and make the reservation. You won't regret it.

My husband and I stayed at the Oviatt House on our honeymoon. The rooms were small, but very nicely decorated. Because we were staying during the middle of the week, Franny gave us our choice of the rooms, and we opted for a different room than originally assigned. She was always leaving out cheese and snacks for us, which was a treat when we got back after busy days. As soon as Franny learned that I didn't like eggs, she offered to make me scrambled tofu (which was delicious and very well done), and there was almond milk available (we're both lactose intolerant). We ran across her son in the back yard one day and, even though he doesn't live there, he was extremely interested in how our visit was going, and if there was anything we thought they might improve. We are definitely making plans to come back.

My husband, our friends and I were looking forward to our week end away from the kids to enjoy some adult time. Right upon arrival Franny made us feel like we were her own kids. Such a warm inviting place, full of antics and charactere, just like a B&B should feel like. Franny is one of the nicest person we ever met and she made sure we felt confortable. The rooms very very cute and since we were the only guests, we had each our own bathrooms. Also available in each room is a set of key so we can come and go without bothering anyone. The house is at walking distance from the town main street where we enjoyed every second. In the morning, the most amazing breakfast was awaiting us. Being French I am very picky and hate the tipycal continental breakfast with the same old greesy food. We were served like kings, french pastries such as Pains au chocolat and Croissants fresh from the local bakery (it felt like I was back home in France) home made waffles, bread, fruits, yogurts, omelettes, coffee, jams, all locally made! Franny will keep you company without imposing on your private conversation. Great company, very nice cosy place, will definitly be back!

My husband and I booked a night at The Oviatt House in Traverse City not knowing what to expect. We'd never stayed at a Bed-and-Breakfast before. Franny made everything super simple from the very first phone call. Upon arrival, we were given a short tour of the house and made notice of the available extras such as purified water/sodas/wine. Franny even had maps of the downtown area and offered to let us use her bicycles to explore the area. (The Oviatt House is a few blocks from the downtown shopping area. Far enough to drive, yet close enough to walk or bicycle over if you wish.) The rooms, although small, were well decorated and the beds were very comfortable. My husband and I booked the Langley room, which has a shared bathroom. Luckily for us, no other travelers were staying in the adjoining rooms so really the bathroom was all ours. Breakfast was ready for us upon waking the next morning and it was absolutely delicious! Franny made sure to tell us about each dish and let it be known that she used mostly locally grown/made items. She and her husband joined us and made wonderful breakfast companions. All-in-all it was a lovely experience and we will definitely be back!

This cute B&B had so much more to offer than expected! The couple that own it are so sweet and pleasant, the breakfast was organic and local and tasted excellent, there were local wines to sample in the evening and the bed was SO comfortable. I've already recommended this B&B to many friends and relatives!

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
Thank you so much for your nice review. We enjoy meeting all the visitors who come through town and try to make it fun for you too. Glad you had a good time.

Nicest couple owns this B&B and shared a wonderful breakfast with us. They are so knowledgeable and personable. We'll be back soon!

We spent a wonderful weekend at the Oviatt House and couldn't have planned it better if we tried. Franny is a delightful host! Our conversations both mornings w/Franny & her husband over a leisurely breakfast were enjoyable and educational. The food was fabulous - Franny only uses local products! She has a small fridge off of the living room that has beverages available whenever you want and she even pulled together appetizers our first night. Franny knows how to spoil! The location is superb, too. You don't need to drive your car if you want to be in the downtown TC area - it's a quick and easy stroll. ~ Stacey & Brent

We were lucky to have gotten a room, as we decided the day before our stay, to try to make a reservation. Franny was great, and took us in at the last minute. Breakfast was fabulous! All organic and homemade. Excellent attention to detail!

We stayed at the Oviatt House for the first time and found it delightful -- great location, delicious breakfasts, pretty rooms, and a wonderful hostess/innkeeper -- Franny. We will definitely stay there again, and recommend it to others.

Such a cozy atmosphere, and Franny is so very kind and hospitable! Excellent location, within walking distance of the health-food store, movie theatre, downtown, etc. Relaxing & beautifully landscaped backyard area to lounge in, and local, organic food/wine is also served. My bed was comfortable, and the rooms also have natural soaps for the guests. Hope to stay there again.

We had a wonderful time and experience at our first bed and breakfast during our family vacation. The Oviatt House is within walking distance of the main drag (Front Street) in Traverse City, as well as my local beaches! Franny made us feel so welcome in her house! Each morning the breakfast was INCREDIBLE and so nutritious, something we highly value as a family! The B&B was very clean and always had something for us to do, even for my 2.5 year old. My only complaint is that it doesn't have AC (yet). The first night was miserable and so hot! It took hours to fall asleep despite 4 fans in our room. However, since the temps dropped the following two nights, it was much more enjoyable. I can't imagine staying in August without AC (We stayed mid-july). I know Franny is working hard to get AC in at least most of the rooms! Once the B and B has AC, it will be perfect every month out of the year! Thanks for a great experience for our family!

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
Yes, July of 2011 will hopefully go down in history as the hottest one ever.Let us have cooler summers in the future!! And yes we finally got our full house air conditioned. It's working well and a great escape from the heat. We look forward to seeing you and your family again so we can show it off ! The weekend you stayed in 2011 was the deciding point to go with cool air. Thanks for your understanding! Michigan is getting hotter!

This is a cute house very close to Front St, walking/biking paths and food. The inn keeper is extremely friendly and helpful; she wants to make your stay as good as it can be. The food was wonderful and mostly organic/local. My only complaint was the room. The one we were in (the smallest room) faced 8th street and was a bit loud with cars driving by. If you are used to this background noise then you will have no problem. If you are not used to street noise, I would recommend getting one of the rooms towards the back of the house. Late risers beware: the room with the private bath on the first floor is right next to the dining room. It is a great room for early birds or those that can sleep through anything. Overall, it was a good experience and I would recommend it for anyone that wants to meet people and feel like they are a guest in someone's home. Those that just want a place to sleep would do better elsewhere.

My fiancee and I are glad we chose this B&B for our one night in Traverse City. The thing we enjoyed most was that it was within walking distance of several excellent restaurants (Amical, Phil's, The Cooks House, Firefly, and Poppycocks) and a few breweries (Right Brain Brewery, Mackinaw Brewing Company, and North Peak). The complementary local wine and excellent organic/natural breakfast were a real treat, the natural soaps were very gentle, and the bed and pillows were very comfy. Franny was very kind and accommodating. Sadly we didn't have time to take advantage of the bicycles or to walk along the river walk. All in all we were extremely pleased with our experience.

Biked around Boardman Lake, ate at French restaurant across the street, walked along Boardman River to Front St and all it's offerings. Comfortable bed and charming decor.