FAQ

Staying at The Flats at Front + Union

Welcome to our corner of downtown Traverse City. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about staying with us—whether you’re here for a weekend, a wedding, or a midweek moment of stillness.

  • Is The Flats at Front + Union a hotel in downtown Traverse City?

    Yes but better, we’re a design-forward alternative to a traditional hotel room. Think: more space, full kitchens, beautiful light, and quiet flats tucked inside a restored 1890s building. We're located right downtown, just steps from the bay and Front Street shops, eateries and entertainment.

  • Where exactly are The Flats located?

    You’ll find us at 100 E Front Street, at the corner of Front and Union in the heart of Traverse City. From our front door, you are steps away from coffee, wine bars, restaurants, boutiques, and the waterfront all in under 5 minutes.

  • What’s included in a stay at The Flats?

    Each flat includes:

    • Keyless entry and contactless stays
    • A full kitchen (with cookware, dishes, and coffee setup)
    • Plush bedding and organic linens thoughtful designed by eelo
    • Laundry in all flats
    • Highspeed private fiber optic Wi-Fi

    We like to say it’s everything you’d want from a boutique hotel, without the lobby music or check in line.

  • How many bedrooms and beds in each Flat?

    Each Flat allows and sleeps a stated number of guests

    • Flat 205 and Flat 304 sleep 4 guests with a king bed and pull out sofa
    • Flat 301 and Flat 201 sleep 4 guests with two king beds. These Flats do not have a pull out sofa.
    • Flat 203 sleeps 6 guests with 2 king beds and 1 queen bed. This Flat does not have a pull out sofa.
    • Flat 302 sleeps 6 guests with 3 king beds. This Flat does not have a pull out sofa.
  • Do you have rollaway beds?

    The Flats are unable to provide rollaway beds or additional sleeping options/arrangements.

  • Can I work remotely from The Flats?

    Yes, and people do all the time. Each flat offers private high speed wifi, a peaceful, naturally lit space, large working areas that are perfect for focusing on what you need to. If you’re looking for a place to work a little and wander a little, we might be the best-kept secret in downtown Traverse City.

  • Can I walk to restaurants, the bay, and shops?

    Absolutely, we perch above the most iconic street in the area. We’re located in one of the most walkable areas in Traverse City. You can explore boutiques, wine tasting rooms, yoga studios, restaurants, and the waterfront without ever getting in your car. The Flats at Union also offers 4 Priority Beach Cruisers to rent along with additional bike storage*.


    *If you need bike storage during your stay, please contact us at theflats@frontanduniontc.com. If you bring your bike to your Flat, we ask that the bike is clean.

  • Is there a minimum stay?

    Depending on the season, most flats require a 2-night minimum. During peak summer months, minimums may be slightly longer to accommodate extended stays. All availability is shown on our booking page.

  • Are pets allowed?

    We love animals and are dog owners ourselves, but The Flats are a pet-free property to help ensure a calm and allergen friendly experience for all guests. Service animals are the exception. 

  • Is there parking?

    Yes. Guests have access to private parking behind the building, rare for downtown Traverse City! Your spot is reserved and clearly labeled with your Flat number. Please see the parking lot map here. Have multiple cars? While we only offer one free spot per Flat, there are two parking garages within a 5 minute drive and 10 minute walk. These include:

    • Hardy Parking Structure-2 minute drive/8 minute walk ($20 maximum for overnight parking)
    • Old Town Parking Structure-2 minute drive/8 minute walk ($20 maximum for overnight parking)

    Someone parked in your spot? No problem, let us know by emailing theflats@frontanduniontc.com and we will have their car removed. In the short term, please make sure your parking pass is displayed on the dash and park in any of the spots in our lot that is not designated with a Flat number. See map.

  • Is there parking?

    Someone parked in your spot? No problem, let us know by emailing theflats@frontanduniontc.com and we will have their car removed. In the short term, please make sure your parking pass is displayed on the dash and park in any of the spots in our lot that is not designated with a Flat number. See map.

  • Is daily housekeeping included?

    Because each flat functions like a private home away from home, we don’t provide daily cleaning, but we do offer scheduled room service on the 4th day for stays longer than 7 days. If you would like a cleaning or linen change on a more frequent basis, this is available for an additional fee. We also provide extra towels, coffee, and essentials to keep you cozy as needed.

  • What are check-in and check-out times?

    • Check-in: 4:00 PM
    • Check-out: 10:00 AM

    Our modern, tech-enabled rooms offer self check-in at 4pm through your mobile device and 24/7 guest support through text.

    Early or late options may be available by request. Our early check in is based on availability. When available, The Flats at Front and Union will offer a 2pm check in and 11am check out. If you would like to guarantee an early check in or late check out, The Flats at Front and Union will offer the day before check in or the day of check out at one half the room rate. This option is only made available within 24 hours of the check in or check out date requested and is subject to availability. Please email us at theflats@frontanduniontc.com with this request.

  • What makes The Flats different from other places to stay in Traverse City?

    We designed these spaces to feel like a calm exhale. Every material, fixture, and fabric was chosen with the intention to give travelers something beyond a hotel room. Whether you’re staying for the weekend or longer, The Flats offers a boutique, architectural experience in a city that’s constantly evolving. We offer full service on-site housekeeping, third floor luggage storage and replenishment closet for coffee, coffee filters, paper towels and toilet paper.   

  • Is this a good option for girls’ weekends, solo stays, or romantic getaways?

    Yes, yes, and yes. Guests have stayed here for anniversaries, elopements, creative retreats, and solo resets. Many of our flats are set up perfectly for two, but some can accommodate up to six guests comfortably. To ensure a peaceful stay for all guests, The Flats at Front and Union does not allow parties, including bachelor and bachelorette parties. The number of guests allowed within your Flat is limited to the number of guests it sleeps. Of course, a few more is fine during the day and for special meals. However, a large gathering would require pre approval from The Flats at Front and Union.

  • Is it safe and quiet?

    The building is secure, entry is private, and the neighborhood has small town vibes. Each Flat features a unique door code which is provided to you via text and email before your arrival. Our main entrances on Front St, Union St, and in the Parking area will feature a separate secure access code from your individual flat.

  • Are the Flats at Front and Union Wheelchair Accessible?

    Front and Union is pleased to offer access to and within your Flat without any steps from our parking lot. We have an elevator. Within the Flats, the only barrier is the small lip of the shower pan to get into the shower. The opening dimension for the narrowest door is 34”.


    *Flat 301 is the exception. It has the same accessibility for the main floor bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. However, accessing the 2nd bedroom and 2nd bathroom requires climbing a spiral staircase.

  • How much does it cost to stay at The Flats at Front and Union?

    Pricing of the Flats

    The nightly rates at the Flats fluctuate with higher rates during the summer. Weekend rates are more than weekdays. This means that you can take advantage of our shoulder seasons, when rates are lower, or book your stay during the week. The Flats, of course will welcome you with a great stay whenever your travel plans take you to Traverse City. Book your Stay Here


    Payment

    Full payment is charged to the credit card on file 6 months from the reservation start date.


    Cancellation policy

    If the reservation is cancelled 14 days or more from the reservation start date, we offer a full refund minus a 3% processing fee.  If the reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the reservation start date, unfortunately, we cannot offer a refund.