funeral this saturday

Question

We had an unexpected death in the family and the funeral will be in Traverse City on Saturday. Most of us will be coming a great distance and will need a place to stay for the night in Traverse City, It is ridiculous the prices they are charging for a Saturday night . So many hotels are already sold out and the ones that do have some availability are charging high rates, does anyone know of a hotel that gives discounts for bereavements? Or a descend hotel at a reasonable rate? will need to book something soon. Thank you

Answer

I’m very sorry for your family’s loss. Traverse City is a wonderful place, but weekend stays—especially on short notice—can be extremely expensive. Saturdays often sell out due to weddings, wine events, and year-round tourism. While bereavement discounts are not widely advertised, you can still find options and strategies to secure a reasonable rate.

Below are practical suggestions, specific hotel types to check, and alternative nearby towns that often offer lower prices while still being close enough for a funeral in Traverse City.

First, it helps to know that most major chain hotels don’t list bereavement rates publicly, but many will offer them quietly if you call the front desk directly—not the 800 number. Explain that you are coming for a funeral and need a compassionate rate. Smaller, locally owned hotels are often more flexible as well.

Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Cambria Hotel – These chains sometimes offer sympathy or “compassion” rates when you call the property itself.
Cherry Tree Inn & Suites – Known for excellent customer service and occasionally will work with families in bereavement situations.
Bayshore Resort – Worth calling directly; they sometimes offer lower walk-in or short-notice rates.
Local motels on US-31 – Family-run properties may offer the best flexibility if you explain your situation.

If Traverse City’s rates are too high, the best fallback is to stay just outside the city. These areas are 10–25 minutes away, far less expensive, and rarely sell out.

Many people attending events in Traverse City stay in these nearby towns to save money—rates can be half the price of in-town hotels.

Acme / Williamsburg (East Bay area) – Very close to Traverse City, often cheaper, and still on the main road into town.

Grawn

Kingsley – About 20 minutes away and generally inexpensive.
Interlochen – Quiet, wooded, and usually more affordable than downtown.
Chums Corner / US-37 corridor – Budget hotels and simple motels with reliable availability.

You may also find lower prices by broadening your accommodation options beyond standard hotels. Many families in similar situations find last-minute availability through the following methods.

These alternatives can offer flexible pricing or easier last-minute booking.

Vacation rentals (last-minute discounts) – Hosts on rental platforms often drop prices dramatically a day or two before check-in if the property is still empty.
Airbnb private rooms – Not everyone’s preference, but often significantly cheaper.
Extended-stay hotels – Sometimes have quiet, low-rate weekend rooms because their usual guests are weekday business travelers.
Call hotels early morning – Night auditors sometimes release extra inventory or can offer a lower rate before the day staff arrives.

If you still cannot find reasonable pricing, try these additional strategies—they have helped many travelers in short-notice situations.

These are especially helpful when hotels appear sold out or overpriced online.

Call and ask for a “walk-in rate” – Front desks often have lower local pricing than what shows online.
Ask if the hotel can match a lower rate from a nearby town – Some properties will match or reduce pricing if they understand your situation.
Book a cancelable room now – Then keep checking for price drops or sudden new availability.
Look at properties 15–30 minutes away – The savings can be substantial with almost no inconvenience.

funeral this saturday

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