This vacation home is a short stroll from Elk Lake and Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
Elk Rapids District Library - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles
Getting around
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 26 min drive
Restaurants
Oasis Tavern - 5 min drive
Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen - 6 min walk
The Dam Shop - 15 min walk
Johnny's Torch Riviera - 14 min drive
Town Club - 16 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Ames Cottage in Elk Rapids - Dog Friendly and Great Location!
Summary:
Escape to this charming Elk Rapids cottage, a perfect Up North getaway! With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen, it's ideal for families and friends. Enjoy the wrap-around patio with a grill, and bring your furry friend! Explore nearby attractions and create lasting memories in this beautiful location. Guests must be 25+ unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.
The Space:
The main floor features a fully equipped kitchen with bar seating and a cozy breakfast nook, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee. The living room offers a comfortable space to relax, complete with an electric fireplace for added ambiance. You'll also find a full bathroom on this level, equipped with both a tub and shower. The main floor bedrooms include a queen bed in one and a double bed with a twin bed in the other. Upstairs, the second level is home to the primary bedroom, featuring a queen bed and its own full bathroom with a shower. Step outside onto the wrap-around porch, where you'll find plenty of seating and a spacious yard, ideal for outdoor enjoyment.
Guest Access:
For longer stays, all Golden Swan properties, and our lowest pricing, please find us at goldenswanmgt.
The Neighborhood:
Across the street is the Village Market, which has everything you could possibly need for groceries and incidentals.
Nearby is Elk Lake, Torch Lake, and the East Arm of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay. Also close by are beautiful sandy beaches - it's truly a water lover's paradise.
The town of Elk Rapids is quaint but mighty with great restaurants, shopping and a movie theater.
Golf Courses, Ski Resorts, Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries are also nearby, and the bustling Jewel of the North, Traverse City, is only 17 miles south, along the bay... just a 30 minute drive.
Please note- Noise Considerations:
This is an urban property located on a high traffic road, which is great for easy access to local attractions, but some street/city noise should be expected. Sound Machine and earplugs will be provided.
Other Things to Note:
Please Note: All guests staying at this property must be 25 or older unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. This will be verified after booking confirmation.
A damage waiver fee is required by Golden Swan for each stay. For this property, the fee is $79 and provides our guests with accidental damage coverage up to $1000. If the amount of damage exceeds this, or if the damage is found to have occurred with malicious intent, Golden Swan retains the right to seek damages beyond that amount.
High chair and pack n play available upon request for an additional charge.
Dogs are allowed with an additional fee. A maximum of two dogs are allowed at this residence. Please be advised that it is absolutely imperative for all renters to keep their dogs on a leash at all times. While we truly appreciate and value pets, ensuring that our furry friends are leashed or properly secured is of utmost importance to us. Please take your pup with you or kennel them when you leave the home. We cannot have lonely barking dogs left at our property. Please be considerate and clean up after your pet.
There is a non-refundable credit card processing fee applied to all reservations.
If the reservation is 14 days or longer there will be a required mid-stay clean.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker.
Similar properties
A Short's Walk - Sandy Lakefront with Spa / Hot Tub and Kayaks!
A Short's Walk - Sandy Lakefront with Spa / Hot Tub and Kayaks!
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Unit size: 1,300 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Please Note: All guests staying at this property must be 25 or older unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. This will be verified after bookin...
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Note from host: Charge may apply
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Property is also known as
Ames Elk Rapids Elk Rapids
6148ac9685079a003235e006
Ames Cottage ELK RAPIDS Elk Rapids
Ames Cottage ELK RAPIDS Private vacation home
Ames Cottage ELK RAPIDS Private vacation home Elk Rapids
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see close to this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Elk Rapids, a short 19-minute walk from Lake Michigan and also 11 minutes on foot from Elk Lake. You'll also find Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor and Elk Rapids Golf Club less than a mile away.
Is there parking available at this vacation home?
No, there isn't parking at this vacation home.
Is this vacation home next to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Ames Cottage in Elk Rapids - Dog Friendly and Great Location!?
Couples staying at this vacation home will appreciate amenities like a fireplace and a kitchen as well as a garden.
Are there hot tubs at Ames Cottage in Elk Rapids - Dog Friendly and Great Location!?
No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this vacation home provide breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.
Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?
No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is 16.8 mi away (26 minutes by car).
Are there rooms with balconies at Ames Cottage in Elk Rapids - Dog Friendly and Great Location!?
Yes, every accommodation at Ames Cottage in Elk Rapids - Dog Friendly and Great Location! comes with a balcony.
Reviews
Ames Cottage in Elk Rapids - Dog Friendly and Great Location! Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
9.6/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 13 reviews
10 - Excellent
11
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 13 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 13 reviews
6 - Okay
2
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Eric F., Eugene, OR
Aug 24, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great house. Super easy location.
Eric F.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kelci P.
Aug 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Kelci P.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Melissa W.
Sep 30, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Quick Trip to Elk Rapids
We traveled to Elk Rapids for a long weekend with family and the Ames Cottage was perfect for our group. Central location with plenty of space inside and out for everyone.
Melissa W.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
6/10 Okay
Sandra T.
Aug 31, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Sandra T.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jessica W.
Jun 16, 2024
Elk Rapids 301 Ames Ave.
Great location for our purposes. Only comment, oven was Fritzy and was giving off 50+ PPM of carbon monoxide. It was not safe to use and house smelled like cat urine. I am also allergic to cats, so the smell was gross.
Jessica W.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
6/10 Okay
Janet D.
Sep 24, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Ames Cottage
1. The booking price should be listed for each week on the
calendar and not unlisted until you book it. Then be told
if you do not book now, the price will change. Prices
naturally drop after Labor Day. This one rose.
2. This cottage is not handicap accessible.
3. A key code was given but directions as to which door
was not specified in the initial communication. The
sign directing you to the expected door was lying on
the floor.
4. The cottage floor was uneven and this might present
an issue with balance.
5. You were not informed initially that you had to use
your own streaming account to watch the TV.
6. Prior to leaving, you were informed to launder the
towels. Based on what you are charged for
housekeeping, this should not be an expectation.
The home is in a perfect location, near the downtown and highway 31.
Janet D.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Janice, Omaha
Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
The property was updated with new appliances, bathrooms and flooring. It is convenient to the market across the street. We walked down to a bar called Etanology one night and the a cafe for breakfast. It is a busy road but that wasn’t a problem. We would stay again.
Janice
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Gina H.
Jun 5, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend get away
Loved the property! Katy was great so work with. Looking forward to booking again in the future.
Gina H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jill L., Michigan
May 9, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Spring in Elk Rapids
Smooth and easy rental process Very responsive owner. The property has everything you would need in the kitchen.. it is very comfortable and well laid out. The lovely back patio area away from the road. Unfortunately it was snowing when we arrived so we did not get to enjoy the patio as one would in the warmer months. Close to everything and a great grocery across the sometimes busy street. Thanks for a great stay!
Jill L.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Todd D.
Mar 6, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place
Property was very easy to get into and was in a great location for the excursions we had planned
Todd D.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kasondra P.
Aug 29, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful, why stay in a hotel when you could have an entire house!!
The house was exactly what we expected from the description. Clean and cozy!!The little town is lovely. Right near the beach access and tons of little shops! So charming, like something straight out of a Hallmark movie. The house has a huge fenced in patio covered by beautiful vines which gives alot of privacy! There is couch, grill, table and chairs. Hanging lights all around. Two porches! One on the front porch and another on the side of the house. So relaxing. The kitchen has everything you can think of and more. The only bad review I have is the coffee pot was dirty so I found a wonderful coffee shop in town. Which by the way Katy left us a punch card for a free donut at the coffee shop. It also gave me a chance to walk around and see everything the town had to offer. So I was not disappointed at all!! The check in process was very simple and we were greeted with a bottle of local wine(delicious) and a nice card and a map of the area. Katy sent me messages making sure I got in safe and easy. Also to make sure we didnt need anything. We will be back again!!!
Kasondra P.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Billy F.
Mar 29, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful place
Great place to get away and spend some family time.
Beds are not the comfiest but it’s a very nice place and convenient and close to town
Billy F.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
10/10 Excellent
F. A. C.
Dec 30, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location - Clean - Well Appointed
The property is exactly as advertised. It is clean, well-appointed, and it has plenty of the little things that you might need to begin your vacation. I loved the location! It is close to Lockenheath where we were gathering with family, and a quick trip into Traverse City with all it has to offer without the hustle and bustle and traffic. The grocery store across the street has a nice selection of beer & wine, fresh produce and meat and cheese department.
Elk River is a great town with out that over-ran touristy feeling.
We stayed here during Christmas, but I could imagine enjoying the outdoor patio during the summer. Our host, Katy was responsive, friendly and professional. I had some trouble messaging via VRBO mobil phone app, but that's probably a user error.
I'd love to stay here again!