
Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth
Best for families and groups who want on-site activities (waterpark, arcade, nightly entertainment) and multiple dining options without leaving the property.
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Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth is a 360-room Bavarian-themed family resort built around an indoor waterpark, multiple restaurants, nightly entertainment and large event spaces. Residence Inn by Marriott Saginaw is a 3-star Marriott extended-stay hotel with suites and kitchenettes for longer stays and Marriott loyalty guests — read this if you’re choosing between an activity-driven family resort and a residential-style extended-stay property.
Updated · about 20 km (roughly a 20-minute drive)

Best for families and groups who want on-site activities (waterpark, arcade, nightly entertainment) and multiple dining options without leaving the property.

Best for longer business trips or stays where kitchen facilities, free breakfast and Marriott loyalty benefits matter more than on-site entertainment.
When Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth wins: choose Bavarian Inn if you want a stay centered on family entertainment and dining — four indoor pools (including an adult-only Courtyard), arcade and many on-site restaurants and bars make it a one-stop option for families, couples and event groups.
When Residence Inn wins: pick Residence Inn by Marriott Saginaw if you need suite-style rooms with kitchens, reliable Marriott-brand extended-stay amenities (buffet breakfast, airport shuttle, fitness center, indoor pool) and closer access to Saginaw shopping and the airport area.
Bottom line: Bavarian Inn is an entertainment-and-dining focused resort for families and group events; Residence Inn is a straightforward Marriott extended-stay property for guests prioritizing residential-style rooms, loyalty benefits and proximity to Saginaw services.
| Category | Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth | Residence Inn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Bavarian-themed family resort focused on entertainment and dining | Marriott extended-stay hotel with residential-style suites |
| Location | In downtown Frankenmuth beside the Holz Brücke covered bridge; walking distance to River Place Shops and local attractions | In Saginaw near Fashion Square Mall and local services; nearer the airport than Frankenmuth |
| Size (rooms) | 360 rooms/suites | 68 guestrooms |
| Guest age policy | All-ages resort with adult-only Courtyard areas (21+ for that pool/bar area) | Welcomes guests of all ages (not adults-only) |
| Pools / water features | Bavarian Blast indoor waterpark: 4 indoor pools, 3 whirlpools, children’s pool, swim-up bar; adult-only Courtyard pool reserved for 21+ | One indoor pool (wheelchair-accessible); no on-site waterpark |
| Dining & bars | Multiple on-site venues (Oma’s, Lorelei Lounge, Bootlegger swim-up bar, Spritz & Sips, Chef Willy’s, Fritz’s Frozen Fun) | No signature on-site restaurants listed; complimentary buffet breakfast and common-area coffee/tea |
| Wellness / spa | On-site fitness center; nearby Serendipity Wellness Spa in River Place Shops (off-property) | Fitness center available; on-site full-service spa: Not published |
| Known for | Indoor waterpark, family entertainment, large event/wedding spaces | Extended-stay suites with kitchens and Marriott consistency |
| Parking & transport | Free self-parking and on-property shuttle (listed by third-party sites) | Free self-parking and complimentary airport shuttle (on request) |
Bavarian Inn sits beside the Holz Brücke covered bridge and a short walk from downtown Frankenmuth attractions.
Choose Bavarian Inn to be in the heart of Frankenmuth’s tourist district and within walking distance of shops and sights.
Residence Inn by Marriott Saginaw sits near Fashion Square Mall and the Kokomos Family Fun Center, in the Saginaw commercial/airport area.
Choose Residence Inn for practical access to Saginaw’s shopping/airport corridor rather than downtown Frankenmuth attractions.
Bavarian Inn offers a broad mix of themed rooms and suites aimed at families and couples.
Rooms are sized and arranged to serve families and event groups, with some suites offering in-room whirlpools.
Residence Inn provides suite layouts with kitchens and living space designed for longer stays.
Residence Inn is better when you want kitchen facilities and a residential room layout for extended visits.
Bavarian Inn emphasizes full-service and casual dining with German-themed options on property.
Bavarian Inn suits guests who want multiple on-site dining and evening entertainment options.
Residence Inn centers on practical dining: complimentary buffet breakfast and common-area coffee/tea.
Residence Inn works well if you plan to cook in your suite or need a consistent free breakfast but not on-site full-service restaurants.
Bavarian Inn’s defining amenity is the Bavarian Blast indoor waterpark and multi-pool courtyard.
If an on-site waterpark is central to your trip, Bavarian Inn is the clear choice.
Residence Inn provides a single indoor pool and fitness facilities rather than a waterpark.
Residence Inn is fine for straightforward pool/fitness use but not for waterpark-style family entertainment.
Bavarian Inn balances family entertainment with adult options and has a nearby destination spa.
Bavarian Inn gives both family-focused activities and separate adult-oriented spaces plus a nearby full-service spa.
Residence Inn focuses on practical wellness (fitness center) and has fewer on-site nightlife options listed.
Residence Inn is best for keeping up with workouts and basics; nightlife and full spa treatments will likely be off-property.

Bavarian Inn — indoor waterpark, arcade and nightly entertainment keep kids and teens busy without leaving the property.

Residence Inn — suites with kitchens and daily/weekday breakfast make longer visits easier.

Bavarian Inn — extensive ballroom and banquet space with on-site catering and ceremony options for up to several hundred guests.

Residence Inn — located near Fashion Square Mall and offers complimentary airport shuttle (on request).
Bavarian Inn — the included indoor waterpark, Family Fun Center and on-site activities make it the stronger pick for families.
Residence Inn — suite layouts with kitchens, daily housekeeping options and Marriott benefits suit longer business or residential-style stays.
No — neither property is all-inclusive. Residence Inn includes a complimentary buffet breakfast; Bavarian Inn offers multiple on-site restaurants but meals are not included in standard room rates.
Yes — Bavarian Inn has a European-style Courtyard pool/whirlpool and swim-up Bootlegger Bar reserved for guests 21 and older.
Not published — the supplier listing notes a fitness center but does not list an on-site full-service spa.
Explore how Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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