Places I have stayed at
Here I share all the wonderful places I have been fortunate enough to stay at during my journeys. My ultimate goal is to stay at every single accommodation available on Mackinac Island. I truly hope this collection can help guide you as you plan your next enjoyable trip to this beautiful destination.
“Disconnect while reconnecting”
It all starts with an idea
Ok so when you are thinking of staying on the island for the first time, lots to think about. If you aren’t sure if you want to stay a great way to find out is to do a day trip. I mean all day- leave on one of the last ferries. This allows you to experience bit of how it unwinds when people leave and you are basically stranded on Mackinac. Which is awesome.
Creating this podcast is a dream come true for me. As and avid lover of Mackinac Island I wanted to share my experiences with all I could.
Island House Hotel
Lilac Tree Suites
Mackinac House
Main St Inn & Suites
Mission Point Resort
Murray Hotel
Pontiac Lodge
Cloghaun B&B
Jacob Wendell House
Voyageur Inn
Village Inn Suites
Soon: Downtown Harbor Suites
Here are a list of places (in no particular order)
of the places I have stayed
Below you will find my knowledge with each place. I learned all about these locations from either staying previously on the island or the fabulous tourism page www.mackinacisland.org. I hope that these little bits help make a decision easier to decide. I start in no order- I have loved every one of these lodging locations.
One thing I get asked constantly is where is a good spot to stay? Downtown or away from downtown. Honestly it depends on what you prefer. With downtown you get the traffic of everyone coming in for the day but come night it filters out. You hear all the great sounds I live for. If you choose a room with a balcony it is great to chill and people watch. Staying away from downtown is great too. The less congestion allows you to take in all the solitude the island has to offer.
The Island House
94 Rooms to choose from. Double, single and Suite. Located on Main Street away from downtown but across the street from the Marina.
Here are a list of amenities
Indoor Upscale Dining
Hot tub indoor & outdoor
Dining outdoors in backyard
Indoor pool
bike rentals up front
chimineas
wifi
luggage transport
A must when staying here is to join the 906 Rewards Program. This is a loyalty program that doesn’t overwhelm you with emails or texts. You get 5.00 immediately upon joining. Once activated you will earn 10% spend like cash rewards when you dine, eat, or shop at the locations below.
1852 Grill Room
Ice House BBQ
Island House Bike Rental
Mary’s Bistro Draught House
Pancake House
Ryba’s Fudge Shops
Seasbiscuit Cafe
Starbucks
earn 5% rewards for your stay at Island House Hotel along with Pine Cottage B&B
I love this hotel. The front porch is one of the best to chill out on. With the 1852 Grill Room and then Ice House BBQ on site you don’t need to go far. The backyard where the BBQ place is allows you to place corn hole and chill with friends or family.
The price range goes from 179.00 to 1395.00. Be sure to go to their website for package deals. But seriously the amount of money you get from the 906Rewards Program906 rewards is so worth it too. This also is a great place for a family to stay at. But also we did with a friends trip- I think it is also perfect for a romantic getaway.
This hotel you see when you first come in on the ferry. The porch itself is what draws you in. The great thing is you are away from downtown yet still have a glimpse of it. So if you want a short walk to downtown yet not in the heart of it - this is a great option.
The Mackinac House
The Mackinac House. A Boutique style hotel located on Market Street. With 19 rooms to choose from- this is a charming new addition for the island. Here are a list of amenities-
Family friendly
Deluxe King and Queen, Balcony rooms, Tower Suite, Fort Suite and Lower Level Suite
Continental Breakfast
Large Front Porch
Smart Tv and wifi
Air conditioning
Private bathrooms
Walk in shower
Luxury bath amenities
Triple sheets, premium cotton sheets, pillowtop mattresses
coffee maker
mini fridge
complimentary afternoon snacks
bike rack and luggage storage for early check in
The Mackinac House was established in 2019. This place instantly popped on my radar. My girlfriends and I stayed here for our trip. I absolutely loved the location. Right behind Doud’s Market (Star Line ferry closest to take from Mackinaw City)
The afternoon snacks were so great. But one of the things I loved most was the staff. I mean all staff I have encountered on Mackinac is excellent but even though this is a hotel it felt more B&B style.
There was always fresh water in the lobby which had communal games and tables to chill in. The front porch is a great place to enjoy your morning coffee.
Room prices start at 165.00-435.00 and with each month prices could vary
This hotel is so charming. I loved being on Market Street which is a street behind Main. If you want the amenities of downtown but away from the busy traffic of Main Street.
906-847-3911
This hotel is actually the one I have stayed at the most on the island. It was a great way for our girls trips to happen with a couple of us going. The layout of the rooms are great. If you choose the island view the layout goes as this:
Living room, bathroom then bedroom
If you choose the balcony street view:
It goes bedroom, bathroom, living room and then balcony.
Lilac Tree is located literally in the center of downtown. With purple lights to glow on Main Street at night. Since Lilacs are my favorite I adore this hotel.
I love the option to go chillax in the hot tub at the Chippewa while staying here. The kitchen area has a lot of storage. This is great for larger groups or families.
There is a lot of storage to help keep the room cleared out. The bathroom sink is in the middle of the suite to divide the rooms. Toilet and shower are both in a private area off of the sink.
Nothing is better than waking up to the sounds of horses and ferries and then watching the island come alive.
Great place to stay if you love the downtown and being close to everything.
Here are some of the amenities with Lilac Tree Suites.
39 Rooms from $139.00-$409.00
Lilac tree 866-847-6575
access to the sister hotel Chippewa hotels infamous hot tub- go to the front desk at the Chippewa and tell them you are staying at the Lilac Tree and they will provide you with a towel
Keurig coffee maker
Air conditioning
Premium Bedding
Pillow Top Mattress
Uniquely appointed decor
Flat Screen Tv’s in Both rooms
Wifi
Hair Dryer
Iron/Ironing Board
Private Balcony Viewing Main Street
Microwave
Wet bar with refrigerator
full length mirror
marble top vanity
Bedrooms separated with hallway vanity
Lilac Tree Suites
Main Street Inn & Suites
This was one of our most recent visits in 2023. Stayed here during the Lilac Festival. I have always wanted to stay here and luckily snagged one of the last rooms when I booked in January. Yes you need to book in advance especially during peak season.
So like its name it is on Main Street with an entrance behind Joanns Fudge next to Caddywampus. The front desk staff is beyond amazing.
We arrived early and knew our room wasn’t ready which was fine. There was a luggage storage area behind the front desk. They also text us when our room was ready.
The layout reminded me of Lilac Tree. We went with a balcony room. You walk into a spacious bedroom, then bathroom (toilet and shower separate room)then living room with small dinette area and then onto the balcony. We were directly across from Sheplers ferry docks and St Ignace Star Line.
At night they would leave you Joanns Fudge on your pillow. A decent size- comparable to what they give for wedding favors on the island.
The bikes we took down the elevator to the basement to a secure location. Also on each floor they had fresh coffee daily. On floor 2 there was a game room with pool table and a variety of board games.
If you love the hustle and bustle of the downtown then this is a great place to stay. It is close to everything you need.
Here is a walk through of our room
18 Rooms- $99.00-$425.00
Double, Single, Suite 906-207-8146
Amenities
Wifi
Microwave in suites
air conditioning
elevator
private bath
accessible room
Satellite TV
Secured Bike storage
Pillowtop mattresses
turn down service
refrigerator
hair dryer
ceiling fans
coffee maker
24 hour front desk
iron and ironing board
Mission Point Resort
So when I started taking my niece and nephew to the island I wanted a place that offered a lot for kids. At the time there was different owners and they had a family packages available. This had a lot included with it. They were
Ferry tickets
Bike rentals
Kids under 12 ate free at one of the 5 restaurants
Glow in the dark mini golf
Butterfly house tickets
Turn down service with cookies and stuffed animal
Breakfast Buffet tickets
It is also great because it is a short bike ride or walk down to the stairs up to Arch Rock which is where the sunrises. It is fun to explore the grounds around Mission Point. So much to see there.
The history of this resort is fascinating and I encourage you to listen to the podcast about it. The location of Mission Point is away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The great lawn allows you to watch the sunrise with Adirondack chairs to relax in. The shoreline is covered with stones to walk along and watch freighters go by.
Mission Point has a pool and hot tub outside. There is also a arcade, Lakeside Spa, theatre and 5 restaurants on site to choose from.
Mission Point has recently been completely renovated. With new owners, they have added a lot of great new features to allow those thinking of getting married to choose from.
Mission Point was the first hotel I actually visited on my first visit to the island. It was because a friend got married. I am a hairstylist and was lucky to get there early and we had a private room to set up and do hair for the wedding.
The lobby is beyond cozy. Reminds you of a ski lodge. With several fireplaces it is great to relax around and yes you can do that even if you are not a guest. They repainted and new carpet laid allowing a brighter and lighter look. I love going here and having a glass of wine to chill out with.
Hotel Amenities:
241 rooms- single, double, and suites
5 unique packages including: Mackinac Experience, Mackinac Romance, Pooch at the Point, Sunrise Side Bed & Breakfast, Fall Experience and Wawashkamo Golf Package
4 restaurants and eateries
Mission Point Marketplace
Dog Friendly Guest Rooms
Grab-n-Go Cafe
Free Wifi
Cable Tv
Coffee
Mini Fridge
Hairdryer/ Iron
Dog beds in pet-friendly rooms
Cribs and Rollaway beds
800-833-7711
Murray Hotel
So before I started the Podcast I was doing a blog. It was definitely not my thing. But I was going to the island the week after the 4th of July- which FYI is a very busy time to go. Anywho I was gonna stay at a place I had before and decided that it is not the way I tend to do that now. I try to stay someplace different each time.
So I have seen the Murray on every visit and to be honest I just never thought of staying there. I have to say it was so stinking charming and I loved it.
I totally spaced taking a pic of my room. It overlooked Main Street which was fun to listen to when getting ready. I did not have a balcony but the windows were great and I was able to sit by the window and chill. It is a bit older so the air is through a unique unit in the room (unless they have updated since I stayed) but it kept me cool. The bathroom was small but it served its purpose. The only problem I encountered was storage but truthfully I just hung a few things and left the rest in the suitcase.
The Murray is right downtown directly across from the Star Line Ferry. When you check in you might notice they have their own fudge upon entering. Once you check in you head to your room. Mine was on the second floor. I was able to see out on the patio with a small hot tub pool and deck chairs. The room had an antique style to it which I really loved. On the tv it was playing a video of the Mackinac Bridge history 24/7 along with the infamous Mackinac Island Movie - Somewhere In Time. I loved staying here and would tell anyone who wants a great rate to look into it.
906-847-3360
Hotel Amenities:
69 rooms
Price 99.00-330.00
Specials include Fudge and Ferry & Picture Perfect
Free wifi
sun deck and spa pool
elevator access to each floor
Whirlpool baths in Deluxe King Room
Murray Hotel Fudge Com
Amigo Burrito breakfast and lunch
Mackinac Art Gallery
Complimentary Luggage Service
Meeting Rooms
Pontiac Lodge
So back in 2020 when everything shut down I had planned a trip to Mackinac in June. That never happened. So fast forward to September that year and I desperately wanted to go to the island. Now this was a rare time that you could have gotten a reservation so late in the season - it can happen but you could be limited.
So I booked the Pontiac Lodge. I had always been interested in this hotel. The rates are great. They are one of the few places open year round too. I booked room 22. It overlooked Main Street but no balcony. That was fine with me because I could still look out onto the road. It literally is across the street from the Shepler’s Ferry or Star Line St Ignace. There is no elevator only stairs to the top. It is not a huge climb but keep this in mind if you have someone who struggles with stairs.
The Pontiac was great with a large room and a small kitchenette area. A fridge and microwave are great when visiting the island. Especially if there are leftovers. It was clean and had a nautical theme.
Pontiac Lodge 906-847-3364
Hotel Amenities:
11 rooms
$90.00-425.00
Boutique hotel
wifi and big screen in every room
wet bars
some rooms have jacuzzi tubs
one bedroom suite with living room and full kitchen
Located downtown
personal concierge service
Pontiac Lodge’s website also shares other lodging locations. This is how we came across with our upcoming trips destination. Harbor Suites.
Cloghaun Bed and Breakfast
Back before I started the podcast I was attempting a blog. I reached out to Cloghaun to see about coming to check out the Bed & Breakfast. Maggie who at the time was the owner James Bond (yes I said that name) fiancé. She said to go ahead and swing by. I was so welcomed. They showed what they could without interrupting guests. Now truth be told I never had interest of staying at a B&B- until Cloghaun. It is pronounced Chlo-hawn.
James and Maggie met me along with their 2 innkeepers at the time. Showed me a downstairs room they had converted into a suite. Due to covid they didn’t open in 2020 and did some renovations.
I absolutely loved this place. So I decided to stay there on the next visit. I booked my room which was Mary room #5. It shared a bathroom with another room but that was never an issue. My room had a sink in it and a huge storage armoire. They would ask you which breakfast time you wanted and then they would sometimes sit you with someone who maybe was at the same time. I met a retired librarian who stayed there every visit.
At all times there are cookies and snacks along with water in the dining area for you to enjoy. The breakfasts were so filling that I didn’t need lunch on most days. I loved the front porch to sit and relax along with reading. They are located at the top of Hoban Street. The lawn is so gorgeous with plenty of seating to relax on.
Cloghaun Bed & Breakfast 906-847-3885
Hotel Amenities:
11 Rooms
Single and Double
Price $197-547
Specials include: Meat & Cheese Platter, Gourmet coffee/cocoa and sweets, Carriage Ride, Elegant Half Dozen Roses & Custom Floral Arrangement, Chocolate covered Strawberries, Customized Mug & Romance Package
Daily Breakfast
Spa quality toiletries
Hair dryer
Wifi
Balconies for suites
I absolutely love this place. It is a great location with such a cozy feeling. Join the email list to get updates and seasonal deals.
Jacob Wendell House
About the Wendell Family
Jacob A. Theodore Wendell (April 12, 1823-November 25, 1879) moved with his family from Albany, New York, at age three. After an excellent education, he turned his efforts to the commercial world and was instrumental in developing the Island and surrounding communities. Mr. Wendell served many years in the Michigan Legislature in both houses and was the customs collector on Mackinac Island and the county’s supervisor. A self-made man, Mr. Wendell’s wealth was primarily in real estate. In 1869, he married Miss Annie Marie Hale of Washington DC, and together, they made this house a home while they raised their family of three girls.
Many moons ago my friend was getting married and the friend who introduced me to the island planned a bachelorette party. Now it was in May so things were just getting open and it was cooler (which I loved) but we helped that island open with a bang. We actually had people that heard about our epic group the next year. We had I think about 12 women to house. At the time it was Bay Cottage. When we stayed we had both houses. There was a guest house in the back where it was adorable. This is where I stayed.
Now a few things have changed since I stayed there. But regardless it was perfect for a large group. You have 2 full kitchens to use if you have both houses. Also the rooms are very spacious and you never feel on top of one another. Located closer to Mission Point, a small sign lets you know the house is there.
Jacob Wendell House Amenities:
4 bedrooms/ 3 queen and 1 king
private balcony for king suite
Guest concierge
Living & Dining room
Full kitchen stocked with all necessities
Entire house to rent by night, weekly or enjoy as full service B&B
888-899-3811
Carriage House amenities:
Carriage House located behind Wendell House. 1 queen and 1 full bedroom
fully equipped kitchen
full-size sleeper sofa
air conditioning
cable tv, dvd, wifi
private deck
shares patio with Wendell House
max guests are 6 in Carriage House
Voyageur Inn
A few years ago one of my best friends wanted to come to the island with her son. I was taking my niece, her friend and my nephew. So we definitely needed something bigger.
I came across Voyageur Inn on the tourism page. I looked up the options and went with the 2 bedroom apartment. It was a great size AND had laundry on site.
We checked in at Bogan Lane Inn. The innkeeper there took us down and got us in. There was a little table out front that you can sit at. Inside was a nice size living room then small dining room. From there was the kitchen with laundry and a half bath off of it. Upstairs were 2 rooms with a full bath.
We loved being here. But I need to tell you it is up a huge hill. If you struggle this could be an issue. It is right at the East Bluff. Now with a lot of stairs that take you up there. Then you continue up the hill. But it is a great workout and the VIEW is worth it!!!!!
This is a fantastic place to stay at if on a budget. The size really works. It is away from downtown and you don’t hear much traffic up there at all.
Voyageur Inn 906-847-3439
Voyageur Amenities:
Fully appointed kitchen with major appliances, dishes and cooking utensils
Washer and dryer
Flat screen TV
Private baths
Daily maid service
Large yard with patio chairs and table
Perfect for extended stay on Mackinac Island
Apartments
Unit 2
Main floor
One bedroom with a queen bed
Queen size pull out couch
Bathroom with a shower (no tub).
Maximum four adults.
Unit 3
Upstairs apartment
Bedroom with a queen bed and pull out couch that can be two singles or a queen
Sleeping a maximum of four adults
Air conditioning
Bathroom with a shower (no tub)
Unit 4
Two story apartment
Kitchen with dishwasher
Half bath downstairs
Full bath upstairs
Two bedrooms upstairs (one bedroom with full bed, the other bedroom with queen bed)
Living area downstairs
Queen size pull out couch
Private deck with a picnic table
Two upstairs bedrooms with full size beds and a full bath
Village Inn Suites
Village Inn Suites 906-847-8077
Rates starting at $160 a night
SUITE 1
This whimsical suite features two bedrooms each with a queen bed, a living room with two twin sleeper sofas, a kitchen and a bathroom. A small balcony allows you to enjoy the fresh air. Air conditioned in living area. Only accessible by stairs.
sleeps 2-6
SUITE 2
This bright and cheery one-bedroom suite features a queen bed, living room with a sleeper sofa, kitchen and bathroom. A small balcony allows you to enjoy the fresh air. Air conditioning in living area. Only accessible by stairs.
sleeps 2-4
Another great place for families or multiple people is Village Inn Suites. Located on Hoban St about Kingston Kitchen. Now it is only accessible by stairs- keep that in mind.
We stayed at the same place in different suites. The first one had 1 bedroom, full kitchen and large living room with pull out couch. The other suite we got had 2 bedrooms and 2 single sleeper sofas. The full kitchen of course was a great add as always with kids. We had a small balconies to watch the street traffic. It was fun because we were across from staff housing and to see the kids come and go and hangout. I always wished I had worked on the island.
It is a great location. In between Main St and Market St. On a small hill but not horrible. A huge bonus is to be above Kingston Kitchen.
SUITE 3
This colorful and comfortable suite features two bedrooms each with a queen bed, a living room with a sleeper sofa, a kitchen, and a bathroom with a double vanity. Air conditioning in living area. This suite is accessible by stairs only.
sleeps 4-6
