The best hotels on Mackinac Island, Michigan also happen to be some of the oldest hotels on the island. Whether you are looking for grandeur, history or a central location these are the best hotels on Mackinac Island.
Exterior of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan; Courtesy of Courtney Elko
1. Best Hotels on Mackinac Island: Grand Hotel
The historic Grand Hotel, open May through October, is filled with and surrounded by glamour from another era. It opened in 1887 but it is not the oldest hotel on the island. The Grand was constructed in just 93 days and has the longest front porch in the world at 600 feet in length. The porch is lined with wooden rocking chairs that are screaming for you to take a seat, relax and de-stress while you look out at Lake Huron below and listen to the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages arriving with new guests.
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As soon as you enter the grand lobby you’re transported to another decade (century even!). It’s glamorous, it’s over-the-top, it’s beautiful. The interior decor of this fabulous hotel was at the hands of interior designer, Carleton Varney, who was a protege of legendary interior designer Dorothy Draper, who designed The Greenbrier hotel in West Virginia.
The Grand Hotel, situated on a bluff about a 10-minute walk from Main Street, features tennis and pickleball courts, croquet and bocce on the Grand lawn, a larger outdoor pool (named the Esther Williams Swimming Pool) with a waterslide and cabanas for rent, numerous gardens, bike rentals, a golf course, afternoon tea in the Grand lobby, onsite shopping, and a spa.
There are also several dining options, making it one of the best hotels on Mackinac Island. There is an ice cream parlor, coffee shop, and Cupola Bar can be found at the top of the hotel offering excellent happy hour views. The Main Dining Room serves breakfast and lunch buffets and a formal dinner that requires men to wear a jacket and tie and women to wear a dress or skirt. A variety of casual dining options operated by the Grand Hotel are sprinkled through the hotel and the island itself as well.
By 2007, the entire hotel was fully air conditioned. The Grand Hotel’s 388 guestrooms and suites are all uniquely designed and offer a variety of views. There are also cottages and 40 named rooms or signature suites, named after First Ladies and celebrities.
If you don’t have the honor of being able to stay at the Grand Hotel, you can enter the property for a $10 per person fee and wander around to witness its grandeur. Or you can make a reservation for one of the hotel’s legendary meals, which gives you access to the property as well (fees are much higher than $10 however).
Whether you’re staying at the Grand Hotel, a hotel nearby or just visiting Mackinac Island for the day, do yourself a favor and enjoy a cocktail on the longest porch in the world at one of the best hotels on Mackinac Island. You won’t regret it (even if the cocktail is overpriced 🙂 ).
Related: Mackinac Island Things to Do
Exterior of Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan; Courtesy of Courtney Elko
2. Best Hotels on Mackinac Island: Island House Hotel
Constructed in 1852 as a beachfront retreat and then purchased and used as a hotel in the 1860s, Island House Hotel is the oldest operating hotel on Mackinac Island. The hotel was considered the best family hotel on Mackinac Island for decades but also sat vacant several times throughout different stages of its history. It was rescued from demolition in the 1970s, when architectural details were restored, it was designated a Michigan State Landmark and it reopened to guests in 1972. The second and third generations of the family who restored the hotel to its grandeur, continue to run it today.
This Victorian-style hotel is the only hotel located within the boundaries of Mackinac Island State Park. The guestrooms are simple but modern. It features an indoor pool, air conditioning and an elevator (both added in later renovations), a casual outdoor restaurant in the back of the hotel and a fine dining restaurant at the front of the hotel, which also features outdoor seating. Bike rentals can be found on the property as well as rocking chairs situated on the large Victorian porch that overlooks the harbor and the passersby on Main Street.
Now a member of the Historic Hotels of America, the Island House Hotel is ideally situated just far enough away from the noise of Main Street but only a short walk to the fun, food and drink at the Pink Pony. Downtown Mackinac and Fort Mackinac are also nearby. Having stayed at the Island House Hotel, I can personally vouch for it being one of the best hotels on Mackinac Island. Spending time on the porch in a rocking chair watching the world go by was the best part of staying at the Island House Hotel.
Related: Mackinac Mindset
Chippewa Hotel and Pink Pony on Main Street on Mackinac Island, Michigan; Courtesy of Courtney Elko
3. Best Hotels on Mackinac Island: Chippewa Hotel
Built in 1902, the Chippewa Hotel is ideally situated on the waterfront and in the center of town on Main Street. It is also home of the famous Pink Pony, one of the best spots for tourists who are looking for good drinks, food and live music. The Chippewa Hotel features 31 guestrooms and 21 suites which overlook the harbor. The suites include a separate living room area and a balcony, mini-fridge, microwave and air conditioning. No two rooms are alike at this Victorian-style hotel with modern-day amenities.
The Chippewa Hotel is ideal for visitors who wish to stay in the heart of Mackinac Island’s hustle and bustle. The Mackinac Island Carriage Tours is located across the street, shops and restaurants are steps away from the pristine hotel lobby, bike rentals can be found next door, the marina is situated on the waterfront side of the hotel, Fort Mackinac is just up the hill from the hotel and both ferry docks are only a short walk away. If you don’t want to miss a thing while staying on the island, the Chippewa Hotel is the best hotel on Mackinac Island.
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