Mackinac Island is one of Michigan’s most visited destinations and is a unique and beautiful place to visit. To get the best experience, staying at a hotel on Mackinac Island is a fantastic choice.
There are many options when it comes to where to stay on Mackinac Island, from family friendly resorts like Mission Point Resort to charming historic hotels like Harbour View Inn.
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As a Michigander, I have traveled to Mackinac Island several times, staying both on and off of the island. From this personal experience, I definitely can recommend staying on Mackinac Island at least once in your life. In this post, I’ve created a list of the best Mackinac Island lodging options that are perfect for experiencing the island.
Don’t have time to read this whole post?
Here are the 3 best hotels on Mackinac Island
Harbour View Inn – Historic & romantic
Mission Point Resort – Great for families
Pine Cottage Bed & Breakfast – Charming B&B
Where to Stay on Mackinac Island
There are many unique places to stay on Mackinac Island. You won’t find any chain hotels here, instead, there are many historic hotels, charming bed & breakfasts, and a few apartment rentals available.
Below you will find all the best places to stay on Mackinac Island, all of which are highly rated options.
Best Hotels on Mackinac Island
Harbour View Inn
⭐ Rating: 8.7/10 Location: 6860 Main Street, Mackinac Island ☑️ Book Here
Harbour View Inn is the perfect place to stay for a weekend getaway on Mackinac Island. The hotel was first built in the 19th century. While it has been renovated to have all the modern amenities you need, it still has a historic ambiance.
The hotel has a beautiful front facade with a large wrap-around balcony overlooking the lake. Surrounding the hotel are some lovely manicured gardens, which are great for relaxing in. The rooms have a traditional decor and are cozy yet comfortable. Some rooms also have a balcony with views of the harbor or gardens.
Why Choose Harbour View Inn?
✔️ 19th-century hotel with manicured gardens
✔️ Central location
✔️ Bicycle rentals available
✔️ Breakfast included
✔️ Accessible rooms available
“The location was just perfect with a great view and lovely grounds. The staff was very friendly and accommodating.” – Mark, Booking.com review
Island House Hotel
⭐ Rating: 8.4/10 Location: 6966 Main Street, Mackinac Island ☑️ Book Here
Located on the lakefront, the Island House Hotel is a great choice for lodging on Mackinac Island. The hotel was built on an historic estate, and today offers spacious and comfortable accommodation that is very close to the popular main street.
Rooms at Island House Resort are modern with a light and colorful decor style. Some rooms offer balconies or views of the lake.
Island House Hotel is a great choice for families, as most rooms accommodate up to 4 people and there are also suite-room options that can accommodate up to 6 people.
There are also several amenities available, including a hot tub, a front porch overlooking the lake, a terrace & garden area, and an on-site restaurant.
Why Choose Island House Hotel?
✔️ Historic hotel
✔️ Lakefront views
✔️ Hot tub, terrace, and on-site restaurant
✔️ Bicycle rentals available
✔️ Family-size rooms available
“Terrific location close to Main Street. Beautiful hotel. Everything was very clean. Staff were overly friendly and helpful.” – Rich, Booking.com review
Murray Hotel
⭐ Rating: 8.4/10 Location: 7260 Main Street, Mackinac Island ☑️ Book Here
Murray Hotel is located in the heart of Mackinac Island’s Main Street, which is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and things to do. The ideal location of this hotel makes it a unique and fun place to stay on the island.
The hotel is historic and dates back to the late 1800’s. While it offers modern amenities like air conditioning and wifi, the rooms still have a very traditional feel to them.
One unique amenity at Murray Hotel is that it offers an outdoor spa pool with a sun deck. This is the perfect place to relax in a sun lounger after spending time exploring the island.
Why Choose Murray Hotel?
✔️ Historic hotel with traditional decor
✔️ Located on Main Street
✔️ Complimentary luggage service
✔️ Spa pool with sun deck and lounge chairs
“The location was great! We walked off Star Line crossed the street and walked into the hotel. The outside jacuzzi was wonderful after walking all day.” – Brooke, Booking.com review
Pontiac Lodge
⭐ Rating: 9/10 Location: 1376 Hoban St, Mackinac Island ☑️ Book Here
Pontiac Lodge is a boutique hotel on Mackinac Island, with only 11 rooms. The rooms have a sailing theme, and some rooms have a small kitchenette included.
The location is very central and is just off the main street. It is also just steps away from the ferry docks, so you won’t have to worry about carrying your luggage very far.
This boutique hotel is perfect for anyone who wants a small, cozy hotel that is still in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island.
Why Choose Pontiac Lodge?
✔️ Located just off from the main street
✔️ Budget-friendly
✔️ Boutique Hotel
✔️ Quiet and cozy rooms
“We had a fantastic experience! The room was clean and the beds were so comfortable. Great location to the docks.” – Robert, Expedia review
Inn on Mackinac
⭐ Rating: 9.2/10 Location: 6896 Main St, Mackinac Island ☑️ Book Here
For a charming and historic hotel on Mackinac Island, look no further than the Inn on Mackinac. The hotel was originally built as a private residence in the late 1800’s, and today it still has much of its Victorian-age style.
The rooms have traditional decor, and the hotel also has an elegant and cozy parlor area. Outside, you will find a lovely front porch and a spa pool that is surrounded by sun loungers.
This hotel is highly rated for its charming ambiance. Another bonus is the homemade cookies that are baked fresh daily.
Why Choose Inn on Mackinac?
✔️ Historic hotel
✔️ Beautiful front porch and cozy parlor
✔️ Heated spa pool with sun deck
✔️ Daily home-baked cookies
“This is a charming, quaint, nicely decorated, Victorian Inn. It is located on the Main Street but in a less busy area.” – Karen, Expedia review
Bed & Breakfasts on Mackinac Island
Pine Cottage Bed & Breakfast
⭐ Rating: 8.8/10 Location: 1427 Bogan Lane, Mackinac Island ☑️ Book Here
If you want to stay in a cozy bed and breakfast on Mackinac Island, Pine Cottage is an incredible choice. The exterior is very charming, with a wood porch and rocking chairs available. In the summer months, you’ll find fresh flowers hanging from the porch which adds to the overall ambience.
The rooms are quaint but comfortable, and some offer private bathrooms while other rooms have shared bathrooms. A delicious hot breakfast is of course included at this adorable B&B.
This bed and breakfast is quaint and cozy, with only 15 rooms available. It is the perfect place to stay for a more secluded and peaceful getaway to Mackinac Island.
Why Choose Pine Cottage Bed & Breakfast?
✔️ Charming Bed & Breakfast
✔️ Secluded, quiet rooms
✔️ Traditional decor with a lot of character
✔️ Delicious daily breakfast
“Great location, very clean, and very friendly! Delicious breakfast. The innkeeper was very accommodating.” – Petra, Booking.com review
Apartment Rentals on Mackinac Island
Studio Apartment with a Balcony
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 Location: Mackinac Island ☑️ Book Here
This studio apartment is a great choice for anyone who wants to feel like a local while visiting Mackinac Island. It is further away from the tourist center and is more peaceful and secluded.
This studio apartment has a traditional decor style, with a small kitchenette and bathroom with a tub. However, the best part of the studio is its balcony which has a small table.
The apartment is conveniently located and is around a 10-minute bike ride away from downtown Mackinac Island. One benefit is that the rental does include two bicycles.
There are several hiking trails nearby, making it great for those who want to explore the island during their stay.
Why Choose this Studio Apartment?
✔️ Studio apartment
✔️ Located by hiking trails
✔️ Two bikes included
✔️ Balcony with lake views
“My wife and I enjoyed this tucked away peaceful lodge. It was a great place to retreat after the busy days amongst the many tourists.” – Bill, VBRO review
Lakeside Mackinac Condo
⭐ Rating: 5/5 Location: Mackinac Island ☑️ Book Here
Lakeside Mackinac Condo is located on the third floor and offers stunning views of Lake Huron, the Straits of Mackinac, and the Mackinac Bridge. The condo has 2 bedrooms, a full-size kitchen, a living room, and a balcony.
Lakeside Mackinac Condo is a 10-minute walk or just a short bike ride away from the downtown area on Mackinac Island. The rental includes two bikes, making it convenient to get around. It is a perfect place for longer stays on Mackinac Island.
Why Choose Lakeside Mackinac Condo?
✔️ 2-bedroom condo
✔️ Full kitchen
✔️ Beautiful views
✔️ Two bikes included
“The condo is located on the 3rd floor with fabulous views of the Mackinac Bridge, Lighthouse, and Straits. The two bikes she provided made the stay perfect!” – Thomas, VBRO review
Best Resorts on Mackinac Island
Mission Point Resort
⭐ Rating: 8.8/10 Location: One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island ☑️ Book Here
Mission Point Resort is the best place to stay on Mackinac Island if you are looking for lots of amenities and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The resort is directly on the lakefront with incredible views. The rooms have a modern decor and are comfortable and clean.
This large resort offers something for everyone, it has a full-service spa, an 18-hole golf course, an arcade, tennis courts, and more. There are also 6 restaurants and an outdoor pool with hot tubs available.
This is the perfect choice on Mackinac Island for families, as they offer fun daily children’s activities on-site.
Why Choose Mission Point Resort?
✔️ Family-Friendly resort on the lakefront
✔️ Pet-friendly
✔️ Outdoor pools and hot tub
✔️ Daily kids activities
✔️ 6 restaurants, a golf course, spa, and more
“Absolutely beautiful property. The lawn with the Adirondack chairs overlooking Lake Huron is spectacular.” – William, Expedia review
The Grand Hotel
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 Location: 286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island ☑️ Book Here
The Grand Hotel is an iconic hotel that mixes old-world charm with a modern 5-star resort. It is the most famous hotel on Mackinac Island, and it has had many famous visitors over the years including former presidents, Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, and more.
Staying at The Grand Hotel is sure to be a memorable experience, and is a great idea for honeymoons, anniversary trips, or other special occasions.
However, The Grand Hotel is also the most expensive option on Mackinac Island and it does book up far in advance. In many cases, you may want to stay elsewhere and simply visit The Grand Hotel.
The good news is that you can visit The Grand Hotel even if you decide to stay elsewhere. This is because The Grand Hotel offers a $12 day pass to explore the hotel grounds and take a self-guided tour. It’s also said to be one of the most haunted places on Mackinac Island, but you’ll have to visit yourself to see!
Why Choose The Grand Hotel?
✔️ Most iconic hotel on Mackinac Island
✔️ Beautiful porch with lake views
✔️ Perfect for a luxury stay or special occasion
“The Grand is an experience that you will never forget. It is luxury and you are treated with luxury. The best of the best.” – Melanie, Tripadvisor review
Where to Stay Near Mackinac Island
Staying on Mackinac Island is a unique experience, which makes it worth staying on the island for a night or two.
However, the Mackinac Island hotels can be more expensive than staying at one of the cities nearby and taking a day trip to the island.
The most popular place to stay near Mackinac Island is in Mackinaw City. Mackinaw City is located on the Lower Peninsula, right on the lakefront. There are plenty of things to do in Mackinaw City and it is just a short ferry ride to Mackinac Island.
I have visited Mackinaw City many times and recommend staying here if you decide not to stay on the island. To see where to stay, check out this post on the best hotels in Mackinaw City.
In addition to staying in Mackinaw City, you can also choose to stay in St. Ignace. St. Ignace, one of the best small towns in Michigan, is located on the Upper Peninsula and has ferries that leave from there to Mackinac Island.
FAQ: Where to Stay on Mackinac Island
Is it worth staying on Mackinac Island?
It is absolutely worth staying at least one night on Mackinac Island. Mackinac Island is a unique destination that will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. There are no chain hotels on the island, and instead, you’ll find historic inns, charming bed & breakfasts, or beautiful resorts. Staying on the island is an incredible experience that is worth doing at least once.
How many days is enough on Mackinac Island?
You should plan on spending at least 1-2 full days on Mackinac Island so that you have time ton bike around the island, take a carriage ride, wander downtown, and visit the historic sites. However, for a more relaxing trip, you could easily spend a week on the island, spending time taking hikes or bike rides, and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
The Wrap-Up: Where to Stay on Mackinac Island
There are many different lodging options on Mackinac Island, including quaint bed & breakfasts, charming hotels, and lakefront resorts. The variety of lodging available means there is something for everyone, whether you are visiting for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.
One of the best things about staying on the island is that the Mackinac Island hotels each have their unique history and charm, making it a fun and memorable experience to stay there.
Staying on Mackinac Island also gives you the chance to spend more time and immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of the island.
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