Mackinac Island hotels

Including The Inn at Stonecliffe in this round-up was a no-brainer. The 4-star property is easily one of the best hotels in Mackinac Island, with accommodations set in a Tudor-style mansion.

For more privacy, you can book one of the standalone cottages, which have three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a full living room and kitchen. I highly recommend the cottages if you’re traveling with kids – the inn even offers grocery delivery.

One of my favorite things about this beautiful property is the fact they pick you up at the ferry dock in a horse-drawn carriage. That welcome goes a long way to securing the inn’s spot among the top-rated hotels in Mackinac Island. When the day comes to a close, the best place to be is at the on-site fine dining spot The Straits for an elevated meal of locally sourced dishes.

The sprawling Mission Point Resort takes up a good portion of Mackinac Island’s southeastern point, which is also known as “the sunrise side” of the island. And while the sunrise view from the resort can’t be beat, there are several reasons why Mission Point is listed among the best hotels in Mackinac Island.

The property is set on an expansive 18 acres, providing plenty of private space along the lakeshore. There are two lodges: the Main Lodge is more central, while the Straits Lodge is best for families and has pet-friendly rooms. Together, the two lodges provide a whopping 243 guestrooms and suites, all set within a 15-minute walk from downtown.

I love that Mission Point has everything you need, from restaurants and coffee shops to a full-service spa and immaculate lawns and gardens. Just note the resort is only open seasonally from April to October.

The romantic charm of the Harbour View Inn is impossible to deny. The grand, white columns set the stage for a stay that is both historic and elegant.

The inn was built in 1820 and has an enviable location right on Lake Shore Drive, directly across from the waterfront. From the property it’s less than 10 minutes to the ferry dock by foot (or two minutes by bike), making it a great choice for travelers who want to be right in the middle of the action.

The inn is made up of four distinct buildings, each with its own appeal. I personally prefer the Chateau, which is the historic building set right on the water. Rooms in the Chateau have either harbor views or vistas over the garden. What’s more, all guests at the inn are treated to a free daily breakfast.

If you want to stay in the heart of Mackinac Island, the Island House Hotel is among my top picks. In addition to being located along the main road, Lake Shore Drive, with views over the water, I adore the fact that the hotel has a long history on the island – one that dates back to 1852 – and has been family-owned for much of its life.

You get a real sense of that family feel and nostalgia here, along with enough upgrades and expansions to make the Island House Hotel comfortable for the modern traveler. The rooms are fresh and cozy, and there are several eateries on the property (including the elegant 1852 Grill Room).

With al fresco dining, an indoor pool, hot tubs, and unbeatable waterfront views, it’s little wonder this property is known for being one of the best hotels in Mackinac Island.

When it comes to ease of access, the Murray is hands down one of the best hotels in Mackinac Island. It’s perched right across from the ferry dock, making it the most central hotel on this list.

The guestrooms at the Murray Hotel are on the smaller side and have a distinct Victorian look, while each has a private bathroom. It’s worth noting that the property’s historic rooms tend to be smaller, but provide that old-school charm many people are looking for.

In addition to its unbeatable location, what I love about the Murray is that it’s been family-owned and run since 1882. That’s an impressive statement, considering the hotel has been in operation for over 140 years. As an added bonus, the Murray has its own Mexican grill and fudge shop.

I love a good bed and breakfast, so the moment I looked into Pine Cottage, I knew it deserved a spot among the best hotels in Mackinac Island. The little hideaway is both private and central, with a location just off Lake Shore Drive (aka Main Street).

The sunny front porch at Pine Cottage is lined with rocking chairs, and the Victorian-style home has rustic hardwood floors. It’s rather big for a B&B, with 14 guestrooms and a larger, multi-room suite that can accommodate up to six people. Just keep in mind that some rooms utilize a shared bathroom, so if you like your privacy, book accordingly.

As a writer, I also adore the fact that this historic property (which was built in 1870) was once visited by Ernest Hemingway.

The sprawling Breakers Resort is a landmark in St. Ignace, one of the towns that acts as a gateway to Mackinac Island. The resort has a private beach with views of the island, along with an indoor pool and spa tub.

From the front door of the Breakers – which is located on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – it’s just half a mile to the mainland ferry terminal. The ferry ride itself is a mere 15 minutes, with ferries running every 30 minutes or so in season.

Back at the Breakers, which acts as a wonderful basecamp for the island, you can enjoy delicious fare from one of the two hotel restaurants or order a drink from the beach bar. As an added bonus, the daily breakfast is complimentary. Just keep in mind that the property closes between November and May.

Sometimes the comfort and consistency of a chain hotel is exactly what you need. And when you’re in a new place, that dependability can go a long way. That’s one of the reasons why I selected the Holiday Inn Express in St. Ignace as one of the best hotels in Mackinac Island – even though it’s located across the water on the Upper Peninsula.

Like many hotels in St. Ignace, the Holiday Inn has lower rates than hotels on Mackinac Island, while still offering easy access to this prime vacation spot. I particularly like the fact the Holiday Inn Express serves up a complimentary breakfast (with Cinnabon cinnamon rolls) and has free Wi-Fi throughout.

Plus, the property is on the lakefront, with a sandy beach and views of the island. This makes for a more diverse stay since you can include a few beach days in your visit.

Another great way to enjoy the wonders of Mackinac Island is to stay in Mackinaw City on mainland Michigan and take the ferry over. Lodging rates tend to be more affordable in Mackinaw City and the ferry, which runs every 30 minutes or so, takes just 15 minutes from dock to dock.

If accessibility to the airport and mainland Michigan is important to you, take a peek at the Holiday Inn Express in Mackinaw City.

The Holiday Inn has all the amenities you’d expect and then some, including an indoor pool and hot tub, a free daily breakfast, and pet-friendly rooms. Plus, kids eat free. What I love about this property is its proximity to the mighty Mackinac Bridge, which connects the Upper and Lower peninsulas of Michigan.

When it comes to accessibility, it’s hard to top the Baymont by Wyndham. That’s why I’ve listed it among the best hotels to stay in Mackinac Island, even though it's located just across the water in Mackinaw City on the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

The Baymont is just 20 minutes from Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) and less than five minutes from the ferry to Mackinac Island. To me, that combination of airport accessibility and distance to the destination is hard to beat.

In addition, this basic but clean hotel has amenities that will make you feel right at home, including a free daily breakfast and an indoor pool. Early check-in is often available and Wi-Fi is always free at the Baymont.