American Boutique Inn - Lakeview

Pulling up to the hotel, I was happy with the uniqueness of curb appeal. I was anticipating this outstanding small hotel, with small yet outstanding rooms. My overall thoughts were mixed. My husband have stayed in many hotels over the years and this fits in the 2 star category. Yes the hotel was unique, Yes it has beautiful ground, Yes the staff is very eager to assist you and Yes you are in walking distance to all the surrounding functions with ease. For those reasons alone, I recommend this hotel. The size of the rooms were adequate even the small bathroom was fine, how often do you spend your time in there. In order to get a decent room, you will need to get a themed room, as they pay more attention to those rooms. I give them an A for effort on the idea of the theme, but it really isn't needed. My room needed a sun blocking shade, the wooden blinds allowed light in and I wanted to sleep in. The smell of moth balls or old wood didn't seem present in the theme room as it did in another room we were offered. The bed was the old 60's box mattress and in the themed room they added a pad which allowed it to be more bearable, but even the themed rooms bed was hard enough to notice. The staff was really working to go out of their way to satisfy you and I do appreciate that excellent customer service, however, there are many hotels in the area I think that the bed comfort and smell of the room will have to be the deciding factor for my next stay in Mackinac City. For this reason, I will be leery about using priceline or any other online booking as you really don't know what you are getting and if you get there, and you don't like it (due to smell or anything) you have policies that prevent you from getting out of the deal. Which I feel that we rely on the reviews to give us good communication about the place once you arrive and things are not what they should be, priceline should adapt a policy that protects the consumer not the business.

Pros: I liked the location. Yes the grounds were nice and cared for. The owners were very nice and family oriented. I love supporting small business instead of cooperate business. I really liked the seating provided on the grounds. No other hotel offered it.

Cons: The room smelled like moth balls or old, old wood. It was overwhelming and unacceptable due to the price of the room and the area competition. The grounds were nice however the pool looked dirty, needs repainted or something.