Grand Hotel - Mackinac Island

[Denine]

We are considering going to the Grand Hotel next summer.

Has anyone visited here? We are looking to find out what it is like and what there is to do.

It seems very upscale. Will we feel out of place there?

 

[Lhargus]

We are from Michigan and have stayed at the Grand Hotel several times (Never on points).

It is very upscale. You have to wear a jacket in the lobby after 6PM. It is a unique experience and there is a lot to do (Golf, sight-seeing, bike riding, horse-back riding, etc.)

If you haven't been there it's hard to explain the casual elegance of the place.

I think you'll like it.

 

[nuthut]

I am from Michigan, just a few minutes from Battle Creek. My wife used to work at The Grand Hotel and it does not come highly recommended by her......

 

[Peter_noPan]

Mackinac Island is my favorite place on earth. But, you don't have to stay at the grand to enjoy it.

There are plent of good hotel (all too pricy for what you get). But the Grand is something very special.

If you are really on a budget you can stay off the island and just that that boat over.

I really never understand why people use this many points to stay off WDW property but if that is how you want to use your points you will love Mackinac Island.

 

[tss2]

Mackinac Island is a really neat place but did you know that there are no motor vehicles allowed on the Island? I think that is part of the charm. You need to walk, bike or take a horse drawn carriage. We enjoy biking and walking....There is an old Fort there to tour, lots of shops and bike paths thru the center of the Island.

I agree that your points might be better spent somewhere else since there are lots of great other hotels on the Island. I don't know if you have kids or not, but that makes a difference on what type place you would like to stay there. There are lots of bed and breakfasts, too.

I'm sure all of us from Michigan can give you advice if your interested in other places there. My family stayed at Stonecliffe about 8 years ago and enjoyed that but it was out of town and we biked in every day. I have friend who have taken their kids and stayed at Mission Point Resort and LOVED it! (kids activities, kids meals included I think) When we go back Mission Point is our first choice.

 

[Denine]

Thanks for opinions. We are not planning on using points for this trip. It just looks like a neat place to stay, very pretty too. We love to walk and explore and ride bikes. We have no children. The suite rooms looked interesting.

Nuthut: What about the place does your wife not like? I realize she has the inside scoop as to why she does not recommend the place.

Dressing for dinner is not a problem. We look forward to it.

 

[TrudyZ]

Denine:

If you are a AAA member, there seems to be some packages in the late spring (May and Early June); and early fall (Sept?) that give you some package deals. Not a ton of savings; but some price breaks. I also think there are some price breaks for staying during the week--as it seems to be a "summer weekend getaway" place.

I think that it is a place that everyone should go to at least once. It feels like you lost track of a century--no cars, etc., and the understated elegance of the Grand. Oh, and then there's that fudge!!

Most of the plans come with dinner or all the meals, so remember that when figuring out the cost--you won't find a McDonald's there on the Island!

If you are truly watching costs, you can always stay in the area (Mackinaw City or St. Ignace) and take the first boat over in the morning and the last one back at night. But, even to walk the grounds and sit on the porch there is a charge (and not nominal) at the Grand (I believe the deduct it from your bill if you eat lunch there, so if you want to see the Grand you might as well eat there too).

I might be able to dig up some more info if you are interested.

Trudy

What part of NE Ohio?? I am a Youngstown State Grad and grew up in the area....

 

[Denine]

Trudy,
Thanks for the info. We are AAA members. I'll have to check them out. I wouldn't mind staying during the week. There are usually fewer people at places then.
Part of the reason we want to stay at the Grand is because we want to stay on the island. I figure, if were going to stay on the island, might as well stay at the Grand. Sometimes you have to experience things, if only just once.
I live in the Cleveland area. Cuyahoga County my whole life. Kent State grad here.

 

[Laurel]

We have used our points to stay at the Grand on three seperate occasions, three nights each time. Twice in the spring and once in the fall. We plan on returning again and again and again. It is very relaxing and you leave feeling pampered and special. We also used our points to send our daughter and her husband there on their honeymoon for three nights. They loved the island and the Grand too, so must appeal to different age groups equally. You will not feel out of place, they won't treat you any different than any of the other guests. If you don't feel like dressing up for dinner, you can eat across the street at the Jockey Club as it is included too and casual attire is just fine there. All dinners are 5 course and breakfast is as big as you desire, so you really don't need to spend any money on anything other than liquor, souveniers and touring. It REALLY Is a very economical trip, but oh so luxurious. The food is delectable and the Grand Pecan Ball Desert is worth the trip in itself!!! There is alot of history to soak in on the island and the horse drawn carriages are alot of fun. If you don't mind walking, you can tour much of the area on foot - we have!!! The mansions are superb. If you like shopping you will enjoy the many shops and unique items. We haven't run out of things to occupy us on the island yet , and really just love to sit back and drink in the atmosphere. I think you would miss alot if you stayed somewhere other than the Grand. GO FOR IT!!!

 

[caverill]

I have to agree about staying at the Grand Hotel. We have stayed on Mackinac Island three times, the last time at the Grand Hotel in July on points.

We had an excellent experience at the Grand. Our room was wonderful, the staff is great (no tipping allowed!), and the hotel is very historic.

I must say that staying at the Grand Hotel changes the Mackinac experience. You really feel like part of the island. Although the dress after 6:00 is formal, since everyone else is dress like that you feel very comfortable. Normal resort wear is standard at other times.

One thing that often gets overlooked is that breakfast and dinner are included at part of the points package. The normal cost for dinner is $ 70 per person (I believe).

I know many here say it is not a good use of points. We decided when we became DVC members that we wanted to use the flexablity and this was one of the things that we wanted to do. I really believe the value for the cost in points to very good!

 

[TroyWDW]

It seems very upscale. Will we feel out of place there?

The Grand Hotel is very upscale, but everything else on the island is normal.

Has anyone visited here? We are looking to find out what it is like and what there is to do.

The Lilac Festival is one of the best times to be on Mackinac Island (pronounced: mackinaw). This past summer it was from June 8 to June 17. Lots of events and pretty flowers (call 800-4LILACS to talk with the chamber of commerce for details). Fourth of July is another favorite weekend.

As you probably know, there aren't any motor vehicles allowed on the island, except for emergency vehicles. Everyone uses:
1) horse-drawn carriages
2) rental bikes
3) walking

... to get around the island. Some care is needed when walking due to option #1, or else you may get a free souvenir to take home on the bottom of your shoes. I guess this is part of the island's charm.

Main Street has a bevy of shops:
1) Fudge and ice cream stores
2) More fudge shops
3) Souvenir shops
4) Several clothing stores
5) Even more fudge shops
(the loving term for a tourist by the locals is: "fudgie")

Market Street (one street back from Main St) has several interesting shops (many with a victorian theme).

In the middle of the island is Fort Mackinac. The fort has several buildings that have been restored and can be toured (for a fee).

The island has many paved streets and trails. Renting a bicycle is very common, but we typically walk the many trails. We find the trails in the northern half of the island to be the most fun. There is an interesting rock formation, called Arch Rock, on the southeast side of the island. There is an old stone church near the Grand Hotel.

Simply, walking or biking around the various trails on the island is one of the main vacation activities. There are two golf courses on the island. Horseback riding is another recreation possibility.

The homes on west side are spectacular. One of them is the governor's residence. The view is magnificent from that area looking out at the Mackinac Bridge.

A personal favorite is to eat at the restaurant at the Iroquis Hotel. The dining room is all glass windows and looks out onto the lake. The little restaurant in the Fort is nice for lunch.

If you run out of things to do on the island, you can take a ferry boat to St. Ignace or Mackinaw City. Both have a typcial tourist downtown with lots of souvenir shops. Fort Michlimackinac is in Mackinaw City and can be toured.

You can also charter an airplane and fly around the area (picturesque at sunset).

Another interesting event is the Classic Car Show in St. Ignace (June 21 - 22, 2002). It is a <B>huge</B> car show set in downtown St. Ignace.

I would not recommend a vacation until after Memorial Day. The island doesn't really come to life until the first week of June. Pack some warm sweaters for nighttime. There is almost always a cool summer breeze blowing in off the lake. June will still be fairly cool, mid 60's for highs.

Mackinac Island is a very unique vacation. Please feel free to ask more questions.

Troy

 

[Jeff P.]

We have stayed on the Island a few times, and I would also recommend Mission Point Resort. It is more casual than the Grand Hotel, but it is also less expensive. Mission Point has some suites with whirlpools outside on the balcony. They look like a great place to stay and relax. This resort is just a short walk from down town, and has a great view of the lake.

I would also recommend having dinner at the Iroquis, the food and the view are excellent. It is my understanding the the Govenor has been known to dine there when he is visiting the Island.

jeff

 

[Denine]

Wow! It doesn't sound like 3 days will be enough. It sounds positively wonderful. I am ready to go. Where's the fudge?
Keep the ideas coming.

 

[Beth]

How far away is the nearest airport to fly into this area?

Sounds like quite an experience...

 

[TroyWDW]

How far away is the nearest airport to fly into this area?

Beth, we fly into the airport that is right on the island (MCD). But, the runway is only 3500 feet long, so you need to have a small airplane. It is a general aviation airport, but there are charter companies that will get you there. It is very scenic flying into the island, but you do miss out on the ferry boat ride.


If you want to go commercial then:

1) The closest airport is Pellston, Michigan. I believe Northwest and Continental service this tiny airport. Then it is another 20 miles to Mackinaw City by car or limo. From there you will catch a ferry (Shepler's, Arnold Transit, or Starline). Ole Captain Shepler's is our favorite.

2) Traverse City (Cherry Capitol Airport) is larger, but farther away. I believe Northwest, United, and American Airlines all have connections there. Traverse City is about 100 miles southwest from Mackinaw City.

3) Midland-Bay City-Saginaw (MBS) is about 180 miles south of Mackinaw City. Northwest, United, and Continental.

4) Detroit Metro (DTW) is about 300 miles south of Mackinaw City. This is a long drive but is very scenic for the last couple of hours.

Troy