Grand Hotel- Mackinaw, MI

[Boo]

DH and I are considering using the CC to stay at the Grand Hotel. Apparently, they have a private flight they offer from Chicago to their airstrip on the island. Has anyone ever taken this flight. Just curious about the fare. A flight directly to the island sure beats a nine hour drive if possible!!

Thanks!

 

[Stitch1404]

We drive up (takes us about 8 hours from Ohio) to Grand Hotel every other summer. We are hooked! It is amazing, the most beautiful, elegant hotel with the best service I have found anywhere. Guess that doesn't answer your question, but I just had to chime in since Grand Hotel is one of my favorite places!

 

[minnieandmickey]

I can't help either but ever since "Somewhere in Time" came out with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, I have dreamed about going there. Hoping to go in 08 for our 20th anniversary.

 

[rocketriter]

For years their winter office was in Lake Forest, so they have a long-time connection to Chicago. By the way, if you do go and swim in that pool halfway up the hill, give a thought to a bit of Hollywood history: when Garbo used to swim there she didn't like to wear a bathing suit (or so her publicists let on), so she'd swim after dark and they'd turn out all the lights in the pool to give her some "privacy."

 

[momsgoofy]

I'd like to know the answer to the OP's question...also, can the OP let us know the airline...or any info about the flight to the island? I would appreciate it...I know the Grand is one of the places we will be using our point for in the future...DH knows Somewhere in Time is one of my favorite movies...even dreamed of naming a daughter McKenna...but I've got a DS so no McKenna's here...lol

Thanks!

 

[Poohs Pal]

I don't know anything about the private flight. You can take a direct flight from chicago to Traverse City on American Airlines or United. I have heard of others using the Pellston airport which is closer to Mackinaw City. A direct flight to the Island would be nice. Make sure you hop the boat over to Mackinaw City for some shopping. DD and I make trips up north just to shop at Mackinaw City( 4hr drive ), Petoskey(our personal fav) and Traverse City. We stayed in Mackinaw City about 2 yrs ago during the 4th of July and the fireworks over the water were awesome. Susan

 

[Cruelladeville]

I can't help with the flight, but the Grand Hotel on points is high. Did you consider renting your points, and paying cash? The carriage ride up to the hotel is wonderful, the porch at the Grand is awesome, and breakfast is out of this world! I spent my childhood vacations there, and I never thought of the Grand as extraordinary. Most of Michigan spends time at Mackinac Island. It was in adulthood that I learned just how special the Grand really is!

 

[minnieandmickey]

I found our Mackinac Island tourism book they can send you for free, it states
" Northwest Airline's partner Mesaba Airlines offers flights to Pellston International Airport (PLN) form most major cities. Great Lakes Air provides charter service from St. Ignace, Traverse City and Pellston. Taxi service is available from Pellston Aport to the boat doxck via Mackinaw Shuttle or Wolverine stages. The Mackinac Island State Park Commission operates the Mackinac Island Airport which has a paved 3500 foot runway, unicorn radio and overnight partking for small planes. No fuel is available."

 

[Boo]

I can't help with the flight, but the Grand Hotel on points is high. Did you consider renting your points, and paying cash? The carriage ride up to the hotel is wonderful, the porch at the Grand is awesome, and breakfast is out of this world! I spent my childhood vacations there, and I never thought of the Grand as extraordinary. Most of Michigan spends time at Mackinac Island. It was in adulthood that I learned just how special the Grand really is!

Actually when we crunched numbers it was better to use points for two nights at 110 points (we plan to go in early October)- it was better than paying the rack rate of $1300. (Assuming we'd be renting out our points at $10.) The American Club in Kohler, which was our other consideration, would be more cost efficient to book with cash from rented points. I guess it's just a matter of where you stay and knowing your prices.

 

[Boo]

Okay, apparently the Grand offers its own private Cessna 441 called the Grand Hotel 1 that lands on its own private air strip. The flight from Chicago is only 1 hour, but you have to have at least 7 people flying. Anyone thinking about going to the Grand this summer/fall and want to organize a flight out of Chicago? It also flies out of St. Louis. Since my parents live down there, we could drop the kids off, and then fly out from STL. Any takers?

 

[momsgoofy]

Okay, apparently the Grand offers its own private Cessna 441 called the Grand Hotel 1 that lands on its own private air strip. The flight from Chicago is only 1 hour, but you have to have at least 7 people flying. Anyone thinking about going to the Grand this summer/fall and want to organize a flight out of Chicago? It also flies out of St. Louis. Since my parents live down there, we could drop the kids off, and then fly out from STL. Any takers?

Flies out of STL, eh? Oh, this is so tempting!!!! That is the closest airport for us, ut unfortunately I don't think we're gonna be able to make the trip this year...rats! But it is great info to keep in mind for a future trip. Thanks so much!

 

[Scotch]

Okay, apparently the Grand offers its own private Cessna 441 called the Grand Hotel 1 that lands on its own private air strip. The flight from Chicago is only 1 hour, but you have to have at least 7 people flying. Anyone thinking about going to the Grand this summer/fall and want to organize a flight out of Chicago? It also flies out of St. Louis. Since my parents live down there, we could drop the kids off, and then fly out from STL. Any takers?

How much $$ per person?

 

[lisaviolet]

Points there include some meals ....correct? Breakfast and dinner? I'd love to go...

 

[Scotch]

Because of this thread I did some research on MIsland, a place I had only heard about before but never looked into for vacation purposes. The place looks/sounds lovely! But the Grand is so expensive, whether via DVC or via direct cash -- the price for a single room (plus breakfast and dinners) for three resembles the cost of our last DVC cruise for a family of three.

Could someone experience with MIsland recommend some alternative accommodation options, particularly places with 1 or 2BR suites.

Also, how long is the drive from Traverse city to the ferry landing plus how long is the ferry ride to the island? I checked airfare to Pellston and it would cost over $450 per person via Northwest with connection in Detroit.

I think it would otherwise be around a 12-14 hour drive for us, which is unappealing with an active toddler.

 

[DisMN]

Because of this thread I did some research on MIsland, a place I had only heard about before but never looked into for vacation purposes. The place looks/sounds lovely! But the Grand is so expensive, whether via DVC or via direct cash -- the price for a single room (plus breakfast and dinners) for three resembles the cost of our last DVC cruise for a family of three.

Could someone experience with MIsland recommend some alternative accommodation options, particularly places with 1 or 2BR suites.

Also, how long is the drive from Traverse city to the ferry landing plus how long is the ferry ride to the island? I checked airfare to Pellston and it would cost over $450 per person via Northwest with connection in Detroit.

I think it would otherwise be around a 12-14 hour drive for us, which is unappealing with an active toddler.

Totally agree about those Grand Hotel prices.
DH and I have stayed at The Inn On Mackinac (3 times), The Lilac Inn, Chippewa Hotel and The Island House (2 times).
The Inn is a brightly painted victorian B&B type accomodation with HUGE rooms and a delightful front porch where you can read or watch the horse and buggies go by. The Lilac Inn is just a few years old and is wonderfully situated right in the middle of main street. The Island House is nice but old......and I think in need of a bit of TLC.
Avoid the "Chip".......felt like a fire trap to me and the rooms were ridiculously tiny.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[Cruelladeville]

From Traverse City to Mackinac City is about a 1 1/2 hour drive on two lane roads, but very scenic. Once you get to Mackinac City the ferry ride is fast to the island, about 20 minutes, or 12 minutes on the hydrofoil on a smooth day. The Grand frequently has specials for the spring and fall, outside of their normal tourist high time, which is in the summer. Spring and fall nights can be found for $400 per night, check AAA rates, and yes, it includes breakfast and dinner. You also get the carriage ride from the dock, as there are no motorized vehicles on the Island. Everyone walks or rides bikes. You can take your bike on the ferry, or rent them on the island. The rooms are smaller than what most of us are used to in a hotel, and there are no TV's in the rooms. Going to Mackinac Island is like stepping back a century, and the nights there are SO-O-O quiet. Days are noisy, though, since most people go over to the Island for the day. The ferry is around $25 per person, and downtown is a short walk away, where you can buy your fudge. Tourists in Michigan are called "fudgies" because tourists buy so much of it, and it is good. Mackinac Island is known for their homemade fudge.

By the way, there are other hotels on the Island but they are all expensive. Many Michiganians go the cheaper way, staying at a hotel in Mackinac City, and taking a day trip to the Island. Hotels in Mackinac City can be found in the summer for $100 per night. If you are "into" historical things, the City and the Island both have forts and reinactments. The fort on the Island played a pivotal role in the War of 1812, where Britain took over Michigan without firing a shot. They dragged a cannon up the hill to the fort, and threatened to fire it, so the Americans surrendered. The problem was that Britain had no cannonballs for the cannon!

 

[DisMN]

From Traverse City to Mackinac City is about a 1 1/2 hour drive on two lane roads, but very scenic. Once you get to Mackinac City the ferry ride is fast to the island, about 20 minutes, or 12 minutes on the hydrofoil on a smooth day. The Grand frequently has specials for the spring and fall, outside of their normal tourist high time, which is in the summer. Spring and fall nights can be found for $400 per night, check AAA rates, and yes, it includes breakfast and dinner. You also get the carriage ride from the dock, as there are no motorized vehicles on the Island. Everyone walks or rides bikes. You can take your bike on the ferry, or rent them on the island. The rooms are smaller than what most of us are used to in a hotel, and there are no TV's in the rooms. Going to Mackinac Island is like stepping back a century, and the nights there are SO-O-O quiet. Days are noisy, though, since most people go over to the Island for the day. The ferry is around $25 per person, and downtown is a short walk away, where you can buy your fudge. Tourists in Michigan are called "fudgies" because tourists buy so much of it, and it is good. Mackinac Island is known for their homemade fudge.

By the way, there are other hotels on the Island but they are all expensive. Many Michiganians go the cheaper way, staying at a hotel in Mackinac City, and taking a day trip to the Island. Hotels in Mackinac City can be found in the summer for $100 per night. If you are "into" historical things, the City and the Island both have forts and reinactments. The fort on the Island played a pivotal role in the War of 1812, where Britain took over Michigan without firing a shot. They dragged a cannon up the hill to the fort, and threatened to fire it, so the Americans surrendered. The problem was that Britain had no cannonballs for the cannon!

Hi Cruella good to see you!
I do disagree about those hotel prices. We found very reasonable rates compared to the rates at the Grand at the same time of year. (higher than your normal rates yes, but definitely and significantly less than the Grand Hotel)

One thing really fun about staying on the island is the fact that after the day guests leave the town relaxes and becomes a very different place with an entirely different feel. It's really something else to experience....something I'd recommend doing at least once if it fits into your budget.

 

[wdwstar]

we go up to MacIsland every summer, we love the island house with their indoor built in pool & bar/sandwich shop. They have suites with 2 queen beds & pull out couch with a beautiful views of the Lake. we have also stayed at the Lakeview Hotel another hotel with an indoor pool. Our other favorite hotel is mission point hotel they have suites, some with private whirlpools & hot tubs, outdoor pool. Great food. we usually drive up about 6 hours take the ferry and stay a long weekend. just keep in mind the weather, we were up there for july 4th and it was rainy & cold. we usually go in august and the weather usually in the low 70s. we did miss going last summer because we were in wdw, it was actually cheaper for us to fly to florida and guaranteed hot weather when we do go to MacIsland we bring our bikes, i think its $6 round trip each. dont forget you also have to pay the $75 or $95 fee if you use your points.

 

[Scutapipig]

Everything you want to know about the Island can be found here:
www.mackinac.com

We have stayed at many hotels on the Island and although there was a range in price and amenities, we would stay at each one again. Maybe look at a condo and/or bed and breakfast as a nice alternative.

 

[Boo]

How much $$ per person?

The director is getting back to me on Tuesday- she was gone for President's weekend.