Grand Hotel on Mackinac?

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Has anyone ever stayed here? We are thinking of heading north at the end of August and I was wondering if anyone had ever stayed at The Grand and if they had any information to share?

Thanks!

 

[DisMN]

Hi! We've taken many vacations to Mackinac Island and have had lunch and done other things at the Grand. We never chose to stay there because of the dress codes and such but it's a beautiful place!
Everyone I know who has stayed there had a lovely time but most say it's not really worth paying that much to stay there.
What we always do is stay at one of the hotels or inns on the island.

Good luck and have a great trip! It's a neat place to visit!

 

[Wishing on a star]

I have seen the Grand, from the entrance drive....
That's as close as you will get without staying there or purchasing a dining buffet package.
We ate burgers at their open-air dining just offsite.

It really is what you are looking for.
Yes it is 'grand', and you have access to all the grounds and the perks, dining, etc...

And yes, it is historic.
In a building that was built that long ago, I imagine that it will 'feel' like an old bullding, and not to the standards that we are used to.

Have you checked the info on Tripadvisor.
That will give you the real info and feedback.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I would stay there. I have eaten at the buffet there which BTW is the best buffet you will ever experience in your whole life.

The hotel is looks awesome. I have not stayed there, just poked around. It is expensive.

I stayed at "The Murray" on the main drag.

 

[MIGrandma]

DH and I spent one night there celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary, so this was back in 1978. I believe at that time our room was $135/night. Now it is much, much, much more than that.

We had a room at the back of the hotel, so no view. It was very oddly decorated, at least I felt it was. Stripes, flowers, prints, etc. But we weren't in the room much. We were out enjoying the island, and the hotel. It was wonderful sitting in those nice rockers on that long, long porch. The grounds are beautifully decorated.

The hotel is lovely, very...well, grand. When we were there all 3 meals were included in the price, and they were wonderful, elaborate meals in the lovely dining room with servers in jackets. Dinner was an event. Ladies had to wear pant suits or a dress, men had to have jackets. They had a full orchestra playing. It was awesome.

I would love to stay there again, but it's just too expensive. Maybe a package wouldn't be as bad. They offer several weekend packages throughout the summer. Just google "grand hotel, mackinaw island" and their website should come up and there you can find their room prices and package deals.

I have to say it is awesome staying overnight on the island. Once the last boats go back over to Mackinaw City it gets much quieter and way less crowded. Just hearing the horses clip-clopping on the street, and no cars, it's really a neat experience.

 

[DisMN]

DH and I spent one night there celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary, so this was back in 1978. I believe at that time our room was $135/night. Now it is much, much, much more than that.

We had a room at the back of the hotel, so no view. It was very oddly decorated, at least I felt it was. Stripes, flowers, prints, etc. But we weren't in the room much. We were out enjoying the island, and the hotel. It was wonderful sitting in those nice rockers on that long, long porch. The grounds are beautifully decorated.

The hotel is lovely, very...well, grand. When we were there all 3 meals were included in the price, and they were wonderful, elaborate meals in the lovely dining room with servers in jackets. Dinner was an event. Ladies had to wear pant suits or a dress, men had to have jackets. They had a full orchestra playing. It was awesome.

I would love to stay there again, but it's just too expensive. Maybe a package wouldn't be as bad. They offer several weekend packages throughout the summer. Just google "grand hotel, mackinaw island" and their website should come up and there you can find their room prices and package deals.

I have to say it is awesome staying overnight on the island. Once the last boats go back over to Mackinaw City it gets much quieter and way less crowded. Just hearing the horses clip-clopping on the street, and no cars, it's really a neat experience.

The decor is odd because it was done by a very odd (but incredibly interesting) man named Carleton Varney. Actually odd isn't the word I'd use...it's highly upscale and feminine yet meant to be formal. I mean Washington White House upscale and formal.
Could you tell his favorite color is pink?

Isn't overnighting on the island the best? The entire atmosphere changes and you become an islander, not a tourist! I love it. Our favorite place to stay was The Inn On Mackinac but there are many other neat places to stay on the island as well.

OP, The Island House is of similar vintage as the Grand Hotel, with similar packages that included meals, but it tended to be less pricey than the Grand. If the Grand is too expensive for what you wanted to do maybe try the Island House?

As far as the Grand goes, I believe they finally did install air conditioning in some of the rooms, so they have added some modern comforts recently. LOL

 

[Squirlz]

All of the rooms are air conditioned now. It truly is a great experience to stay there. The dinners, as well as the dining room itself, are simply amazing. Staying there is really like nothing else.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Thanks everyone!

 

[LiberalPrincess]

We stayed there for a wedding a few years ago and it was incredible. Our room was gorgeous and the service was incredible. If you have the time, afternoon tea is not to be missed. It was a wonderful experience.

 

[DonnaW]

We stayed there about 3 years ago to celebrate my birthday. I posted a trip report here on the DIS about the whole Mac Island experience, including the Grand Hotel. (you could probably find it if you do a search or PM me and I will try to find it in my file and send it to you, it had pictures, too). In short, I LOVED it there. If you can afford it (and check the internet for specials, as I got a really great rate special and they run specials often), it is something to try I think *once*. Another place we stayed on the island is the Chippewa Hotel which is right downtown and very historic. We stayed in a tiny room one night and then upgraded to a suite with a view of the water the next night, very relaxing and very cool! Have a great trip, whatever you decide!

 

[lisajl]

I know this is an older thread but just wanted to chime in here.

Donna's trip report 3 years ago--I responded to it then. Just went back and read through it again, I said someday I will stay at the Grand.

Well, my someday is Sept 30th!!! They had a special deal a few weeks ago.
It was $75 pp/per night. My Dh and I will be staying and dining at THE Grand Hotel for exactly $208. Yes, that includes that amazing dinner!
I am so excited! ! I will be able to cross it off my bucket list.
Then, DH said, we should stay another night. Well, the special is over so we can't stay at the Grand. I looked up Mission Point resort today and got a room for $134.00 with a voucher for a free night next season!
I don't care how chilly it is up there, I AM GOING!

Thanks for reading my exciting news!
Lisa

 

[Jeafl]

I know this is an older thread but just wanted to chime in here.

Donna's trip report 3 years ago--I responded to it then. Just went back and read through it again, I said someday I will stay at the Grand.

Well, my someday is Sept 30th!!! They had a special deal a few weeks ago.
It was $75 pp/per night. My Dh and I will be staying and dining at THE Grand Hotel for exactly $208. Yes, that includes that amazing dinner!
I am so excited! ! I will be able to cross it off my bucket list.
Then, DH said, we should stay another night. Well, the special is over so we can't stay at the Grand. I looked up Mission Point resort today and got a room for $134.00 with a voucher for a free night next season!
I don't care how chilly it is up there, I AM GOING!

Thanks for reading my exciting news!
Lisa

You're going to love it Lisa! We've done it a couple of times and have never been disappointed in the hotel. Have a wonderful trip!

One caveat about the island...stay away from the little restaurant on the main street with a screen door for a front door (can't remember the name!). I got the WORST case of food poisoning there from a chili dog! I was sick for almost a month and cannot look at chili to this day! I knew after one bite that something was VERY wrong.

 

[lisajl]

You're going to love it Lisa! We've done it a couple of times and have never been disappointed in the hotel. Have a wonderful trip!

One caveat about the island...stay away from the little restaurant on the main street with a screen door for a front door (can't remember the name!). I got the WORST case of food poisoning there from a chili dog! I was sick for almost a month and cannot look at chili to this day! I knew after one bite that something was VERY wrong.

Thanks! Is the restaurant the one with a hamburger on the sign?

 

[JerseyJanice]

This was a very interesting thread to read! I didn't see it the first run.

Hope you have a great time on your weekend visit, Lisa.

 

[minniebeth]

I know this is an older thread but just wanted to chime in here.

Donna's trip report 3 years ago--I responded to it then. Just went back and read through it again, I said someday I will stay at the Grand.

Well, my someday is Sept 30th!!! They had a special deal a few weeks ago.
It was $75 pp/per night. My Dh and I will be staying and dining at THE Grand Hotel for exactly $208. Yes, that includes that amazing dinner!
I am so excited! ! I will be able to cross it off my bucket list.
Then, DH said, we should stay another night. Well, the special is over so we can't stay at the Grand. I looked up Mission Point resort today and got a room for $134.00 with a voucher for a free night next season!
I don't care how chilly it is up there, I AM GOING!

Thanks for reading my exciting news!
Lisa

Have a wonderful time! Sounds dreamy!
Please post about your experience when you come back!

 

[dennis99ss]

memories of christopher reeve and somewhere in time, or was it someplace in time, or something like that.

 

[lisajl]

Have a wonderful time! Sounds dreamy!
Please post about your experience when you come back!

Will do! My kids said to take a lot of photos since they aren't going.

 

[keenercam]

Staying at the Grand Hotel is on my bucket list for sure. We LOVE "Somewhere in Time" and we even used the music at our vow renewal and in our video. It seems like such an incredibly romantic place. I am "friends" with the Hotel on FB, too, and LOVE the updates about events at the hotel and on the island. We WILL stay there someday.

 

[lisajl]

Staying at the Grand Hotel is on my bucket list for sure. We LOVE "Somewhere in Time" and we even used the music at our vow renewal and in our video. It seems like such an incredibly romantic place. I am "friends" with the Hotel on FB, too, and LOVE the updates about events at the hotel and on the island. We WILL stay there someday.

Not only romantic but relaxing. We drive up from Ohio and once we hit a certain area in Michigan we decompress. It is so beautiful up there.
I hope the leaves will be changing or are changing now. It will be a beautiful bike ride around the island.

 

[keenercam]

Not only romantic but relaxing. We drive up from Ohio and once we hit a certain area in Michigan we decompress. It is so beautiful up there.
I hope the leaves will be changing or are changing now. It will be a beautiful bike ride around the island.

I am so envious!! We are going to be at Notre Dame later this month and DH offered to take me to the Grand Hotel for an extra night but it is way too far to go, unfortunately, during our very short trip. Have a fabulous time!