Trading out for the Grand in Michigan

[nuthut]

Originally posted by tvwalsh
I have DVC concierge ressies for the Grand Hotel, Oct 15-18. One of you mentioned how cold it gets. Exactly how cold does it get and how soon?

It all depends on mother nature. It could be cold and snowy or it could be sunny and 60. It can drop below freezing anytime after Labor Day.

 

[wdwstar]

wehen we go in aug. middle of aug, its a gamble, one day can be in the 70s and others in the low 60s, high 50s. i always bring a sweater, long pant, light jacket, shorts and s/s shirts, bathing suites for the indoor pool, last time at mission point it was in the high 50s to swim outside, and it was a shame we were on the main floor walked out the french doors and right down the small hill to the pool main road into town, we didnt have to walk the long hallway to the front of the hotel.

the lakeview hotel has an indoor pool

 

[rocketriter]

Garbo used to swim in their pool. The story (hey, I wasn't there) is that she'd wait until dark, then the staff would shoo everyone else away from that part of the grounds so she could swim, well, you know.

The Grand is gorgeous and the island is charming for a few days. Lots of fudge to eat! Good bicycling, carriage rides, kitchy souvenir shopping, dining. Yes, it takes a lot of DVC points, but 2 or 3 nights is all you need.

Don't forget to stop at the historic fort on the mainland across from the island. It's also spelled Mackinac, but the fort is pronounced with a final syllable "ack" while the island pronounciation ends with "aw."

 

[Mickmse2002]

I have stayed on the island one weekend every summer for the last four years, rode a bike across every inch of the paved roads and absolutely love it.

The Grand does have a nice pool, at the bottom of the hill.

There is no real swimming beach on the island. Way too rocky and the water way too cold.

Second the recommendation on eating at the French Outpost....love it! I would also recommend dining/drinking at the Pink Pony. Drinking on the island (if you're into drinking) is very easy, no worries about drinking and driving.

For those going in October bring a warm jacket, it will be windy and it will get cold.

The road repairs previously mentioned as "pork barrel spending" is actually to re-pave much of the existing roads used by bikes and carriages. It makes riding easy for anyone.

Having said all that, I would not use points for the Grand nor would I spend $500 a night to stay there. I have stayed at the Lakeview many times and really like it a lot.

 

[goldilocks_63]

I like the idea of the indoor pool.

Could anyone please provide me with a phone number and / or address of the Lakeview.

I'll look into that too.

I called MS today, and you need to make your reservation for the Concierge collection 11 months out, and there is a $95 reservation (BS) fee,

oh, and sold out for fourth of July dates, even though they are available as a package on the website.....

***

so I'll probably do cash

and may do some at the Lakeview, so at the Grand???

Thanks everyone.

I"m really getting excited.

 

[wdwstar]

i will post as soon as i find my lakeview flyer i just received i believe it also had the rates in it, also look into an entertainment book, i had gotten 1/2 at the mission point hotel, i think it was $199 a night originally it was $400 a night.

lakeview i want to say we paided $139.00 a night and i know they have specials during the week for $99 a night, oh what did i do with that flyer

 

[BCV23]

I was trying to remember the Lakeview and googled it. Don't know how to link but it was very easy to find. Do remember it after seeing the pictures. Some friends stayed there and liked it very much.

Also I think there is a beach...near a park and a school...sort of around the south end of the island from the docks...before the Grand. We did not use it as our trips were the week before 4th of July and it was too cool and breezy for the beach even for my swimmers!

We also stayed on our first trip at a lovely Victorian home on the same main street as the Lakeview. Had a beautiful and very large room. Don't remember the name though but it was yellow!

Agree with the other posters that 2-3 days is enough on the Island for us.

 

[nuthut]

LINK FOR LODGING

http://www.mackinacisland.org/lodging/index.html

 

[GoofyDisney]

Heads up - this year we got snow Oct 1st. So, the weather in October is a real gamble. You will be there a week or two before they close for the season. Makre sure you go upstairs for a cocktail!

We always stay in one of three rooms. The Williams Suite, the Governor's suite or the President's suite. Even if you are just staying in a regular room, make sure you walk by when they are being cleaned and try and poke your head in...these are simply amazing! I always want everyone to see them because you can relaly get a feel for how the rooms play against the history of the hotel. I have more pads of paper from the President's suite than I can shake a stick at, and I use it like crazy. It is some of my favorite.

And I made the "pork" comment for two reasons, 1) that the amount was excessive and 2) that the roads aren't in that great of condition. Don't you agree, you seem to know the island as well, and I was hoping for even better roads, but they really aren't that great, expecially from the airport to town. (I am not arguing this point, but wanted your opinion)

Also, someone mentioned the pool...it is the same pool that has been there forever, but it gets a facelift every few years.

And I love walking throught the fields by the school to get to the waters edge.

Since the Grand was brought up for its relation to DVC, fine. But I would also suggest the Old MIssion Point Inn. The "drive" to get there and the view are unmatched!

In Mackinac City, I recommend the Best Western right across from the shopping area. It has jacuzzi rooms, a good view of the water and is close to the ferry. BTW, there are 2 ferry's to choose from. The Arnold and the Shepler line. I have no perference, though DH prefers the Arnold.