When to Visit Mackinaw City, Michigan
The best Mackinaw City weather happens in summer. Michigan is far enough north that you won't experience miserably high temperatures or unbearable humidity. If you want to visit the beach, summer is the most hospitable time, but it's also the most crowded. Shoulder seasons fall and spring are pretty, too, though the weather is too cold for swimming on most days. If sightseeing in a jacket with a bit of wind doesn't bother you, then the shoulder season is the better time to save money.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Mackinaw City, MI:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Mackinaw City, MI. Analyze these illustrations to calculate the most cost effective time to book in Mackinaw City for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Mackinaw City, Michigan
Though Mackinaw City is a beach town, luxury here is a little different than your typical resort experience. Expect comfort and relaxation, plus a little pampering, without dealing with huge crowds, resort fees, and lots of up-charging for things you need (like Wi-Fi).
The Hamilton Inn Select is a three-star beach hotel with a quaint interior vibe. Arched windows, high ceilings, and traditional furniture give this property a classic feel. To up your luxury, get a beachside room with a balcony and a jetted tub, so you can enjoy the gorgeous water views and relax in a private spa experience. The indoor pool has lounge chairs and towels available for guest comfort. Free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and free parking add convenience, while the fitness facility and restaurant are extras you won't want to miss.
The Clarion Hotel Beachfront is a comfortable property with a lot of good amenities. Though the carpets are a little dated, the hotel is still quite comfortable, and the beach views are stunning. Concierge services, a picnic area, and a garden help set this hotel apart from nearby options. Free Wi-Fi and free breakfast are convenient amenities that make your stay more comfortable.
With high arched windows and a vaulted ceiling, the indoor pool area is very pleasant, especially in the daytime. Tables and chairs are arrayed around the pool if you don't want to swim but need to watch your kids. In one corner is a lovely spa tub, perfect for relaxation. The arcade has classic games, including Ms. Pac-Man.
Affordable Options in Mackinaw City, Michigan
3 Star Average Prices: $156.91
Because Mackinaw City is a bit of a resort town, affordable prices are relative, and may not seem as budget-friendly as hotels in other parts of the country. When you want low rates, rest assured these are the properties where you should begin your search.
Waterfront Inn - Mackinaw City is near the beach and offers guests fabulous views of the water. At this conveniently located hotel property, you'll find a picnic area with barbecue grills, an indoor pool, and a spa tub. The 24-hour front desk has a staff happy to help you book tours and tickets. Free breakfast and free Wi-Fi are also available.
Bell's Melody Motel is a budget property with basic amenities, like free Wi-Fi and free breakfast. This property has only 17 rooms, so the front desk is only open during daytime hours. However, you'll find an indoor and an outdoor pool with a spa tub. The game room is perfect for families who need a little distraction after a long day.
The Sunrise Beach Motel is near the beach and great sightseeing opportunities and offers room rates that fit into many travel budgets. A picnic area and outdoor seasonal pool are available at this smoke-free property. An indoor pool is available, too, in case it's too cold to swim outside. Free Wi-Fi and free breakfast are other fantastic amenities here. This property offers in-room accessibility.
2 Star Average Prices: $101.88
Best Mackinaw City, Michigan Hotel Discounts
Discover extra discounts for your Mackinaw City stay and save a little for dining and sightseeing experiences. Americas Best Value Inn at 112 Old US Hwy 31 in Mackinaw City offers a 10 percent military, government, senior, and AAA discount. At Days Inn & Suites Bridgeview Lodge, located at 206 N Nicolet St in Mackinaw City, AAA members save 10 percent, and the senior, government, and military discount is 5 percent.
Americas Best Value Inn helps you keep to your travel schedule with express check-in and check-out. The 24-hour front desk, coffee in the common areas, and laundry facilities are especially convenient for people who stay for more than a night or two. This smoke-free property offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. An indoor pool offers you some recreation and relaxation. You can use a nearby fitness facility at a discounted rate.
Days Inn & Suites Bridgeview Lodge has rooms with free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Accessible bathrooms and in-room accessibility are available to accommodate guests. The indoor pool and spa tub are wonderful relaxation areas. Each morning, enjoy free breakfast at this smoke-free property. This two-floor hotel has an elevator and 59 rooms.
Best Value Options in Mackinaw City, Michigan
Finding a great value in Mackinaw City means a combination of low room rates with great amenities. You're trying to find that perfect balance between a comfortable room, a hotel near cool attractions, and a room rate you can live with.
Try the Thunderbird Inn, rated as one of the top economy hotels in Mackinaw City and also noted for its great customer service. Though the facility could use with a bit of an update, that doesn't keep it from being comfortable. Each of the 48 guest rooms has a pillowtop bed, free Wi-Fi, and a refrigerator. The picnic area is perfect to enjoy when the weather is nice. Otherwise, sit in the lobby and sip some free coffee or enjoy the indoor pool. You can get a free ferry terminal shuttle from this hotel. Breakfast is complimentary.
For families looking for value, check out the Crown Choice Inn & Suites Lakeview and Waterpark. This 2.5-star resort hotel has an exciting water park area featuring slides and other fun water activities. The water park is indoors, so you don't have to watch the weather to plan your visit. Though the water park has a surcharge, the property also has an outdoor pool and a sauna for free. Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, game room, and fitness facilities add value to your rate.
The Ramada Mackinaw City Waterfront gives you great beach views and easy beach access. The indoor pool features lounge chairs and a spa tub. Mornings are easy with free Wi-Fi and free breakfast. Read a complimentary paper in the lobby before heading to the private beach area. The multilingual staff operates a 24-hour front desk. A business center and an elevator are other conveniences at this hotel.
Pet-Friendly Mackinaw City, Michigan Hotels
Mackinaw City's Bridge View Motel and Condos is located at 1143 South Huron US 23 and has a pet policy that charges $30 per pet, per night. The Quality Inn & Suites Beachfront charges $25 per pet per night, and the Knights Inn Mackinaw City has an affordable pet fee of just $10 per stay.
The Bridge View Model and Condos is a smoke-free property with both an indoor and an outdoor pool. A spa tub is also available. You can take advantage of the free casino shuttle and the free ferry terminal shuttle if you need to get around Mackinaw City. Free breakfast and free Wi-Fi are other great amenities this spot offers.
The Quality Inn & Suites Beachfront, at 917 S Huron Ave in Mackinaw City, is a 2.5-star property featuring a long list of amenities. The indoor pool has beach lounge chairs, beach towels, a sauna, and a spa tub. Grab complimentary coffee or tea from the lobby, then head to the picnic area to enjoy the weather. You get free access to the nearby gym, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. Keep in mind, the front desk keeps limited hours. At this property, you can also book a room with an accessible bathroom, in-room accessibility, and a roll-in shower.
The Knights Inn Mackinaw City is a budget property with basic amenities. Free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast are available. You can park a bus, RV, or truck in the parking lot. The property features 32 guest rooms and one meeting room. The front desk will help you with tour and ticket booking. If you need either a crib or a rollaway bed, either is $10 per stay.
This lakeside town is the quintessential historic vacation spot. Though it can get crowded, you won't have to deal with the intense tourism seen on the Atlantic coast. Book your vacation to Mackinaw City, Michigan, today.
FAQs about hotels in Mackinaw City
How much does a cheap hotel in Mackinaw City cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Mackinaw City can be as cheap as $101.88 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Mackinaw City cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Mackinaw City has been $156.91 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What did travelers think of the city of Mackinaw City?
Below are reviews of the city of Mackinaw City, MI from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Great location near Mackinac Island ferry."
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything was easy to find and walking distance from our hotel, road our bikes to the ferry to Mackinac Island! I'd recommend bringing your own bikes!
Steven D., from 15-Oct-2024
"Great location near Mackinac Island ferry!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Everything was easy to find and walking distance from our hotel. We road our bikes to the ferry to Mackinac Island! I'd recommend bringing your own bikes!
Steven D., from 15-Oct-2024
"Color Tour"
Score
5.0 / 5
We came for color tour didn't spend time in the city.
Melissa A., from 13-Oct-2024
"Color Tour"
Score
4.0 / 5
We came for Color Tour!
Melissa A., from 12-Oct-2024
"Good Local Restaurants"
Score
4.0 / 5
The local restaurants like Darrows and Audie's.
William S., from 12-Oct-2024
"Fine!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Fine!
James B., from 26-Sep-2024
"Very Enjoyable Small City!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Mackinaw City is excellent! A very enjoyable small city!
Dwight L., from 24-Sep-2024
"Restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Restaurants!
Dan K., from 08-Sep-2024
"Restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Restaurants!
Dan K., from 08-Sep-2024
"Walkable Town"
Score
4.0 / 5
Could walk the entire town, didn't use the car once!
Nancy D., from 02-Sep-2024
"Very Walkable Town"
Score
5.0 / 5
Could walk the entire town, didn't use the car once.
Nancy D., from 30-Aug-2024
"By the water, eateries and fun little shops."
Score
4.0 / 5
Love being by the water; places to eat are close to the hotel and fun little shops as well.
Deborah M., from 29-Aug-2024
"Courtyard with music, shopping bars, wineries, brewery!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love the courtyard area where there's music playing, shopping and little bars and wineries and a brewery!
Neva B., from 20-Aug-2024
"Great Location!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Greta location!
Randolph Z., from 19-Aug-2024
"Fudge Shops!"
Score
5.0 / 5
I always like the fudge shops!
Roger S., from 17-Aug-2024
"Nice Town"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice town
David L., from 14-Aug-2024
"Nice Town"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice town!
David L., from 13-Aug-2024
"So much to do in Mackinaw City"
Score
4.0 / 5
There is lots to do in the Mackinaw City area. We will be back!
George R., from 12-Aug-2024
"Friendly Place"
Score
4.0 / 5
Help was kind and friendly in stores.
Arlene P., from 11-Aug-2024
"Quaint City"
Score
4.0 / 5
The city is quaint and a fun place to walk.
Shawn M., from 10-Aug-2024
"Quaint & Fun"
Score
5.0 / 5
The city is quaint and fun place to walk.
Shawn M., from 09-Aug-2024
"Excellent Restaurant"
Score
5.0 / 5
Restaurants Audies has an amazing bloody mary!
Dawn C., from 03-Aug-2024
"Great Shopping"
Score
4.0 / 5
Everything, many stores.
Sherry C., from 31-Jul-2024
"I like the fort and lighthouse!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I have been there many times. I like the fort and lighthouse!
Ann K., from 28-Jul-2024
"Easy parking and good prices!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Easy parking and prices are so much better!
Pamela E., from 25-Jul-2024
"Mackinaw City is a Fun town!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Mackinaw City was a fun town. We took Shepler's to go to Mackinac Island, which was great. There were lots of nice stores in town. Darrow's Restaurant is great. We ate there several times and every meal was very good. Everyone was very friendly.
Neil M., from 25-Jul-2024
"Sailboat race, good restaurants and shops!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Here for the sailboat race. Lots of good whitefish restaurants. Merrill store should not be missed!
Elourine A., from 24-Jul-2024
"Fudge Shops & Clothing Stores!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The fudge and nice clothing stores!
Joanne D., from 24-Jul-2024
"Loved the whole town!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Loved the whole town!
Jeff C., from 23-Jul-2024
"Conveniently located next to the Star Line Ferry."
Score
5.0 / 5
Conveniently located next to the Star Line Ferry.
Carolyn P., from 22-Jul-2024
"Water, bridge, cute town!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Water, bridge, cute town!
Valerie Z., from 18-Jul-2024
"Lots of good restaurants and shops to choose from!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love the city, lots of good restaurants and shops to choose from!
Debra D., from 17-Jul-2024
"Fabulous!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We have been coming to Mackinaw City since 1955 and everything is fabulous!
Gerald W., from 15-Jul-2024
"Great Historic and Friendly City"
Score
4.0 / 5
The city is great; historic with friendly people.
Robert R., from 15-Jul-2024
"Good shopping & restaurant choices!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Good shopping & restaurant choices!
Giovannino P., from 30-Jun-2024
"Charming Historical Place with Shops & Ferry Service"
Score
5.0 / 5
We loved the shops, the island, ferry service was great with lots of history on display. Charming.
Connie G., from 21-Jun-2024
"Great scenery and views and good restaurants."
Score
5.0 / 5
Great scenery and views and good restaurants.
Robert W., from 17-Jun-2024
"Great Downtown!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We really liked the downtown area!
Carol S., from 11-Jun-2024
"Cool Area!"
Score
5.0 / 5
It was a cool area. Love the water and the people were exceptionally friendly.
Cathriya B., from 10-Jun-2024
"Nice City"
Score
5.0 / 5
The city is always nice. We've been here numerous times.
Michele T., from 02-Jun-2024
"Spacious Rooms With View"
Score
5.0 / 5
Spacious rooms with a view and a large tv.
Celestino C., from 03-May-2024
"Quiet Time of Yer"
Score
4.0 / 5
Quiet time of year.
Ellen R., from 09-Jan-2024
"Keyhole Bar has great food and wonderful service!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Keyhole Bar has great food and wonderful service!
Ellen R., from 07-Jan-2024
"Picturesque!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Picturesque!
Kevin H., from 03-Jan-2024
"Lots to do and places to eat!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots to do and places to eat!
Cynthia H., from 20-Oct-2023
"Close to the Casino"
Score
5.0 / 5
It's close to the casino.
Raymond W., from 18-Oct-2023
"Bridge to Upper Peninsula"
Score
5.0 / 5
The diverse places to visit and the quick bridge to the Upper Peninsula!
Carl H., from 18-Oct-2023
"Very Nice Hotel"
Score
5.0 / 5
Hotel was very nice.
Candy D., from 09-Oct-2023
"Lovely shops and restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lovely shops and restaurants!
Carol M., from 05-Oct-2023
"Great City"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great city to visit.
Barbara V., from 04-Oct-2023
"Beautiful Place!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I love Mackinaw city. It is beautiful!!
Dixie T., from 20-Sep-2023
"Close to Casino and Ferry to the Island"
Score
5.0 / 5
Really liked the city, the shopping! The casino and ferry to the island were close to the hotel.
Linda G., from 18-Sep-2023
"Beautiful Bridge to the Upper Peninsula!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We have come up to Mackinac City for many years. We love the city area as well as the surrounding areas including the Upper Peninsula and the beautiful bridge that gets you there.
Darlene R., from 12-Sep-2023
"Museums, the Fort, Mackinac Island, bike trails, beach, shops!"
Score
4.0 / 5
There's so much history in Mackinaw City. We've been coming here for years and enjoy it every time. There are museums, the Fort, Mackinac Island, bike trails, beach and shopping. Something for everyone.
Derek S., from 11-Sep-2023
"Mackinaw City is Beautiful!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Mackinaw City was beautiful!
Luanne H., from 10-Sep-2023
"The shopping and resturants are great!!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I love Mackinaw City and Island! The shopping and resturants are great!!
Jeannine B., from 09-Sep-2023
"Mackinaw City Annual Bridge Walk!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We love Mackinaw City and come every year for the bridge walk!
Ramona R., from 08-Sep-2023
"Delicious Mexican Restaurant"
Score
4.0 / 5
We loved the newer Mexican restaurant called El Zarapa. Delicious!
David H., from 07-Sep-2023
"Nice weather, nice people, clean city."
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice weather, nice people, clean city.
David R., from 31-Aug-2023
"Love Mackinaw City & Baymont!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We love Mackinaw City and we usually stay at Baymont!
John M., from 26-Aug-2023
"The Beach & Shops!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The beach and the shops!
Jill V., from 10-Aug-2023
"Love the city and the island!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love the city and the island!
Mark M., from 08-Aug-2023
"Shopping & Restaurants"
Score
5.0 / 5
Shopping and restaurants.
Carl L., from 08-Aug-2023
"A relaxing, clean and neat town."
Score
4.0 / 5
A relaxing, clean and neat town. Cooler weather.
Donnie V., from 03-Aug-2023
"The room was clean and comfortable. "
Score
5.0 / 5
The room was clean and comfortable. The peacefulness
Alicia H., from 01-Aug-2023
"All the places to shop!"
Score
5.0 / 5
All the things to do and places to shop.
Blanca M., from 01-Aug-2023
"Just Beautiful!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful. Lots to do. Love the town. Just plain beautiful!
Pam R., from 30-Jul-2023
"Beautiful Beach"
Score
5.0 / 5
The beach is beautiful!
Terry E., from 13-Jul-2023
"Shopping and food!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Shopping and food!
Sherry K., from 10-Jul-2023
"Situated on the Lake"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots of shopping opportunities in the town compared to the surrounding area. Situated on the Lake and a beautiful place to take pictures. Small town vibes.
Justin J., from 06-Jul-2023
"Very nice historic city!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Very nice historic city! Probably the history was the stand out!!
Peter D., from 28-Jun-2023
"I was stationed in the USCG Poe Reef Ltsta and St Ign."
Score
5.0 / 5
I was stationed in the USCG Poe Reef Ltsta and St Ign.
Ronald R., from 26-Jun-2023
"Nice & Accommodating"
Score
5.0 / 5
The people were very nice and accommodating. Pleasant to talk to and informative.
Sheila P., from 13-Jun-2023
"Shopping and food!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Shopping and food!
Sherry K., from 12-Jun-2023
"Boat Ride to the Island"
Score
4.0 / 5
Boat ride to the Island!
Clifford W., from 19-May-2023
"Courteous staff and comfortable room."
Score
5.0 / 5
Courteous staff and comfortable room. Mackinaw City has a variety of food. There are several choices for entertainment and nice shops.
Mark D., from 01-Jan-2023
"Lots of activities for all ages!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Walkable downtown, plenty of restaurant choices, lots of activities for all ages
Mary G., from 09-Oct-2022
"Beautiful Area"
Score
4.0 / 5
There were many nice little parks to view lakes and bridge along the shoreline. Decent places to eat and plenty of shops.
Jeffrey T., from 03-Oct-2022
"Awesome Hotel!"
Score
5.0 / 5
My first time there the hotel was awesome
Dennis J., from 02-Oct-2022
"Fun place to visit!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Fun place to visit. Easily accessible to many things.
Cathy S., from 21-Sep-2022
"Very peaceful and relaxing!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Very peaceful and relaxing!
Sheri K., from 19-Sep-2022
"Beautiful!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful!
Alaa M., from 17-Sep-2022
"Shopping, Restaurants & Sightseeing!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Small town atmosphere but lots of shopping, restaurants and sightseeing available.
Dale R., from 12-Sep-2022
"Good food & awesome bridge walk!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Food was good and the bridge walk awesome!
Karen K., from 08-Sep-2022
"The Views & Activities!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The views and the activites around town.
David S., from 06-Sep-2022
"Shopping!!!"
Score
5.0 / 5
A lot of places to shop!
Cox T., from 15-Aug-2022
"Good Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Good location.
Joel S., from 03-Aug-2022
"View is spectacular all over Mackinaw City!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Mackinaw City is my happy place. There's so much to do and see. The view is spectacular all over the city. Kids and pet friendly. A vacation in Mackinaw City can be as busy or laid back as you want it to be. The perfect blend for a vacation.
Susan T., from 28-Jul-2022
"Historical Trolley Was Fun!"
Score
4.0 / 5
We really enjoy walking through all the shops. We took the historical trolley for the first time and that was fun and Mike, the driver, was great.
Karen S., from 27-Jul-2022
"Historical Trolley"
Score
5.0 / 5
We really enjoy walking through all the shops. We took the historical trolley for the first time and that was fun and Mike, the driver, was great.
Karen S., from 26-Jul-2022
"Highly recommend the Dixie Saloon!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Highly recommend the Dixie Saloon. Short wait at 8:00pm and our server was very nice.
Joanne P., from 25-Jul-2022
"Variety of restaurants, shops and entertainment."
Score
4.0 / 5
Mackinaw City has a variety of food. There are several choices for entertainment and nice shops.
Mark D., from 22-Jul-2022
"The restaurants & the shops!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I enjoy the restaurants, the shops, visiting the Island and trying out some of the activities in the city.
Sean B., from 18-Jul-2022
"Fun Atmosphere!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Fun atmosphere with plenty of shopping! The historic trolley ride!
Charles S., from 06-Jun-2022
"Fireworks, great restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Fireworks, great restaurants!
Leslyn R., from 30-May-2022
"Water, lighthouse, and restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Water, lighthouse, and restaurants!
Maurice S., from 23-May-2022
"Great state of Michigan!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The views are breathtaking everywhere! Who needs the southern states for vacations and shorelines, we have it all right here in this beautiful State of Michigan!
Melanie S., from 04-Aug-2019
"Great Experience"
Score
4.0 / 5
I love Mackinaw City and will go there again just will stay at a different hotel.
Dirnia A., from 15-Jul-2019
"Great Hotel!"
Score
4.0 / 5
We did not visit mackinaw city. Staff was super helpful and accommodating. The bonfire was much appreciated.
Kafi L., from 25-Jun-2018
"Plenty to See"
Score
4.0 / 5
Shopping,easy access to Mackinac Island,food,close to other stops on our itinerary - Agawa Canyon Train Ride & Soo Locks tour
Carole G., from 09-Oct-2016
The average traveler rating of the city of Mackinaw City, MI shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 100 reviews