Lavish Lodging: Luxurious Places to Stay on Michigan’s Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is sprinkled with distinctive, luxury hotels for the traveler who’s looking for an extravagant experience. Located between Michigan' s upper and lower peninsulas in Lake Huron, you can get to Mackinac Island by private boat, ferry or a small plane.

Transportation on the pedestrian-only island consists of bicycle, electric scooter and horse-drawn carriage. But if you check into one of these magnificent hotels, you may not want to leave your room.

Where to stay on Mackinac Island

This vacationer's haven is a summer resort island with no franchise hotels. It maintains its 19th-century ambiance and old-world hospitality while offering many modern amenities.

You can take your pick from the variety of award-winning private properties and historic family homes that dominate the island. With more than 1,500 rooms to choose from, there’s something to suit every preference – from cozy condos to bayside bed and breakfasts.

Every accommodation provides access to nearby events, activities, dining, shopping and nightlife. And the most luxurious properties on the island cater to guests with exclusive on-site offerings.

Whether you're vacationing with your family, visiting on business or celebrating a special occasion, here are five lavish overnight options to consider for your Mackinac Island retreat.

Grand Hotel

One of the most recognized hotels on the island, the Grand Hotel resort lies on a bluff overlooking Lake Huron. The opulent 393-room Victorian mansion opened in 1887 and contains the world's longest porch. It was the movie location for Somewhere in Time and has hosted five U.S. presidents over the years.

Settle into one of the opulent rooms or suites, uniquely decorated by prominent interior designers for a one-of-a-kind stay. In the morning, take a swim in the hotel pool named after competitive swimmer and film star, Esther Williams. Spend your afternoon at Astor's Salon and Spa or take a swing on The Jewel golf course, just moments from the hotel.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious five-course dinner in the Main Dining Room, then put on your dancing shoes and get ready to light up the dancefloor to some live music.

Hotel Iroquois

Fancy a stay in one of the island's oldest properties? This striking 1904 Victorian mansion sits on a bend on Main Street, with an enclosed gazebo-style front porch overlooking award-winning Victorian-style gardens. The gardens continue to the back of the 46-room hotel, where visitors experience stunning waterfront scenery complimented by lighthouse views and a private sunbathing beach.

The Hotel Iroquois offers elegant, distinctively decorated rooms, most with air conditioning and a few with ceiling fans for cooling down on hot summer days. Its in-house restaurant, Carriage House, is an island favorite and is open for lunch and dinner during high season between mid-May and mid-September.

Mission Point Resort

Situated on 18 acres of waterfront property on the island's sunrise side, Mission Point Resort is tucked away from the rest of the island. Built as a small, walkable community unto itself, the 241-room resort includes five restaurants, a well-equipped fitness center, a full-service spa, over 38,000 square feet of event and function space, an 18-hole putting course, a complimentary kids' club and a movie theater.

On-site offerings allow you to experience life's simple pleasures like kite flying, flower pressing, biking and Bocce ball. Family and pet-friendly lodging is located in the Main Lodge or Straits Lodge, while fully furnished apartment-style suites of up to 1,500 square feet are also available. The resort is usually seasonal, so make sure you plan ahead and book before you travel.

Island House Hotel

Built in 1852, the Island House Hotel is the island's oldest hotel, going through many restorations since its original splendor. A 95-room property in the Marina Historic District, just two blocks from downtown, the mansion sits a short distance from the Lake Huron shore it overlooks.

The hotel offers an impressive array of room sizes and types with packages to suit guests with different tastes. Guest rooms are simple but elegant, with private baths and pillow-top mattresses for a comfortable and relaxing stay, while spacious suites can sleep up to eight guests and contain private kitchenettes. After a restful night's sleep, eat in one of the hotel's three restaurants and take advantage of the many onsite amenities like the indoor pool or nearby golf course.

Inn at Stonecliffe

Nested high on a quiet west bluff, the Inn at Stonecliffe comprises several buildings, including the 16-room Tudor-style mansion and Victorian-influenced, 31-suite Summer House. Island visitors who prefer a tranquil, relaxing experience stay here, surrounded by lush gardens and enthralling bluff-top views of the island's bustling main tourist path.

Non-smoking mansion rooms – beautifully redecorated in 2014 – feature lush bedding and cool island breezes through open windows. Air-conditioned suites in the Summer House include a full-size sofa sleeper and a mini kitchenette.

Don’t forget to savor your complimentary hot breakfast each morning and eat dinner at the Cudahy Chophouse restaurant.

Ready to experience the very best of Mackinac Island? Reserve your Michigan car rental with Hertz for easy access to the island and its surrounding sights.