Thunderbird Inn of Mackinaw City

Thunderbird Inn of Mackinaw City descritpion

This Mackinaw City hotel provides free shuttles to the nearby Kewadin Casino and to Mackinac Island ferry services. The hotel has a children’s playground and an indoor pool.
The rooms at the Thunderbird Inn of Mackinaw City are furnished with refrigerators and include cable TV and free Wi-Fi.
A daily hot breakfast is served every morning at this Thunderbird Inn. The hotel has a number of helpful services, including guest laundry and a 24-hour front desk. Packages including tickets to Mackinac Island are available.
Historic Mackinac Island is a short ferry ride from the Mackinaw City Thunderbird Inn. Colonial Fort Michilimackinac is less than a 5-minute drive away.

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Facilities of Thunderbird Inn of Mackinaw City

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Indoor Pool (seasonal) | Playground

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

General ：Newspapers | Non-smoking Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) | Air Conditioning

Reviews for Thunderbird Inn of Mackinaw City

Review 1：Don't expect a hot shower (but they at least have a sign in the bathroom saying water temps fluctuate greatly). Good luck!

Review 2：Nice location, well laid out hotel and the room was very large.

Review 3：Only that the weather was poor. We booked the room for a wedding on the Island and because of high winds we were unable to use the Ferry that we booked . Not your fault :)

Review 4：the lady at the front desk nice but had no info for us.. at all...breakfast from 6-9. we missed everyday. we did not take advantage of the pool since it is across the parking lost and it was cold & snowing.

Review 5：Our room was clean and we had a spa in our room close to downtown. quite, relaxing..

Review 6：continental breakfast was cold, eggs were a weird consistency, and I had to go to office to request more plates. When the young red headed worker came to replenish the plates we had to ask twice because she was too busy conversing with the other employee. She was very rude to us when we requested the plates. She needs more training on how to deal with guests.

Review 7：cleanliness, checking in and out was easy

Review 8：Breakfast needs improvement. Eggs was yucky. Other stuff so so

Review 9：Ok for 1 night stop over. Nothing fancy. Tv need upgrade and beds to soft..just a avg place

Review 10：How the water in the rooms fluctuated so much. One second you would be fine, then start burning your skin, then 10 seconds later freezing cold

Review 11：Overall it's a nice place for the money range

Review 12：Older tv. Not important, but could've used a flat screen

Review 13：Very clean in the Jacuzzi suite we stayed in. Simple room, but perfect for a tiny family like ours. Breakfast was above average for the lower end quality you're used to at these places.

Review 14：Thin walls let in noises from room next door. Thin blanket and sheet. No comforter.

Review 15：I stayed in a queen room. Very clean and updated. Large room. Large bathroom. Everything worked great. I had no problem with the shower. Very comfortable bed and chairs. Lots of surface areas: two night tables, dresser, table and chairs, sink counter, wardrobe shelves. Average hot breakfast like most hotels, minus the waffles.

Review 16：Hair in the the jaccuzzi tub, no water in the toilet fill tank, light above the jacuzzi went on and off by itself,water was hot or cold no in between, jets in the tub were filthy they shot out dirt which had to be drained and refilled, bed was uncomfortable i woke up every 45 minutes, pillows were washed and dried too many times, very lumpy.

Review 17：Fair price.

Review 18：The room had everything , ...hair dryer , alarm clock , ironing board, coffee/tee mashine, TV,....some expensive hotels don't have half of it. Very clean and staff who is smiling .

Review 19：The fact that the owners know there is a problem with their plumbing (water in shower suddenly turns too hot or too cold) and instead of getting it fixed they post a warning sticker on bathroom wall

Review 20：When I called for directions, clerk was not well informed and gave confusing directions so I had to ask at gas station.

Review 21：It was just average--not real good or bad.

Review 22：NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. WE,LL BE STAYING THERE AGAIN NEXT SUMMER.

Review 23：NICE MOTEL WITH COMFORTIBLE BEDS AND VERY NICE PEOPLE THAT RUN IT.CLOSE TO TOWN.GREAT PLACE TO STAY.

Review 24：Office staff unfriendly. Would not let us check in even a little early. Breakfast was not very good, I think the eggs were dehydrated eggs.

Review 25：Bed was comfortable and room was clean.

Review 26：While the hotel is not updated, the cleanliness made up for any short coming. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We couldn't beat the price for being so close to downtown Mackinaw. I would definitely recommend this hotel .

Review 27：No complaints at all. Folks need to remember that this an older property, but the accommodations are very good for a reasonable price.

Review 28：Excellent location, helpful staff and comfortable rooms. The cost for the room was reasonable

Review 29：The breakfast buffet could have been a bit later. We made it OK, but many travelers missed it by only a few minutes - and it was already picked up and put away. While vacationing, til 10:00 would have been nice.

Review 30：The front staff, especially Steven, were very helpful.

Review 31：The mattress needs to be replaced was old and not comfortable. Air conditioning and rooms could use an update.

Review 32：The staff was very friendly and very prompt on requests.

Review 33：Breakfast was poor. Offered packaged oatmeal. No bread or bagels for toast. Eggs had potatoes and cheese with green pepper and onion so not a good option for most kids. We stopped and picked up breakfast elsewhere.

Review 34：The hotel was okay. I paid for two rooms as I traveled with five children. The rooms were next to each other but with a room in the middle for snacks. I would have preferred to have the rooms directly next door. The door of one room had no security lock as it was torn off the wall. This did not make me feel comfortable

Review 35：I didn't like that I had to argue with the lady at the desk to get my early check in honored. I had called the day before to confirm it wouldn't be a problem, and it still was. Also, our air conditioning didn't work. When I went to check into our room they had us in the wrong room. I had reserved a 2 bed room, and both rooms only had 1 bed. It took a really long time to get this worked out. I wasn't able to get side by side rooms like we had asked, which made it difficult when traveling with 4 kids and 3 adults. Also, my room had stains on the sheets. Not cool. In the morning we went for breakfast and it was pretty gross. When I stayed here 5 years ago the breakfast was amazing. It has really gone down hill.

Review 36：I liked that my special request o an early check in was honored.

Review 37：Less than a mile to the ferry docks. We enjoyed the pool after a long day on Mackinaw Island. Hot breakfast included is always a plus. Biscuits and gravy and sausage, fruits, yogurt, toast, and cereal. The ladies running the breakfast area did a great job keeping it stocked and the tables clean. More expensive than motels elsewhere, but in line with what you should expect in Mackinaw City.

Review 38：Facilities were run down. Garbage behind hotel where dogs go, playequipment old, breakfast ended promptly at 9am and with several guestswanting coffee staff didn't want to make more. Pet policy is verystrict. Do not leave your pets in the room for even a little bitunattended. We had to leave early and checked out before 11 am and theystill charged us anyway. There was a gap in our door when closed andcould see outside.

Review 39：It was somewhat close to downtown

Review 40：That the house keeping don't make up our bed my wife halfway made the bed up, but when we returned from Mackinaw Island the bed was still not made up.

Review 41：I like that breakfasts was provided for us and that the pool was also provided to us.

Review 42：The young kids in the floor above running on the floor sounded like a herd of elephants in my downstairs room, until it got late and they went to sleep. And then surprise they made no noise in the morning!

Review 43：Easy enough to find on the GPS. Within walking distance of the main strip of shops and other hotels if the weather is good enough to allow walking. Seems like a smaller version of Niagara Falls!

Review 44：That the tempt to the pool was very cold this time. Even on the second day after the tech came in and turn the heater up said it would be 85 tomorrow.

Review 45：Location and they worked with us so that we were close to my elderly parents.

Review 46：Toilet got clogged. Probably bad luck but happened none the less. Air conditioning can use a thermostat (its manual which means you need to get up and change the temperature in the middle of the night)

Review 47：Great location, clean rooms, good breakfast.

Review 48：It took a long time to get the hot water to our room and I hated wasting water. Water temperature also fluctuates all the time when taking shower.

Review 49：Clean and efficient motel. Yes, a bit outdated but in maintained and and in working condition. Not far from the attractions and cheaper than other motels closer to the city.

Review 50：The hot water in the shower is unpleasantly sporadic! The temperature of the hot water would unexpectedly get extremely (dangerously) hot at any given moment! My husband's buttocks got burned!

Review 51：We loved the comfortable bed and pillows! Good, quiet location.

Review 52：WiFi was very slow or didn't work at all but that wasn't too much of a problem for me.

Review 53：Very good location if you come with the right expectations - this is surely not a luxury hotel but it provides everything you need and it's clean and comfortable. Staff is nice, too.

Review 54：The hotel (motel?) was clean and the bed was reasonable. Nothing to write home about, but fine for a 1 night stay before going over to the Grand Hotel on the Island.

Review 55：When we got there the bathroom floor had someone else's "personal hairs" on it and in the tub. As if it wasn't cleaned. Even though the sign on the shower wall warned us about the fluctuating water temps...it was very annoying to have the water turn ice cold without warning. Plus, if your neighbor took a shower, you heard it very well. We told staff about the hair issue and they made sure that it was cleaned. I just wish it was done right the first time. I don't think we will return. Also, the hotel allowed pets and there were 2 annoying dogs outside barking very early.

Review 56：Good price if you're not in the room for any other reason than sleep.

Review 57：Disgustingly dirty. The 'bathroom' sink was nasty... Not cleanedin a while. Between the bed & night stand was finger nails & Godonly knows what that odd looking thing was...naw, it needed a goodthroughout sweeping with crevice tool attachment!

Review 58：Size of the room!

Review 59：The rainy weather...otherwise I had no complaints :)

Review 60：We arrived late and was able to get right into our room, staff was helpful and polite. We then checked out early with the same experience. Breakfast was also great!

Review 61：ARRIVING AT 3:00PM AND NOT BEING ALLOWED TO CHECK IN UNTIL 4:00pm when the room was ready and cleaned. Very poor practice.

Review 62：good breakfast and varity of foods

Review 63：There was a caution sticker on the shower saying water tempatures fluctuate with out notice. Well we never got any hot water. I do not like cold showers.

Review 64：The staff were very friendly and they let us check in a half hour early which was very helpful.

Review 65：I was guaranteed two queen beds on the ground floor. Upon arrival only king beds on ground floor. My reservation was made six weeks in advance. I was told a bus tour was coming and took the two bed rooms. The shower running at 11pm could have been next to our bed! The shower in our room was not as loud. We showered in ankle deep water. The carpet was wrinkled in spots and was no better than indoor outdoor. Exterior door seals were either non existent or hanging loose. Hair dryer was barely warm. Drapes were not properly attached.

Review 66：The rooms were a tad shabby and old. When I looked at all of theother hotels in the area, I wished I had researched another hotel.The lobby was the nicest thing about the hotel. The worst thing ofall was the shower that instantly changed from boiling hot tofreezing cold. There was even a sign on the shower that said therewere instant temperature changes---REALLY??? In this day and age, youcan't figure that out????

Review 67：I liked that it was super cheap, especially since I received two ticketsfor the ferry in the package. For four people, the location, a clean(looking) pool, and 2 ferry tickets, it was a great deal.

Review 68：Rooms are seriously outdated. Some stains on carpet. Bed sheets looked seriously worn out. Water temperature on shower randomly changes temperature.

Review 69：Location is good. Breakfast is ok. No bugs. Bed not perfect but ok. Room has a sofa. Cable tv is ok. Okay for budget travelers looking for a place to crash by the end of the day. Plenty of parking spots available.

Review 70：The King size mattress old and not comfortable. I have been to a lot of hotels with king beds and this was the most uncomfortable. The continental breakfast was terrible. The room wasn't worth $84 plus taxes and resort fee. The television was to low and old fashion.

Review 71：The room was nice size,,the shower was very refreshing. Location was very good.

Review 72：The continental breakfast never happened. Doors were locked nobody was around to open the dining room. Also the bath towels in the rooms are pretty small and thin, so make sure to ask for extras.

Review 73：The Thunderbird Inn is conveniently located just off the main drag in Mackinaw City. Just a short walk to the ferries, restaurants, and downtown. The staff was very friendly - we were greeted by Deidra, who welcomed us and gave us a great lunch recommendation. We spend time in town and came back to check in our room. It was clean and pleasant. Nice to be able to pull the car right up to our door. We left the window open for the breeze. Had a good sleep and felt very comfortable and safe. Beds were good. Asked for a wake up call so we could go on the Bridge Walk the next morning. Came back after the walk and rested, then swam in the pool. It was a little chilly, but refreshing! Had a nice time overall and I would return to the Thunderbird Inn for a clean and comfortable, Up North motel experience.

Review 74：the facilities were less than adequate the water temp fluctuated so much that they had posted a sign saying - "warning water temps might fluctuate!". It fluctuated from burning hot to ice cold numerous times during a 5 min shower. I had burns on my back because of the hot water. its like saying " the elevator works for the most part but might just drop suddenly, be careful". Big safety hazard. The breakfast sucked!

Review 75：the rooms were adequately clean

Review 76：It was not really clean but it's worth as you paid.

Review 77：The staff's recommendation of Darrow restaurant was really excellent. And thanks for some discount of Starline ferry.

Review 78：Stains on the cover sheets for both beds, mold in the shower, carpet was damp, room very dated. $200 a night for a room that should of been more like 40 a night.

Review 79：Location

Review 80：We stayed three days. All three days bedsheets were stained ones. Trash was not picked up from drawers when we first checked in. Towels had stains and not properly bleached. Laundry dry was not working.

Review 81：Would like to have clean bed sheets and towels

Review 82：Bed wasn't comfortable Wifi was spotty Shower was super hot then cold Chair was broken when we got there Clerk at the counter was rude and tried to argue with me about the price of my room even though i had my reservation paper

Review 83：Location was good

Review 84：linens old, some towels stained, breakfast could be better

Review 85：Near ferry to Mackinac Island, jacuzzi in room, friendly front desk staff, gave free Tom's natural care products at front desk if you forgot something like toothpaste

Review 86：The room was VERY worn. The bathroom needed to be & should have been cleaner. VERY OLD fixtures & the decor is dated. The breakfast person need help keeping the "buffet" filled.

Review 87：We really liked the location. The motel has good potential but needs quality updating. Cost was reasonable, but to much for what you got IN the room.

Review 88：Our biggest complaint was that breakfast ended at 9 which we felt was way too early. We shouldn't have to set an alarm just to make to it eat. Also, a few things in our bathroom were broken like the shower rod.

Review 89：Everything was fairly standard. The room was clean and the staff was friendly. We enjoyed our stay and would stay there again.

Review 90：One family coming in late kept checking that their car was locked by double clicking their remote, thus the horn blowing. One check would have been enough! But that was not the fault of the hotel management.

Review 91：Clean, attractive, but not fancy, room for a good price. Excellent breakfast.

Review 92：Even though there was a sign in the shower warning of fluctuations in the temperature, it was a horrible experience. I didn't even let my kids shower for fear they'd be scalded. Not sure why that can't be fixed. I've never experienced that at any other hotel I've ever stayed at.

Review 93：The beds were comfy. The location was close to town but not on top of everything. The breakfast was pretty decent.

Review 94：Breakfast hours are very early, 6:30-9:00, which provides good motivation to start the day but it is vacation. Food itself wasn't great, but decent selection. Sausage links especially were soggy. Can hear some noise from neighboring rooms.

Review 95：Staff was friendly, hotel is close to the downtown and ferries to Mackinac Island. The price was correct for what you get. Breakfast included.

Review 96：Door opened to outside, not quite as safe feeling, some nicks in the wall and trim, mold in the upper corner of the shower, not-fresh smell when we turned on the air, would have liked a suitcase caddy in the room, would have liked more towels in the bathroom.

Review 97：Clean rooms, mostly kept up, nice easy check-in, nicely sized rooms, nice breakfast (not just breads and jams).

Review 98：Not enough clean towels. No hot tub in pool area. Breakfast needed more options. Terrible water temperature fluctuation in the shower. Parking lot was hard to maneuver.

Review 99：Room was good. Price is what brought us there. Good location. Clean

Review 100：The pool was out the whole time I was there. The customer service was not that great... The shower got crazy hot at times...overall for the amount I paid it was not great.

Review 101：The location

Review 102：When asked for more towels, I was told by the front desk "I don't think I can find 5 more towels this evening." I had 3 young children that needed a bath from swimming at Lake Michigan. When I asked for more towels the next day, I was told to find a housekeeper to give them to me. The staff was unprofessional and unwilling to help. I did not find them friendly at all. As for the room, we had an old goldfish bag under the bed, never removed as well as some paper trash at the side of the bed that was not cleaned up. We stayed 2 nights and we did not get new towels and sheets. We will not being staying there again in the future.

Review 103：Nice location and easy to find.

Review 104：Room was really dark. Would open curtains but a lot of traffic from housekeeping personnel entering the supply room right next to us.

Review 105：location, pool, breakfast, queen room with spa bath was nice and comfortable.

Review 106：Long time to get hot water and I am still not complaining.

Review 107：Staff was very friendly. Property was clean and location made it easy to get downtown. Lots to do in area.

Review 108：Two complaints only, #1, the snack machine and coke machine needs to have the cobwebs off it. Spiders all over the coke machine. #2, the water pressure was unpredictable per the caution sign on the shower. Could change from hot to cold without notice. Otherwise it was good

Review 109：I asked for extra towels, the front desk was very accommodating, no problems. The room was bigger than I expected. And the beds were very comfortable. Nice area for kids to play at, and didn't try the indoor pool, but it looked nice.

Review 110：Room had blueberries, oyster cracker&bobby pins on floor. The room was dirty!!! Ten sheets of toilet paper no extra roll. Not towels for 5 people. Coffee pot so dirty you could rub off dust. Sink never cleaned around edge filthy. Three year old twins with us. Also made reservation 12/28/13 given worst room in motel at top of stairs. Load drunks and rude people. Curtain broke and had to use chip clip to hold close entire time. Could not open curtains since at top of stair everyone looked in. Only went to breakfast room once. No bathroom in building girl working there showed up in flannel pjs. Never once cleaned and wipe table. Plastic silverware not wrapped and container filthy inside. Also poor attitude of college kid and lack of common sense to clean anything including syrup bottles. Sticky mess. Husband and daughter went got food and eat in room we had to clean. Five days we had a woman clean room she was excellent. Last day a man again room hardly totch. Tipped woman for great job no tips for men. Asked if we were going to leave. Mackinaw Citky was 97 percent booked. After all trouble they only gave me a $20.00 discount. Since we had to clean room and also refrig had 4 melted ice cream bars. We had to use cleaners and Lysol to feel safer from dirt. Carpet hasn't been clean or replaced in years.

Review 111：Check in was at 4 & we got there an hour early. The lady at the front desk didnt even try to see if the room or a room was clean. She was rude. I guess she was to busy reading her book.

Review 112：Location and price

Review 113：Breakfast was basic. Stains in room on shower curtain and one bed coverlet.

Review 114：Clerk was very helpful when we checked in. Price was right. We were not spending lots of time in the room. We really just needed a place to sleep and shower and for that it was fine.

Review 115：The facilities were a little old fashioned looking. The breakfast was weak and not so healthy, not to many choices to chose from. The website says there is 24-hour front desk available, but it actually closes at 23:00h. After that time the front desk is closed unless you call ahead of time to inform them of your arrival. We found that out while driving there. Not a good feeling.

Review 116：It was walking distance to the port for the Ferry, between 5-8 minutes walking (at my speed- I walk semi slow). Parking at the facility was free and in front of the room. The front desk was helpful with providing touristic information about Ferry rides and their rates. The wifi worked well.

Review 117：Sheets, blanket and towels were very old and thin. Not too attractive. Pool was nice but really in disrepair. Bugs and webs surround the inside of the pool enclosure. Not cleaned very much. Water was fine. Free breakfast was awful. Take a pass on that and go into town for something good.

Review 118：Close to town.

Review 119：Showers: water temp was unpredictable. Another room would use the water and you would either burn or freeze.

Review 120：Beds, location, were good. Room was clean. Staff helpful.

Review 121：No mattress pad, fitted sheet did not stay on the bed. Water temp varied from cool to scalding hot, have red chest to prove it. Bought the romance package; diner for 2, champagne, and chocolates. The diner was a gift card for $25.00 at a local restaurant that the buffet was $29.95 for two without drinks. The chocolates were great but the champagne was red wine and when I called about it I was told they had upgraded to the wine, thing is they still advertise champagne in the romance package. Also no corkscrew to open the bottle, had to go buy one. The water was also shut off during the day with no warning so when I went to shower, no water. The people at the front desk can make no decisions and have to call their supervisor, the owner.

Review 122：Nothing!

Review 123：This is our second year of booking this hotel for our summer vacation. We were only there one night, but a great experience. Would highly recommend to a friend.

Review 124："unexpected fluctuation" of the water temperature in the shower, needed a bit of updating of wallpaper (peeling in spots), fitted sheets didn't stay on bed, windows were dirty,

Review 125：It was close to town, plenty of pillows, more than enough tv channels for the rainy day, laundry room came in handy, breakfast was adequate.

Review 126：We had a 2 day room had no house keeping day 2. Came back from Island tired we would have left but it was to late. Not happy.

Review 127：Food was ok desk service was nice location ok.

Review 128：Pillows were lumpy. Shower water was hot one minute & cold the next. Towels were so thin. Continental breakfast left much to be desired.

Review 129：Location. Friendly Staff.

Review 130：It is not a problem with just this hotel but with most hotels. Why is the lighting always so poor? We like to read in bed but most often the lights are really poor for that.

Review 131：We enjoyed our one night stay while driving through Mackinaw City going West.

Review 132：This hotel needs some serious updating & TLC. The bed was comfortable but lacked any type of mattress protector...kinda creepy. The carpeting had large stains...kinda grose. If you're just looking for a place to rest your head at night, this place will do, but don't expect too much.

Review 133：The location worked out just fine. Only a short walk into town. The staff member in the breakfast area was great! Very personable & friendly.

Review 134：The night staff was horrible, the room didn't have hot water, the refrigerator didn't work and the pool was so cold you couldn't go in it not to mention the mold on the ceiling where the pool was...cant believe this hotel has received 4 our of 5 stars.

Review 135：The price seemed a little steep for the value that it offered. The breakfast was good except for the hot items - eggs were powdered and the sausage was lower calibre meat. Would recommend staying away from that.

Review 136：The motel offers a good place to put your head and is adjacent to other motels. The rooms were well cleaned and the cable tv choices were good. The refrigerator was not turned on but worked well once turned on.

Review 137：Didn't quite have enough towels for four people. TV didn't have a remote in the room. The fridge was unplugged but that was an easy fix.

Review 138：We needed extra towels and a TV remote. The gentleman at the front desk was extremely prompt and helpful in getting us what we needed! Would rate him excellent in service.

Review 139：The room was dirty and run down, stains on the white covers of the beds, dust under the beds and table. The pool area was disgusting dirty and the water was cold as ice. The room was way overpriced for the condition of the facility.

Review 140：Water pressure for showering was good, did have a small fridge to keep bottles cold. plenty of pillows.

The Fine Print

Upon check-in photo identification and credit card are required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.Please note pet-friendly rooms are limited and are subject to availability. Please contact the hotel directly to reserve a pet-friendly room.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.