Lily Pond Approved

The iconic Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island is a perfect and quintessentially midwestern summer escape. Traditional and luxurious, this hotel offers guests the opportunity to unwind in rocking chairs with beautiful views of the Straits of Mackinac while the whole family enjoys their vacation. 

The hotel (which has been open since 1887!) embraces its history and old-world hospitality, while enhancing the experience to be attuned to the modern-day guest. The Grand Hotel is National Historic Landmark, and the Mackinac Island rule of no-cars-allowed contributes to the old-world charm – think horse-drawn carriages, afternoon tea, croquet and bocce and dancing to the Grand Hotel Orchestra in the ballroom.

Accommodations

Every room is completely unique, featuring its own design and ambience. Each room is curated to a theme with colorful décor, historical memorabilia, curated paintings, and distinctive furnishings. There are three categories of guest rooms, one- and two-bedrooms suites, signature suites, and the four-bedroom Masco Cottage. Your advisor will help you determine which is best-suited to your needs.

There are over 40 signature suites, each named after prominent historical figures and events, time periods and decorating styles and are some of the hotel's most exceptional accommodations.

Dining

Dining is one of the highlights of the Grand Hotel experience. There are 14 bars and restaurants at the hotel, each distinctly its own. Daily breakfast and dinner are included in most guest room rates, and guests 9 and younger stay and eat free. 

The Main Dining Room offers an extremely picturesque location, overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. The Jockey Club overlooks the first tee of the 18-hole golf course and is a more casual dining experience.

Dressing up for dinner is a tradition and dining is an event. In the evenings, gentlemen are required to wear a coat, tie and slacks and women a dress, skirt, or pantsuit – upholding the authenticity of the occasion. 

Activities

The Jewel is the 18-hole golf course and is the only course in the country with horse-drawn carriage rides between nines. The first nine holes of the course were built in 1901 and redesigned in 1987 – known as The Grand – and the last nine in 1994 – called the Woods. They are a 15-minute horse-drawn carriage ride away from each other. 

There is a newly renovated pool, over 70 miles of natural and paved trails for biking. There are tennis and pickleball lessons available, FootGolf on the Grand Nine of The Jewel, Lawn Games by the Tea Garden, Gardens for exploring and a newly renovated pool.

Getting here

Located just off of Michigan, with a no-car rule, getting here can be daunting - but we're here to help! Ferries to the island can be accessed at Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, which you can drive to and park your car at for the duration of your stay. Ferry services run frequently throughout the day from early morning until early evening, and luggage transfer is convenient - with assistance provided on both sides of the trip. Once on the island, guests can either take a short walk to the hotel or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Alternately, guests can take private or chartered aircraft to the Mackinac Island Airport - which is located one mile from the Grand Hotel (which a horse drawn carriage can transport you to). The finer details we will take care of, but you have ample options.

Get in touch with your Lily Pond Advisor to discuss planning your trip! 

Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.