Where to Stay in Mackinaw City in 2025
Looking for where to stay in Mackinaw City? Look no further! As a Michigander who has
traveled to Mackinaw City many times, I have reviewed the best hotels and vacation rentals in Mackinaw City.
These Mackinaw City hotels are highly rated, conveniently located, and offer great amenities. So, whether you are looking for a hotel downtown or a cottage rental on Lake Huron, there is sure to be something for everyone in Mackinaw City.
Don’t have time to read this whole post?
Here are the top 3 places to stay in Mackinaw City
Baymont by Wyndham Mackinaw City – Central downtown location
Beach House Lakeside Cottages – Private beach
Dutch Harbor Mackinaw City Cottage – Family-friendly cottage
Where to Stay in Mackinaw City
There are many places to stay in Mackinaw City, from centrally located hotels to cabins that are perfect for the whole family. Below, you will find a list of the best hotels in Mackinaw City, as well as some of the best cabin rentals in the area.
Best Hotels in Mackinaw City
Beach House Lakeside Cottages
⭐ Rating: 8.6/10 | Location: 11490 West US 23, Mackinaw City ☑️ Book Here
For those who love the beach, Beach House Lakeside Cottages is a great choice for where to stay in Mackinaw City.
This hotel is unique in that it features several stand-alone beach cottages. Each cottage is a different size, and the largest one can sleep up to 8 people, which is perfect for families or groups.
The hotel is located a short drive from downtown Mackinaw City and is around a 7-minute walk to the ferry docks. Amenities include a heated indoor pool and hot tub, a private beach, and BBQ facilities.
Why Choose Beach House Lakeside Cottages?
✔️ Stand-alone cottages
✔️ Walking distance to ferry docks
✔️ Private, sandy beach
✔️ Pool and hot tub
Baymont by Wyndham Mackinaw City
⭐ Rating: 8.6/10 | Location: 109 South Nicolet, Mackinaw City ☑️ Book Here
Baymont by Wyndham is a highly-rated hotel located in the heart of Mackinaw City. It is near the shops, restaurants, and attractions in Mackinaw City. The hotel is also less than a 10-minute walk to see the Mackinac Bridge or to go to the ferry docks for Mackinac Island.
The hotel has modern and clean rooms that are ideal for a comfortable stay. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and an indoor pool with a hot tub.
Why Choose Baymont by Wyndham Mackinaw City?
✔️ Central location downtown Mackinaw City
✔️ Walking distance to ferry docks
✔️ Complimentary breakfast
✔️ Pool and hot tub
“This hotel was located within a few blocks of shopping, restaurants, and the ferry. The breakfast was really good.” – Andrea, Booking.com Review
Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City
⭐ Rating: 8.3/10 | Location: 364 Louvingney, Mackinaw City ☑️ Book Here
This Holiday Inn Express is located within walking distance of downtown Mackinaw City. The hotel also includes a complimentary shuttle service to the ferry docks in case you want to venture over to Mackinac Island for the day.
The rooms are modern and comfortable, with in-room mini-fridges and microwaves. This family-friendly hotel also offers several amenities, including a daily buffet breakfast, a fitness center, and an indoor pool and sauna.
Why Choose Holiday Inn Express?
✔️ Central location
✔️ Included buffet breakfast
✔️ Pool and sauna
✔️ Complimentary shuttle service to ferry port
“Great place to stay! updated, clean, and amazing breakfast and coffee!” – Roger, Booking.com Review
Lighthouse View Motel
⭐ Rating: 8.6/10 | Location: 699 North Huron Avenue, Mackinaw City ☑️ Book Here
For a budget-friendly hotel in Mackinaw City, look no further than the Lighthouse View Motel. The rooms are basic, but have everything you need for a comfortable stay. There is also an indoor pool and hot tub which is perfect for relaxing.
Lighthouse View Motel is located directly across from the historic Mackinaw Pointe Lighthouse and Lakeshore Park, making it a central location to visit Mackinaw City.
Why Choose Lighthouse View Motel?
✔️ Central location
✔️ Budget-friendly option
✔️ Pool and hot tub
“Cozy and affordable! Comfortable rooms with everything you could need. The pool and hot tub were great, and the staff were so friendly.” – Andrea, Booking.com Review
Best Western Plus Dockside Waterfront Inn
⭐ Rating: 7.6/10 | Location: ☑️ Book Here
Located along the shores of Lake Huron, this hotel is great for those who want to enjoy the beach, wander around Mackinaw City, or take the ferry to Mackinac Island.
Rooms feature wooden decor, giving you that up-north feeling. Some rooms even have small balconies or lake views. The hotel also has several great amenities for families, including a beach area, indoor pool and hot tub, and a fitness center.
Why Choose Best Western Plus Dockside Waterfront Inn?
✔️ Complimentary breakfast
✔️ Some rooms have lake views
✔️ Private beach
✔️ Pool and hot tub
“The property was clean, the beds were very comfortable and the free breakfast was really good.” – Gail, Booking.com Review
Best Vacation Rentals in Mackinaw City
Dutch Harbor Mackinaw City Cottage
⭐ Rating: 4.9/5 | Location: Mackinaw City ☑️ Book Here
Dutch Harbor is a 2-bedroom cottage that is ideal for families as it sleeps up to 6 people. The cottage is located on a large wooded lot that ensures privacy but is also still within walking distance of downtown Mackinaw City.
The interior of the cottage is modern and comfortable. Some of the family-friendly amenities at the cottage include a large outdoor deck with a table and a fireplace. It’s a great place to spend a summer night with family up north.
Why Choose Dutch Harbor Mackinaw City Cottage?
✔️ Spacious 2-bedroom cottage
✔️ Walking distance to downtown Mackinaw City
✔️ Perfect for families
✔️ Outdoor deck and fireplace
“The location was perfect and so convenient to everything. The cottage is cute and very comfortable. Loved our stay!” – Nancy, VBRO Review
Mackinaw City Vacation Condo
⭐ Rating: 4.9/5 | Location: Mackinaw City ☑️ Book Here
This one-bedroom condo is a perfect place to stay year-round when visiting Mackinaw City. It is located just a mile south of downtown Mackinaw and is along the shoreline of the beautiful Lake Huron.
The condo has a spacious interior with a bedroom, bathroom, living room, and a full kitchen. The best part is outside the condo, where you will find a relaxing patio, a heated community pool, and a sandy beach.
Why Choose Mackinaw City Vacation Condo?
✔️ Open year-round
✔️ Full kitchen
✔️ Private beach
✔️ Outdoor patio and heated community pool
“Loved the ease of everything from booking to check-in and check-out. Very clean unit facing both the lake and the pool. Would definitely stay again!” – Carol, VBRO Review
Tiffany’s Premier Studio Downtown Mackinaw City
⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Location: Mackinaw City ☑️ Book Here
This renovated studio apartment is located in downtown Mackinaw City. The apartment is within walking distance from restaurants, shops, and the Sheplers Ferry Service port to Mackinac Island. The central location makes it ideal for exploring Mackinaw City.
The inside of the apartment includes a comfortable queen-size bed, seating area, bathroom, and a small kitchenette. There is beautiful wood paneling as well as decor that is reminiscent of Mackinac Island.
Why Choose Tiffany’s Premier Studio Downtown Mackinaw City?
✔️ Renovated studio-apartment
✔️ Central location in downtown Mackinaw City
✔️ Perfect for couples or solo travelers
“Cutest studio ever! The location was great right across from the ferry so extremely easy to get to the island. Everything was walkable.” – Leah, VBRO Review
Huron Breeze Cottage
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 | Location: Mackinaw City ☑️ Book Here
This adorable cottage is located in the historic part of town, within walking distance of several attractions, shops, and some great places to eat in Mackinaw City.
The cottage has 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, living and dining space, and a full-size kitchen. The interior is modern and comfortable, making it a great choice for a place to stay in Mackinaw City.
On the outside of the cottage, you will find a front porch and garden area with two Adirondack chairs to relax in.
Why Choose Huron Breeze Cottage?
✔️ Modern 2-bedroom cottage
✔️ Central location in downtown Mackinaw City
✔️ Perfect for families
✔️ Porch and garden area
“The cottage is fantastic! The location is terrific. We were able to walk to the ferry, restaurants, etc. Communication was great, check-in was easy, and it was super clean. Would definitely stay again!” – Marlene, VBRO Review
Cedar Mackinaw City Cottage
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 | Location: Mackinaw City ☑️ Book Here
Located within a short walk to downtown Mackinaw City, this 2-bedroom cottage is an incredible choice. It was recently renovated and the interior is modern and comfortable. The cottage features 2 bedrooms, sleeping up to 4 people.
One of the highlights of this cottage is its spacious screened-in porch, which is furnished with comfortable patio furniture and a table. There is also an outdoor fireplace where you can enjoy roasting marshmallows over a campfire.
Why Choose Huron Breeze Cottage?
✔️ Modern 2-bedroom cottage
✔️ Walking distance to downtown Mackinaw City
✔️ Spacious screened-in porch
✔️ Outdoor firepit
“Lovely stay in a very cute and comfortable cottage. Enjoyed the history book the owners provided about the property! Awesome location to walk downtown, ride to the rail to trail bike paths, and drive to Lake Michigan beaches!” – Kim, VBRO Review
Where to Stay Near Mackinaw City
Staying in Mackinaw City is a great choice, as there are many things to do in the area. However, there are a few other options for where to stay to visit the Mackinaw City area.
Mackinac Island is another popular place to stay and is a unique experience. There aren’t any chain hotels on the island, and instead, you will find many historic inns or bed and breakfasts. Check out this article for all the best places to stay on Mackinac Island.
Another option is to stay in St. Ignace, which is located just over the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. St. Ignace is much quieter and slightly more affordable than Mackinaw City. There is also a ferry from St. Ignace to visit Mackinac Island.
FAQ: Where to Stay in Mackinaw City
Staying in Mackinaw City is better if you are looking for more affordable accommodations, as staying on Mackinac Island can be expensive. There is lots of things to do in Mackinaw City, which makes it the perfect place to stay and then take a day trip to Mackinac Island. However, staying on the island is also a unique experience and is worth doing at least once.
There is little difference in hotel prices between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, but in the summer, prices may be slightly lower in St. Ignace. However, Mackinaw City has more things to do and is a more popular place to stay than St. Ignace.
While there are ferries to Mackinac Island from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, it is a better option to stay in Mackinaw City. This is because there are many restaurants, shops, and things to do in Mackinaw City so it is a fun place to stay after a day trip to the island.
The Wrap-Up: Where to Stay in Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City is a must-visit destination in Michigan. Not only are there lots of things to do in Mackinaw City, but it is also a great place to base yourself to visit nearby attractions like the famous Mackinac Bridge or take a day trip to Mackinac Island.
There are many options for where to stay in Mackinaw City, including some conveniently located hotels, condo rentals, and cottage rentals. These different Mackinaw City lodging options are perfect for families, couples, groups, or solo travelers, and by staying in one of these options you will be sure to have a great time in Mackinaw City.
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