JAYBB1

I got an e-mail about a special travel package at The Island House in Mackinac. Does anyone know anything about this hotel, or ever stayed there? Also, any ideas for the trip there, what to do, what to see, etc.? It's someplace my husband and I have always wanted to travel to since seeing "Somewhere in Time", but have yet to get there. How long does the "summer" last up there? Any info would be wonderful! Thanks!
Kim

2bamafan

I don't have any info on The Island House, but I'd like to make a few comments about Mackinac Island. I just returned from a 6 day "whirlwind" Michigan trip, including Detroit, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste Marie, Whitefish Point, Taq Falls, Traverse City, Charlevoix, Lansing, etc. While it certainly wasn't a relaxing trip, we had a great time in Michigan. This state is definitely underrated! (at least in the Summer). Mackinac Island was the highlight of our trip. My kids (ages 14 and 7) absolutely loved it. Personally, I've been to every state in the continental US, and I must say that Mackinac Island makes my Top 10 list of places visited in the US. This place is quaint & very charming! I felt like I was stepping back into the 1890's. We stayed at the Grand Hotel, but I wouldn't stay there next time. There's many other places that allow you to experience the charm of the island at 1/3 the cost.
The island would be a great place to spend 3 or 4 days. We spent one night and it certainly wasn't enough. On the other hand, a full week would be too long.
While you're there, do the 8-mile bike ride at least one time. There's several natural sites along the way, such as, the Arch and Devils Kitchen. Also, go to Fort Mackinac and walk around the Grand Hotel. (while the sign indicates that you must pay $10 to walk around the Grand, this rule is not enforced.

cfntmpn

My husband & I treat ourselves to a stay at The Grand Hotel on the Island - but due to pricing only once every 2 years or so. The years that we don't stay at The Grand we stay at the Island House. It is very nice and located close to everything. There website is:

http://www.theislandhouse.com - it even has a live cam where you can see the view to the lake from the hotel. Have fun!

cfntmpn

By the way - any special pricing from your email that you'd like to share with your fellow fordorites?

JAYBB1

Thaanks for all of your replies. As to the "special pricing" info I got, it's through TravelZoo, $139 night, plus two breakfasts, 1/2 lb. fudge plus some other goodies. Here's a link ...

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/lodging-hotels/198010

Happy Travels to all of you!

Keith

Yaybb1,

The summer doesn't last very long, but for the most part the weather is still nice until mid October. You can get a cold day any time - including the summer.

Growing up there, we could have 10 straight beautiful days, but the next cold rainy day the tourists (known as "Fudgies" anywhere near the Straits) would be complaining "Is the weather always like this?"

Except for over the Labor Day weekend - the crowds start dropping off after mid August.

Though if you happen to be there on Labor Day, that is the one day of the year that people are permitted to walk the 5 mile long Mackinac Bridge. 60-70,000 people do it.

Be sure to allow some time to see Mackinaw City with Fort Michilimackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighhouse, Mill Creek & Wilderness Parks, free concerts, and live theater.

Keith

dmkujat

JAYBB1....we live within an hour of Mackinac Island and have visited dozens of times, however never stayed on the island overnight until I treated my daughter last year to a night at the Island House. We too, got an "internet" deal, and they put us in a little room that HAD to be the attic. The elevator stopped at the 3rd floor and we had to walk the remaining, which was fine with us with just an overnight bag, but not so fine for anyone with a big bag! My advice, ask them WHEN you reserve, where your room will be! They also had a buffet breakfast in the morning, which was fine, but certainly not wonderful...but then again, there are better restaurants there on main street to have a good meal. I will say the location is superb...right across from the marina and far enough down main street to be within walking distance yet away from the noise during tourist season. Taking a walk on the back streets of the island during the evening when most of the fudgies have taken the boat to the mainland, can be simply majical! And definately bike...the island is 8 scenic miles around and very flat on the perimeter...bikes can be rented on the island and its a wonderful way to the see the other, less touristy parts! I never tire of going there!

Lmaev

From the East Coast (NYC) how does one get to Mackinac Island? I've always wanted to go. Obviously, we fly but I am assuming its not that easy.

spartangirl

I stayed at the Island House about 3 years ago. It is very nice! Right on the front street looking out at the lake. If you can ask for a room that looks out towards the Lake. Each room is different, size, shape, and decoration. Make sure you talk to the person who is booking your room about which room you will specifically be getting. Some of the room are a bit small. Summer up north in MI can last until the end of September. However to be safe if you want warm weather I would go by Sept 15th or so. Mackinac Island can be quite busy in the fall as the many tourists go to see the trees and the turning of the colors.

dmkujat

Lmaev - you can fly directly into Pellston Airport, which is 30 minutes south of Mackinaw City, then a short 20 minute ferry ride to the island.

Lmaev

Thank You Dmkujat!!

yvonne

Mackinac Island is my favorite vacation spot and I do a lot of vacationing in the US. My husband and I love it because it forces you to relax. Since the island is small you can only do so much so the rest of time we relax and read books. I have not stayed in the island house but it looks nice. I have stayed in 4 other inns and been happy with all of them. Just thinking about Mackinac makes me smile...