Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel
 

The Grand Hotel is opening two months early this year - March 1!

The new VISA rules mean that if they wait until May to open, many of their key employees will be unable to enter the country. Other businesses in the Straits area are frantic to find a way to staff their businesses this summer.

This should result in some huge discounts at the Grand. March 1 is still full winter, and Mackinac Island is not a winter resort.

Keith

I went to the Grand's website and you cannot book rooms until May ~ I would have loved to taken advantage of March/April reduced rates, but I don't think it's going to happen.

http://www.grandhotel.com/MarchOpening.html has the anouncement of the early opening.

It says "rooms will be available for $119 per room per night on the European Plan during the March 1 - May 5 early opening period, with food services separate from the room charge."

"Guests also will receive a complimentary continental breakfast basket in their rooms."

"Guests may now book reservations for the March and April period by phoning 1-800-33-GRAND."

Rates usually start at over $400 Modified American Plan.

Keith

Before going to the Grand hotel, one may want to watch the movie "Somewhere In Time". It takes place at this fabulous hotel. It is a wonderful movie as well, some say itis the most romantic film of the century.

So, I am still excited about going to the Grand at $119 My husband and I own a restaurant in Michigan that is EXTREMELY busy in the summer and we go to the Grand, usually in late September/October to de-stress and treat ourselves. Going to the island in March would be so nice!

I called to get further information - yes, rooms are available beginning in April,at $126 including tax!!! I was ready to book and then asked the question - does the ferry run? NO! Ferry does not run until mid-April!! So, unless I can fly to the island, I guess I still will not be able to stay in March - DARN!

This is such a new thing, that the the ferry may start earlier than scheduled. A big factor will be when the ice breaks up.

Traditionally, many businesses have set their schedule acording to the Grand's schedule.

http://users.netonecom.net/~lawone/mackinaw.htm has nice photos from a February walk to the Island:-)

Care to tell us something about your restaurant?

Keith

Restaurant is on a small lake in Michigan - loads of people have been coming here for generations. Some live here year round and some have houses that they open from Mem Day to Labor Day. The lake is very fun - lots to do all of the time. Our place is very casual - READ VERY CASUAL! But very busy - we seat aout 175 and have 35 employees.

We have docks in front of the restaurant that boats can tie up to and get their food to go (or beer and wine), so it's not surprising to see people having a quick one at the bar in their flip flops and bathing suits waiting for their food.

We have basically everything but Pizza - great steaks and the bar is well stocked with anything you could possibly want! The restaurant has been around for 45 years, though DH and I have been here for 10 years.

I sent an email to the Ferry companies requesting their spring schedule - I would REALLY like to surprise DH with a trip to the Grand in March!

Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry will almost certainly be the first to run. In addition to their modern boats, they have a couple of the oldest and heaviest and run one of them from St. Ignace far beyond the the regular schedule. That is how supplies and Island residents continue to get to the Island.

Although the regular schedule ended on November 7, they ran 5 times a day until early January.

Their phone number is (800) 542-8528, though they may be maintaining minimal office hours right now.

Flights to the island from the Mackinac County Airport are available through Great Lakes Air for $17 one way per person. For a few extra bucks, they would probably fly you over the bridge as well. 906-643-7165

Hoffman Flying Service in Cheboygan, MI 49721; 231-627-3864

Keith

That posted too soon. Hoffman also offers flights. I don't know their rate but it is probably higher since they have to fly about 3 times as far.

Keith

cfntmpnm, what lake/area? We're in MI an awful lot especially in the summer and your place sounds great!

Keith~ I think that the March rates are exclusively for the "new" rooms..the ones that are part of a recent addition...did it say anything about that?

Yes, cfntmpn, where exactly is your restaurant!!

I am located in the Irish Hills area - 7 miles from the Michigan Int'l Speedway (for all of you Nascar fans)

Regading the rooms available at the Grand - they are all located in the New Millineum Wing - a FEW have partial lake views.

Regular ferry service to Mackinac Island resumed for the new season yesterday.

Keith