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Thunderbird Inn

2.5 star property
Motel in Mackinaw City with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

The Thunderbird Inn near Lake Michigan offers a perfect base for relaxation. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool with sun loungers or the indoor pool when the weather turns. The motel provides in-room WiFi and helpful staff, enhancing the excellent value of the stay.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Pillowtop bed
Jetted bathtub
Hair dryer
Shower/tub combination
  • 282 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(16 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Pillowtop bed
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • 243 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa, Courtyard View

Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa, Courtyard View | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa, Courtyard View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Pillowtop bed
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • 248 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Pillowtop bed
Jetted bathtub
  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(40 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Pillowtop bed
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(28 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Pillowtop bed
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • 243 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
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About the neighborhood

Map
146 Old Us 31, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701

What's nearby

  • Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Mackinaw Crossings - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Mackinaw City Dock - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Mackinaw Bridge Museum - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Keyhole Bar & Grill - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Dixie Saloon - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Wienerlicious - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Darrow's Family Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬14 min walk

About this property

Thunderbird Inn

Motel near Lake Michigan
Thunderbird Inn provides everything you need. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Swimming pool along with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • A free ferry terminal shuttle, an indoor pool, and smoke-free premises
  • Tour/ticket assistance, a vending machine, and concierge services
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the overall value and helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Thunderbird Inn include comforts such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Pillowtop mattresses and rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
  • Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and free toiletries
  • 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, and heating

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free ferry terminal shuttle
  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Indoor pool
  • Indoor pool (guest access)

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Indoor pool
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Pool loungers

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - midnight
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
This property will place a credit card authorization of 1 night for any bookings where payment for the stay will be made on site instead of at the time of booking.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 35 per pet, per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total pets
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
An off-leash area is available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 12 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 40.0 per night
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 35 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 40.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Property is also known as

Thunderbird Inn Mackinaw City
Thunderbird Mackinaw City
Thunderbird Inn Motel
Thunderbird Inn Mackinaw City
Thunderbird Inn Motel Mackinaw City

Frequently asked questions

Does Thunderbird Inn have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool. Pool access is from 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.

Is Thunderbird Inn pet-friendly?

Yes, this motel allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of USD 35 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Thunderbird Inn?

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Thunderbird Inn?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Thunderbird Inn located?

Situated in Mackinaw City, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Edgewater Beach and Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal. Lake Huron and Mackinaw Crossings are also within 15 minutes.

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Thunderbird Inn Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 321 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 344 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 173 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 98 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 64 out of 1000 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were the only guests, it was great!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness
Fair rates and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marlene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Simple place nothing fancy
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Niti

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice, clean place. Bathroom was slightly old but tolerable. Went for 4th of July and check in took a longer time.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Chris

Liked: Staff & service
Good, affordable place to stay in Mackinac City.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Good location
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Harold

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best Value for the Money and also the cheapest we found on our trip.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pool was dirty
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Bryan

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The conditions of the room were much more poor than expected. Missing trim, dirty walls. If you’re staying with a clean freak, do not check behind any dresser or end table.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Geraldine

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nothing
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very clean. It was a bit dated but I would stay here again if in the area. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great price & close enough to strip
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

2/10 Terrible

Zachary

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
40 minute wait to get checked in and then had zero respect for the clients and had to buy my own toilet paper cuz I couldn't get none from the front desk had no microwave in room and couldn't get clean linens I want my money back
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jackie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff are very helpful and with big smiles. Although the property appears really old, the room are still kept clean and tidy.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vlad E Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Old buildings and facilities, but very clean and still decent. Would recommend for the frugal shopper. Staff was easy to work with and very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

4/10 Poor

Amy

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
No microwave. Half the lights didnt work. Tub didnt work right. Had issues with the signal on the tv quite a bit. Will never go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay was very nice. No noice. Got to park close to our room. Shops walking distance view was lovely. Will stay again..
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room was clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. The room and facilities are very worn. You are within walking distance from Star Ferry.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Kristi

Liked: Staff & service
It was a good stay. Common areas were a little dirty but it seemed that was from guests vs poor cleanliness by the property itself. Front desk staff was friendly, professional, and helpful. The area is quiet, just down the road from tons of tourist things. The property could use some updates but it was still in good working order.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Huiyun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
thanks

6/10 Okay

Elizabeth

Liked: Staff & service
Nice area for a decent price. I guess we arrived too early for pool season. At least they have indoor pool next door. The room is small but cozy.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

4/10 Poor

steven

Hard to get any cleaning service while we were there. Stayed 4 nights only got new towels and trash emptied once after having to ask twice. The laminate flooring was gritty probably from tracking in gravel/ dirt from parking area. Only swept after our 2 requests. Ran out of toilet paper, fortunately brought some of our own. On our last night some guys decided to have a tailgate party right outside our room with a keger on the tailgate. Were being loud until after 10 pm.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

It's differently okay

It was just above average for a small motel,it was comfortable but not outstanding
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

4/10 Poor

Jennifer

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The linens had a couple stains and a ciggerette burn. My room was on the first floor and the giant 5 foot window would not lock. Even though i locked it, if i tested it with a gentle tug ,it would slide open and the screen was the only thing seperating me from the outside. The room was musty. I wanted to request a new room, however, was very tired and could tell that the room was cleaned. The linens were crisp,appeared laundered, and the corners were clean in the rooms. As strange as that sounds. It was either find another hotel, because, the problem is that they are not upkeeping the peoperty. The room needed to be painted, it was musty and needed new ventilation. I would say this takes the cake for the worst place I've ever stayed.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elena M

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Glad found a pet friendly motel after a long drive

Good location, friendly desk attendant. Comfortable beds, nice large carpeted room with a table and chairs , and that helped having breakfast in the room. Not enough electrical plugs to charge phone etc... Pet friendly though the 25$ per pet for 2 small dogs for a stay of just overnight is a bit too high for a motel/1 floor. Well kept property ...
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024