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Summary of reviewsGreat Lakes Inn in Mackinaw City is favorably located, offering easy access to local attractions, dining, shops, and ferries to Mackinac Island. The inn's proximity to the highway and the availability of parking right at the door enhance the convenience for travelers, especially families, who also appreciate the indoor pool facilities.
While the breakfast arrangement involves a short walk to America's Best Value Inn, some guests find it satisfactory and the staff friendly, though others feel it could benefit from more variety and better crowd management during peak times. The rooms are generally clean, spacious, and quiet, with modern carpets and amenities like washers and dryers. The staff is trusted for being friendly and accommodating, enhancing the overall guest experience.
However, some areas of the inn could use improvement. Issues such as a musty smell in rooms, dated furnishings, minor bathroom problems, and inconsistencies in air conditioning are noted. While the cleanliness receives mixed reviews, with some reports of unclean areas, the staff’s warmth and approachability tend to outweigh these concerns. The indoor and outdoor pools pose challenges due to maintenance issues, including cleanliness and functionality, which disappointed some guests.
The beds range from firm to comfortable, with varying opinions on mattress comfort. Despite some guests noting water pressure issues and the absence of conditioner, there is a general sense of satisfaction and a willingness to return due to the inn's positive aspects like location, service, and some amenities. Show more
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Dog Friendly Motel
The name suggests proximity to the Great Lakes, potentially offering nearby walking areas for dogs. As a motel, it typically provides easier access to outdoor areas for pets.
Motel with Parking
This motel provides dedicated parking facilities for its guests, a key convenience for travelers arriving by car.
Motel with Indoor Pool
This hotel provides an indoor pool facility for visitors.
Motel with Rooms With Jacuzzi / Hot-tub
Motel near The Beach
Motel with Swimming Pool
Indoor Pool Outdoor Pool
Accessible Motel
Motel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Guest Reviews
6.5
Rated
Location
Great Lakes Inn in Mackinaw City boasts an enviable location that receives consistent praise from guests, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas. The hotel is conveniently positioned close to everything in town, providing easy access to downtown attractions, dining, and local shops. Its proximity to the ferries makes trips to Mackinac Island remarkably hassle-free, adding to the allure for travelers looking to explore the iconic nearby island. Guests appreciate the straightforward accessibility from the highway, giving them a seamless drive to the property. Families particularly benefit from its convenience, with children enjoying the hotel's indoor pool and hot tub facilities. Furthermore, the hotel is situated just a short walk from the water, offering picturesque views and an inviting atmosphere for leisurely strolls. The added convenience of parking right in front of the door enhances the overall ease of stay, combining comfort with accessibility in one favorable location.
Breakfast
In the charming locale of Mackinaw City, guests visiting Great Lakes Inn have varied experiences with breakfast, which is offered at America's Best Value Inn nearby. While this arrangement requires a short walk past several motels, it offers a convenient option for travelers. Some guests appreciated the quality of the breakfast and found it satisfactory, complemented by friendly staff who contribute positively to the morning atmosphere.
However, others noted that the breakfast selection was quite minimal, primarily composed of basic carbohydrate options. The location can become crowded, especially during peak times, leading to wait times and a less than ideal dining experience. Despite this, some guests found the breakfast to taste good and considered the arrangement beneficial for easy access.
Overall, while the breakfast service provided at the adjacent inn may not cater extensively to diverse dietary preferences, it offers a functional start to the day for those exploring the beauty of Mackinaw City.
Rooms
The Great Lakes Inn in Mackinaw City offers a mixed experience for guests. Rooms are generally spacious and clean, providing a comfortable stay. Many visitors appreciate the quiet ambiance, even with the proximity to the highway, and remark on the new and well-maintained carpets in suites. The availability of amenities like a washer and dryer proves convenient for those impacted by the weather. Guests frequently commend the staff for being helpful and accommodating, contributing to a pleasant service experience.
However, several aspects could use improvement. The rooms, while clean, often have a persistent musty smell and show signs of wear, such as missing trim pieces and unsecured light switches. The bathrooms sometimes present minor issues like clogged showers, and amenities such as the air conditioning may occasionally malfunction. The breakfast service has been described as unsatisfactory, with delayed readiness and insufficient arrangements. Despite these drawbacks, the overall maintenance and effort from the staff significantly enhance the stay at the Great Lakes Inn.
Beds
Visitors to Great Lakes Inn Mackinaw City largely agree that the beds range from firm to comfortable, providing a restful night for many guests. Some reviews noted that the beds, particularly the king-size options, offered a firm sleeping surface that was appreciated by several travelers. However, opinions on bed comfort vary, with a few guests encountering discomfort due to old or lumpy mattresses. The location seems to offer different experiences depending on the room, with some beds described as very uncomfortable, particularly the one closest to the window.
In addition to bed quality, guests enjoyed their overall stay but pointed out a couple of amenities that could be improved. While shampoo and body wash were provided, the absence of conditioner was noted. The water pressure in showers was lacking, which some guests felt could be better handled. Breakfast service also faced criticism regarding punctuality and preparation, impacting guest satisfaction.
Despite these minor inconveniences, there is a sense of positive expectation among visitors who are open to staying again, suggesting they found value in other aspects of their experience at the Great Lakes Inn Mackinaw City.
Cleanliness
The Great Lakes Inn in Mackinaw City receives mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness. Many guests appreciate the cleanliness of the rooms, often noting that their accommodations were clean, smelled good, and were quiet despite the proximity to the highway. The staff is consistently praised for being pleasant, helpful, and problem-free.
However, several reviews highlight some areas needing improvement. Some rooms have a persistent musty smell, and certain areas of the hotel require better maintenance and repair. Issues such as dated furnishings, low water pressure, uncomfortable beds, and subpar towels have been noted. A few guests reported finding unclean spots such as underneath the beds or a lack of overall tidiness in specific cases. Additionally, the hotel's pools were unavailable during some guests' visits, with both the indoor and outdoor pools drained.
The hotel surroundings are described as spacious and clean, adding a positive note to the overall stay experience.
Staff
The staff at Great Lakes Inn Mackinaw City consistently receive praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently mention the accommodating nature of the front desk, noting their politeness and willingness to assist, whether it be providing towels for wet motorcycles or addressing any concerns. The personnel, despite language barriers on occasion, are described as exceptionally friendly and nice, contributing positively to the overall guest experience. While there are instances where guests found it difficult to contact staff and had concerns about cleaning issues, these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm. Generally, the staff leave a lasting impression of warmth and approachability, further enhancing the cleanliness and comfort of the accommodations.
Pool
Great Lakes Inn in Mackinaw City offers the convenience of poolside access with accommodations just steps away from swimming facilities. However, recent reviews suggest the pool experience may be less than ideal for travelers seeking relaxation. Both the indoor and outdoor pools, along with the hot tub, require significant maintenance, as guests noted issues with cleanliness, functionality, and overall upkeep. The hot tub, an anticipated feature for many, was reported to be out of order, and the indoor pool area showed signs of wear. Some guests expressed disappointment over the pools being drained or closed early, limiting their enjoyment of the amenities. Debris and bugs were also mentioned, pointing to a need for better filtration in the outdoor pool. Despite these setbacks, the inn does offer hospitable service, with staff lauded for their friendliness during check-in. Travelers might consider checking the status of these facilities prior to booking to ensure their expectations are met.
Yes, Great Lakes Inn Mackinaw City has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Great Lakes Inn Mackinaw City.
Yes, Great Lakes Inn Mackinaw City welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Great Lakes Inn Mackinaw City.
No, Great Lakes Inn Mackinaw City doesn't have a gym.