Thunderbird Inn

2.5 star property
Motel with free parking, a short walk to Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Thunderbird Inn

Children's play area - outdoor
Exterior
Indoor pool, open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, sun loungers
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi
Property grounds

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
146 Old Us 31, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701
  • Place, Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Mackinaw City Dock
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Headlands International Dark Sky Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

  • 282 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(16 reviews)
  • 243 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa, Courtyard View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)
  • 248 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(40 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(28 reviews)
  • 243 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Mackinaw City

Thunderbird Inn places you within a 15-minute stroll of popular sights such as Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and Lake Huron. This 48-room motel has an indoor pool, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Mackinaw City Dock - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Mackinaw Bridge Museum - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse - 2 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Headlands International Dark Sky Park - 6 min drive - 3.4 miles

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 with free parking, a short walk to Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
Guests staying at Thunderbird Inn enjoy an indoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a vending machine. You can take advantage of free parking, along with a free ferry terminal shuttle. Front-desk staff can help with concierge services, and provide local restaurant recommendations. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers an off-leash area.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Pillowtop beds grant a restful night's sleep, and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Refrigerators, coffee makers, and free local calls are also standard. Change of towels is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the motel include an indoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

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

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 35 per pet, per stay
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 2 total pets
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • An off-leash area is available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 40.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 4 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

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

Is a free cancellation option available at Thunderbird Inn?

Thunderbird Inn offers free cancellation on select room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Thunderbird Inn?

As of Oct 16, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Thunderbird Inn on Oct 17, 2025 start from $74.44, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do near Thunderbird Inn?

Guests positively rate the motel's location in Mackinaw City, and it's a short 8-minute walk from Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and also 11 minutes on foot from Lake Huron. You'll also find Lake Michigan and Headlands International Dark Sky Park within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Thunderbird Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel.

Does Thunderbird Inn feature a casino?

No, Thunderbird Inn doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Thunderbird Inn?

Yes, this motel has an indoor pool. Guests have pool access between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

Is Thunderbird Inn a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a pillowtop mattress as well as an indoor pool and concierge services.

Does Thunderbird Inn have a hot tub?

Yes, this motel offers private indoor spa tubs in some guestrooms.

Does Thunderbird Inn have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Thunderbird Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Thunderbird Inn allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at Thunderbird Inn for a fee of USD 35 per pet, per stay. The property also provides an off-leash area.

Does Thunderbird Inn have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to Thunderbird Inn?

The closest major airport to Thunderbird Inn is Mackinac Island, MI (MCD), which is 12 mi away (32 minutes by car). Another top airport is Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional), which is located 15.3 mi away (29-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Thunderbird Inn?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Thunderbird Inn.

Thunderbird Inn Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 323 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 345 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 176 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 97 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 65 out of 1006 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

6/10 Okay

Peg

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

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

6/10 Okay

Vicki

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Staff very friendly. Room ok, could have been cleaner. Bed was clean but floors quite dirty. Floors need to be mopped after every customer when they clean the rooms. Pet friendly. They had a building which indicated you could do laundry. Put money in the machine. Didn’t work. Lady at front desk seemed upset when we asked her for refund of what we put in washing machine. She said, “ The laundry is not one of our amenities. “
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jaimie

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marlene, Charlotte

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

2/10 Terrible

Richard

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The check in process is SO SLOW, the staff are in no hurry and there is frequently a line out the door. When rooms are assigned, they did not look at all like the pictures. One of the two rooms missing a refrigerator. That room also had NO pressure in the shower. Maintenance could not fix, and we had to argue with the front desk for a new room. Literally there was no water in the shower. The hotel is in desperate need of maintenance as the rooms are not in good shape. I will never stay at this hotel again. The owners also own the 2 hotel next to this one.
That's pool and yes it was open.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

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

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Joseph

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Veeramuthu

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Not honoring the commitment. They said they overbooked due to a technical glitch in Expedia and forced me to stay at different property which has no wifi Internet and lesser star.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ajay Kumar

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with group, Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Zachary

Traveled with family
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

2/10 Terrible

Jonathan

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Awful, disgusting, outdated, falling apart

This is one of the worst overnight experiences I have ever had. My family and I stayed 2 nights to explore Mackinac Island. We arrived and waited almost an hour to check-in. The staff was nice l, even with the wait. However, when we got to our room we already had issues. The floor was very sandy, and the nightstands both had copious amounts of dog hair on them. We don’t have a dog. We also noticed the flush handle on the toilet was laying on the ground.The first night I was awoke multiple times with extreme itching from the bed. The next morning, as we were preparing for the trip to the island, we heard a noise and our daughters started screaming. The lamp was plugged in behind the bed, and the cord was arching on the sheets. When I turned on our issues to the office, I was asked if it was ok that someone went into our room, and I said yes. No repairs or fixes were completed and there was no evidence they were attempted. I want to reiterate that the office staff was always polite and courteous, but at no point was anything else about our stay worth the $500 for 2 nights.
After hearing the arching, and scaring our kids. This was the result.
Should have burnt the whole building down
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Niti

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quick and friendly service while checking in. The paperwork was already started since I pre paid. Saved time walking distance to downtown mackinaw city
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Heather

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Ben

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was disgustingly dirty. Bottom of feet were black if one went barefoot. The bathroom stunk like pee. Pool was green but we were able to get indoor waterpark passes at a different facility for free. The only this good about the stay was the front desk was friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Laura

Traveled with group
Like the area, the room was nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kristi

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Close to Arnold Ferry Dock!

Motel is a quick 7 minute walk to the Arnold Ferry Dock which is great since parking at the dock is anywhere from $10-40 per day, and more for overnight. Room was adequate for our needs. My top sheet was put on the bed in the wrong direction which I found comical, but I didn't bother fixing it for the 2 nights we stayed. My daughter and friend used the pool, which had several small bugs floating on it the first night, but the second night someone had cleaned the pool and they said it was much better. They had pool towels in the pool area for guests to use, which was nice. Overall, I would stay here again as we only used it for sleeping as we went to the island and spent more time there than in the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Gregg

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

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

8/10 Good

Karen

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This was clean and safe. We were pleasantly surprised with the comfort of the mattresses. We would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Amy

Traveled with partner
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

Ashley

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