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Thunderbird Inn

Property class: 2.5

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Thunderbird Inn

A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk with a chair, a mirror, and a bathroom with a bathtub and sink.
A playground with a slide and climbing structures, surrounded by houses and a bench.
An indoor swimming pool with clear blue water, a diving board, and a lifeguard chair.
A two-story building with a covered front porch and a garage.
A living room with a wooden floor, a brown sofa, a desk with a computer, a framed picture on the wall, and a refrigerator with beverages.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
146 Old Us 31, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701
  • Place, Edgewater Beach
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Mackinaw Crossings
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Airport, Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

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

A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk with a chair, a mirror, and a bathroom with a bathtub and sink.

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

  • 282 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a desk lamp, a telephone, and a laptop.

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

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

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

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, and a wardrobe.

Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa, Courtyard View

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

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

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a chair, a small table, a sofa, and a large mirror.

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

7.2 out of 10
Good
(5 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a lamp, and a mirror.

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(42 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a mirror, a lamp, and a television.

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

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

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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.
View more Motels in Mackinaw CityOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Edgewater Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Edgewater Beach - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Mackinaw Crossings - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Mackinaw Bridge Museum - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Keyhole Bar & Grill - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Dixie Saloon - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Clyde's Drive-In - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Wienerlicious - ‬18 min walk

About this property

Thunderbird Inn

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.

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  • Pool
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  • Free WiFi
6.8 out of 10, 1,001 reviews
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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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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 fire extinguisher and 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 fire extinguisher and 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 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Thunderbird Inn on Oct 12, 2026 start from $85, including 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 Mackinaw City Dock and Edgewater Beach less than a mile away.

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 a free ferry terminal shuttle.

Are there hot tubs at Thunderbird Inn?

No, but this motel offers jetted bathtubs 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.

Are there connecting rooms at Thunderbird Inn?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

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).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Thunderbird Inn?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Thunderbird Inn.

Thunderbird Inn Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 316 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 332 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 178 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 103 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 71 out of 1000 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very reasonable price, comfortable, staff was very helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice place to stay for one night!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was a nice room, with a perfect location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
my recommendation is pay the extra money get a better hotel than thunderbird it's nasty
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Drain on shower not good
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay, very friendly staff!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Excellent value; clean, comfortable, friendly and helpful staff
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean, well equipped, good location. Close to eating and shopping facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient location!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was clean, well maintained, staff were helpful and professional, close to highway, lots of places to eat nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The beds were comfortable. There was no battery in the smoke detector and the tv didn’t work. We called the staff for both issues and they did come right away. The water only got to like warm so we couldn’t shower.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed for two nights. Went on a trip to Mackinac Island one day and the did some things in the Mackinac town the next day. Really just slept in the room took a shower in the morning and that was it for the room. Our room fridge did not work and the electrical outlets were worn out. The switch near the door did not seem to control anything. The air conditioning worked well. The room and the bathroom were both clean and neat. They had a snacks vending machine, but not one for sodas. Had to go to a gas station for drinks, but not a big deal. There was some noise from guests hanging out late at night. For a economy hotel I think it was a ok stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the pool area.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

8/10 Good

Like the area, the room was nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Safe, quiet and friendly staff. We are a return guest.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was a little older in style and amenities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Good for the money

Clean, quiet and close to the main tourist shopping area and ferry to Mackinac Island. There was a free shuttle to the ferry as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was pretty nice. Very quiet, we were only one of a few people staying that weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024