Thunderbird Inn

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

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

October 2025

November 2025

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

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Good

Popular amenities

Pet friendly
Pool
Air conditioning
Free WiFi
Parking included

Explore the area

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

Very good

243 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa, Courtyard View

Very good

248 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Good

355 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Good

Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Very good

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.

View more Motels in Mackinaw City

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

Pet friendly
Kids pool
Parking included
Free WiFi

$84 nightly

Oct 26 - Oct 27

Total with taxes and fees

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

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

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.

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.

Is there parking available 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, some guestrooms at this motel feature private indoor spa tubs.

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 that I can book at Thunderbird Inn?

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

Thunderbird Inn Reviews

7.6

Good

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

6/10 Okay

Peg

Jul 24, 2025

Liked: Staff & service

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Traveled with family

Jul 23, 2025

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

some of the outlets are bad. I had a hard time plugging my chargers. Other than that, it was good.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Geraldine

Traveled with family and small children

Jul 21, 2025

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities

Nothing

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

Jul 20, 2025

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

Pool was dirty

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Ryan

Jul 19, 2025

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Cleanliness

Litter in the grounds and a previously used wash cloth, stiff as a board, still hanging on the shower curtain rod from someone before.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Calvin

Jul 19, 2025

Needs a lot of updating and upkeep.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Traveled with family

Jul 18, 2025

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

4/10 Poor

Ryan

Jul 18, 2025

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Cleanliness

If cleanliness is important to you, maybe skip this hotel. The counters were dirty (dried fluids and dead bugs), the pillows had hairs on them, and the floors weren’t mopped.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Vicki

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets

Jul 17, 2025

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

Jul 16, 2025

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marlene, Charlotte

Jul 15, 2025

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

Simple place nothing fancy

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Richard

Traveled with group

Jul 12, 2025

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.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Jul 11, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Fair rates and clean.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Jul 8, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Joseph

Jul 7, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Veeramuthu

Jul 7, 2025

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

Jul 6, 2025

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

Excellent

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Zachary

Traveled with family

Jul 6, 2025

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

Jul 6, 2025

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

Jul 6, 2025

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

Jul 5, 2025

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

Jul 1, 2025

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

Jun 29, 2025

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

Jun 29, 2025

Like the area, the room was nice.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kristi

Traveled with family

Jun 25, 2025

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