Thunderbird Inn

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

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

July 2025

August 2025

Children can play on the playground's slides and climbing elements on a sandy surface surrounded by a grassy lawn.

Classic hotel with a covered porch and symmetrical facade, set amidst well-maintained surroundings.

Enjoy a cozy stay in this well-appointed room featuring a single bed, compact kitchenette, and flat-screen TV.

Relax by the pool with a clear view of the water's edge.

Welcome to the Thunderbird Inn in Mackinaw City, where families can enjoy a peaceful stay with a playground nearby.

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Good

Popular amenities

Pool
Pet friendly
Air conditioning
Free WiFi
Parking included

Explore the area

146 Old Us 31, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701

Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
‪7 min walk‬
Mackinaw City Dock
‪18 min walk‬
Headlands International Dark Sky Park
‪6 min drive‬
Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
‪23 min drive‬

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Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Very good

243 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Good

Sleeps 5
2 Queen Beds

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

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Very good

243 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

282 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

‪McDonald's - ‬11 min drive
‪Zodiac Party Store - ‬10 min drive
‪Keyhole Bar & Grill - ‬18 min walk
‪Dixie Saloon - ‬18 min walk
‪The Hook Lakeside Grill - ‬16 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.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Enjoy a warm and inviting space with two beds, a small table, and a glass door offering a view of the sea.

On private beach
Pool
Pet friendly
Parking included

$92 nightly

Jul 20 - Jul 21

Total includes 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
Private bathroom
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.

How much does it cost to stay at Thunderbird Inn?

As of Jul 14, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Thunderbird Inn on Jul 23, 2025 start from $98.89, 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.

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.

What do couples enjoy most about Thunderbird Inn?

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

Are there hot tubs at Thunderbird Inn?

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, 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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Dec 8, 2024

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

I liked it.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carl

Nov 29, 2024

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Huiyun

Nov 17, 2024

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

thanks

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Nov 9, 2024

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

GINA

Nov 6, 2024

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Zhenhua

Nov 5, 2024

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Sharon

Nov 3, 2024

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Curt

Nov 3, 2024

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Oct 25, 2024

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Phyllis

Oct 24, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Dan

Oct 22, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Juli

Traveled with partner

Oct 21, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

From the description, I was expecting it to be closer to Mackinaw city downtown district. I didn’t feel comfortable walking from the hotel to other attractions. It is a short drive though and parking was not too much of an issue. The room we were assigned did not match what we selected (we selected a one bed room and we had two beds — the 2nd bed was just in the way) The condition of our room was not great. For instance, the lampshades were ripped, the wallpaper was peeling. I was not a fan of the mattresses in our room. They were both very soft. The price was good though and we had other things to do so we didn’t spend a lot of time at the hotel except to sleep. The pool looked nice but we didn’t try it.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Hannah

Traveled with partner

Oct 20, 2024

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

walls were thin but other than that the room was amazing for being on a budget

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Oct 19, 2024

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

Check guy was efficient and nice. The room is clean and quiet.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Jose Christian

Oct 18, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberley

Traveled with family

Oct 14, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Oct 14, 2024

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Average at best

You get what you pay for. Front desk was great and helpful but room was a disappointment. Wallpaper was ripped, sheets were stained with blood (they gave us fresh clean sheets to replace them) and room was average clean. Shower worked great, that was the only real positive. But we wnet for inexpensive and that is what we got

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bhaskar

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family

Oct 13, 2024

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

Its a great property. Staff were very friendly and they rooms are very clean and safe.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Brian

Oct 10, 2024

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Autumn

Oct 8, 2024

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

The staff is wonderful and very warm. Helped with everything i needed and went above and beyond

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Lorie

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family

Oct 6, 2024

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

The property was clean. Staff was very nice. The room was very small and I thought an extra $50 for our 2 dogs was too high.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Traveled with family

Oct 1, 2024

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

The lady at the counter was so sweet, I loved her. Informative, very gracious. I’d just go back to visit with her, and she gave me fudge!

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Joe and Maureen

Traveled with partner

Sep 30, 2024

Liked: Staff & service

Property was convenient to Hi-way.Was close to Main Street of Mackinaw,was also close to small Casino.The room was Ok but had no microwave,smelled a little musty but clean.Older room and could use some updating.Didn't like sink tap as hard to turn on without big gush of water happening.The front desk staff was very friendly and helpfull though.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael, McDermott

Traveled with family

Sep 27, 2024

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

We stayed here for 2 nights while in the Macinaw area. It was affordable and convenient. The front desk staff were courteous and helpful. We were just basically in the room long enough to sleep but I would recommend this place over a high price option if you just need a bed and a bathroom.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024