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Thunderbird Inn

2.5 star property
Motel in Mackinaw City with free parking

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Photo gallery for Thunderbird Inn

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

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

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, Mackinaw Bridge Museum
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Airport, Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

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

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

  • 282 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

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

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

Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa, Courtyard View | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

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

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

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

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 10-minute stroll of Edgewater Beach and Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal. 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

  • Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Edgewater Beach - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Mackinaw City Dock - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Mackinaw Bridge Museum - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Keyhole Bar & Grill - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Clyde's Drive-In - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Homemade Pasties / Zodiac Party Store - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Dixie Saloon - ‬17 min walk

About this property

Thunderbird Inn

Motel in Mackinaw City with free parking
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 tours or tickets, 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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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

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 enjoy the motel's location in Mackinaw City based on their ratings, and it's within a 10-minute walk of Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and Edgewater Beach. You'll also find Lake Huron and Mackinaw City Dock less than a mile away.

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, 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).

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

No, at Thunderbird Inn, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

Thunderbird Inn Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 321 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 344 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 173 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 98 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 64 out of 1000 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Mary

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lin

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Woodrow

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Electrical outlets need replacing, plugs loose in receptacle and 1 outlet not working!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Martha

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
The air conditioner didn't work. The electric outlet closest to the bed only had one working space. The bedside tables need to be higher. I use a c-pap and the machine has to be as high or higher than the bed. The tables were lower so I had to use a couple of books to raise the machine. I didn't see any recycle bins.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything was good for a one night stay except, there was no hand soap, only shampoo and conditioner. The pool is separate from the building, which is fine. No time to swim this trip. Staff was really fast and nice.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Nathan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice quiet room but no coffee in the lobby and the bed springs weee very squeaky with any movement. Also the wall plugs in the room were all “loose” in that I wasn’t able to charge my phone because the wall plug kept falling out
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Rey

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Jinger

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Toilet didnt work and the room smelled like mildew. Was clean though.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Tracy

Liked: Staff & service
Just completely average. Not bad, nothing special.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Checked in after 10PM, room was clean and neat. Heat and AC worked fine. Checkout at 8AM was quick. I would stay in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Claudia

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Robert

Liked: Room comfort

Good motel for the price.

Staff was very helpful and friendly. Good location, not too close to the tourist areas, but also a quick walk/bike/drive to them. New flooring, but the rest could use a refresh. Electrical outlets need updated. We stayed 6 nights.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ben

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Inexpensive compared to other hotels/motels in Mackinaw. Nothing special but clean and reasonably maintained.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donald

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
kind staff
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Cheryl

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Thomas

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Bryan

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The conditions of the room were much more poor than expected. Missing trim, dirty walls. If you’re staying with a clean freak, do not check behind any dresser or end table.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Roger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Daniel

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

8/10 Good

Donald

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
No exhaust in the bathroom and only light in the bathroom was a timed heat lamp. Otherwise room was goof.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The linens had a couple stains and a ciggerette burn. My room was on the first floor and the giant 5 foot window would not lock. Even though i locked it, if i tested it with a gentle tug ,it would slide open and the screen was the only thing seperating me from the outside. The room was musty. I wanted to request a new room, however, was very tired and could tell that the room was cleaned. The linens were crisp,appeared laundered, and the corners were clean in the rooms. As strange as that sounds. It was either find another hotel, because, the problem is that they are not upkeeping the peoperty. The room needed to be painted, it was musty and needed new ventilation. I would say this takes the cake for the worst place I've ever stayed.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

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