Located near Lake Michigan, Thunderbird Inn is a haven for relaxation. Unwind by the swimming pool with sun loungers or take advantage of the indoor pool. With in-room WiFi and helpful staff, this motel offers excellent value.
Animal Tracks Adventure Golf - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
Mackinaw Bridge Museum - 2 min drive - 2.2 km
Getting around
Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 29 min drive
Mackinac Island, MI (MCD) - 32 min drive
Free ferry terminal shuttle
Restaurants
McDonald's - 11 min drive
Homemade Pasties / Zodiac Party Store - 10 min drive
Bière de Mac Brew Works - 20 min walk
Clyde's Place - 10 min drive
Burger King - 10 min drive
About this property
Thunderbird Inn
Thunderbird Inn offers a great location, putting you within a 15-minute walk of Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and Lake Huron. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool, and hiking/biking trails, parasailing, and cross-country skiing are nearby. Also, this motel is within a short drive of Lake Michigan. Fellow travelers say great things about the helpful staff and overall value.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
48 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
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 time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
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.
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
Children (12 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets allowed (dogs and cats only, 2 total)*
Service animals welcome
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply*
Pets must be supervised
Off-leash area available
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
DONE
Transfers
Free ferry terminal shuttle
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
What to do
Access to nearby indoor pool
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Parasailing nearby
Cross-country skiing nearby
Skydiving nearby
Ziplining nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Pool loungers
Facilities
1 building/tower
An indoor pool
Room amenities
Be entertained
32-inch flat-screen TV
Cable TV channels
Home comfort
Climate-controlled air conditioning and heating
Coffee/tea maker
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Pillowtop mattress
Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Shower/tub combination
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Free local calls
Food and drink
Refrigerator
More
Access via exterior corridors
Fees & policies
Children & extra beds
Rollaway beds are available for USD 40.0 per night
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 35 per pet, per stay
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
Pool access available from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector on site.
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
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
Does Thunderbird Inn offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Thunderbird Inn does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Thunderbird Inn?
Yes, there's an indoor pool. Guests have pool access from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Are pets allowed at Thunderbird Inn?
Yes, cats and dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of USD 35 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees. Dog exercise areas are available. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
Is parking offered on site at Thunderbird Inn?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Thunderbird Inn?
Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-out is available.
Is there an onsite casino at Thunderbird Inn?
No, this motel doesn't have a casino, but Kewadin Casino - St. Ignace (16-min drive) is nearby.
What is there to do at Thunderbird Inn and nearby?
Have fun with nearby winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing, and in warmer months enjoy a round of golf at the nearby golf course. Enjoy a swim in the indoor pool or use the motel's other amenities, which include access to a nearby indoor pool.
What's the area around Thunderbird Inn like?
Thunderbird Inn is a short 8-minute walk from Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and 11 minutes' walk from Lake Huron. Travelers say this motel is in a good location.
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Reviews
Reviews
7.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
7.8
Cleanliness
8.2
Location
8.4
Staff & service
7.0
Property conditions & facilities
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Bed
Breakfast
Location
Shower
Indoor pools
Bathroom
Value
Car
Reviews
Verified
8/10 Very good
Oct 4, 2025
Great location, friendly staff
Rey
Rey, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 12, 2025
Clean, well equipped, good location. Close to eating and shopping facilities.
Woodrow
Woodrow, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 18, 2025
The property was clean, well maintained, staff were helpful and professional, close to highway, lots of places to eat nearby.
Patricia
Patricia, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 8, 2024
Great stay, very friendly staff!!
Peter
Peter, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Sep 23, 2025
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.
Michelle
Michelle, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 26, 2025
Safe, quiet and friendly staff. We are a return guest.
Candy
Candy, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 8, 2025
Inexpensive compared to other hotels/motels in Mackinaw. Nothing special but clean and reasonably maintained.
Ben
Ben, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jul 28, 2025
Was convenient location, bikeable. Staff were great, responded quickly to any issues.
Diane
Diane, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jul 29, 2025
Very friendly staff. Service was good. Room was clean.
Carmen
Carmen, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 3, 2024
Loved the pool area.
James
James, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jun 20, 2025
This was clean and safe. We were pleasantly surprised with the comfort of the mattresses. We would stay there again.
Karen
Karen, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 11, 2025
Fair rates and clean.
Robert
Robert, 2-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Sep 16, 2025
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.
Robert
Robert, 6-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Sep 15, 2024
Good location
Linda
Linda, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 27, 2025
The staff and beds were the best. My only complaint is the coffee pot didnt work 😌
Wendy
Wendy, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 13, 2024
Its a great property. Staff were very friendly and they rooms are very clean and safe.
Bhaskar
Bhaskar, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 3, 2024
The hotel was pretty nice. Very quiet, we were only one of a few people staying that weekend.
Scott
Scott, 3-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Oct 6, 2025
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.
Mary
Mary, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 23, 2024
The staff at this property were so welcoming friendly and went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable we loved our stay and I definitely am returning as well as referring the Thunderbird to my friends and family for future stays.
Adelina
Adelina, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Aug 15, 2024
The hotel was nice. It was good quality for the price.
Melissa
Melissa, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 15, 2024
Highly recommend
Easy check-in, friendly staff, clean and comfortable room, very reasonable price. Convenient location close to Mackinaw ferry dock.
David
David, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 30, 2024
Quiet close to shopping
Kelly
Kelly, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 16, 2024
The room was very clean. It was a bit dated but I would stay here again if in the area. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
Susan
Susan, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 12, 2024
They gave us coupon for restaurants and also gave tips to view northern lights. Highly recommend to stay .
Pranav
Pranav, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 5, 2025
Quick and friendly service while checking in. The paperwork was already started since I pre paid. Saved time walking distance to downtown mackinaw city