Filter by category
Select Category
View All
Activities
Dining
General
Miscellaneous
Reservations & Check In
Transportation & Luggage
Can I bring my e-bike to Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island?
Please refer to Mackinac Island e-bike regulations for bringing e-bikes. Guests must park an e-bike in an assigned parking spot at the hotel bike parking lot. Disconnected bike batteries cannot be brought into Grand Hotel. Guests may bring and use electric scooters; however, no scooter batteries can be brought to guests’ rooms to charge. There is a designated space on the back dock to store electric scooters and charge the batteries.
I’m arriving on Mackinac Island by ferry. How will my luggage get to the hotel?
If you arrive by ferry, luggage transfer is simple and convenient. When you check in your luggage with the ferry service on the mainland, it will be tagged and delivered directly to your hotel room. Upon check-in, present your luggage tags at the front desk. If you are arriving close to 6:00 PM, you may want to bring your evening wear with you to the hotel as luggage transfer may take up to three hours to get to the hotel from the dock.
For your return trip back to the mainland, follow the in-room instructions. Your luggage will be tagged and transferred from your room to a secure location on the appropriate mainland dock. We request a minimum three-hour window for the transfer. Guests departing by ferry prior to 9:00 AM should transfer their own luggage to the dock.
Is transportation provided between the ferry docks and the hotel?
Grand Hotel is a 15- to 20-minute walk from the boat docks. For your convenience, Grand Hotel operates horse-drawn carriages between the docks and the hotel. As with all taxi services on Mackinac Island, there is a per person cash fee and seats are on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot guarantee Grand Hotel carriages will meet all ferry boats, nor can we guarantee seats for all Grand Hotel guests.
Upon your arrival to the docks on Mackinac Island, you will be greeted by a dock porter who can answer any questions you may have regarding luggage or taxi transportation to the hotel.
How often do the ferries run to and from Mackinac Island?
All ferry boat lines operate frequently throughout the day — from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace — from May to November. Click here to check the schedule for your dates of travel.
I’d prefer to fly to Mackinac Island. What is the nearest airport?
For guests traveling to Mackinac Island by airplane, Mackinac Island Airport (MCD) is located one mile from Grand Hotel and capable of accommodating private and charter aircraft. For more information regarding air travel, visit the Getting Here page of our website.
How much is Afternoon Tea and how can I make a reservation?
Guests can enjoy the tradition of Afternoon Tea daily between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM The cost is $65.00 per adult and $32.50 per child (6-17 years old), plus 6% Michigan sales tax. Reservations are not currently accepted for Afternoon Tea — simply find a seat in the Parlor and a server will be happy to assist you. For group reservations, please contact our staff at [email protected].
What is your cancellation policy?
A deposit for the first two nights is required when you make your reservation. If staying one night, a one-night deposit is required. With notice of cancellation at least 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival, your reservation deposit will be refunded, less a $100.00 processing fee. Reservations cancelled less than 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival will forfeit the entire room deposit. A $50.00 per day change fee will apply to any modifications in reservations. Please note that certain rates have non-refundable cancellation policies which are stated during the time of booking. Please call Grand Hotel Reservations if you have any questions.
When can I check in?
You are welcome to arrive as early as you wish; however, we cannot guarantee your accommodations will be available for occupancy until after 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Are pets allowed?
Grand Hotel has a no-pet policy; however, service animals with proper documentation are allowed.
Does Grand Hotel have a dress policy?
Since Grand Hotel is a resort, we want you to feel at ease and dress comfortably. During the day, casual resort clothing is appropriate. Prior to 6:30 PM, please no midriff-baring tops, sweatpants or cut-off shorts for ladies. For gentlemen, no sleeveless shirts, sweatpants or cut-off shorts.
Every evening at Grand Hotel is a special occasion. Therefore, after 6:30 PM, dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, and dress slacks for ladies are required, while gentlemen are required to wear a suit or sport coat, necktie, and dress pants, no denim or shorts. This applies for all areas inside the hotel with the exception of the Cupola Bar, guestroom hallways, and the retail corridor. Children 12 years and older are expected to be in dress similar to the adults.
How can I book a group or a meeting?
For more information about planning your next meeting at Grand Hotel, you may visit grandhotel.com/meetings, fill out the RFP form or contact our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Dana Orlando, at 517-349-4600 or [email protected].
For more information about bringing a group to Grand Hotel, please fill out our RFP form or contact our sales team at 906-847-3331.
Where can I find a list of the daily activities at the hotel?
If you are staying at the hotel, a copy of our daily activities can be found at turndown for the next day, the Concierge, the Front Desk, or in the elevators. You may also pre-book select experiences on our website: Plan Your Activities
Where is the pool located and what are the hours?
The Esther Williams Swimming Pool is located at the west end of the Tea Garden in front of the hotel. The pool is open starting Friday, May 24 from 10 AM to 7 PM daily May – June, 10 AM to 9 PM July – August, and 10 AM – 6 PM daily September – October. The slide opens May 24 and will operate 12 PM – 4 PM daily May – June, from 11 AM – 5 PM July – August, and from 12 PM – 4 PM weekends only September – October. Daily hours are subject to change; please contact the Concierge for updated hours.
I’m planning to stay at Grand Hotel for several days. What is there to do on Mackinac Island?
Grand Hotel offers guests a variety of activities to enjoy during their stay, including a round of golf on The Jewel, bocce ball and pickleball, swimming in the Esther Williams Swimming Pool, bicycling, horseback riding, and more. Grand Hotel’s knowledgeable Concierge team is also available to assist you with planning your perfect stay. To speak to the Concierge Desk, call 906-847-3331 ext. 567.
I’m traveling with someone who has a gluten allergy. What special menu items do you offer for guests with dietary restrictions?
Grand Hotel is able to accommodate most dietary needs. All of our restaurants, including the Main Dining Room, offer gluten-free menu options. Guests are asked to visit the Concierge Desk upon check-in to work with the hotel’s Assistant Managers and Chefs to accommodate any unique dietary restrictions.
Where is the Cupola Bar?
The Cupola Bar is located at the very top of the hotel on the fourth floor. Take the elevator to the fourth floor and follow the stairs up to the Cupola Bar where you will find two levels of seating, a comprehensive cocktail list, nightly entertainment and panoramic views of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge.
During my stay, should I be prepared to tip the hotel and restaurant staff?
Tipping is appreciated for outstanding service at the restaurants and lounges within Grand Hotel. Tipping is expected and welcomed at the restaurants and lounges outside of Grand Hotel including Woods Restaurant, The Jockey Club, Fort Mackinac Tea Room, The Gate House and Esther Williams Pool Bar as well as Astor’s Salon and Spa.
I love the movie Somewhere in Time. Do you have a special room dedicated to the movie?
An actual room from the movie does not exist; however, Grand Hotel has two suites that are dedicated to the film: the Somewhere in Time Suite and the Jane Seymour Suite. Both rooms are decorated with memorabilia from the movie.
When do the tulips come out/lilacs bloom, and when is the best time to see fall colors?
Every season on Mackinac Island is unique and beautiful in its own colorful way. Tulips typically bloom in the early spring around mid-May, followed by lilacs in the first few weeks of June. Grand Hotel gardens are always blooming with seasonally appropriate flowers.
The fall colors in Northern Michigan can be hard to predict, as it depends on the temperature of the season. If we have a warmer summer, the colors tend to change later in October than usual. Michigan weather makes everything on Mackinac Island and throughout the state unpredictable, but that is what makes visiting here a Pure Michigan experience no matter what month it is.
Does Grand Hotel sell gift cards?
Yes. Gift cards and e-cards are available for sale on our website: View Gift Cards
I’m interested in working at Grand Hotel. Where can I find employment information?
Information on Grand Hotel employment opportunities is available starting in January for the upcoming season.
When is Grand Hotel open for the season?
Grand Hotel welcomed back guests to Mackinac Island for our 138th consecutive season on May 3, 2024, and will close for the season on October 30, 2024.
Is coffee provided in each guest room?
Each guest room is equipped with a coffee maker, gourmet coffee, and a selection of teas for guests to make and enjoy in the comfort of their room.
Can I make a reservation for the Grand Luncheon Experience?
The legendary Grand Luncheon Experience is a one-of-a-kind Grand Hotel experience. We can assist in making reservations for groups of 10 or more. For Group inquiries please reach out to [email protected].
I am not staying at Grand Hotel but want to visit. What can I do and is there a cost?
Not a guest? Not a problem! From dining and shopping to golf on the Jewel, we offer Mackinac Island visitors a variety of ways to enjoy the Grand Hotel experience. Explore more here: https://www.grandhotel.com/experiences/
Please note: To enter the hotel and explore our grounds, there is a $12.00 admission fee for adults and $6.00 for children ages 6-12, ages 5 and under are free. This includes a map of the hotel, a map of our gardens and a self-guided hotel tour. Admissions can be purchased online here: Buy Admissions
