FAQ

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Island House Hotel offers 94 guest rooms and suites with varying sizes, views, and amenities. Rates vary by season, weekdays vs. weekends, arrival date, length of stay, the view, number of guests, and room type. On Saturdays, a two-night stay is typically required, whether it encompasses Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, certain holidays, such as the 4th of July Weekend, may necessitate a minimum three-night stay with specific dates. For additional information visit Rooms & Rates.

Reservations can be made year-round online or by calling 906-847-3347. Reservationists are not able to hold rooms without payment. The entire amount of the stay is due at the time of booking, regardless of the number of nights.

Rates are subject to 6% Michigan sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, and 8% hotel levy. Children under the age of five stay free. All rates are based on double occupancy and are subject to additional charges for extra adults and youth.

Standard Reservations

Flexible with some Limitations

• You can cancel or change your reservation outside 7 days before 4 PM check-in.
  • A $50 per room cancellation fee applies.
  • Modifications are allowed without penalty, but new dates and prices are subject to availability and current rates.
• Cancellations within 7 days of arrival, or no-shows, results in your full deposit being forfeited. No changes or credits will be issued.

Saver Rate and cyber monday

Best Price – No changes, No Refunds

• No refunds, no changes, no exceptions, even for emergencies.
• If Deposit Protection is added to a Saver Rate or Cyber Monday booking, Deposit Protection will be refunded, and the Saver Rate rules still apply.

Premium Flex Rate

Maximum Flexibility

• This rate includes Deposit Protection, charged at $50 per night, per room (non-refundable).
• Cancel outside 48 hours before 4 PM on arrival day: You’ll receive a full refund of your room deposit.
• Cancel within 48 hours but before 4 PM on arrival day: Your room deposit becomes non-refundable, but it can be used as credit toward a future stay (no expiration).
• Cancel after 4 PM or no-show on arrival day: No refund or credit.

Modifying or Canceling your reservation

• If you booked directly (via phone or our website), call us at 906-847-3347 to modify or cancel.
• If you booked through a third-party site, you must contact them directly. Their policies may differ and are not covered by ours.

The Deposit Protection Plan adds flexibility and peace of mind to your reservation for $50 per night (per room).

• If you need to cancel, you’ll receive a full refund of your deposit (minus the Deposit Protection fee) as long as you cancel before 4 PM, 48 hours prior to your check-in date.
• You may also apply your deposit to a future stay without penalty, as long as the change is made before 4 PM on your scheduled check-in date.
• Reservations canceled within the 48-hour window are non-refundable, even if you reschedule to a later date outside that window.
• Rescheduled reservations are subject to availability and current nightly rates.
• Any modifications to your reservation will follow our standard modification policy.
• Deposit Protection is only available for reservations made directly with Island House Hotel, either online or by phone.
• If you’re booking multiple rooms, Deposit Protection must be purchased separately for each room you wish to cover.

• This protection is only available for reservations made directly with Island House Hotel, either online or by phone. Deposit Protection is unavailable for select rates and special events, including the Yacht Races.

For changes or cancellations, please call us at 906-847-3347.

To guarantee the availability of handicap-accessible rooms or rooms without stairs, guests must book directly with the hotel over the phone. It’s essential to clearly communicate all special requests and accessibility needs during the reservation process, well before your arrival. This allows us sufficient time to prepare for your stay accordingly.

Hotel Accessibility

Entrance: Access to the hotel is facilitated either by a lift or by approximately seven steps leading to the lobby level.

1852 Grill Room: Access to the dining room is facilitated either by a lift or by approximately four steps.

Elevator Access: Elevator access is available between the lobby and the second and third floors.

Certain room types require stair access, including Traditional Fourth Floor Queen (TR4Q), One Bedroom View Suite (OBVS), One Bedroom King Suite (OBKS), Traditional Two Queens (TRQQ), and Two Bedroom Family Suites (STE). Stairs are required for any room located on the first floor.

Handicap Accessible Guest Rooms

Room 211 Deluxe Lake View King (DVK): Located on the second floor. Features a king-sized bed, a larger bathroom with a removable showerhead, a lowered sink, a raised toilet, handrails near the toilet and in the shower, a coffee maker, and a mini-fridge.

Room 207 Traditional King (TRK): Located on the second floor. Features a king-sized bed, a larger bathroom with a removable showerhead, a lowered sink, a raised toilet, and handrails near the toilet and in the shower.

Additional Amenities

Walk-in showers, shower chairs, toilet seat raisers, and temporary handrails can be provided upon request when noted on the reservation well before guest arrival to ensure availability.

Portable cribs are available for select rooms. To guarantee availability, please ensure this request is noted when making your reservation well in advance of your arrival.

Check-in at Island House Hotel is available after 4:00 p.m. For guests arriving early on Mackinac Island, rest assured that your luggage will be securely stored until your room is ready for check-in. If you require early check-in before 4:00 p.m., please ensure this request is noted on your reservation before your arrival. While we strive to accommodate all special requests, please understand that we cannot guarantee early check-in due to factors beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you to our hotel.

To prepare for incoming guests, all rooms must be vacated by 11:00 a.m. When checking your luggage for transportation, inform the porter whether you are riding to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, along with your ferry departure time. It is recommended to check your bags at the bellstand at least one hour before your desired ferry departure time. Regardless of weather conditions, ferry lines will hold your luggage until your arrival on the mainland. Upon disembarking from the ferry on the mainland, proceed to the luggage tent with your claim tags. If you have a vehicle, you may opt to retrieve it first before collecting your luggage.

Traveling to Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island is part of the adventure. Below is helpful information to guide your journey. For details about ferries, overnight parking, and luggage transportation, please visit our Location page.

Ferry Departure Times

Before your trip, we recommend checking current ferry schedules online. Plan to arrive at the dock at least 45 minutes before your preferred departure time. Ferry schedules vary by season, with more frequent departures during peak summer months (July and August).

You can board the ferry from either Mackinaw City in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula or St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula—choose whichever is most convenient for your route.

For a smooth arrival, the ferry service offers baggage handling to and from the mainland. At the mainland ferry terminal, please check your luggage with the ferry line attendant and inform them you’re a guest of Island House Hotel.

Ensure all bags are zipped or sealed. While ferry staff takes good care of your luggage, Island House Hotel is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Hand-carry electronics, chargers, medications, keys, and anything fragile or valuable. Be sure to receive luggage tag stubs for each piece you check.

Once you disembark on Mackinac Island, please look for our Island House Hotel dock porter, who will be pleased to welcome you, assist with any questions, and ensure your luggage is located for delivery. They are always delighted to assist in any way they can.

When your room is ready, our porters will personally deliver your luggage directly to your room. Delivery times may vary, so carry anything you’ll need right away. Gratuities are welcomed in appreciation of their service.

Bike Parking

Bicycle parking is available in the front and back of the hotel. We do not allow bicycles to be stored inside the hotel.

Bike Rentals

Island House Bike Shop is located curbside in front of Island House Hotel. Our friendly staff will help you choose from a wide range of bicycle options, ranging from single speed cruisers to tandems for two. The entire family can explore the ample outdoor beauty Mackinac Island has to offer! Please visit Island House Bike Shop for additional information about our onsite bicycle rentals.

Bringing Your Own Bikes

You can bring your own bicycles to Mackinac Island. You must purchase a bicycle license at the ferry dock on the mainland which includes transportation. All bicycles must be parked in designated outdoor locations. Bicycles of any kind are not permitted indoors.

Electric Bikes | E-Bikes

For the safety of all our guests, E-Bike batteries are not permitted inside the hotel. This policy helps us ensure a safe environment and comply with fire safety regulations.

We kindly ask that you store your E-Bike batteries in designated outdoor areas or bike storage facilities. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our front desk at 906-847-3347.

Your understanding and cooperation in preventing any unnecessary danger by following these procedures are appreciated.

For the most current regulations regarding E-Bikes on Mackinac Island click here

Bicycle Safety, Rules & Maps

Visit our Bike Rental page to read our Bike FAQs. Learn more about safety, rules, and maps for your Mackinac Island adventure.

Island House Hotel, 1852 Grill Room, and Ice House BBQ feature a casual resort atmosphere. While there is no formal dress code, guests may consider packing something nice for a memorable evening at the 1852 Grill Room.

Elevate your stay or surprise a loved one with a variety of enhancements available to add to any reservation. Choose from indulgent options such as champagne chilled on ice, chocolate-covered strawberries, celebration cakes, or our family’s handcrafted Mackinac Island Fudge for a special touch to your room.

Give the gift of Mackinac Island with our versatile gift cards, redeemable at your favorite island locations. Gift cards can be conveniently purchased online in any denomination, making them the perfect present for any occasion.

When preparing your luggage for your stay at the Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure a smooth journey. Opt for bags with zippers or latch closures to prevent items from falling out during transit, as your luggage will also be on a journey to the island. Additionally, be sure to hand-carry essential items such as electronics, chargers, medications, medical equipment, car keys, and anything fragile, valuable, or irreplaceable.

If you happen to forget something, there’s no need to worry; our sundry shop offers a selection of frequently forgotten items for purchase.

In terms of what to bring, in addition to your standard travel essentials, we recommend including the following items for a comfortable and enjoyable stay:

– A backpack with room for souvenirs
– Sunglasses
– A jacket or sweater (temperatures can vary throughout the day)
– A raincoat and umbrella (just in case)
– Sunscreen
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Swimsuit
– Your sense of adventure

Leave your stress, cares, and worries behind; you won’t need them here. They’ll be right where you left them upon your return, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the island experience.

Are Pets Allowed at Island House Hotel?

As a historic Mackinac Island hotel, Island House Hotel upholds preservation standards that do not allow pets or emotional support animals. However, in accordance with ADA regulations, service animals are welcome.

For the comfort and convenience of all guests, we kindly ask those traveling with a service animal to inform us in advance. This allows our staff to ensure a smooth and accommodating experience during their stay. Service animals must remain with their handler at all times and may not be left unattended in guest rooms.

To maintain a clean and allergen-free environment, non-service animals are not permitted in the hotel. Any guest found with a pet or emotional support animal in their room will be subject to a $250 cleaning fee to restore the space to a pet-free condition. Additionally, event organizers will incur penalty fees if attendees bring non-service animals into the hotel.

Our hotel hosts a variety of events throughout the season, some of which feature music in public areas. Quiet time at the hotel is observed starting at 11 p.m. Additionally, there are occasions when dining facilities and the veranda may close for private events. If you plan to dine at the 1852 Grill Room, we highly recommend making reservations prior to your arrival to ensure availability and to enhance your dining experience.

In compliance with Michigan law and to preserve the historic integrity of our estate, smoking or vaping inside the hotel is strictly prohibited. Any violation of this policy will result in a $250 penalty fee. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your understanding.

Originally constructed in 1852 as a beach house, the Island House Hotel has since undergone significant transformations while retaining its timeless Victorian architecture and captivating history. Immerse yourself in classic charm and enduring elegance during your stay on Mackinac Island. Discover an array of accommodations tailored to suit your preferences and budget by visiting https://theislandhouse.com/rooms/. Your unforgettable island escape awaits!

The cost of renting a room can vary based on factors such as the time of your visit, occupancy, and room type. Generally, weekdays offer more budget-friendly rates, while the most economical months include May, June, September, and October. For precise pricing details tailored to your stay, explore Our Rooms. Start planning your unforgettable Mackinac Island getaway today!

Island House Hotel owes its preservation to the heroic efforts of Harry Ryba and his son-in-law Victor Callewaert, who rescued it from demolition in 1969. Although owned by Mackinac State Historic Parks, the Callewaert family remains deeply committed to its stewardship, leasing and meticulously maintaining this cherished historic landmark. This dedication ensures that guests enjoy an unparalleled experience of hospitality and comfort during their stay on Mackinac Island.

Visit our history page for more.

The best time to visit Mackinac Island depends on what experiences you seek. Spring boasts blooming flowers and tranquility before the summer rush, with events like the Lilac Festival and Derby Party adding to the charm. In summer, enjoy milder temperatures and refreshing lake breezes, perfect for family getaways and romantic retreats. Fall showcases the island adorned in vivid colors, offering a serene atmosphere as tourist numbers wind down. Whether you’re drawn to spring blooms, summer adventures, or fall foliage, Mackinac Island promises unforgettable moments year-round.

Choosing to stay on Mackinac Island offers a unique experience unlike any other. As the last boat departs, tranquility envelops the island, inviting leisurely strolls amidst breathtaking scenery. After dinner, head downtown for the island’s vibrant nightlife with live music and libations or savor quiet moments stargazing over the harbor cuddled by our firepits, listening to the gentle lapping of waves and the soothing clip-clop of horses retiring to their stables. Wake up to a glorious sunrise and savor a cup of coffee on the porch, where horse-drawn buggies glide past, bicycles breeze by, and boats gracefully sail in and out of the harbor. Experience the magic of Mackinac Island from dawn to dusk, creating memories to last a lifetime.

While you can never get enough of Mackinac Island, three days typically allow ample time to immerse yourself in its beauty, from exploring charming shops to admiring picturesque landscapes and enjoying must-see attractions. Book your stay today and embark on an unforgettable Mackinac Island adventure with Island House Hotel!