Frequently Asked Questions
Traveling to Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island is part of the adventure. Below is helpful information to guide your journey.
Island House Hotel is located on Mackinac Island, which is accessible by passenger ferry only, as motor vehicles are not permitted on the island. Ferries operate seasonally from Mackinaw City in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula. Guests may choose the departure point that best fits their travel plans.
Ferry schedules vary by season and are most frequent during peak summer months, particularly July and August. We recommend checking current ferry schedules online prior to your trip and arriving at the dock at least 45 minutes before your preferred departure time.
Once you arrive on Mackinac Island, Island House Hotel is located on Main Street and is within easy walking distance of the ferry docks. If you prefer not to walk, horse-drawn carriage taxis are available but must be arranged in advance by contacting Mackinac Island Carriage Tours Taxi Service at 906-847-3323.
Our team handles luggage delivery for all guests, ensuring your bags are transported directly to the hotel so you can enjoy a relaxed arrival on Mackinac Island.
For additional details on ferry services, parking, and luggage transportation, please visit our Location page.
Passenger ferries to Mackinac Island operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require advance reservations. Tickets may be purchased through Island House Hotel or directly through the ferry operators’ website. Ferries operate regularly during the season from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, allowing you to choose the departure location most convenient for your travel plans. For the most up-to-date schedules please visit Arnold Transit Company or Shepler’s Ferry websites.
Island House Hotel provides luggage delivery service for all guests, making your Mackinac Island arrival and departure seamless.
Upon arrival, your luggage will be transported from the dock to the hotel, and upon departure, from the hotel back to the dock. For a smooth start to your journey, most ferry services offer baggage handling from the mainland. At the mainland ferry terminal, please check your luggage with the ferry line attendant and let them know you are a guest of Island House Hotel.
To ensure safe transport, all bags should be zipped or securely sealed. While ferry staff takes great care in handling luggage, Island House Hotel is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. We recommend hand-carrying valuables and essential items, including electronics, chargers, medications, keys, fragile items, and anything you may need immediately. Be sure to keep the luggage tag stubs for each checked bag.
Once you arrive on Mackinac Island, look for our Island House Hotel dock porter, who will be happy to welcome you, answer questions, and ensure your luggage is properly located for delivery. When your room is ready, you will pick up your keys from the front desk and drop off your luggage tags. At this time, our porters will personally deliver your luggage directly to your room. Delivery times may vary, so we recommend keeping any immediate necessities with you. Gratuities are welcomed and appreciated.
Check-in at Island House Hotel begins at 4:00 p.m. Guests arriving earlier on Mackinac Island are welcome to drop off their luggage with our team, who will securely store and deliver it to your room while you explore the island.
Check-out at Island House Hotel is at 11:00 a.m. Guests who wish to continue exploring Mackinac Island after check-out are welcome to leave their luggage with our team, and we will securely store and deliver it to the ferry for your convenience.
Early check-in at Island House Hotel is available by request but cannot be guaranteed, as it depends on room availability and housekeeping schedules. If you have checked-in at the front desk prior to the standard 4:00 p.m. check-in time and your room is ready early, our team will notify you. Regardless of your arrival time on Mackinac Island, we are happy to securely store and deliver your luggage so you can begin enjoying the island right away.
Island House Hotel does have an elevator; however, elevator access is limited due to the hotel’s historic design and only services select areas and room types. Some guest rooms and public spaces require the use of stairs.
Hotel entry is available either by lift or by approximately seven steps leading to the lobby. Access to the 1852 Grill Room is available by lift or by approximately four steps. Elevator service is available between the lobby and the second and third floors.
Certain room types require stair access, including Traditional Fourth Floor Queen, One Bedroom View Suite, One Bedroom King Suite, Traditional Two Queens, Two Bedroom Family Suites, and all rooms located on the first floor. Guests who wish to minimize stairs or require elevator access are encouraged to contact the hotel prior to arrival so we can recommend the best available accommodations.
Island House Hotel offers a variety of seasonal and promotional vacation packages throughout the year. Packages are subject to availability and travel dates and are not tied to a specific room type. To view current offers, please visit our Packages page.
Island House Hotel offers a limited number of handicap-accessible guest rooms due to the historic nature of the building. These rooms are located on the second floor and include features designed to support mobility needs, such as larger bathrooms, removable showerheads, lowered sinks, raised toilets, and handrails in the bathroom and shower area.
Additional accessibility amenities, including walk-in showers, shower chairs, toilet seat raisers, and temporary handrails, may be available upon request. Guests with mobility needs or special accessibility requests should contact the hotel directly and well in advance of arrival so we can do our best to accommodate their needs.
To guarantee the availability of accessible rooms or specific accessibility features, reservations must be made directly with the hotel by phone.
Island House Hotel, Ice House BBQ, and the 1852 Grill Room all feature a casual resort atmosphere. For most areas of the hotel and Ice House BBQ, casual resort attire is appropriate.
The 1852 Grill Room offers a resort casual fine dining experience. Baseball hats and sleeveless T-shirts are not permitted in the dining room. Guests may wish to pack something a bit dressier for an evening at the 1852 Grill Room to enjoy a memorable dining experience.
Breakfast is not automatically included with your stay at Island House Hotel unless it is specified as part of your reservation or package. Breakfast is available for purchase at our on-site restaurant, the 1852 Grill Room, and may also be added to select reservations.
We strongly recommend making breakfast and dinner reservations in advance, especially during peak season on Mackinac Island. The 1852 Grill Room, located on-site at Island House Hotel, is a popular dining destination and reservations help ensure availability. To reserve a table, please visit the 1852 Grill Room reservations page.
Guests may bring their own bicycles to Mackinac Island. A bicycle license must be purchased at the mainland ferry dock, which includes transportation of your bike. All personal bicycles must be parked in designated outdoor areas, as bicycles are not permitted inside the hotel.
For the safety of all guests and in compliance with fire safety regulations, electric bike batteries are not permitted inside Island House Hotel. E-bike batteries should be stored in designated outdoor areas or approved bike storage facilities. For the most current regulations regarding e-bikes on Mackinac Island, please refer to official island guidelines. If you have questions or need assistance, our front desk is happy to help at 906-847-3347.
To learn more about bicycle safety, local rules, and recommended riding routes, please visit our Bike Rental page for FAQs, maps, and planning resources for your Mackinac Island adventure.
Island House Bike Shop is located curbside directly in front of Island House Hotel, making bike rentals convenient for guests. Our friendly staff can help you choose from a variety of options, including single-speed cruisers and tandem bicycles. Bike rentals are a great way for individuals, couples, and families to explore the scenic beauty of Mackinac Island. For additional details, please visit the Island House Bike Shop page.
Bicycle parking is available in designated outdoor areas at the front and back of the hotel. For safety and space considerations, bicycles are not permitted inside the hotel.
Island House Hotel is a family-friendly hotel on Mackinac Island and welcomes guests of all ages. Children under the age of five stay free when sharing a room with adults.
Pack ’n Plays are available upon request at Island House Hotel. Please notify us prior to arrival so one can be placed in your room for your stay.
Island House Hotel does not allow pets. As a historic Mackinac Island property, preservation standards do not allow pets or emotional support animals. However, in accordance with ADA regulations, trained service animals are welcome.
For the comfort and convenience of all guests, we kindly ask those traveling with a service animal to notify us in advance of arrival. This allows our team to help ensure a smooth and accommodating 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 anywhere 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. Event organizers may also incur penalty fees if attendees bring non-service animals into the hotel.
Island House Hotel offers an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor hot tub for all registered guests to enjoy. Towels are provided for your convenience, and outdoor lounge chairs are available for relaxing during nice weather.
Please contact Island House Hotel prior to arrival with any special requests, room preferences, or questions. Our team is happy to assist and can be reached by phone at 906-847-3347 or by email at info@theislandhouse.com. You may also contact us through the online chat feature located in the bottom right corner of our website.
Island House Hotel offers 94 guest rooms and suites with a variety of sizes, views, and amenities. Room rates vary based on season, weekday versus weekend stays, arrival date, length of stay, room type, view, and number of guests.
On Saturdays, a two-night minimum stay is typically required, either Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday. Certain peak travel periods and holidays, including the Fourth of July weekend, may require a minimum three-night stay with specific arrival and departure dates.
Reservations may be made year-round online or by calling 906-847-3347. Full payment for the entire stay is required at the time of booking, and rooms cannot be held without payment.
All room rates are subject to applicable taxes and assessments, including 6% Michigan sales tax, a 3% Mackinac Island assessment, and an 8% hotel levy. Rates are based on double occupancy. Additional charges may apply for extra adults or youth. Children under the age of five stay free when sharing a room with adults.
For additional details, please visit our Rooms & Rates page.
Reservation changes may be permitted depending on the rate type booked. Change policies vary by rate and are subject to hotel availability.
For Standard Reservations, changes may be made outside of seven days prior to the 4:00 p.m. check-in time without penalty. Modified dates and rates are subject to availability and current pricing. Changes are not permitted within seven days of arrival, and no credits or adjustments will be issued for late changes or no-shows.
For Non-refundable and Cyber Monday reservations, no changes are allowed under any circumstances, including emergencies. These rates are deeply discounted and non-changeable.
For Premium Flex Rate reservations, this rate offers the most flexibility. Changes are allowed, subject to availability, and Deposit Protection is included as part of the rate.
If you booked directly with Island House Hotel through our website or by phone, please call 906-847-3347 to modify your reservation. If you booked through a third-party website, all changes must be handled directly through that provider, as their policies may differ and are not governed by Island House Hotel.
Cancellation policies vary based on the rate type selected at the time of booking.
Standard Reservations
Standard reservations offer flexibility with some limitations. You may cancel your reservation outside of seven days prior to the 4:00 p.m. check-in time. A $50 cancellation fee per room applies. Cancellations made within seven days of arrival or no-shows will result in forfeiture of the full deposit, with no changes, credits, or refunds issued.
Non-refundable Rate and Cyber Monday Reservations
Non-refundable Rate and Cyber Monday bookings are non-refundable and non-cancellable, with no exceptions. No refunds or changes are permitted, even in the event of emergencies. If Deposit Protection was added to a Non-Refundable Rate or Cyber Monday booking, the Deposit Protection fee will be refunded, but the Non-Refundable Rate cancellation rules still apply.
Premium Flex Rate Reservations
The Premium Flex Rate includes Deposit Protection, which is charged at $50 per night, per room, and is non-refundable.
• If you cancel outside of 48 hours before 4:00 p.m. on your arrival day, your full room deposit will be refunded.
• If you cancel within 48 hours but before 4:00 p.m. on your arrival day, your room deposit becomes non-refundable but may be used as a credit toward a future stay with no expiration date.
• If you cancel after 4:00 p.m. on your arrival day or do not arrive, no refund or credit will be issued.
Guests who booked directly with Island House Hotel should call 906-847-3347 to cancel a reservation. Reservations made through third-party booking platforms must be canceled directly through that provider, and their policies may differ from ours.
The Deposit Protection Plan adds flexibility and peace of mind to your Island House Hotel reservation for $50 per night, per room. This optional plan is available only for reservations made directly with Island House Hotel, either online or by phone, and must be purchased separately for each room.
If you need to cancel your reservation, you will receive a full refund of your room deposit, minus the non-refundable Deposit Protection fee, as long as the cancellation is made before 4:00 p.m., at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled check-in date. You may also apply your deposit toward a future stay without penalty, provided the change is made before 4:00 p.m. on your scheduled check-in date.
Reservations canceled within 48 hours of arrival are non-refundable, even if the reservation is rescheduled to a later date outside that window. All rescheduled reservations are subject to availability and current nightly rates, and any changes will follow Island House Hotel’s standard modification policy.
The Deposit Protection Plan is only available for select rate types and is not offered for certain special events, including the Yacht Races. For assistance with changes or cancellations, please contact our reservations team at 906-847-3347.
Island House Hotel offers a variety of special occasion enhancements that can be added to your reservation to help celebrate memorable moments or surprise a loved one. Options include champagne chilled on ice, chocolate-covered strawberries, celebration cakes, and our family’s handcrafted Mackinac Island fudge delivered directly to your room.
Island House Hotel also offers gift cards that can be used at favorite Mackinac Island locations. Gift cards are available for purchase online in any denomination and make a thoughtful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or future island getaways.
The 906 Club is a complimentary loyalty rewards program that allows guests to earn and redeem rewards across Mackinac Island. Members can earn rewards on lodging, dining, cocktails, bike rentals, fudge, and more at participating locations. Previously known as the 906 Mackinac Island Rewards Club, the 906 Club continues to offer the same valuable benefits with a simplified name.
Joining the 906 Club is free and offers valuable perks for your Mackinac Island visits. When you sign up online, you will receive a $5 sign-up bonus. As a member, you will receive 10% back on dining and retail and 5% back on all lodging. Members earn rewards with no expiration date, allowing them to be used during future stays.
Members also receive early access to exclusive offers, special promotions, and important updates throughout the season. The 906 Club is designed to reward loyalty while enhancing your Mackinac Island experience.
Rewards can be earned and redeemed at participating locations listed below.
Lodging
Island House Hotel | Pine Cottage Bed and Breakfast
Dining:
1852 Grill Room | Ice House BBQ | Mary’s Bistro Draught House | Seabiscuit Cafe | Pancake House | Starbucks
Bike Rentals:
Fudge:
Signing up for the 906 Club is easy and free. You can enroll online at 906rewards.com before or during your stay on Mackinac Island. Once enrolled, you can begin earning rewards immediately at participating 906 Club locations, including lodging, dining, shopping, bicycle rentals, and more.
Island House Hotel hosts a variety of events throughout the season, some of which may include music in public areas. Quiet hours are observed beginning at 11:00 p.m. to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests.
On occasion, dining facilities and the veranda may be reserved for private events and temporarily closed to the public. If you plan to dine at the 1852 Grill Room during your stay, we strongly recommend making reservations in advance to ensure availability and enhance your dining experience.
In compliance with Michigan law and to preserve the historic integrity of the property, Island House Hotel is a smoke-free hotel. Smoking or vaping of any kind is strictly prohibited inside the hotel.
Any violation of this policy will result in a $250 penalty fee. We appreciate your cooperation and thank you for your understanding in helping us maintain a clean and comfortable environment for all guests.
Island House Hotel is a historic hotel on Mackinac Island, with a legacy that reflects the island’s timeless charm, architectural character, and rich hospitality history. To learn more about the hotel’s story and heritage, please visit our Hotel History page.
Island House Hotel was originally built in 1852 as a beach house and has since evolved into one of Mackinac Island’s most iconic historic hotels. While the property has undergone thoughtful updates over the years, it has retained its timeless Victorian architecture and rich historical character that continue to define the guest experience today.
Island House Hotel is owned by Mackinac State Historic Parks and is leased, preserved, and operated by the Callewaert family. The hotel was saved from demolition in 1969 through the efforts of Harry Ryba and his son-in-law, Victor Callewaert, who recognized its historic significance and committed themselves to its restoration and care.
Today, the Callewaert family continues to steward Island House Hotel with great care, maintaining its historic character while providing a welcoming and comfortable guest experience on Mackinac Island. To learn more about the hotel’s history and preservation, please visit our History page.
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.
The best time to visit Mackinac Island depends on the experience you are looking for. Each season offers its own unique charm.
Spring brings blooming lilacs, cooler temperatures, and a quieter atmosphere before peak summer travel. The season is highlighted by events such as the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival and is ideal for guests who enjoy scenic beauty and fewer crowds.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Mackinac Island, offering mild temperatures, refreshing lake breezes, and a lively island atmosphere. It’s a great season for family vacations, outdoor adventures, dining, and exploring the island by bike or carriage.
Fall showcases Mackinac Island in vibrant autumn colors and offers a more relaxed pace as visitor numbers begin to decline. Cooler temperatures and fall foliage make it a favorite time for travelers seeking a peaceful and scenic getaway.
Whether you prefer spring blooms, summer activities, or fall scenery, Mackinac Island offers memorable experiences throughout the season.
Staying on Mackinac Island offers an experience that mainland stays cannot match. Overnight guests enjoy the island after day visitors depart, with quieter evenings, scenic walks, dining, and live music. Mornings begin with peaceful harbor views, fresh air, and the iconic sights of bicycles and horse-drawn carriages.
By staying on Mackinac Island, you experience its historic charm, natural beauty, and car-free atmosphere from morning through night, making for a more immersive and memorable visit.
