10 Reasons to Visit the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

While there are thousands of reasons to visit Grand Hotel, here are ten of my personal favorite things I believe make this a truly unique vacation experience!

Read more about Grand Hotel below

Grand Hotel Bucket List (Quiz)
Jockey Club Restaurant Review
Woods Restaurant on Mackinac Island
10 Best Places to Grab a Drink at Grand Hotel
Stunning Rooms and Suites at Grand Hotel
12 Things to Know Before Visiting Grand Hotel
What to Wear at the Grand Hotel
A Guide to Dining at Grand Hotel 

10. The Cupola Bar at the top of the Grand Hotel

This amazing lounge serves as a relaxing spot to relax with friends and family, grab a drink, and watch the sunset on the island. The view is second to none, and with live musicians, fabulous drinks, and gorgeous decor, you’ll certainly be entertained!

9. Marlee Brown’s Art Store

This incredible artist was born in Michigan and paints scenes from around the island, the state and nature. Her work can be found throughout the Grand Hotel in suites, rooms, hallways, and more.

8. The Views

The breathtaking views from the Cupola Lounge aren’t the only way to see the island at the Grand Hotel. The view from the front porch, which is the longest porch in the world by the way, (pictured below) and the view from the balconies of the rooms (pictured left) are just as stunning.

7. The Food and Drinks

You will never be hungry, and you will never be thirsty at Grand Hotel. The hotel runs a number of different restaurants, like Woods, Jockey Club, and Sushi Grand, plus they opporate Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor, and has more than a dozen ways to grab a drink on the island. If you’re looking for world-class dining and drinking opportunities, Grand Hotel has you covered. They bring in fish that was freshly caught the same day you’re eating it, they get fresh shipments of foods and drinks daily from Detroit‘s markets and nearby farms, and the island is one of the most sustainable in the world, meaning that during this process they don’t create waste you have to feel guilty about. It’s a win-win-win!

6. The Rooms

There are 397 rooms and suites in the hotel, and no two are the same. Each one is uniquely appointed by master designer Carleton Varney and each room has its own theme whether it’s a place, period in time, or a person. Keep an eye on my blog for a list of some of my personal favorite rooms in the hotel! You can explore a dozen of my favorite rooms and suites in this post!

5. The Staff

The hotel’s fabulous staff will help make your experience better than you can imagine! When a staff member heard us discussing the vegetarian options at meal time, she pointed out her favorite vegetarian options and helped us find the perfect foods for our diet and preferences. When we needed extra towels in our room, they were brought to our room in under 5 minutes. Attempting to find the luggage concierge on our way out, a staff member took our bags from us and showed us the way. All of these things were done without us even having to ask, they recognized ways they could help their guests and did them with speed, accuracy and kindness, which is just amazing to me!

4. The Location

The Mackinac Bridge and the Straits of Mackinac are within sight of the hotel, the grounds are kept immaculate, and the pool is always crystal clear and so inviting. Everything is within walking distance from the hotel, so guests are able to indulge a little extra at meals and on the island’s famous fudge, and not feel too guilty about it, because of how much exercising can be done should one choose to! No matter which room a guest has, they are in the perfect spot to take in sunsets, incredible views, and the exquisite atmosphere.

3. The History

Mackinac Island’s history is as rich as the biodiversity that surrounds the island, which is to say it’s one of the richest in the country. The island boasts a fort, cold-water springs, docks and a marina, lots of Native American and religious history and so much more, plus visiting the island is an exciting way to learn more about the trade routes that developed, architecture, and even fashion in the North.

2. The Traditions

The Grand Hotel has some of the most enjoyable traditions in all of the Midwest. The hotel holds guests and visitors to a higher standard. Men are to wear coats and ties, and ladies must wear dresses, or skirts (but not pants). It may seem archaic to some, but to those of distinguished sensibilities know that when one is dressed nicely, one is bound to have a good time. There’s nothing like taking extra care to look dapper, and then enjoying an evening of music, food, drinks, and excellent company. The tradition of Afternoon Tea, which has happened every afternoon at Grand Hotel for more then a century, is one of my favorite hotel traditions.

1. The Relaxation Factor

There are no cars on Mackinac Island, the air is fresh, the smiles pass freely from one face to another, and all of the trappings of modern life can be left behind, while still enjoying modern amenities, top-notch food and beverages, and indescribably beautiful scenery. Boasting salons, spas, a world class golf course, a sumptuous swimming pool, hot tubs, and a sauna, as well as just about anything else one may need to relax, the island is the perfect place to escape to in order to relax completely.

Safe travels!

xAnnie Fairfax
Follow Me for More: @AnnieFairfax

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