Skip to main content

Thunderbird Inn

2.5 star property
Travelers can unwind by the pool at this value-focused motel or stroll just steps to Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal for Lake Michigan adventures

Choose dates to view prices

The Thunderbird Inn near Lake Michigan offers a perfect base for relaxation. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool with sun loungers or the indoor pool when the weather turns. The motel provides in-room WiFi and helpful staff, enhancing the excellent value of the stay.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Pillowtop bed
Jetted bathtub
Hair dryer
Shower/tub combination
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(16 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Pillowtop bed
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa, Courtyard View

Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa, Courtyard View | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa, Courtyard View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Shower/tub combination
  • 23 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
  • 33 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(40 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(28 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Shower/tub combination
  • 23 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the neighborhood

Mackinaw City is home to Thunderbird Inn. The Jewel at the Grand Hotel and Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Animal Tracks Adventure Golf and Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum. Murdick's Fudge - St. Ignace and Totem Village are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or check out other outdoor activities such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Visit our Mackinaw City travel guide
View more Motels in Mackinaw City
Map
146 Old Us 31, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701

What's nearby

  • The Ferry Terminal for the craft plying between Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island Michigan
    Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
    7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Mackinaw City featuring snow, landscape views and a bridge
    Mackinaw Crossings
    15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Edgewater Beach
    7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion
    16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Mackinaw City Dock
    18 min walk - 1.5 km

Getting around

  • Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
    29 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's
    11 min drive
  • Keyhole Bar & Grill
    17 min walk
  • Homemade Pasties / Zodiac Party Store
    10 min drive
  • Clyde's Drive-In
    10 min drive
  • Dixie Saloon
    17 min walk

About this property

Thunderbird Inn

Motel near Lake Michigan
Thunderbird Inn provides everything you need. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Swimming pool along with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • A free ferry terminal shuttle, an indoor pool, and concierge services
  • An off-leash area, a vending machine, and smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the overall value and helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Thunderbird Inn include comforts such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Pillowtop mattresses and rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
  • Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and free toiletries
  • 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, and heating

Similar properties

Exterior
Bridge Vista Beach - Hotel & Convention Center
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Kids pool
  • Parking included
7.6 out of 10, Good, 1,001 reviews
Bridge Vista Beach - Hotel & Convention Center
Compare similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free ferry terminal shuttle
  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Indoor pool
  • Indoor pool (guest access)

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Indoor pool
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Pool loungers

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability

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.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 35 per pet, per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total pets
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
An off-leash area is available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 12 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 40.0 per night
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 35 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 40.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
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
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Property is 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 have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool. Pool access is from 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.

Is Thunderbird Inn pet-friendly?

Yes, this motel allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of USD 35 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Thunderbird Inn?

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Thunderbird Inn?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Thunderbird Inn located?

Situated in Mackinaw City, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Edgewater Beach and Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal. Lake Huron and Mackinaw Crossings are also within 15 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Thunderbird Inn Reviews

7.6

Good

7.8

Cleanliness

8.2

Location

8.4

Staff & service

7.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 321 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 344 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 173 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 98 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 64 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Rey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Woodrow

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean, well equipped, good location. Close to eating and shopping facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was clean, well maintained, staff were helpful and professional, close to highway, lots of places to eat nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ben

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Inexpensive compared to other hotels/motels in Mackinaw. Nothing special but clean and reasonably maintained.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Safe, quiet and friendly staff. We are a return guest.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Robert

Liked: Room comfort

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.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Carmen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very friendly staff. Service was good. Room was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay, very friendly staff!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness
Fair rates and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This was clean and safe. We were pleasantly surprised with the comfort of the mattresses. We would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The staff and beds were the best. My only complaint is the coffee pot didnt work 😌
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the pool area.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Good location
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bhaskar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Its a great property. Staff were very friendly and they rooms are very clean and safe.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was pretty nice. Very quiet, we were only one of a few people staying that weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Nathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice quiet room but no coffee in the lobby and the bed springs weee very squeaky with any movement. Also the wall plugs in the room were all “loose” in that I wasn’t able to charge my phone because the wall plug kept falling out
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quick and friendly service while checking in. The paperwork was already started since I pre paid. Saved time walking distance to downtown mackinaw city
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adelina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Melissa

Liked: Staff & service
The hotel was nice. It was good quality for the price.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Highly recommend

Easy check-in, friendly staff, clean and comfortable room, very reasonable price. Convenient location close to Mackinaw ferry dock.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet close to shopping
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pranav

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
They gave us coupon for restaurants and also gave tips to view northern lights. Highly recommend to stay .
Stayed 1 night in May 2024