Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
Mackinaw City Dock - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
Mackinaw Bridge Museum - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse - 2 min drive - 2.6 km
Headlands International Dark Sky Park - 6 min drive - 5.5 km
Getting around
Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 29 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 11 min drive
Zodiac Party Store - 10 min drive
Keyhole Bar & Grill - 18 min walk
Dixie Saloon - 18 min walk
The Hook Lakeside Grill - 16 min walk
About this property
Thunderbird Inn
Motel near Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
Close to Lake Huron, Thunderbird Inn has plenty to offer. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
Swimming pool with sun loungers
Free self parking
A free ferry terminal shuttle, an indoor pool, and a vending machine
Smoke-free premises, an off-leash area, and tour/ticket assistance
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
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
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 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.
How much does it cost to stay at Thunderbird Inn?
As of Jul 1, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Thunderbird Inn on Jul 10, 2025 start from ₩118,810, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
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.
How much is parking at Thunderbird Inn?
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 15-minute walk of Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and Lake Huron. Mackinaw Crossings and Animal Tracks Adventure Golf are also within 1 mi (2 km).
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Thunderbird Inn Reviews
Reviews
7.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 324 out of 1003 reviews
10 - Excellent
324
Rating 8 - Good. 355 out of 1003 reviews
8 - Good
355
Rating 6 - Okay. 176 out of 1003 reviews
6 - Okay
176
Rating 4 - Poor. 90 out of 1003 reviews
4 - Poor
90
Rating 2 - Terrible. 58 out of 1003 reviews
2 - Terrible
58
7.8/10
Cleanliness
8.4/10
Staff & service
7.2/10
Amenities
7.2/10
Property conditions & facilities
7.2/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
8/10
Like the area, the room was nice.
Laura
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10
We were the only guests, it was great!!
Ashley
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
8/10
This was clean and safe. We were pleasantly surprised with the comfort of the mattresses. We would stay there again.
Karen
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
4/10
The room was disgustingly dirty. Bottom of feet were black if one went barefoot. The bathroom stunk like pee.
Pool was green but we were able to get indoor waterpark passes at a different facility for free.
The only this good about the stay was the front desk was friendly and helpful.
Ben
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
4/10
No microwave. Half the lights didnt work. Tub didnt work right. Had issues with the signal on the tv quite a bit. Will never go back.
Amy
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
4/10
Hard to get any cleaning service while we were there. Stayed 4 nights only got new towels and trash emptied once after having to ask twice. The laminate flooring was gritty probably from tracking in gravel/ dirt from parking area. Only swept after our 2 requests. Ran out of toilet paper, fortunately brought some of our own. On our last night some guys decided to have a tailgate party right outside our room with a keger on the tailgate. Were being loud until after 10 pm.
steven
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10
Great stay, very friendly staff!!
Peter
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
8/10
Nice place to stay
Kai
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
8/10
Good, affordable place to stay in Mackinac City.
Chris
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10
Loved the pool area.
James
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
10/10
Its a great property. Staff were very friendly and they rooms are very clean and safe.
Bhaskar
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
6/10
Good location
Linda
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10
The hotel was pretty nice. Very quiet, we were only one of a few people staying that weekend.
Scott
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
8/10
Clean room, friendly staff
Krissi
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
10/10
Best Value for the Money and also the cheapest we found on our trip.
Harold
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
8/10
The hotel was nice. It was good quality for the price.
Melissa
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
8/10
walls were thin but other than that the room was amazing for being on a budget
Hannah
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
10/10
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.
Adelina
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10
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.
Susan
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10
The staff is wonderful and very warm. Helped with everything i needed and went above and beyond
Autumn
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
6/10
Basically stayed here for the easy ferry access for a day trip to Mackinac Island.
Verified traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10
Check guy was efficient and nice. The room is clean and quiet.
Sandra
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
10/10
My mother and I are regular guests, because we love Thunderbird. Front desk people are fantastic as well.
Karma
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
10/10
This was a solid place for our needs. We booked the hotel to sleep at night. It was quiet and seemingly safe. Front desk guy was friendly and polite. Great experience.