The Iconic Mackinac Island Hotel Some Tourists Call 'Overrated'

Michigan is home to some stunning natural attractions — such as this Midwestern beach with crystal blue waters — though perhaps none is more well-known than Mackinac Island. Situated on Lake Huron just a stone's throw away from the mighty Mackinac Bridge – which opens for pedestrians just one morning a year — Mackinac Island offers elegant beauty with historic architecture and horse-drawn carriages, along with hiking and biking trails that crisscross the island. It's also one of the few destinations in the U.S. that bans automobiles, creating a car-free environment which will make you feel as if you've stepped back in time.

When it comes to accommodations, the island is home to 1,600 rooms in the form of hotels, B&Bs, resorts, condominiums, cottages and private homes, all of which convey its many charms. However, among these properties, one in particular stands out: the historic Grand Hotel.

Built in 1887, this National Historic Landmark lives up to its name when it comes to majesty and size, with 397 unique guest rooms — no two are the same. The sweeping waterfront property boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, tennis courts, a tea garden, and its own golf course, as well as the world's longest porch. However, despite its fame and grandeur, some guests have taken to the internet to air complaints regarding their stays at the Grand Hotel, even going so far as to call the iconic resort "overrated," suggesting that all may not be well in paradise.

While the Grand Hotel still maintains thousands of excellent ratings online, some cracks have begun to appear in the armor. In a three-star review titled "Overrated" on Tripadvisor, one user described the rooms as "relatively small" with outdated decor, before griping about the food. "The included meals were typical of mass-produced banquet fair [sic], or cruise ship dining," they wrote. In fact, several reviews likened the Grand Hotel to a cruise ship. Another Yelp reviewer wrote, "We never expected the quality, or lack thereof, to be such a deflating experience." One former guest didn't hold back about their experience. "HORRIBLE, Should be a minus rating. They ruined my wives 'bucket list," they said.

Some Grand Hotel guests have taken to Reddit to voice their concerns. One longtime guest who claims to have visited many times over the past 25 years wrote, "The hotel is not what it used to be. It used to be pristine but is now starting to look shabby." They also noted that prices have gotten out of hand, claiming that $1,000 per night is the minimum rate during the peak summer months. According to the Grand Hotel's website, room rates range from $435 to upwards of $900 per night in late spring and summer 2026, at the time of writing. 

So, what may be going on behind the scenes at Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel? Owned and operated by the Musser family for 85 years, the hotel was sold to KSL Capital Partners — a private equity group — in 2019. Some users on the Reddit forum believe that the new owners seem more interested in profit than quality and exceptional service. Despite the naysayers, overall reviews of the hotel remain positive. Anyone can be a critic on the internet, so perhaps some of the complaints should be taken with a grain of salt.

While the Grand Hotel may be Mackinac Island's crown jewel, there are plenty of other choices when it comes to accommodations. The Inn at Stonecliffe offers many of the same historic charms as the Grand, and is owned by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, which means all net profits go to good causes. Main Street Inn and Suites is an 18-room property that's much easier on the wallet than some of the other options and offers great views of the harbor. The Mackinac House is a luxury boutique property situated just a short walk or bike ride from many of the island's main attractions, and also features a classic wooden deck.

When it comes to exploring Mackinac Island, your best bet is to jump on a bicycle, but a cruise through town in a horse-drawn carriage is also on the must-do list. No visit is complete without trying the island's world-famous fudge, and for a heart-stopping view of Lake Huron and beyond, hike up to the viewpoint over Arch Rock, a limestone arch stretching 146 above the water.

To get to Mackinac Island, you can fly into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DWA) and drive or take a bus to the town of St. Ignace, which is just on the northern side of the 5-mile Mackinac Bridge. The journey takes about four-and-a-half hours. From there, jump on the ferry for the 16-minute ride to the island. For more of Michigan's coastal charms, check out Marquette, a small city on Lake Superior's shores that boasts sailing, waterfall hikes, and tasty dining.