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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 Wi-Fi
  • 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 | Pillow-top beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Pillow-top beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(16 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed | Pillow-top beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)
  • 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 | Pillow-top beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 33 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Pillow-top beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(40 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed | Pillow-top beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(28 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
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About the area

Mackinaw City is home to Thunderbird Inn. Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and The Jewel at the Grand Hotel are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Animal Tracks Adventure Golf and Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the 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 showing landscape views, snow and a bridge
    Mackinaw Crossings
    15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion
    16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Mackinaw City Dock
    18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
    20 min walk - 1.7 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 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 such as:
  • Swimming pool, along with sunloungers
  • Free self-parking
  • A free ferry terminal shuttle, an indoor pool and concierge services
  • An off-lead area, a vending machine and smoke-free property
  • Guest reviews say great things about the overall value and helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at Thunderbird Inn have comforts, such as air conditioning, as well as Guest reviews speak positively of the cleanliness rooms at the property.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Pillowtop mattresses and rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
  • Bathrooms with shower/bath combinations and free toiletries
  • 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Fridges, coffee/tea makers and heating

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free ferry terminal shuttle
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

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 lift

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Smoke-free property

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
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 are 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 on the number on the booking confirmation
An off-lead 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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

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-authorise 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 any lifts
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 to 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 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?

Checkout 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.

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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

Verified

8/10 Good

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was a little older in style and amenities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Electrical outlets need replacing, plugs loose in receptacle and 1 outlet not working!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Martha

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
The air conditioner didn't work. The electric outlet closest to the bed only had one working space. The bedside tables need to be higher. I use a c-pap and the machine has to be as high or higher than the bed. The tables were lower so I had to use a couple of books to raise the machine. I didn't see any recycle bins.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Rey

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

4/10 Poor

Jinger

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Toilet didnt work and the room smelled like mildew. Was clean though.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Tracy

Liked: Staff & service
Just completely average. Not bad, nothing special.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Checked in after 10PM, room was clean and neat. Heat and AC worked fine. Checkout at 8AM was quick. I would stay in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
kind staff
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Bryan

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The conditions of the room were much more poor than expected. Missing trim, dirty walls. If you’re staying with a clean freak, do not check behind any dresser or end table.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Donald

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
No exhaust in the bathroom and only light in the bathroom was a timed heat lamp. Otherwise room was goof.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Jennifer

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The linens had a couple stains and a ciggerette burn. My room was on the first floor and the giant 5 foot window would not lock. Even though i locked it, if i tested it with a gentle tug ,it would slide open and the screen was the only thing seperating me from the outside. The room was musty. I wanted to request a new room, however, was very tired and could tell that the room was cleaned. The linens were crisp,appeared laundered, and the corners were clean in the rooms. As strange as that sounds. It was either find another hotel, because, the problem is that they are not upkeeping the peoperty. The room needed to be painted, it was musty and needed new ventilation. I would say this takes the cake for the worst place I've ever stayed.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Amanda

Disliked: Room comfort
The bed was horrible. It sat on wheels and seemed like a portable bed. Far from comfortable. The room smelled musty. Had to keep windows open to get fresh air. Location was ok for what we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient location!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Lai

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The floor was not that much clean but I like the beds with 3 kids.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

ivy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Bathroom was good, bed was okay, pillows were old and needs to be changed. new laminate flooring, so no musty smell. Pool was not available, no microwave Dated motel but close to Arnold Ferry and the town attractions is walkable.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Cindy

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service

UNHAPPY & UNSATISFIED

Beware I checked us in we had two rooms then shortly after went to check us out and request a refund I paid cash. The room had bugs in it. There were several people trying to get a refunds. They had bugs also. Also they said they had a pool it was locked and it looked nasty. I think I should get a full refund. They did not live up to their end of the deal. A clean room, friendly, no pool this is just for starters. Maybe the health department should check into the cleanliness of this property or maybe The Better Business Bureau should be notified. I feel everyone should receive a refund. Wanted to let you know what type of business you are representing. If I don’t hear from you I will take that it means I need to take it further.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Cost
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great value and comfort. Shuttle service to ferry a bonus.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Excellent value; clean, comfortable, friendly and helpful staff
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025