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Thunderbird Inn

2.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Thunderbird Inn

Children’s play area – outdoor
Indoor pool, open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool loungers
Exterior
Property grounds
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Pillow-top beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
146 Old Us 31, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701
  • Place, Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Mackinaw City Dock
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

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
  • 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
  • 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)
  • 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
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About this property

Thunderbird Inn

Motel with free parking, 8-minute walk to Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
An indoor pool, concierge services and tour/ticket assistance are available at this smoke-free motel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a vending machine. Change of towels is available on request
Thunderbird Inn offers 48 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include telephones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested.

Recreational amenities at the motel include an indoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at Thunderbird Inn. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal. Free WiFi in public areas, free self-parking and a free ferry terminal shuttle are available. This property offers pet-friendly amenities, such as an off-lead area.
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self-parking
  • Take a swim in the indoor pool
  • Services include a concierge and tour or ticket assistance
  • Guests have great things to say about the value of their stay and the clean guestrooms
  • Within a 15-minute walk of Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and Lake Huron
  • Free ferry terminal shuttle service
  • Cats and dogs welcome for a fee (restrictions apply)
  • Pet-friendly amenities are available, including an off-lead area
As a guest of Thunderbird Inn, you'll find an indoor pool, a vending machine, and tour/ticket assistance. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free self parking is available. You'll have access to the indoor pool at a partner property.

This Mackinaw City motel is smoke free.

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

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
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: USD 35 per pet, per stay
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • An off-lead area is available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • 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

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 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
The front desk at this property is open daily from 7:00 AM - midnight.
Guests arriving after 11:00 PM must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Children aged 12 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Thunderbird Inn Mackinaw City
Thunderbird Mackinaw City
Thunderbird Inn Motel
Thunderbird Inn Mackinaw City
Thunderbird Inn Motel Mackinaw City

Reviews

Thunderbird Inn Reviews

7.6

Good

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 321 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 344 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 173 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 98 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 65 out of 1001 reviews

Reviews

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

6/10 Okay

ivy

Travelled with family
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

2/10 Terrible

Cindy

Travelled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

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

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

NAYEEMUDDIN, Columbia

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Becky Ann, Junction City

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great last-minute choice. The folks behind the counter were nice and were helpful. The rooms decor is dated, but I don't care about that - it was kept very clean and had a nice roomy fridge. Towels and bedding were clean and nice. A/C was very cold. Water was hot and worked well. That's what I want in a room. We did not use the pool. We noticed it had water in it but no one was using it when we arrived, so I can't comment on the condition of that.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Kim

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I made a reservation and paid in advance. I arrived at the Thunderbird at 10:20 and was told I did not have a room due to overbooking. Again, room was already paid for!! I was traveling with my 2 elderly parents. I got upset but was told this motel also owned the neighbor motel so I could get a room there. The room was in need of updates. Toilet was clogged which resulted in a trip to office to be given a plunger to fix myself. Big spider in tub. Shower curtain rod was not affixed to the wall and was not secured. As I had no other option we stayed but got out first thing in the morning. The whole experience was stressful! I would not stay again and would not recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

I think it's average for a hotel in this price range. However, we were uncomfortable with window without locks, too dirty floor and etc.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Lucy

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It took me a conversation with Expedia to get a clean room and we ended up with a 2 queen bed room instead of a king bed room. 1st room mattress was stained, 2nd room mattress was worse and there was a large area of either blood or food behind nightstand with killer dust balls. The manager offered to have room cleaned but by then I had decided to contact Expedia for a refund. Refund was refused. Manager then took us to the 3rd room which we then agreed to. No apology from manager! Would not recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 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

8/10 Good

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was convenient location, bikeable. Staff were great, responded quickly to any issues.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Travelled with family
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

4/10 Poor

Jeff

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

ROBIN, Lake Mary

Travelled with pets
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Checkin took a long time for a prepaid stay. Small lobby and people lined up out the door at 4 pm. I got there a little early and told I had to wait. When I came back there was the line. Walls thin. Could hear people outside on the walkway talking until at least midnight. Could hear toilet flush and shower in next room. Certainly way overpriced for facility but I needed a place to stay that night.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candy, Iron Mountain

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

Peg

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
some of the outlets are bad. I had a hard time plugging my chargers. Other than that, it was good.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Geraldine

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nothing
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pool was dirty
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Ryan

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Litter in the grounds and a previously used wash cloth, stiff as a board, still hanging on the shower curtain rod from someone before.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Calvin

Needs a lot of updating and upkeep.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Travelled with family
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