May 1, 2011

Mackinac Island, Michigan: Grand Hotel; hotel review

800-33-GRAND, 906-847-3331. 385 rooms, each individually decorated. Pool; sauna; 2 hot tubs; children’s program; 4 clay tennis courts (rentals available). Full breakfast & dinner included. No tipping. Dress policy.

Everyone should experience fine living at the Grand Hotel at least once. From the world’s longest front porch—660 feet long to be precise—guests get a prime view of the straits as they sit in a long, long line of rocking chairs amid more than 2,500 blooming red geraniums in flower boxes lining the entire length of the porch.

 This National Historic Landmark built in 1887 still presents afternoon tea in the parlor, and the smiling staff greets you as you enter the main dining room. It is also the world's largest summer hotel (it’s closed from November through April). Rates include an elaborate breakfast and dinner daily, horse-drawn shuttle service, and all tips.

For non-guests, a small fee is charged to visit the hotel during the day (the ticket price is deducted from any hotel restaurant meal), but after 6 p.m. if you meet the dress code you can visit for cocktails or dinner and take in the scene at no fee.

Rooms are comfortable and individually decorated; some have balconies or lake views. Luxurious suites are named and themed after famous figures and include six First Lady rooms. Resort grounds include a beautiful 220-foot long serpentine-shaped outdoor heated pool, an 18-hole golf course, and formal gardens.

The doorman wears splendid red tails, guests make a red-carpet entrance, and  antiques throughout the hotels make it a lived-in museum.



More things to do on Mackinac Island.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.


image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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