Grand Hotel
Lodging · Mackinac Island, Michigan
The Grand Hotel is a summer resort hotel on Mackinac Island, opened in 1887, and it is best known for its front porch, said to be the longest in the world at about 660 feet. The island bans cars, so you arrive by ferry and ride up by horse-drawn carriage, which is part of the point. The hotel has about 390 rooms, no two alike, and keeps a formal evening dress code after 6 pm - jackets and ties for men and dresses for women (confirm the current rules). It was the setting for the 1980 film Somewhere in Time. It suits couples, anniversary trips and people who want a period experience, and it is expensive. Non-guests usually pay an entry fee to see the hotel, so confirm that, and the season runs from about May to October. Plan ahead for ferry, dress and rates. The porch, the carriage ride and the hilltop setting are the real draw, and the building is a place to sit, watch and dress up rather than a resort with a beach or activities. Fort Mackinac and the island's downtown are a short ride away.
286 Grand Avenue, Mackinac Island, Michigan, 49757, United States
The Grand Hotel is seasonal, open roughly from May to October, and it closes for the winter along with most of Mackinac Island - confirm the exact opening and closing dates for the year. Within the season the porch, lobby and public rooms are open during the day for guests, and non-guests can usually visit for a set window and a fee, with limited access on busy event days or when rooms and dining areas are reserved. Dinner has a formal dress code after 6 pm. Hours for afternoon tea, the pool and the bar change by month, so check the hotel before you travel and book dining in advance.