Beachcomber of Mackinaw

The staff were friendly and tried to help, but getting a response from the facility meant going through the campground. We left a message because we wanted to speak with them and never heard back. The room also wasn't what we thought we'd booked online: we expected a spa, and small things like an in-room coffee maker and a clock were missing.

The location is ideal, and the place could be great, but management needs to take the job seriously. Lori and her husband, who works in maintenance, repeatedly criticized the other hotels and restaurants in town. They'd be better off putting that energy into this property. We won't stay at Beachcombers again, though we've stayed at the campground numerous times without any problems. We booked three rooms, and all were dirty. There were dead bugs squashed on the walls and ceilings, webs and bugs around, and the floors were so filthy that our feet turned black within a minute of getting out of the shower. We had to wear shoes inside. It looked like cleaning meant doing the bathroom and making the beds. When we complained once, housekeeping came back and ran a vacuum over the floor. That's not cleaning. Since the response to my review included more claims I disagree with, I want to clarify: I never saw anyone cleaning except after a guest left. The furniture is old and dated, so I don't know what upgrades they mean, apart from the big TV. Our room had about five lamps, while others in our group had none. I didn't have trouble with the communal fire pit; that must have been another room in our party, not mine. Saying that my leaving discredits me instead of the property is ridiculous. Get it together and run a better business.

We loved the lakeside setting and the little extras, especially making s'mores by the bonfire and grilling our own food. The views of the Mackinac Bridge were beautiful, and we even watched fireworks from our balcony. The place felt charming, everything was spotless, and Lauri and her husband made us feel welcome. There was a bachelorette party while we were there, so we worried it might be loud. Lauri handled things well and everyone got a peaceful night's sleep. The location is handy for getting around, and access to the nearby campground amenities is a real bonus. Great value for what you get. We'd happily come back.

The beach is the best part. My brother and I walked along it this morning, and compared with the neighboring motels, it's hands down the best. The nightly bonfires are lovely too. Our beach cabin has a wonderful view. Last night we watched the Mackinaw City fireworks from the swing and picnic table outside, and today I can see Mackinac Island and the bridge across the straits. It's adorable, with a 1950s kitsch feel, reliable wi-fi, and 65" streaming televisions. It was clean and smelled like soap when we arrived, and the window A/C keeps it cool. The kitchen has what we need, though there's no oven. I wasn't planning to bake cookies anyway, and there's a good Weber charcoal grill. Downtown Mackinaw City is less than a mile away and walkable. Lori and Gene have been friendly and gone out of their way to help. I asked for a vacuum so I could sweep daily, and one was brought right over. I'm so happpy we're staying here.