Cabins of Mackinaw

We booked based on the website photos and description of spacious new two-story cabins with two bedrooms, a jacuzzi bath, kitchenette, living area, pool access, and a view of Lake Huron near the ferry docks. What we got was an old, tiny cabin tucked behind the newer ones. It was cold when we arrived and took a while to warm up. The rooms were so cramped that the doors wouldn’t open all the way, and there was no bedding for the fold-out sofa, so we had to go ask for some. The clerk wasn’t helpful. This felt like a bait and switch, and I’d choose one of the many other places in Mackinaw City.

Having our own little cabins instead of regular hotel rooms made the weekend feel special, and the location worked out really well. We usually stay on Mackinac Island, but saved money by staying here and taking a day trip over. The ferry port was an easy walk across the street, and we also got discounted ferry tickets. There were four adults in our group, so we booked two rooms, one with a queen bed and one with two queen beds. The front desk honored our online request to put them next to each other. Both rooms were clean and had very comfortable beds, extra towels, coffee, individual heat and AC units, TVs, and a wooden table and chairs. Our reservation also came with a BOGO breakfast at a local restaurant. We had a great time staying in the city and visiting the island for the day.

The cabins are cute, but upkeep needs work. The whole cabin slanted a few degrees to one side, and something left behind in the freezer seems to have become permanent. Even the three lights above the bathroom sink had different bulb styles and gave off three different shades of white. Nice idea, poor maintenance.

I paid $700 for what was advertised as a spacious two-bedroom chalet, but was handed the keys to a tiny one-story cabin. There were webs, dust, dead bugs, and mold in the first bedroom, which was especially concerning because I’m severely allergic to mold. Its window wouldn’t open. In the other bedroom, the window was stuck open without a screen, and the main window looked like someone had tried to break in. Someone had stuffed paper towels into the damage. The shower looked filthy, the fridge was smaller than a mini fridge, a couple of lamps didn’t work, and neither did the TV. The cabin was supposed to be ready, yet the receptionist first said it wasn’t quite done. There’s no breakfast on site as advertised, just a coupon for an off-site place that people say is bad. The so-called private beach is a run-down section beside the nicer beach. Parking wasn’t assigned, and the hot tub was barely warm, slimy, and dirty. The pictures make it look like you’re booking one of the nicer cabins. I felt ripped off, and I hope others don’t make the same mistake.