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Motel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Mackinac Lake Trail Motel

Stay at Mackinac Lake Trail Motel, a 4.4-rated motel in Mackinaw City, MI. Close to Mackinac Island, Headlands Dark Sky Park, and Pellston Regional Airport.

10470 US-23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, United States View on map
8.8/10
Very Good Based on 36 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Pool Golf course
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable, clean rooms with lakeside access

Guests appreciate the clean and charming rooms, affordable pricing, and pleasant outdoor amenities. Practical considerations like parking and room features receive mixed feedback.

Guests often praise

  • Immaculately clean and well-maintained rooms with charming decor
  • Affordable rates offering good value for short stays
  • Comfortable beds and cozy heating for cooler nights
  • Access to a lakeside fire pit, picnic area, and scenic walking trails
  • Welcoming coffee hut with a pleasant seating area

Worth knowing

  • Parking is limited and tight, with no assigned spots or attendants
  • Some rooms lack refrigerators and bathtub plugs, limiting convenience
  • Shower water pressure may be weak, impacting the bathing experience
  • Coffee taste has been described as watered down despite a cute setup
  • Pool facilities are available but may close early and be difficult to use

Best for

  • Couples or solo travelers seeking clean, budget-friendly accommodations
  • Visitors planning to explore nearby attractions like Mackinac Island and local parks
  • Guests who value outdoor spaces and scenic lake views
  • Travelers willing to forgo some in-room amenities for price and location
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About this property

Welcome to Mackinac Lake Trail Motel

Mackinac Lake Trail Motel is a modest lodging option situated along US-23 in Mackinaw City, offering convenient access to several well-known local attractions. Among these are Mackinac Island, famous for its historic sites and vehicle restrictions, and the nearby Headlands International Dark Sky Park, which provides natural woodland and shoreline experiences. Guests can also visit the nearby Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, providing a glimpse into the area's maritime history.

The motel features simple and clean accommodations that appeal to visitors seeking budget-friendly options. Rooms have been described as recently updated with tasteful pine furniture, and several reviewers have noted the high standard of cleanliness maintained throughout. Facilities include a coffee hut with seating that guests have found to be a pleasant bonus, although some have found the coffee quality to be lacking. Limited parking is available, though some guests have mentioned that the spots are tight and could benefit from clearer markings.

While the motel lacks refrigerators and has been reported to have inconsistent water pressure in showers, it provides basic comforts such as heating and Wi-Fi. The property offers a peaceful lakeside setting with access to a fire pit and picnic tables just a short walk from the rooms, which adds to its appeal for those looking to enjoy outdoor recreation. Check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM.

Overall, Mackinac Lake Trail Motel suits travelers who prioritize location and affordability over extensive amenities. It is well positioned for those interested in sightseeing, nature, and simple stays near Mackinaw City's attractions. Guests looking for spacious or family-sized accommodations may find the rooms somewhat limited in size, but the motel's charm and proximity to local points of interest make it a practical choice for many visitors.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Pool
Golf course

Not available at this property

Restaurant
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

CB
Colleen Betzold Apr 09, 2026
8.0

My only issue is the parking. I thought your parking spot would be outside of your room. The parking is not plentiful. The spots should be numbered, I feel.

PK
paige Kinsman Mar 08, 2026
10

This place was overall great to stay at for just the night. Rooms were very clean other than a few dirt spots on the blinds, no bedbugs, and the heater in the room was nice due to it being colder during the night. However, on the other hand, the water pressure for the shower head was awful. I still left dirty afterward because I kept having to rerinse myself because the shampoo was still in my hair. The cabin area for the coffee was alright. It tasted pretty watered down, honestly. The tubs do not plug us for baths, which was disappointing due to being sick when I was staying there. The coffee area was cute but the taste of the coffee was very watered down.. Other than that, great service and its a good place to stay. Very affordable as well.

LA
Linda Andre Mar 07, 2026
8.0

The room was nicely decorated. Bed was comfortable. Free coffee was available in the morning. There was no refrigerator which was inconvenient for keeping drinks cold. Parking spots were tight. No attendees on duty. Close to Mackinaw City.

KU
Kayla Uhlbeck Feb 22, 2026
10

This place was AMAZING! Great price, nice cute rooms and even though we stayed at the motel there is still access to a fire pit directly on the lake with picnic tables within a 5 min walk. They also have an awesome coffee hut with a sitting area right behind the rooms with beautiful scenery! I would highly recommend this place! We will 100% be back!

LM
Leslie M Feb 12, 2026
10

ADORABLE and CLEAN!! I can’t begin to find the perfect words as to why I am giving this charming motel an A++++ review! I have nothing negative to say. We entered into the room and were greeted by the quaint furniture which is of beautiful pine wood. And when I say the place was clean I am telling you in all my years of travel, I can honestly say this is probably the cleanest room I have ever had. And honestly, when staying at a hotel/motel etc… isn’t cleanliness at the top of everyone’s list? We had PLENTY of hot water and no problems with Wi-Fi. And can I tell you, the coffee hut is lovely and welcoming after a long day or starting our day. I would like to thank the whole staff and especially the maintenance staff for providing a wonderful vacation experience for us! We will most definitely be coming to your establishment again.

DCP
Daisy C Perez Jan 20, 2026
10

Cleanest rooms! We are simple, so do not require the microwave and fridge. Coffee hut was fantastic, and we used the microwave there for midnight snacks. Staff to check in at the campground were so wonderful and welcoming. Access to campgrounds was great, we played basketball and used the playground. Trail to the beach was amazing both day and night. Will be back!

RR
Ryan Rockwell Jan 19, 2026
8.0

This hotel was a great value for a summer getaway. The rooms are just big enough for a couple, perfect to come back to after a day in Mackinaw. Definitely couldn’t get a whole family in the room we had though. There’s a nice pool but it closed too early for us to get to use. The path down to the lake opens up to a fire/picnic area with a great view of the bridge. We were able to ride our bikes into town in about 15 minutes going at an easy pace; half of the ride was on the road, the other half on the trail that runs parallel to the road. Our room was clean and the rustic wood furnishings were nice. Parking is a little tight, especially when people don’t park in the lines. I would certainly stay here again!

E
Ethan Dec 27, 2025
8.0

I was a little nervous booking here with it being so much cheaper then other options. But I was pleasantly surprised by the motel. It was a nice clean room with with plenty of room and looked recently refurnished. The location was great, only 5 minutes from downtown Mackinaw city. The only complaint I had was the bed wasn’t the most comfortable but everything else was great. Also a nice side not is booking at the motel, you get all the amenities the campground has to offer. This includes mini golf, showers, beach front areas, and more.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Mackinac Lake Trail Motel

Mackinaw City, Michigan, USA

Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around

  • Pellston Regional Airport 22 min Car
  • Chippewa County International Airport 48 min Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Michigan. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Mackinac Island 1,026 reviews

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, MI 49757, USA

4.8 · Island
Headlands International Dark Sky Park 2,801 reviews

Headlands International Dark Sky Park

15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, United States

4.8 · Park
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse 2,050 reviews

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

526 N Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, United States

4.7 · Historical Place Museum
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