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Thunderbird Inn

2.5 star property
Motel with free parking, 8-minute walk to Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal

Photo gallery for Thunderbird Inn

Children’s play area – outdoor
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub
Indoor pool, open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool loungers
Property grounds
Exterior

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View map
146 Old Us 31, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701
  • Place, Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Mackinaw City Dock
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Headlands International Dark Sky Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Jetted bath
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
Private spa tub
Air-conditioning
Pillowtop mattress
Hair dryer
Jetted bathtub
Shower/tub combination
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(16 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Separate sitting area
Separate dining area
Air-conditioning
Pillowtop mattress
Hair dryer
Shower/tub combination
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Separate sitting area
Separate dining area
Air-conditioning
Pillowtop mattress
Hair dryer
Shower/tub combination
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Jetted bath
Separate sitting area
Separate dining area
Private spa tub
Air-conditioning
Pillowtop mattress
Hair dryer
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Pillow-top beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(40 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
Air-conditioning
Pillowtop mattress
Hair dryer
Shower/tub combination
Refrigerator
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(28 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Separate sitting area
Separate dining area
Air-conditioning
Pillowtop mattress
Hair dryer
Shower/tub combination
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the area

Mackinaw City

At Thunderbird Inn you'll be within just a 15-minute stroll of popular places like Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and Lake Huron. Highlights at this motel include an indoor swimming pool and in-room free WiFi. .This pet-friendly motel offers free WiFi in public areas, concierge services and a vending machine. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as an off-lead area. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of a free ferry terminal shuttle. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this Mackinaw City motel include Lake Michigan and Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
View more Motels in Mackinaw CityOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Mackinaw City Dock - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Mackinaw Bridge Museum - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse - 3 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Headlands International Dark Sky Park - 5 min drive - 5.5 km

Getting around

  • Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Keyhole Bar & Grill - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Dixie Saloon - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Wienerlicious - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Darrow's Family Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬14 min walk

About this property

Thunderbird Inn

Motel with free parking, 8-minute walk to Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
As a guest of Thunderbird Inn, you'll find an indoor pool, a vending machine, and tour/ticket assistance. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free self parking is available. You'll have access to the indoor pool at a partner property.

This Mackinaw City motel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 48 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • No smoking on site
Thunderbird Inn offers 48 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include telephones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free ferry terminal shuttle
  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Indoor pool
  • Indoor pool (guest access)

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Indoor pool
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Pool loungers

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4 PM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out
Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - midnight
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
This property will place a credit card authorization of 1 night for any bookings where payment for the stay will be made on site instead of at the time of booking.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: USD 35 per pet, per stay
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • An off-lead area is available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 40.0 per night.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 35 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 40.0 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Children aged 12 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Thunderbird Inn Mackinaw City
Thunderbird Mackinaw City
Thunderbird Inn Motel
Thunderbird Inn Mackinaw City
Thunderbird Inn Motel Mackinaw City

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Thunderbird Inn?

Thunderbird Inn offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Thunderbird Inn?

Yep, Thunderbird Inn has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Thunderbird Inn?

Yep, Thunderbird Inn is a short 6-minute walk from Edgewater Beach. Fun beach activities include parasailing and swimming. You can also find boat tours.

Does Thunderbird Inn have a pool?

Thunderbird Inn has a pool and an indoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger. The pool is open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Thunderbird Inn?

No, Thunderbird Inn does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Thunderbird Inn?

Check-in begins at 4 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Thunderbird Inn?

Cats and dogs are welcome at Thunderbird Inn, with dog exercise areas on offer. Just so you know, there's a limit of 2 pets.

Thunderbird Inn Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 321 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 344 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 173 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 98 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 65 out of 1001 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Lai

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The floor was not that much clean but I like the beds with 3 kids.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

ivy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Bathroom was good, bed was okay, pillows were old and needs to be changed. new laminate flooring, so no musty smell. Pool was not available, no microwave Dated motel but close to Arnold Ferry and the town attractions is walkable.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Cindy

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service

UNHAPPY & UNSATISFIED

Beware I checked us in we had two rooms then shortly after went to check us out and request a refund I paid cash. The room had bugs in it. There were several people trying to get a refunds. They had bugs also. Also they said they had a pool it was locked and it looked nasty. I think I should get a full refund. They did not live up to their end of the deal. A clean room, friendly, no pool this is just for starters. Maybe the health department should check into the cleanliness of this property or maybe The Better Business Bureau should be notified. I feel everyone should receive a refund. Wanted to let you know what type of business you are representing. If I don’t hear from you I will take that it means I need to take it further.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Cost
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great value and comfort. Shuttle service to ferry a bonus.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Excellent value; clean, comfortable, friendly and helpful staff
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

NAYEEMUDDIN, Columbia

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Becky Ann, Junction City

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great last-minute choice. The folks behind the counter were nice and were helpful. The rooms decor is dated, but I don't care about that - it was kept very clean and had a nice roomy fridge. Towels and bedding were clean and nice. A/C was very cold. Water was hot and worked well. That's what I want in a room. We did not use the pool. We noticed it had water in it but no one was using it when we arrived, so I can't comment on the condition of that.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Kim

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I made a reservation and paid in advance. I arrived at the Thunderbird at 10:20 and was told I did not have a room due to overbooking. Again, room was already paid for!! I was traveling with my 2 elderly parents. I got upset but was told this motel also owned the neighbor motel so I could get a room there. The room was in need of updates. Toilet was clogged which resulted in a trip to office to be given a plunger to fix myself. Big spider in tub. Shower curtain rod was not affixed to the wall and was not secured. As I had no other option we stayed but got out first thing in the morning. The whole experience was stressful! I would not stay again and would not recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

I think it's average for a hotel in this price range. However, we were uncomfortable with window without locks, too dirty floor and etc.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Lucy

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It took me a conversation with Expedia to get a clean room and we ended up with a 2 queen bed room instead of a king bed room. 1st room mattress was stained, 2nd room mattress was worse and there was a large area of either blood or food behind nightstand with killer dust balls. The manager offered to have room cleaned but by then I had decided to contact Expedia for a refund. Refund was refused. Manager then took us to the 3rd room which we then agreed to. No apology from manager! Would not recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Carmen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very friendly staff. Service was good. Room was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was convenient location, bikeable. Staff were great, responded quickly to any issues.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The staff and beds were the best. My only complaint is the coffee pot didnt work 😌
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Jeff

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

ROBIN, Lake Mary

Travelled with pets
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Checkin took a long time for a prepaid stay. Small lobby and people lined up out the door at 4 pm. I got there a little early and told I had to wait. When I came back there was the line. Walls thin. Could hear people outside on the walkway talking until at least midnight. Could hear toilet flush and shower in next room. Certainly way overpriced for facility but I needed a place to stay that night.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candy, Iron Mountain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Safe, quiet and friendly staff. We are a return guest.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Peg

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
some of the outlets are bad. I had a hard time plugging my chargers. Other than that, it was good.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Geraldine

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nothing
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pool was dirty
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Ryan

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Litter in the grounds and a previously used wash cloth, stiff as a board, still hanging on the shower curtain rod from someone before.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Calvin

Needs a lot of updating and upkeep.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was clean, well maintained, staff were helpful and professional, close to highway, lots of places to eat nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025