Grand Hotel in a Nutshell:
Grand dame of Michigan's Mackinac island, the Grand Hotel — a member of the Historic Hotels of America — has been hosting summer vacationers since 1887. Somewhat more recently, the Grand Hotel provided the setting for the historic romance Somewhere in Time, filmed in 1980. Yet her greatest claim to fame is visible from afar: The majestic 660-foot-long veranda that evokes her Victorian heritage is reputed to be the world's longest. Strolling along it won't be the only walking you do: Cars are restricted on Mackinac Island — and that's just the way generations of guests like it.
Guest Rooms at the Grand Hotel:
The Grand Hotel's 385 rooms vary in size and location, so the one you choose may have an effect on your enjoyment. For instance, would you rather spend less for a small one without much of a view? Or can you afford larger, deluxe digs with a balcony that overlooks the water? Regardless, your room will have been designed under the direction of Carlton Varney, known for a certain frou-frou comfort and elegance (think floral-patterned wallpaper and fabrics) one rarely sees in sleek new hotels. There are also six suites named for the U.S. First Ladies who consulted on their decor.
Dining at the Grand Hotel:
Daily breakfast and dinner are included in the rate. Between 7:30am and 11am, there's always something to eat in the morning. Specialties include pancakes or French toast with real Michigan maple syrup. The hotel offers a lunch buffet, but there are also many choices in town. Male guests who eat in the Main Dining Room are expected to show up wearing a coat and tie. (And pants.) There are also casual-dress eateries on site. The Grand Hotel Orchestra performs nightly in the parlor after dinner.
Destination Weddings at the Grand Hotel:
During the season (May through October), the Grand Hotel's picturesque lawn and lakeview settings, indoors and out, are a prime location for destination weddings. With a dedicated wedding coordinator and house orchestra, two planning pressures are eased. Although the minimum charge for a big wedding is $5,000, there's also a package that costs under $1,000 for weddings of 10 guests or fewer, including the bride and groom. Payment for the officiant is additional. For more details, download the Grand Hotel wedding brochure.
Honeymoon and Romance Packages at the Grand Hotel:
The hotel's honeymoon/anniversary package includes three nights' lodging, daily breakfast and dinner, flowers, champagne, Grand Hotel fudge, one afternoon tea, an hourlong private horse-and-carriage ride, and 10 percent off the package the next time you visit. The price is determined by the category of lodging you select. There's also a simple romantic gift package (flowers, fudge, wine or champagne, and a card) as well as a swoon-worthy romance basket whose bounty consists of a dozen long-stemmed roses, 2 complimentary bathrobes, champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a card. The rest is up to you.
Activities at the Grand Hotel:
Golf on the 18-hole Jewel course, play tennis on one of four Har Tru courts, and swim outdoors in the heated pool. It stretches serpent-like for 220 feet and contains one half million gallons of water. Indoors, there's shopping, for everything from teas to toys to tableware.
Is the Grand Hotel Right for You?:
Given that guests 11 years old and younger stay and eat free, the Grand Hotel attracts lots of families with kids. Early in the season (May, and before school lets out in June), and late September and October are the best times to avoid them. Nonetheless, the hotel frequently earns a spot on Travel & Leisure magazine's list of the world's top 500 hotels and garners a Four-Diamond Award from the AAA. The world’s largest summer hotel, the Grand Hotel is a one-of-a-kind place.
