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Lamplighter Motel: Traveler Reviews

303 E Jamet St, P.O. Box 719, Mackinaw City, MI
Hotel amenities
Lamplighter Motel
Ranked #2 of 40 hotels in Mackinaw City
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79 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveler rating
    57
    18
    1
    2
    1
Date Rating
Stamford, Connecticut
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
39 hotel reviews
Reviews in 49 cities Reviews in 49 cities
65 helpful votes 65 helpful votes
“When I call to book a room I am so disappointed to hear”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 8, 2012

the only room available is a small double room. In fact the owner, Terry, mentioned the size of the room twice during the course of the conversation. I thought about it and decided the price was right so we booked it. As we pulled up to the front of this very cute and cozy motel with all the flowers I was at once put at ease. Yes, the room was small, but it's not as if I wasn't told beforehand. So enough about the size of the room and on to what this little place is. It's clean, lovely, peaceful and fun. At about 9:30 pm Terry starts a campfire and one by one the other people staying at the motel join the circle. One couple comes to the Lamplighter once a year for a week and does day trips to nearby attractions. Another couple came north from Kansas to get away from the heat. There were several couples within a short period of time and we all shared our stories about where we had been and where we were going and become kindred spirits. It was wonderful to hear the impressions of others. What was also especially nice is to share your experiences with people from all over and realize we are so different and yet so much alike. Terry's wife, Jen, joined us with their two little dachshunds who slept on pillows at their feet. When you have been traveling for a couple of weeks by yourselves and have an opportunity to share your stories with others it is refreshing. It's almost like group therapy for meandering travelers. We laughed quite a bit about mishaps along the way. By the end of the evening you are part of an unique experience you could not have had anywhere else. This place is not just about a place to lay your head at night but about the entire experience. Nice people with lots to share. You are not going to find this at the Econo Lodge or Super 8. If I am ever in this area again, I will be sure to stay here. I hope you do too. By the way, the motel is within walking distance of the main thoroughfare and waterside park. It's also very close to the ferries to Mackinac Island. Life is good at the Lamplighter Motel! By the way, Terry and Jen take care of everything...the housekeeping, landscaping, reservations and do a superior job of it. Kudos to them.

Room Tip: There are themed rooms and you might want to request one of those, but my main advice would be to jo...
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  • Stayed August 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 5
Ask sandy0106 about Lamplighter Motel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Raleigh
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Exactly what I hoped for”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed July 29, 2012

After staying in chain hotels and a fancy B&B, we wanted a laid back, homey place to meet locals as we toured northern MI and the UP. Stayed in the Dragonfly room for 2 nights and it was exactly as advertised. Terry and Jenn were full of helpful local info and were fun to talk with. The other guests were accepting, interesting and delightful. When I get back to northern MI again will look forward to the fire pit time at night. Terry - love your old car!

  • Stayed July 2012, traveled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask A H about Lamplighter Motel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Saline, Michigan
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
“Adjust your expectations and it will be fine.”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed July 28, 2012 via mobile

First off, the 2-star rating has to be taken in context. There were things to like about the Lamplighter, but based on the reviews in TripAdvisor I was expecting more. The price is very reasonable for the area but just keep in mind, you get what you pay for. We stayed in the Lighthouse room (2 adults, 2 kids) and we had a hard time fitting everything in the rooms. Both rooms were very small (beds take up most the room) and the bathroom was even smaller. What made it "less than" what I read on TA was that my wife really didn't care for it. Granted, she likes major chains that have all of the amenities, but this place only had its location and the charm of the owners going for it.
It was fine for me, and perhaps some of my traveling buds, but if you like spacious rooms with the latest decor this is not the place for you.

  • Stayed July 2012
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Ask jluther about Lamplighter Motel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marysville, Michigan
1 review
“I loved this place...”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed July 25, 2012

The whole time at this place was awesome. The owners were warm and made us feel like home. The closest to everything was incredible. We were up there for a triathlon and during the race the owners came down to watch and take pictures. The fire and s'mores at night were heart warning, to be able to meet up with people from all over. Thank you so much for everything. Hope to see you soon.

  • Stayed July 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Lucie D about Lamplighter Motel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Katsue
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
“Nice, but small”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed July 10, 2012

We stayed in a Garden theme room. It's cozy with pretty decor, but the room is small. I guess you've got what you pay for.

Pros: walking distance to downtown, attractions and Shepler's ferry terminals; towels are clean; camp fire at night; next to a playground

Cons: no hair dryer, no microwave or fridge in standard room, small room and bathroom, no laundromat

I think I will stay there again.

  • Stayed June 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by Katsue for Mackinaw City
Ask Katsue about Lamplighter Motel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Lamplighter Motel

Also Known As:
Lamplighter Hotel
Lamplighter Hotel Mackinaw City
Lamplighter Motel Mackinaw City
Address: 303 E Jamet St, P.O. Box 719, Mackinaw City, MI
Region: United States > Michigan > Cheboygan County > Mackinaw City
Amenities:
Free Parking
Hotel Style:
#2 Family Hotels in Mackinaw City
#2 Romantic Hotels in Mackinaw City
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Come and enjoy personalized service in a family owned business. Our rooms are clean and comfortable. We are within walking distance to island ferry docks, downtown shopping area, restaurants, and the Mackinaw Crossings. The Mackinac Bridge and fort are only a short stroll away. A children's play park is next door. With our location you can take in all that Mackinaw has to offer without driving your car. We are the only motel in Mackinaw City that is in the middle of the residential area. ... more   less 

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