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Thunderbird Inn: Traveler Reviews

2.0 of 5
146 Old US Hwy 31, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
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Thunderbird Inn
Ranked #9 of 40 hotels in Mackinaw City
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60 reviews from our community

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Traveler rating
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Date Rating
South Lyon, Michigan
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Trip to Mackinaw”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed September 14, 2012

Location was good.room was clean,towels and linens could be updated.could have gotten a better rate as a walkin because end of season. Breakfast was good. Bed to soft for me but overall nice place



  • Stayed September 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Edward H about Thunderbird Inn
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TeresaDitta, General Manager at Thunderbird Inn, responded to this review
September 17, 2012
I am glad you enjoyed your stay I apologize if the beds were to soft. I hope we will see you again when you come through the area and we will work on a better price for you.

Thank you,

Teresa Anderson/GM
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Appleton, Wisconsin
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Headache instead of relaxation”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed September 12, 2012

My boyfriend picked the hotel on our recent weekend getaway to Mackinac. He was drawn in by the price, the fact that there was a "indoor pool", and that they offered a continental breakfast. When we pulled in to the motel I didn't have high hopes. Walked in to the lobby to find every surface covered in cat hair and a cat jumping up on the counters, all over the sofas, etc. I didn't even want to set my bag down. Not the warm greeting someone with cat allergies needs. The room was ok - no signs of cat hair, at least. Bed/bedding was quite comfortable and contemporary. Decor was dated, but I didn't expect anything too fancy from Mackinaw City, especially for the price. TV was old and the reception often poor. Would have appreciated more outlets or powerstrips for charging the cell phones, iPad, electric razor, etc.

Hotel is very close to a couple ferry lines. In fact we walked back to the hotel when the ferry returned to dock rather than waiting for the shuttle to drop us off. There's a sidewalk the whole way, but you do have to cross two main roads to get back to the hotel. When we got back to the parking lot, we found a note on my windshield stating the housekeeping cart had been blown into my car while we were away. There must have been a hurricane while we were on the island. We found a fairly sizable dent on the front drivers side fender and a large divot and scuffs on the factory chrome rim. Not cheap repairs! Guess the Thunderbird Inn really did leave an impression. It's been almost a month and the hotel's insurance company has yet to even acknowledge the incident, let alone pay out so I can repair my damaged "baby". The manager was very nice and apologetic about the whole thing, but that doesn't fix the $1500 damage done.

If housekeeping had kept better control of their cart, this hotel would easily earn an extra point or two on the ratings scale. If you do chance it and stay here, park as far away from your room as possible. We will not be returning.

  • Stayed August 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
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Ask al54913 about Thunderbird Inn
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TeresaDitta, General Manager at Thunderbird Inn, responded to this review
September 17, 2012
Once again I would like to apologize for the cart. There was not a hurricane but it was a very windy day. We have taken way more preventable measures to ensure this does not happen again. If you are still having issues with the insurance company please call me and I will do whatever I can to assist you.

Sincerely,
Teresa Anderson/GM
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Farmington Hills, Michigan
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
“Ok if you like Motels”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed September 4, 2012

The word "Inn" should be exchanged with "Motel". That is exactly what this place is. Small to average size room. Table top surfaces looked clean but it could have used a more thorough vacumming. Few updates have been made but this place definitely could use a few more. Hairdryer is availble but it is ancient. Bathroom was clean. My husband went to take a dip in the pool and came right back because there was a strong odor that he could not stand in the pool area. The continental breakfast was actually decent. It was better than most continental breakfasts I have had. Not a far drive to the ferry's for Mackinac Island. This room was good for one night of sleep. If we were staying in the area any longer I would have looked for somewhere else.

  • Stayed July 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask JLK41811 about Thunderbird Inn
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TeresaDitta, General Manager at Thunderbird Inn, responded to this review
September 5, 2012
Thank you for leaving a comment for our hotel and being honest. We know we are not brand new but we strive to be clean, comfortable, and affordable...
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Ringgold, GA
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“Below Average”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed August 22, 2012

This "hotel" had so many good reviews, we decided to stay here for our anniversary weekend. I have to say I was disappointed. This is a motel not a hotel. If I knew that, I would have adjusted my expectations. here is a list of the highlights.
- The first thing to greet me were 3 bats living on the screen window.
- The internet never worked.
- The iron was ducked taped together.
- The shower faucet just dripped down, I had to move the setting to massage to get water to come out.
- The room itself is outdated. Old carpet.
- The breakfast was small. Long wait for waffles. They should invest in another waffle maker.

  • Stayed August 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Leyda A about Thunderbird Inn
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TeresaDitta, General Manager at Thunderbird Inn, responded to this review
August 23, 2012
Let me start with apologizing for your stay, I would love it if you could call me to speak directly with you about it, as I don't know your full name or what room you were in so i can start correcting the issues you had. The bats get removed on a daily basis but sometimes they fly right back I do apologize about them as well. Please call me at your earliest convience so we may discuss this further.

Teresa Anderson/GM
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Coopersville, Michigan, United States
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Will Stay Again!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 21, 2012

We had made reservations at a different motel and when we got there it was such a dump we couldn't stay so we came over to this motel and were glad we did. The price was reasonable for someone like us who cannot afford the luxury places and the room was a lot bigger than we expected for the price which really impressed us. We liked the room and were very comfortable here which to us is a big part of a vacation. There was an issue with no not water the first night and the sink and bath fixtures could use some repair and also the little minifridge doesn't work the best but they were not problems that made us want to leave and not come back. The staff were all very friendly and pleasant and very willing to help us with any concerns we had. They even welcomed our cat that travels with us. We will definitely stay here again and would recommend this motel to others.

Room Tip: We like the rooms across from the breakfast and pool area.
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  • Stayed August 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Debbie K about Thunderbird Inn
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TeresaDitta, General Manager at Thunderbird Inn, responded to this review
August 23, 2012
Thank you so much for your kind and honest words. I am glad we will see you again in the future and if I can be of any further service please don't hesitate. We are working on the water situation as well.:)

Teresa Anderson/GM
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
 
 
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Additional Information about Thunderbird Inn

Also Known As:
Best Western Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City Best Western
Best Western Thunderbird Hotel
Address: 146 Old US Hwy 31, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Region: United States > Michigan > Cheboygan County > Mackinaw City
Amenities:
Business Center Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Kids Activities Pets Allowed Room Service Swimming Pool
Hotel Style:
#4 Best Value Hotels in Mackinaw City
Price Range: $
Hotel Class:2 star (2*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
We are a Beautiful Boutique Property completely devoted to customer service and clean rooms. We provide all the things you have grown to love and trust from a hotel including free WIFI, free breakfast, an indoor pool, coffee makers, irons and ironing boards, cable TV and much more. We are AAA approved, Pet friendly, AARP accepted, along with many other discounts and very close to all local attractions including the ferry lines and water park. Here at the Thunderbird Inn we welcome everyone with a smile and we are confident you will leave with one. ... more   less 
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