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Summary of reviewsBayside Hotel of Mackinac, located in a prime spot in Mackinaw City, enjoys a stellar reputation for its strategic location that offers unparalleled accessibility to Mackinac Island and the vibrant downtown area. Guests consistently appreciate the scenic lakefront views, the tranquility despite being centrally placed and the convenience of ample parking, making it an excellent base for tourists.
While the absence of breakfast services has been a common letdown, the hotel more than makes up for it with spacious, comfortable rooms equipped with essential amenities. The positive experiences are somewhat overshadowed by frequent complaints about cleanliness and the need for significant updates and repairs, yet these issues are mitigated by the generally friendly and helpful hotel staff, who are often praised for their responsiveness and courteous behavior.
The hotel’s family-friendly environment stands out with many guests praising the small water park and game room tailored for children. This, alongside clean and friendly surroundings and discount ferry tickets, makes it extremely appealing to families. However, mixed experiences reported about the beds indicate room for improvement in ensuring consistent comfort across all stays.
Guests generally found the hotel's indoor pool and water park to be fantastic, especially for kids, despite occasional maintenance and cleanliness issues. The indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and playground further enhance the recreational experience, contributing significantly to the positive feedback.
For business travelers, the hotel offers a quiet and tranquil environment, though some noted limited plug access and occasional cleanliness issues. Despite these drawbacks, the quietness and supportive staff make it a reasonable option for those seeking a peaceful stay.
In summary, Bayside Hotel of Mackinac offers good value with its excellent location, family-friendly amenities and accommodating staff, although it faces challenges in maintenance and cleanliness that need addressing to elevate the guest experience. Show more
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Hotel near The Beach
The name 'Bayside Hotel' implies a location near the bay, and its address on South Huron suggests it's close to the water. It provides standard hotel services with beach access.
Dog Friendly Hotel
Located close to the water, this hotel offers convenient access to dog-friendly walking paths along the lake. Its proximity to Mackinac Island also provides opportunities for scenic dog walks and outdoor activities.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
The Bayside Hotel of Mackinac is a hotel that offers a swimming pool. It is a popular choice with good ratings and also includes breakfast.
Heated Pool Indoor Pool Pool Water Slide Outdoor Pool
Accessible Hotel
This hotel offers elevator access to every floor and has Single Room - Disability Access options. In-room accessibility features include closed captioned TV and a phone accessibility kit. Wheelchair accessible facilities are available.
3-Star Hotel
The hotel is a standard hotel and offers essential amenities.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Offering access to a seasonal outdoor pool, this hotel also provides unlimited access to over a half mile of private sandy beach. It is located across the street from Mackinac Island Ferry docks.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
This hotel includes an indoor pool as one of its amenities.
Hotel with Heated Pool
This hotel offers direct indoor access to Pirate's Adventure Waterpark, featuring a pirate tipping bucket, three waterslides, and various water jets. It also boasts an oversized heated indoor pool, an oversized whirlpool, a sauna, and a heated outdoor pool for comprehensive water recreation.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Hotel with Pool Water Slide
Room Types
Double Room with Two Double BedsThis room features coffee making facilities and cable TV.
Please note that the price is based on up to 4 guests. Maximum occupancy is 5 (see property Policies)
King RoomThis room features coffee making facilities and cable TV.
Single Room - Disability AccessOffering free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. The single room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels.
Double Room with Lake ViewOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned double room offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor as well as lake views. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
6.6
Rated
Location
Nestled in a prime spot in Mackinaw City, the Bayside Hotel of Mackinac boasts an enviable location that guests consistently rave about. Perfectly positioned just across the street from the Star Line ferry, it offers easy access to Mackinac Island, making it an ideal base for island excursions. The convenience extends to being within walking distance of downtown's bustling shops, restaurants and attractions, ensuring that everything one might need is just a short stroll away.
Guests appreciate the proximity to the lakefront, which not only provides scenic views but also enhances the overall tranquil ambiance. The hotel's central placement on the main strip means that it’s easy to explore local eateries, retail stores and the vibrant waterfront. Additionally, ample parking makes it hassle-free for those driving in and out of the city.
Despite its central location, the area around the hotel remains pleasantly quiet, offering a peaceful respite after a day of sightseeing. For travelers looking to blend convenience, accessibility and a touch of serenity, the location of Bayside Hotel of Mackinac is frequently noted as one of its standout features.
Breakfast
The Bayside Hotel of Mackinac has received an array of remarks regarding its breakfast offerings, which have generally leaned towards the absence of service. Consistently, guests noted that no breakfast was available during their stays despite previous visits, advertisements and initial reservations suggesting otherwise. A small number of guests acknowledged the availability of complimentary coffee, apples and granola bars, but these minimal options left much to be desired.
Some feedback pointed out that the hotel provided discount vouchers or breakfast bags containing items like granola bars and bottled water, but many guests found these insufficient. Guests expressed disappointment over the lack of a continental breakfast and wished for more fulfilling breakfast options like cereal or muffins. The rare instances where a buy-one-get-one-free breakfast or breakfast vouchers were mentioned, but it was clear that the majority left wanting more.
Amid the criticism for the lack of breakfast, a few noted poor-quality coffee and curdled milk. There was also a sentiment that COVID-19 was being used as an excuse for the limited offerings, particularly as other hotels in the area had resumed more traditional breakfast services.
Despite these consistent concerns about breakfast, some appreciated small gestures like coffee in the morning and praised the convenience of a nearby restaurant, although these were seen as insufficient compensations. Overall, guests overwhelmingly wished the Bayside Hotel of Mackinac would restore and improve its breakfast services to meet expectations and past experiences.
Rooms
The guest reviews for Bayside Hotel of Mackinac reveal varied experiences with the hotel rooms. While some guests found their rooms clean, spacious and comfortable, there are significant concerns raised about the overall upkeep and condition of the rooms. Positively, the rooms often featured comfortable beds and were spacious enough for a pleasant stay. Additionally, convenient amenities like a mini-fridge were appreciated by guests. The hotel’s location was praised for its proximity to downtown and other amenities, making it a great option for those wanting to explore the area.
However, many reviews highlighted the need for major updates and repairs. Complaints about cleanliness were frequent with mentions of dirty sheets, filthy walls and unclean bathrooms. Maintenance issues such as broken locks, non-functional lights and outdated decor were also common. Guests also noted unpleasant smells and noise disturbances, detracting from their overall experience. Amenities like a microwave were often missing and some guests mentioned the presence of pests and water damage. Despite these drawbacks, the hotel staff were generally described as friendly and accommodating, sometimes offering room changes when issues were reported.
In summary, while Bayside Hotel of Mackinac offers a convenient location and spacious rooms, it faces significant criticism due to cleanliness, outdated facilities and maintenance issues that need to be addressed.
Beds
At the Bayside Hotel of Mackinac, guests have had mixed experiences with the beds. Many found the beds to be comfortable, clean and up to standard, often describing them as comfortable, very comfortable or even fantastic. Some pointed out the beds were comfy or nice and comfortable with a few guests appreciating the quality of the pillows as well.
However, not all feedback was positive. A significant number of guests reported the beds being uncomfortable, too firm, hard or needing replacement. Issues such as beds feeling small, old or lacking proper support were also mentioned. While some guests enjoyed soft and comfy beds, others found them too high, small or in one notable case, described them as a nightmare. Overall, while comfort was reported by many, a consistent level of satisfaction across all stays seemed elusive.
Cleanliness
Bayside Hotel of Mackinac presents a mixed picture when it comes to cleanliness with guest reviews highlighting both positive and negative aspects. Some guests found their rooms to be clean, comfortable and well-maintained, describing the facility as modern and praising the cleaning staff as amazing. Specific mentions of clean towels and rooms that were tidy and adequately maintained add to the positive feedback.
However, the majority of reviews leaned towards dissatisfaction. Guests frequently reported dirty carpets, walls and bathrooms with recurring mentions of mold, dust, dead bugs and a generally unclean environment. The state of the bathrooms was a particular concern with issues such as clogged sinks, mold on surfaces and dirty floors being commonly noted. Guests also mentioned unpleasant odors, outdated facilities and areas needing significant maintenance and deep cleaning.
Public areas such as hallways and the pool received similar criticism for cleanliness with guests observing cobwebs, dirty laundry and trash left unattended. Despite the mixed reviews, the emphasis on frequent uncleanliness and the need for substantial cleaning and updating efforts overshadow the sporadic positive feedback regarding cleanliness at Bayside Hotel of Mackinac.
Staff
The staff at Bayside Hotel of Mackinac received mixed reviews, but many positive comments highlighted their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently mentioned that the staff was very friendly, polite, kind and quick to respond to maintenance requests. Numerous reviews praised the employees for being caring, informative and cooperative. Specific instances noted amazing and exceptional service, particularly at the front desk, where staff were efficient and welcoming. Housekeeping staff was also complimented for their friendliness and diligence in cleaning the rooms.
However, some guests had less favorable experiences, describing certain front desk staff as rude, unfriendly or indifferent. Instances of specific employees displaying a lack of professionalism and a nonchalant attitude were noted. Additionally, some guests expressed frustration with the need to check in and out at different locations and remarked on overworked or understaffed conditions impacting service quality.
Overall, while the majority of feedback was positive, detailing a friendly and helpful staff, there were a few isolated complaints highlighting the inconsistency in guest experiences.
Wi-Fi
The Bayside Hotel of Mackinac offers free wifi to its guests, a feature that is always appreciated. However, many guests have reported inconsistent and spotty internet service during their stays. The reliability of the wifi seems to fluctuate, particularly when the hotel is at full capacity. Some visitors noted that they could not keep the internet working or get online at all during their visit. Additionally, there is a lack of information provided by the hotel on how to access and use the wifi, making it more challenging for some guests.
Overall, while the hotel does provide complimentary wifi, potential visitors should be prepared for possible connectivity issues, especially during peak times when the hotel is busy.
Pool
The Bayside Hotel of Mackinac offers a variety of water amenities, including a pool and a water park that many guests found enjoyable, especially for children. While some visitors appreciated the cleanliness of the pool and found it a good place for the kids to have a great time, others highlighted that the pool area could benefit from more regular maintenance, citing issues like cloudiness and dirt. The water park was often described as a key highlight with families noting that it added a lot of fun to their stay.
However, there are some concerns worth noting. Guests pointed out that the pool hours were not always kid-friendly, sometimes closing as early as 10 pm. Additionally, some found the outdoor pool to be small and occasionally dirty and the indoor pool was often described as being uncomfortably hot. Specific issues such as chlorine irritation, a hot and moldy pool environment and shared access with another hotel were also mentioned. Lastly, there were several reports of the pool being closed for maintenance during stays, which detracted from the overall experience.
In essence, while the Bayside Hotel of Mackinac provides enjoyable water amenities that can enhance a family vacation, attention to maintenance and more accommodating pool hours could significantly improve the guest experience.
Family
Bayside Hotel of Mackinac stands out as a prime destination for families, particularly those with young children. The hotel's small water park is a major highlight, frequently praised for being a perfect fit for little ones, ensuring that they have a fun-filled experience. Families appreciate the clean and friendly environment, finding it ideal for an enjoyable stay. Additionally, the hotel offers a game room and a kids' swimming pool, further contributing to its appeal for children. Guests also highlight the benefit of discount ferry tickets, which can enhance the overall family adventure. Despite some remarks about noise from kids running in the hallways until midnight, the overall feedback underscores the hotel's family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for those traveling with kids. The surrounding area is noted for its quietness, adding to the relaxing experience for families.
3 Star
Bayside Hotel of Mackinac offers a good value for its price, making it an affordable lodging option in an excellent walkable location. The beds provide a good place to sleep and the interior maintains a clean and holiday feel at a reasonable cost. Although the facility and furniture are outdated and the hotel exterior is blemished, the overall experience remains budget-friendly. However, room service could have been cleaner to meet higher standards. Despite its affordable appeal, the property does not meet the expectations of a 2.5-star rating.
Business
Bayside Hotel of Mackinac offers a quiet environment suitable for business travelers seeking a peaceful stay. Guests appreciated the availability of a handicap room and the prompt support provided by the staff during their stay. However, some noted a scarcity of outlets and limited plug access, which could be a consideration for those needing multiple devices charged. Certain areas of the hotel were reported to have cleanliness issues, such as holes in the walls and an unpleasant smell in the meeting room. Despite these drawbacks, the overall atmosphere is tranquil, making it a reasonable option for business visitors who prioritize a quiet place to rest.
Indoor Pool
The Bayside Hotel of Mackinac offers guests a variety of amenities focused around its indoor pool and water park area. The water park is consistently described as amazing with visitors appreciating the clean and well-maintained environment. Families particularly enjoy the water park, noting that it is a hit with kids. The hotel’s indoor pool, along with a hot tub, sauna and playground, provides a comprehensive recreation experience all within the premises. An additional outdoor pool is also mentioned positively. While the indoor water park is largely accessible, there is a note of occasional inaccessibility. Overall, the indoor pool and water park facilities contribute significantly to guests' positive experiences at the hotel.
Yes, Bayside Hotel of Mackinac has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool, Pool Water Slide, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Bayside Hotel of Mackinac.
Yes, Bayside Hotel of Mackinac welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Bayside Hotel of Mackinac.