All About the Extras
Tipping is not allowed or expected at the Grand Hotel. Children's bicycles are available at no charge each day from the Pool House.
The Fitness center is located adjacent to the pool and includes all amenities, but a unique feature is the Vita Course, an outdoor jogging trail that includes stops for additional exercise and stretching.
The Astor Spa includes children's manicure and pedicure option along with hair cuts for children.
The Esther Williams Pool is heated and is a serpentine-shaped pool, which means that it meanders somewhat snake-like for 220-feet. Although there is not a children's pool per se, one end of the pool is designed for children with about 12 inches of water. Limited pool toys are available.
The Art of Smart Timing
The Grand Hotel is only open from early May until late October. As "America's Summer Place," the months of July and August are the busiest at the Grand Hotel. If you can book your travel at other times, you'll enjoy better rates and fewer crowds, however, the Children's program operates only from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
One week in late July and another in August is dedicated as "Family Added Value Days," which means special movie nights, ice cream socials and other events at no extra charge to families.
Discounts are offered most Wednesday nights in the summer.
Getting There
Three ferry lines provide service from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace and prices are just about the same with each. They are Shepler's Ferry, Arnold Transit and the Star Line. Definitely consider ordering those tickets on-line in advance because you can save a couple of dollars per person, receive a free pass for kids with adult purchase or receive coupons for other savings while on the island. If you bring your own bicycles, it will cost about $8 per bike on the ferry.
Mackinac Island has one small airport available for private aviation and serviced by Great Lakes Air. Otherwise, the closest airport is about 20 miles away in Pellston, MI. Wolverine Stages (231-539-8331) is a shuttle that provides services from the airport to the ferry stations to Mackinac Island.
For Mom and Dad
During your stay, make time for one evening at The Cupola Bar where live piano music and dancing accompany one of the best sunsets you'll ever experience. Dancing to big band music is also available each evening at the Terrace Room. The Audubon Wine Bar is a quiet library-type setting where adults may enjoy a glass of wine as early as 4 p.m. each day.
The Grand Hotel hosts numerous special weekends, particularly in the shoulder season, such as the Ballroom Dancing Weekend in October or the Somewhere in Time Weekend, both in October.
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