Is parking available at the property?

Yes, free self-parking is available on-site.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM to midnight, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request, but additional charges may apply.

What is the location of the motel in relation to key landmarks?

The motel is located within a 15-minute drive of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, approximately 0.4 miles from Star Line Mackinac Island Main Dock and 0.6 miles from Lake Huron. It is also close to various attractions such as the Museum of Ojibwa Culture and Fort de Baude Museum.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the motel, but specific age policies for free stays are not provided.

Wayside Motel

What guests think

Reviews of Wayside Motel describe a clean, no-frills, retro-style property with updated, comfortable rooms, friendly hands-on owners, and a walkable location near the ferry and downtown, offering good value for short stays in St. Ignace.

Housekeeping is reliable, and many note remodeled bathrooms and tidy maintenance. Some guests report light musty or stale odors, occasional noise, and that breakfast is not provided. It suits travelers seeking a straightforward, comfortable base for the Island and downtown.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Drive-up layout with parking directly outside rooms is appreciated, though a few note spaces can be tight. Outdoor seating by room doors is mentioned.

Related guest reviews

10

William

Jun 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice motel. Recent renovation. Sit outside and enjoy the evening.

10

Laura

Sep 22, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms are not cramped. There is a coffee pot, microwave and fridge. Right off the main street through town. A small hotel that isn't crammed full of people.

10

Lenora

Jul 16, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean basic retro style motel. Liked parking car near door.

10

Kerry

Jul 14, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Spacious clean rooms. Comfortable beds and convenient out the door parking. Only negative is size of soaps and shampoo.

10

Diana

Jul 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Old-fashioned drive-up motel room, clean and very well maintained with excellent shower (no tub) and good Internet service, with chairs to sit outside. I would normally consider it pricey for what I paid for such a room, but as it is in a tourist town and I booked it only few weeks in advance during a weekend in high season (July), I guess that is to be expected.

10

Judith

Sep 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This motel was above expectations. Very clean. Easy check in. Convenient to town. Parking in front of each unit. We would definitely stay again and recommend to others.

10

Laura

Aug 18, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

We were looking for a place to stay for 2 nights that could accommodate a family of 4 in the St. Ignace area for under $500. We only wanted limited amenties- A TV, fridge, microwave, shower, linens (didn't need a fitness room, free breakfast, etc). This cute little motel was able to offer that. It was very quiet and appeared to be family owned. Given that the other lodging in this area was asking $500/NIGHT, this place fit the bill. The staff was very friendly. The only critique I have to offer was that parking was pretty tight, there was someone parked in front of our room. It is a premium location just a short walk from a non-swimming beach and also discount tickets to the Macinaw ferry.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Reviews consistently praise very clean rooms and upkeep, with several noting daily housekeeping and recently updated bathrooms. A few mention light musty or stale odors in some rooms.

Related guest reviews

10

Jim

Jun 3, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

The Wayside Motel is a great place if you remember the motels of the 60's and 70's. The place is so clean. Another retro thing is the fact that housekeeping visits daily, which is exceedingly rare in today's hotel/motel market. This is my second stay here, and I don't think it'll be my last!

10

Diana

Oct 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed at Wayside the night before we were catching a ferry to Mackinac Island. The rooms were completely remodeled - new paint, carpet, bathrooms, etc. Very clean and comfortable stay. The staff was super friendly and helpful - they called to let us know about an item we left in the room and called the ferry shuttle to pick us up. Overall great stay and service!

10

Leah

Oct 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Worked out great. Quick overnight stop to get to our actual location the next day. Friendly staff, very clean room, loved the fact that the mattress and box spring had bed bug protectors on them (I always check mattresses). Easy in and out. The room was large and bathroom even had a small window. Appreciated the "family run, small buisness" feel and would stay again. Thank you!

8

Shannon

Jul 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The front desk person was very nice and gave us suggestions on where to eat and what to visit during our stay, and let us know about the Saturday night fireworks. The hotel is older, so smelled a little musty when we first went in, but once the a/c was on, it seemd to go away. It was a nice sized room, with a fridge, microwave, tv and small table to sit at.

10

Debra

Oct 5, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We spent two nights here. It was a wonderful stay. Walking distance to the Ferry to Mackinac Island. Our room was very clean, comfortable beds, clean bathroom and nice hot shower. Highly recommend and would stay again if we get back up there again.

10

Olivia

Nov 5, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location, very clean, bathroom recently updated

10

Jennifer

Jul 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This motel was exceptionally comfortable and spotlessly clean. Although I had driven past it numerous times, I had not given it much attention. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I needed a last-minute booking. I would highly recommend this motel, especially considering the cost savings associated with booking here.

10

Julia

Aug 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This is my first choice for places to stay while traveling to Mackinac Island. It is clean, comfortable, and affordable. Thank you, Wayside Motel!

6

Janet

Aug 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

room could have used a good airing out. stale smell.

10

Amy

Jun 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean, quiet and convenient to the ferry to Mackinaw. Loved the small family feel.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are spacious, updated or remodeled, and generally comfortable with basic, no-frills decor; beds are often praised. A few guests note some noise from road or plumbing.

Related guest reviews

10

Laura

Sep 22, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms are not cramped. There is a coffee pot, microwave and fridge. Right off the main street through town. A small hotel that isn't crammed full of people.

10

Leah

Oct 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Worked out great. Quick overnight stop to get to our actual location the next day. Friendly staff, very clean room, loved the fact that the mattress and box spring had bed bug protectors on them (I always check mattresses). Easy in and out. The room was large and bathroom even had a small window. Appreciated the "family run, small buisness" feel and would stay again. Thank you!

10

Diana

Jul 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Old-fashioned drive-up motel room, clean and very well maintained with excellent shower (no tub) and good Internet service, with chairs to sit outside. I would normally consider it pricey for what I paid for such a room, but as it is in a tourist town and I booked it only few weeks in advance during a weekend in high season (July), I guess that is to be expected.

10

Charles

Oct 20, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Our king room was spacious and very clean and comfortable. A hook in the bathroom might be nice to hang a robe or wet towel.

8

Chris

Jul 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very basic room with dated furnishings that somehow look brand new. Everything was spotless. Great bed and cable selections. No breakfast. Security is an issue, as they still use old-style keys you insert into the doorknob instead of the deadbolt, making it easy for someone to jimmy when you're out of the room.

10

Debra

Oct 5, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We spent two nights here. It was a wonderful stay. Walking distance to the Ferry to Mackinac Island. Our room was very clean, comfortable beds, clean bathroom and nice hot shower. Highly recommend and would stay again if we get back up there again.

10

Teresa

Nov 4, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location with spacious rooms. The rooms are clean and comfortable.

8

Kristina

Sep 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff were very friendly and helpful. Rooms are updated and quite clean. Be ready for a bit of noise from other rooms, plumbing, and the road. But overall it was a great value.

10

Kevin

Jul 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The pictures on the website should be updated as the rooms are really nice and modern. St Ignance town center is within walking distance, as are the ferry docks.

10

Timothy

Oct 29, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a comfortable motel. It is on the main road into St. Ignace and close to restaurants. It is also within walking distance to the ferry boats to Mackinac Island. The rooms are spacious and clean. The rooms also have internet and cable television. I would definitely stay here again.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Feedback is overwhelmingly positive about friendly, helpful owners and staff, with easy check-in, local tips, and assistance with ferry tickets or shuttles. Several guests mention proactive communication about forgotten items.

Related guest reviews

10

Anthony

Sep 20, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

A friendly welcome by staff upon arrival to the older, one floor motel style accommodation that has been remodeled throughout. Room was very clean, spacious and comfortable. Hsk daily, unless requested otherwise. Reasonably priced and convenient to the Ferry Dock for trips to Mackinac Island. Will definitely stay again!

10

dana

Aug 29, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This was a older hotel but I knew that when I booked it. Everything was great. The hotel staff was friendly and it was very clean. It was convenient to check in and they also offered discount ferry ticket. We will be booking with Wayside again.

8

Eric

Sep 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Owner was so helpful and friendly. Made our short stay very nice.

10

Diana

Oct 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed at Wayside the night before we were catching a ferry to Mackinac Island. The rooms were completely remodeled - new paint, carpet, bathrooms, etc. Very clean and comfortable stay. The staff was super friendly and helpful - they called to let us know about an item we left in the room and called the ferry shuttle to pick us up. Overall great stay and service!

10

Rebecca

Aug 29, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property manager was excellent!! I was ill prepared and didn't reserve enough night for my trip. I just called up the front desk and added on another night. It was super easy! Plus, the manager noticed I was looking at the ferry schedule for Mackinaw Island, so he offered cheaper ferry tickets and shuttle service that picks up right in the hotel parking lot! I was traveling with my 2 kids and their bedtime is earlier than mine but if I keep a light on they won't fall asleep. Well, this property has 2 seats outside the room door with a light. This was absolutely perfect for me to sit outside the room and read my book until I became tired. The only thing I consider being a negative was that the vending machine was out of order at the time. Yes, the office did have the drinks that would have been supplied by the vending machine, so it wasn't that bad.

10

Dena

Oct 8, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean comfortable hotel w easy access from hwy. Checkin was a breeze and the staff was very friendly & welcoming. They even called to let me know I left something behind! Thank you!

10

Donn

Aug 24, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent service. New towels and all new bedding for the second night. Totally cleaned room for our second night with them. Such a pleasurable experience for a small hotel. Doing everything right and very reasonable stay. Helpful with suggestions for eating and the ferry. Definitely will be our go to place in St. Ignace.

10

Jan

Aug 16, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room and outside area was very clean. The gentleman in the office was very nice, friendly and helpful

10

Dawn

Sep 4, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I booked this motel due to the many positive reviews I read. Reviews are accurate!!!! Management was very friendly and recommendations that we asked for were right on!!! Check-In was expeditious. Cleanliness of rooms was immaculate!!! Refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, small kitchen table with chairs....everything we could have wanted, clean and in great working condition. Bed was very comfortable. Thank You for a lovely stay :)

10

Bob

Oct 9, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice family run motel. Friendly and helpful. Great location to ferry. No frills but very comfortable and good value.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Walkable to the ferry docks and downtown restaurants and shops, with easy access on the main road. Many consider it a convenient base for Mackinac Island trips.

Related guest reviews

10

Cary

Jul 22, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property was well situated , convenient to the ferries and to the downtown area. Room was plain but very clean and met our needs perfectly.

10

Karen

Jul 25, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The motel was rated as very clean in many reviews and had no negative comments, which influenced my decision to book. We were not disappointed. The room was immaculate and very comfortable. No frills, but had basic amenities. Located within walking distance of restaurants and ferry. Highly recommend.

10

Charles

Sep 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice quaint motel walkable to downtown st ignace and the marina. Great customer service.

10

Charles

Jul 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean, convenient and within walking distance of boats to the Island.

10

Jennifer

Jul 5, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Have stayed here multiple times and can’t wait for our next stay! This motel is so clean and comfortable. It’s really hard to beat! Super easy walk to sheplars. We just love staying here.

10

Debra

Oct 5, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We spent two nights here. It was a wonderful stay. Walking distance to the Ferry to Mackinac Island. Our room was very clean, comfortable beds, clean bathroom and nice hot shower. Highly recommend and would stay again if we get back up there again.

10

Jenny

Oct 23, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was a great location. Close to the ferry. And clean hotel.

10

Kevin

Jul 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The pictures on the website should be updated as the rooms are really nice and modern. St Ignance town center is within walking distance, as are the ferry docks.

10

Rafael

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Perfect location, very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Room was very clean, comfortable bed, and excellent shower. Easy walk to the ferry.

10

Timothy

Oct 29, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a comfortable motel. It is on the main road into St. Ignace and close to restaurants. It is also within walking distance to the ferry boats to Mackinac Island. The rooms are spacious and clean. The rooms also have internet and cable television. I would definitely stay here again.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

No on-site breakfast is offered, but there are multiple restaurants within walking distance.

Related guest reviews

10

William

Jun 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great clean and friendly pace. Walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and ferry.

10

Cary

Jul 22, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property was well situated , convenient to the ferries and to the downtown area. Room was plain but very clean and met our needs perfectly.

10

Anita

Jul 28, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

We stay here every year. Very clean motel. Refrigerator and microwave in the room. The owners are very nice. The motel is on the main Street . Restaurants and bars shops.

8

Patrick

Sep 21, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice, clean, quiet property close to restaurants and ferries. Super nice people. Would stay again.

8

Chris

Jul 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very basic room with dated furnishings that somehow look brand new. Everything was spotless. Great bed and cable selections. No breakfast. Security is an issue, as they still use old-style keys you insert into the doorknob instead of the deadbolt, making it easy for someone to jimmy when you're out of the room.

10

Barbara

Aug 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was very clean and it was very quiet and safe feeling. The staff was very friendly and everything we need was close by.

10

Carla

Jul 10, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great motel for a quick stop. No bells and whistles but very clean and super convenient to restaurants and shops in St. Ignace. Looked like motel was at the end of some renovation but not bothersome at all. No breakfast here but a few places close by. Would stay again. Good value.

10

Timothy

Oct 29, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a comfortable motel. It is on the main road into St. Ignace and close to restaurants. It is also within walking distance to the ferry boats to Mackinac Island. The rooms are spacious and clean. The rooms also have internet and cable television. I would definitely stay here again.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Wayside Motel

About this property

Location

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Refrigerator & Microwave

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave

Guest reviews of Wayside Motel

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Wayside Motel