Is parking available at the property?

Free self-parking is available on-site.

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

Check-in is from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available for a fee, subject to availability, and should be arranged in advance.

Are airport shuttle services available?

A ferry terminal shuttle is provided at no charge.

What accessibility features does the property have?

The property is not wheelchair accessible, and specific accessibility features are not listed.

What is the location of the property in relation to nearby attractions?

The property is located in Mackinaw City, within a 5-minute drive of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum. It is approximately 0.4 km from Lake Huron and Animal Tracks Adventure Golf, and 1.1 km from Colonial Michilimackinac Park.

Does the property have a swimming pool?

Yes, there is an indoor pool available for guests.

What are the hotel's policies for guests staying with children?

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

Rainbow Motel

What guests think

At Rainbow Motel, travelers highlight friendly, hands‑on owners, very clean retro rooms, and a convenient, walkable location near the ferries and downtown, plus an indoor pool and hot tubs that add relaxing value for the price.

Rooms and bathrooms are generally small with a dated vibe, and several guests found mattresses or pillows too firm. A few mention minor odors or maintenance quirks, and in-room coffee is typically not provided though lobby coffee is available. Expect a simple, budget-friendly stay with warm service and classic motel charm.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Many guests appreciated the indoor pool and hot tubs; parking is easy by the rooms. Lobby coffee and a shuttle to the island ferries are noted, with some outdoor seating areas available.

Related guest reviews

10

Gianina

Aug 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Absolutely fantastic place! The owners were super friendly and had lots of recommendations for places to eat. Great location, no more than a few blocks from everything we had planned. There was also a pool and two hot tubs and several options to sit outdoors. Some of the furnishings are a little dated and the bathroom was small, but everything was well maintained and very clean. Wish we had been able to stay longer. We would definitely choose to stay again!

10

Jacquelyn

May 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Older property, very unique, has a 70's vibe. Always clean. Indoor pool and hot tub. Big bang for the buck. We have been coming to the area for 40 years. Not flashy. You will not be disappointed.

10

Candace

Jun 4, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a very restful, peaceful, enjoyable, family owned, place to stay. The entire property is very picturesque, including the indoor pool area. The owners are very personable, friendly and extremely helpful. The entire place is SPOTLESSLY CLEAN! They take great pride in their enterprise and it shows in their extensive attention to detail in every area. Please note that if you want an in-room coffee pot and a complimentary breakfast buffet you won't get it here. What you WILL GET is free coffee in the main lobby, a cheerful good morning from the proprietor and a bit of a chat if you want one, and recommendations and discounts to many of the restaurants in the area. The rooms have a refrigerator, microwave, flat screen TV and free Internet, table and chairs. I especially enjoyed checking in early (you can't get into the rooms until 2 pm) and leaving my car there while they called the shuttle for the ferry I was using to go to Mackinac Island(Shepler's) to pick us up at their main door, and the shuttle took us back to the motel when we were done on the island. I didn't have to fuss with the ferry parking lots at all and that's a PLUS in my book. Prices are very reasonable and you get your money's worth. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this motel for anyone who is looking for quality, quaintness, and peacefulness and an easily assessable place to stay in Mackinac City.

10

Phillip

Jul 11, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We loved our stay here! Host were awesome, place is great! Great location, big pool & 2 hot tub options. Great location on strip & right across from Island ferry.

10

Bradley

Aug 14, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The owners and staff were very welcoming, friendly, and accommodating to our needs throughout our stay. The indoor pool was wonderful to have on an unseasonably cold, rainy day. The room and property was old but overall charming and well-maintained and provided the experience of staying at a classic motel. The location was perfect for exploring Mackinaw City. We will definitely recommend this motel to others and would like to someday return here ourselves!

10

Joan

Oct 8, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We enjoyed the pool and hot tub. The room was clean and the beds were comfortable. Checking in was quick. We enjoyed the coffee that was available in the lobby.

8

Karen

May 30, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Needs coffee pot in each room, had its own charm, needs working clock on pool area. The pool area was beautiful. The staff was very helpful. The transportation to the fairy was AWESOME!

10

ROBERT

Jul 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms are fairly simple, but all we needed. The two-doubles room had a fridge/freezer and a microwave. Also a small table and two chairs. Shower was great. Across the street from marina, so a nice respite from staying aboard. Best part was the people from the owner to the office staff. They are all great people.

10

Satish

Jun 3, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very neat and clean room, assigned parking, great location and extremely friendly staff. I only wish morning coffee was available earlier than 8 am.

10

Jessica

Jun 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The owners we super helpful and friendly at check in and after. The rooms were in excellent condition. The pool and hot tub were beautifully clean. Pillows were awesome! LOVED the green bathroom! It is an older motel but to me it was quite charming! Definitely my best stay in MC and we're up there a lot!

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness is a standout, with rooms and grounds frequently described as very clean or spotless. A few reviews note slight odors or minor maintenance/housekeeping issues.

Related guest reviews

10

DANIEL

Sep 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I can always count on this place being the cleanest to stay in. This is one of the very few family owned small business in Mackinaw City, so I always stay here to support them. Rooms are dated, but super clean, even the caulk in the shower and bathtubs is gleaming white. I travel for business and stay in many hotels each year and this by far is the cleanest! Staff and Owners are very polite and easy to talk with. Really, the only thing is that the beds and pillows are rock hard, but I'm used to softer pillows and mattresses, no big deal. Thank you, I'll always come here as long as it stays small owned.

8

Pamela

Jun 24, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This place is an old Motel. I love the fact that people are saving these motels. It had the beautiful old pink bathroom reminds me of Route 66. They even had a real key. The place was extremely clean and the owners were so friendly. My only problem was the slight musty smell in the room. I’m extremely allergic to mold so it was a concern. However I WOULD actually stay here again. Clean, friendly, perfect area to walk to shops, restaurants, and the beach. They even have an old scooby doo mystery machine van.

10

Robert

Jun 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Considering the price of the stay, this place is excellent. Staff is very friendly, rooms and grounds are very clean! Other visitors were very respectful of each other.

10

Gail

May 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This was a wonderful stay. The room was squeaky clean, and the staff was great. I highly recommend it!

10

Kyle

May 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and quiet. Great affordable place to stay. Little outdated, but the place is maintained well.

10

Jerry

Jun 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Old school motel. Very clean and very quiet. Great deal! Staff was very nice and very helpful. I booked another stay already.

10

Larry

Sep 8, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

This place is a little dated but is super clean. The couple that own it are very friendly. We enjoyed are stay and it was very reasonably priced.

8

Emily

Jul 4, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This was a nice little property for my husband and I to stay at! Very central to town and incredibly walkable to everything, not loud. I appreciated the parking right by the door. The owners were super friendly. They gave a great recommendation on where to see the sunset and places to eat. The room was clean, only issue was possibly a little mildew on the inner part of the shower handle and a loose temperature adjustment on the handle that kept falling off. The water pressure was great though and the rest of the shower clean. We would stay again!

10

Lorraine

Jun 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This place has a charming retro feel. Probably built in the 1950s, when people were content with small, spare rooms. Not luxurious but it has everything you need and is immaculately clean.

10

Isabel

Oct 3, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property was fantastic- great location, great staff, and spacious room. My room had a smoke scent unfortunately though it was not too strong. As a non-smoker though it was noticeable. Still totally worth it!

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Rooms

Rooms have a retro, older style and are generally small, especially the bathrooms. Comfort is adequate, but several reviews mention firm beds or pillows; noise is typically low.

Related guest reviews

10

Eric

Jul 15, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Family owned. Nice people. Nice little rooms. Keep in mind most of the bathrooms and shower stalls are very small. Not exactly easy to shower.

10

Gianina

Aug 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Absolutely fantastic place! The owners were super friendly and had lots of recommendations for places to eat. Great location, no more than a few blocks from everything we had planned. There was also a pool and two hot tubs and several options to sit outdoors. Some of the furnishings are a little dated and the bathroom was small, but everything was well maintained and very clean. Wish we had been able to stay longer. We would definitely choose to stay again!

10

Antonio

Jun 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rainbow hotel was a wonderful place to stay. Rooms were small but offered all the amenities of a large hotel. Would stay here again.

10

Jeffrey

Sep 25, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Weather was perfect for our trip and this family owned motel was perfectly located for walking around town to visit the shopping and food. Staff was very friendly. Our room was clean with no signs of bugs and comfortable beds. Pillows were a little flat but we like to use our own anyway. Very happy with our stay and will definitely be booking with them again.

10

Debra

Oct 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice property, Room while not large was clean and quiet. Within walking distance of the ferry.

4

richard

Aug 27, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was small, outdated and worn. The bathroom was very outdated and barely big enough to turn around in. I do a good bit of traveling and really don't understand how this motel is rated so highly.

6

Bruce

Oct 16, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It’s a nice place overall. Only issue was the beds and pillows weren’t nice. Hard to sleep

8

Michael

Oct 16, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Beds and pillows were hard. Rooms need updating. Clean and functional

10

Lorraine

Jun 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This place has a charming retro feel. Probably built in the 1950s, when people were content with small, spare rooms. Not luxurious but it has everything you need and is immaculately clean.

8

Gerry

Sep 19, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was clean however it was small and very dated including heating/ac unit. The grounds around the building were very nicely maintained.

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Service

Service is consistently praised as friendly, welcoming, and helpful, with owners offering local tips, discounts, and smooth check-in. Many note the family-run feel and attentive assistance.

Related guest reviews

10

Donald

Aug 29, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

the young lady at the front desk was as friendly as you could be and was so help full showing us places to eat and things to do the rooms were very clean a definite great place to stay

10

Sonia

Jun 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Friendly staff, excellent location. Comfortable room - nothing fancy but great for a weekend getaway. Highly recommend!

10

Diane

Jun 15, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Super friendly, family owned motal across from the lake. Shuttle to ferry is free and quick. Older hotel and rooms, but very clean and comfortable.

10

Hunter

Jun 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We absolutely loved our stay at the Rainbow Motel! The owners were so nice and told us all their favorite spots to eat and places to go and gave us cards with discounts at a few places! We will definitely stay again next time we visit mackinaw😊

10

Kristina

May 30, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I stayed 2 nights. Walking distance to downtown, Ferries and restaurants, and everything. Room was very clean. Owner Laura was awesome- I asked her for recommendations on places to eat and fun things to do, she gave me great recommendations and she was very nice and friendly. If back in the area, I will definitely come back!

10

Rebecca

Aug 20, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is an old-style, independent, family-owned motel. Solid room, good hot shower, and very friendly staff. We got good recommendations about places to eat, how to get to Mackinac Island, and even where the best day sky star-viewing could be found. They have set up a number of outdoor seating areas so when I needed to be out of the room so my husband could take a business call, I found a lovely spot in the shade to sit and read my book. I got the sense that they have a lot of regulars who return every year. Parking was easy--right outside our room.

10

Rachael

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The owner was incredibly helpful and saved us money! We were able to walk to the ferry and could have saved $3 on tickets if only we'd had cash! She had tons of tips for us and gave us coupons and suggestions for local eats--that's on top of the reasonable price and clean, comfortable room!

10

Jacquelyn

Aug 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great people and close to town.

10

Gail

May 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This was a wonderful stay. The room was squeaky clean, and the staff was great. I highly recommend it!

10

Calvin

May 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The best part of this motel is the service. Todd was exceptionally friendly and provided excellent service. I would definitely recommend this place without exception.

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Location

Location is convenient and walkable—close to downtown, restaurants, the waterfront, and ferry terminals. Many guests found it easy to reach attractions without driving.

Related guest reviews

10

Randy

Aug 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Perfect location right in the middle of strip. Easy access to ferry and restaurants. So clean. Owners checked you in. Suggested great restaurants and and ferry options. Very quaint great value and CLEAN.

10

Michael

Jun 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice place. Great location. Close to all activities, restaurants and shoppping. Our room was very clean.

10

Greg

Aug 25, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great area close to everything. Friendly staff and great area.

10

Diane

Jun 15, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Super friendly, family owned motal across from the lake. Shuttle to ferry is free and quick. Older hotel and rooms, but very clean and comfortable.

10

Thomas

May 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

What a great price for a nice room right near the water and close by to all of the Mackinaw City attractions and ferry to the island. Enjoyed the stay!

10

Phillip

Jul 11, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We loved our stay here! Host were awesome, place is great! Great location, big pool & 2 hot tub options. Great location on strip & right across from Island ferry.

10

Debra

Oct 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice property, Room while not large was clean and quiet. Within walking distance of the ferry.

10

Jacquelyn

Aug 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great people and close to town.

10

Richard

Jul 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location..safe..comfortable.

10

Linda

Oct 1, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean room. Helpful staff! Location is great. We could walk downtown and to the Ferry.

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Dining

There is no on-site breakfast, and guests often wish for in-room coffee. Coffee is available in the lobby, occasionally noted as starting later in the morning.

Related guest reviews

10

Randy

Aug 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Perfect location right in the middle of strip. Easy access to ferry and restaurants. So clean. Owners checked you in. Suggested great restaurants and and ferry options. Very quaint great value and CLEAN.

8

Brent

Jun 1, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The owners and their dogs made me feel like I was in town to visit relatives instead of checking into a big chain hotel. Fresh coffee and homemade cookies in the lobby too!

10

Candace

Jun 4, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a very restful, peaceful, enjoyable, family owned, place to stay. The entire property is very picturesque, including the indoor pool area. The owners are very personable, friendly and extremely helpful. The entire place is SPOTLESSLY CLEAN! They take great pride in their enterprise and it shows in their extensive attention to detail in every area. Please note that if you want an in-room coffee pot and a complimentary breakfast buffet you won't get it here. What you WILL GET is free coffee in the main lobby, a cheerful good morning from the proprietor and a bit of a chat if you want one, and recommendations and discounts to many of the restaurants in the area. The rooms have a refrigerator, microwave, flat screen TV and free Internet, table and chairs. I especially enjoyed checking in early (you can't get into the rooms until 2 pm) and leaving my car there while they called the shuttle for the ferry I was using to go to Mackinac Island(Shepler's) to pick us up at their main door, and the shuttle took us back to the motel when we were done on the island. I didn't have to fuss with the ferry parking lots at all and that's a PLUS in my book. Prices are very reasonable and you get your money's worth. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this motel for anyone who is looking for quality, quaintness, and peacefulness and an easily assessable place to stay in Mackinac City.

10

Joan

Oct 8, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We enjoyed the pool and hot tub. The room was clean and the beds were comfortable. Checking in was quick. We enjoyed the coffee that was available in the lobby.

10

Kristina

May 30, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I stayed 2 nights. Walking distance to downtown, Ferries and restaurants, and everything. Room was very clean. Owner Laura was awesome- I asked her for recommendations on places to eat and fun things to do, she gave me great recommendations and she was very nice and friendly. If back in the area, I will definitely come back!

10

Rachael

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The owner was incredibly helpful and saved us money! We were able to walk to the ferry and could have saved $3 on tickets if only we'd had cash! She had tons of tips for us and gave us coupons and suggestions for local eats--that's on top of the reasonable price and clean, comfortable room!

10

Terry

Aug 11, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place to stay!!!Wish they had coffee in the rooms.

10

Rhonda

Sep 27, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice, clean, affordable for the area. Coffee in the office wasn’t too bad either. Friendly and helpful staff.

8

Bonnie

Jun 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I loved the front desk welcome, the conveniencectobtownbbutvwoukd like to have in room coffee. I will stay there again.

10

Satish

Jun 3, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very neat and clean room, assigned parking, great location and extremely friendly staff. I only wish morning coffee was available earlier than 8 am.

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Rainbow Motel

About this property

Location

Room options

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed

Room, 2 Double Beds

Guest reviews of Rainbow Motel

Who stays here?

What guests think

No written reviews

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Rainbow Motel