Name: Best Western Plus Dockside Waterfront Inn
Address: 505 South Huron Avenue, Mackinaw City, Michigan, United States of America, Mackinaw City, Michigan, US
Price range: $80–$382 per night
Rating: 7.92

What guests think

At Best Western Plus Dockside Waterfront Inn, travelers consistently praise the waterfront, walkable location near the ferry and downtown, along with easy beach access and a popular indoor pool and hot tub that stay open late.

Rooms are often spacious but dated, with frequent noise or humidity issues, and microwaves are not standard. Cleanliness feedback is mixed, ranging from very clean to reports of musty odors, mold, bugs or cobwebs, and damp carpets. Service ranges from friendly and accommodating to curt or unhelpful, and breakfast is included but inconsistent in quality, with short hours and an inconvenient location reached via outdoor walkways. Overall, it suits travelers who value convenience and waterfront access more than updated rooms or polished details.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Indoor pool and hot tub are popular and generally well maintained, though several guests noted strong chlorine or occasional cleanliness issues. Beach access is a plus, but parking can be tight and the single, distant elevator and outdoor walkways are inconvenient.

Related guest reviews

10

Nancy

Sep 30, 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

It was beautiful we were right on the beach

8

Nancy Ann

Oct 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We were going to Mackinac Island so it was very convenient for the shuttle to take us to the dock . Pool and hottub was great

8

Lauri

Oct 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay. Right on the lake, great patio off the room. Awesome sunrise. Good breakfast included. The pool has so much chlorine it stings the eyes and smells super strong. The pool area needs ventilation or airflow as it was hotter than a sauna in the afternoon but once we propped a door open it improved

10

Steve

Oct 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Decent hotel close to everything in town. Parking is a bit limited and all the rooms have outside entrances so it was a bit noisy.

6

Karen

Oct 3, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The railings outside need repair and painted. Only one elevator for everyone. You have to walk across a parking lot to go in the pool that has limited lighting

8

Tammy

Oct 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was clean it was quiet the staff was friendly the do need to clean the pool it was very dirty on the walls the 2 hot tube were nice and the pool hours were very good

8

Thomas

Aug 7, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room itself was quite large and exactly what we needed. The only problem was getting all of our luggage in and out of the room. We had over 300 lbs of gear to get into a 2nd floor room, but the place has only one elevator. They had luggage carts, but the elevator was proceeded by a LONG ramp, estimated to be 30 ft, to haul the loaded carts up and down to the elevator. The was not easy for two handicapped people. And then the breakfast hours (7-9) are too short for a resort town, which forces overcrowding in the breakfast room. So while the room was quite nice, the other aggravations were a real downer.

8

Jodi

Aug 2, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We were there for 3 nights 4 days and the c pool was never clean. It was cloudy and very sandy

8

Dan

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

THE PARKING AREA IS TERRIBLE The Morning “ Breakfast hours are Toooo SHORT MOST Hotels have a 3-4 hr window This Best Western is only 2 hrs

10

Patrice

Sep 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

So many good things to say about this hotel. We stay at hotels frequently and we found this to be in our top 3 for location, convenience, amenities, friendly & helpful staff, cleanliness, decor, bathroom amenities. The list goes on and on. The pool/hot tub were #1 for us- the hot tub was working and the pool was warm and the environment is relaxing and wonderful ( AND- open until 12 was great for us because we arrived late at 9). The breakfast spread/buffet was delighful with lots of options. Again, the staff was so friendly and helpful and the manager Emil G. was smily, kind, helpful and just delightful - as were the two gals working the desk. I can't say enough about this place- ESPECIALLY for the price point ( WOW)!! I especially loved having a dehumidifier in the room ( I am a huge fan of those) to keep the room dry and cozy. This was a 10 out of 10 for us! Highly recommend and WILL stay again.

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Cleanliness

Reports vary: many found rooms very clean, while others noted musty odors, mildew, bugs or cobwebs, and damp or stained areas. Housekeeping quality and maintenance standards appear inconsistent.

Related guest reviews

4

Brandon

May 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was clean but the wall was leaking water and the carpet was soaking wet, there was a dehumidifier in the room so it must’ve been known by maintenance, there were mold spores on the wall where the water was actively leaking, and the wall was gooey in the trail of the water. I brought the attention to the staff member and he tried to accommodate but couldn’t. We checked in very late so we just stayed in the room anyway. The next morning I brought the attention to the staff again and they just looked at me like I was dumb and said thanks we will let someone know. Fine to stay here in a pinch but won’t be going back.

6

Stacey

Oct 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk staff was unfriendly, and our room was not properly cleaned. The bedding was stained, and there was a spiderweb in the corner of the room. Overall, a very disappointing experience, especially considering the high room rates. Unfortunately, I would not choose to stay at this hotel again.

6

Danielle

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The reception staff and breakfast staff were lovely. This place is not clean. This isn’t a maid don’t do a good job in between stays not clean, but mildew is growing, the spiders have taken up residence, it smells like wet, unkept cabin. This was one of three waterfront, upper peninsula cabin stays on this trip and this was the only one that was just unclean.

6

Catherine T

Aug 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Mold on bathroom ceiling, room was so humid. The carpet in room felt wet the two nights. Breakfast not good. Would not stay again. Location was great.

8

Jennifer

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This property is old and outdated BUT the room was clean and adequate for what we needed it for. It is in walking distance to the ferry to Mackinaw island and you can walk to the shops and restaurants . The staff was nice but never mentioned that we had access to a water park or discount tickets for the ferry.

6

Chas

Jun 25, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Good location. The staff was very accommodating when we needed anything. It was clear that the rooms were not cleaned very well. We had fresh towels and sheets but we observed cobwebs and dust in many places in the room and bugs in the ceiling corners. Lots of hair in the pool.

4

Karen

Sep 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room smells of mold terribly. All of our clothes have a stench just from the air. We paid for 3 nights, but will leave and not stay the third night.

10

Rachel

Oct 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our room was clean. The linens were crisp. The beds were comfortable. The shower was hot and the water pressure was good. Nice size LG TV. We enjoyed a full breakfast with scrambled eggs, meat, pancakes, hot and cold cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt, various breads, coffee and juices. The hotel contacted us regarding our ETA to advise there might be a slight delay accessing a room. We were settled in within an hour of our arrival. The entire staff deserves credit for making our stay an enjoyable experience. TY!

10

Thomas

Sep 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was the cleanest we have ever had at this location. There were no spider webs on the balcony, there was no sand in the track of the sliding door, and the room itself was very clean. We were happy to give the housekeeper Chelsea a $20.00 tip for her efforts.

6

Rich

Apr 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was ok. The room had a bad musty smell. We found old stains on the sheets. A soap stain was on the sink, not properly cleaned off. Shower curtain was over the shower rod and when pulled down a moldy dirty face cloth fell off. When i explained to staff, they were less than helpful. Poor customer service!

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Rooms

Many rooms are spacious with balconies and strong lake views, and beds are generally comfortable. Decor feels dated, some guests note noise and humidity issues, and microwaves are not standard.

Related guest reviews

8

Annette

Sep 6, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was straight out of the 80s, but was clean and everything worked.

6

William

Nov 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, comfy beds, great view of Lake Huron, decent hot breakfast with wide variety. Our biggest complaint is poor climate control. Rooms are long, with heating/cooling unit on one end and bathroom on the other. Since there is no ducted air movement, the heat had to flow across the room through the open bathroom door to keep it warm. Even worse, our heater started to howl and clunk after midnight, so I lost a lot of sleep, making my next day less pleasant. Also, we had to walk quite far along outside hallways during a chilly autumn night to get to our room. Finally, although the rooms were clean and the beds were comfy, the exterior could use a little cosmetic maintenance.

10

gwen

May 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

No microwave in the room

8

Emily

Oct 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Pretty view of the Mackinaw Bridge from our room. Room was spacious. Could use a bathroom update but was very clean. Breakfast had a nice variety. Hot tub was a comfortable temperature. Overall, a very nice stay.

6

Alberto

Jun 21, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wasnt up to same conditions when we stayed before. Nosie from other room,broken screen door,no microwave in room, room call for queen bed and they were full size.

6

Ellen

Jul 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room nice but outdated. Ceiling leak, carpet ild and sain. Fridge didt work well. Location is great, beachfront. Pool andhot tub.

10

JILL

Sep 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Conveniently located to the shops, restaurants, and ferries. Great view. The rooms are outdated and could use a an update.

6

Andrea

Oct 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The view was amaxing. The room and furnishings are very dated. The walls are either thin or both sides of neighbors were hearing impaired. The TV's were very loud well after midnight.

8

Steve

Jul 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Did not want a hot tub in the room. Room had no view.

10

Patti

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our rooms were on the third floor, and were a VERY nice size.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are often friendly and helpful, but multiple reviews describe curt or unwelcoming front-desk interactions and uneven responsiveness. Check-in can be slow during busy times.

Related guest reviews

10

Lynn

Oct 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff very good. Breakfast above average. Great Lake view

4

Anna

Oct 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I have stayed in many best western hotels with excellent service. I was very disappointed with my most recent stay at the best western in mackinaw city. The staff was extremely rude. I came into the lobby to an employee screaming at a customer and subsequently chasing them out of the lobby. I then went to breakfast the following morning and was mistreated by staff who was preparing the food fo asking a simple question of them. I unfortunately would not recommend this hotel and will not be staying again.

2

Debra

Sep 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Check in was awful…. Took a long time and we weren’t given any information on our free tour, no information when breakfast was or when checkout time was. The person handling the breakfast was so rude to all the guests, didn’t refill empty containers.

10

Daydrea

Oct 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place. Clean. No view of the bridge however. Close to lots of restaurants and shops.

10

Brandle

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Manager was fantastic! He helped us with a tv issue and very friendly and helpful. Great location. Great beach area but chilly during our stay.

8

Michelle

Jun 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location is great. Very clean. Breakfast was good. I did not like how much the price was fluctuating from one day @ $95 for a standard room to the very next week day @$249. So I had to switch hotels cuz the price gouge was so ridiculous. Then the very next day which was still the middle of the week it dropped back down to $112. Very frustrating. Also the front desk women were not warm or friendly. I was here about 1:00 pm and even though they had plenty of rooms available they told me I could not check in until 4:00. So I have mixed feelings.

8

Jacqueline

Oct 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The desk one man and a woman were so rude .. I would have walked out if I wouldn’t lose my money ..,they were snotty .. but other than the desk help .. others were nice ..

10

Martha

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staff very friendly and knowledgeable

10

joy

Oct 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel served our needs. It was clean and the beds were comfortable. We did not go to breakfast. The staff is not the friendliest. Overall, we would stay here again. It is close proximity to town and the ferry.

6

Ludmila

Aug 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel staff during check-in and check-out was not very friendly. When I asked for information, the front desk representative provided very limited assistance. Overall, the service could be improved with better communication and a more welcoming attitude.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Waterfront setting within easy walking distance of downtown shops, restaurants, and the Mackinac Island ferry. Convenient for beach access and sightseeing.

Related guest reviews

10

Suzanne

Jun 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had a great room with a beautiful view of Lake Huron. Although the hotel itself was not very new, the room was very comfortable, and the breakfast surpassed our expectations. We also appreciated the quick, easy walk to Shepler's Ferry dock.

8

Jeremiah

Oct 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very convenient location to shops and sites

10

William

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Centrally located close to town, docks, restaurants, and shops. Just park your car and walk.

8

JACQUELINE

Jun 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

nice staff. great location to everything

10

Mary

Oct 4, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

My beachside room was just what I wanted, with easy access to the beach and a view of the sunrise every morning. The hotel's location is convenient to restaurants, shops, and the ferry to Mackinac Island.

10

Carol

Sep 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient to most of what Mackinaw City has to offer.

10

Mary

Jul 29, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location was centered around everything. Easy walks to shopping and restaurants. If going to the Island, Sheplers was an easy walk. No need to drive.

10

Paulette

Sep 4, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel and rooms were clean, staff was friendly. It was a great location for the main street of shops and also for the ferry.

10

Michelle

Aug 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice Best Western. Room was very clean and updated. Can't beat the location. Walk to restaurants and shops and even the Macinaw Island Ferry.woikd definitely stay here again.

10

joy

Oct 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel served our needs. It was clean and the beds were comfortable. We did not go to breakfast. The staff is not the friendliest. Overall, we would stay here again. It is close proximity to town and the ferry.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast is included and offers a decent selection for many, but quality is hit or miss, with several guests finding it bland or repetitive. Hours are short (typically ending at 9am) and the dining room requires an outdoor walk to reach.

Related guest reviews

10

Mark

Oct 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very clean comfortable. Breakfast was really good compared to other free breakfasts. Did not use the pool because it was cold and you have to walk outside to get to it.

6

Nichole

Jul 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property had a clean pool area, a clean breakfast area and a private beach. The rooms are older and a little musty but the musty is expected with a lakeside room. The views are beautiful. The patio could have been cleaned up a bit of spiderwebs and dead bugs. The beds were also squeaky and very firm. The breakfast also isn't great. Reminded me of microwaved frozen pancakes. The coffee was also always out. However, the rooms were clean and cared for. Overall, I would say the facility is old but clean. Great location and helpful staff. I would say for the view and the size of the room, $200/night is reasonable.

6

Gary

Oct 27, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location. Hotel rooms are in need of updating and refurbishment but was clean at least. Pool was great. Breakfast was below average and didn’t feel or taste healthy.

10

James

Oct 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything was good. Breakfast ending at 9:00 for night owls was a bit difficult.

8

Jeff

Sep 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall good. Breakfast was basic. Nothing over the top. Great location. Easy parking. Very walkable to most everything.

10

Ann

Oct 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was awesome! Price was great value! Breakfast was hot & dining area was amazing! I will definitely stay here again, family that came with me feels the same!

6

Jordan

Aug 2, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I wouldn’t recommend staying here. The rooms are outdated and the AC units and humidifiers are so loud! You can hear everything while in the rooms. The breakfast was awful!

10

Kathryn

Sep 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Service was excellent, loved the coffee in the lobby!! I honestly wish the continental breakfast would have been till 10 AM instead of ending at 9 AM. It stopped at an early time.

8

Camala

Oct 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Suggestion; Continental breakfast hours should be 6:00 am to 10:am, not 7:00 am to 9:00 am.

8

Kay

Oct 9, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The breakfast was only till 9 am and.when your retired you sleep in. They should extend it to 10 am.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
March	$85
April	$84
May	$128
June	$187
July	$247
August	$270
September	$167
October	$129
November	$96

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15 $382	16 $291	17 $236	18 $284	19 $313
20 $90	21 $121	22 $205	23 $100	24 $110	25 $202	26 $173
27 $90	28 $111	29 $134	30 $91

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $92	2 $198	3 $261
4 $113	5 $93	6 $132	7 $111	8 $132	9 $235	10 $264
11 $81	12 $80	13 $83	14 $80	15 $81	16 $135	17 $177
18 $80	19 $81	20 $80	21 $82	22 $83	23 $157	24 $164
25 $81	26 $80	27 $80	28 $83	29 $82	30 $80	31 $82

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Suite, Multiple Beds, Lakeside

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Poolside

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Courtyard Area

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub, Courtyard Area

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Lakeside (With Sofabed)

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Courtyard Area

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Lakeside (With Sofabed)

Suite, Multiple Beds, Courtyard Area (With Sofabed)

Suite, 1 Twin Bed, Accessible, Poolside (With Sofabed)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Lakeside

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lakeside (With Sofabed)

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub, Lakeside

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible, Poolside

Suite, Multiple Beds, Lakeside (With Sofabed)

Guest reviews

Good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Best Western Plus Dockside Waterfront Inn

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