The Grand Hotel

Have you ever wanted to stay at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island? We finally did. We headed there to celebrate our Mom’s 80th birthday, a “Girls’ Trip.” My sister, Trish, had organized our “field trip” of FUN! It had been fulfilling to spoil our Mom, Marcia Bunek Meade, on her birthday after decades of her making our birthdays memorable occasions. Join us!

Trish and I have birthdays four days apart, yet our Mom would make two birthday cakes, each to our specifications, and host individual themed parties. She’s amazing! Marcia is the third oldest of ten, so I imagine her birthdays had been minimal compared to the ones she’d given us! Well, spending a few days at the elegant Grand Hotel would provide fancy feelings and magical memories for us all!

The Grand Hotel History

Nearly 140 years ago in 1887, The Grand Hotel had been built as a destination by the “Mackinac Island Hotel Company.” This group had been comprised of the Cleveland Steamship Navigation Company along with two railroads: Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad and the Detroit Railroad. Since its opening, The Grand Hotel has remained an ultimate vacation spot. In fact, six United States Presidents have stayed at The Grand Hotel: Biden, Clinton, Bush, Ford, Kennedy and Truman.

*Photo Credit: Mackinac Island Memories Shared Facebook Page*

The Grand Hotel’s Location

Mackinac Island is located east of the Straits in Lake Huron, between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. Travelers used to take the train north, then transfer to a steam ship for the journey to Mackinac Island. The Grand Hotel had waited for these travelers, perched proudly on the hill, just as it does today.

Mackinac Island Transportation

Many of you are aware that motorized vehicles are prohibited on the island, so one must walk, ride a bike or a horse. Or another possible option is to hire a horse-drawn transport. An open taxi carriage, pulled by a pair of horses, can hold 8-16 passengers, while a large three-horse tour carriage will carry 25-30 people. The Grand Hotel has their own enclosed, leather interior taxis which transport 6-8 guests.

The Grand Hotel Carriage

We arrived on the island by ferry boat. As we stepped off the vessel, the clomping of horses hooves felt like we’d stepped back in time. A glimmering Grand Hotel carriage was waiting for us at the dock.

The Longest Front Porch

Lined with comfortable rocking chairs, the longest porch in the world measures 660 feet.

I couldn’t help but think of the lives who’ve graced this porch over the past century. Sharing these moments with my Mom and sister transcended time.

*Photo Credit: Historic Hotels of America*

Our View

The Queen Anne inspired decor set the tone of Victorian elegance. We pulled the chairs right up to the window to enjoy the view of ships and ferries traversing The Straits.

*Using jeweled tones and ‘bringing nature inside’ have been hallmarks of the Victorian age.*

The Secret Garden

Hidden behind tall bushes and foliage, blazed the Secret Garden. A “stream” of flowers “flowed” in front of the Grand Hotel. The head gardener for The Grand Hotel, Drew Butterfield, organizes over 125,000 flowers across the expansive grounds.

Returning to our room, we needed to follow the specific “after 6:00 pm” dress code for evening attire, as each night is a special night at The Grand. Men need to wear suit coats and women a dress, blouse and skirt or dress slacks. We prepared ourselves to attend the dining room for our evening meal. Both breakfast and dinner were included in our stay.

The Dining Room

As a trio played jazz music, the servers practically danced between the tables. A salad of mixed greens and a bowl of soup were followed by entrees of chicken dressed in a flavorful sauce and tender roast beef. The meal sent our tastebuds to a new level! With so many courses, we didn’t have any extra space for their famous dessert, a pecan ball. Maybe next time.

The Cupola

As the sun began to drift toward the horizon, we climbed the stairs to The Cupola Bar set atop the Grand Hotel. Piano music lilted as we sipped our drinks dressed in sliced fruit. As the sun slowly slipped lower, swipes of orange and red painted the sky. Over the next few minutes, these tones turned to aqua and violet hues. The expansive view of the sunset brought forth “ooohs” and “ahhhs” from each of us. Honestly, I had never known there was a room at the top of the hotel.

The Duck Race

The next day we observed The Duck Race from our comfortable room. One of the lifeguards brought a bucket of ducks to the top of the slide. The yellow, plastic quackers looped down the blue slide and into the pool. Somebody must have won as there had been celebratory jumping and waving with fully outstretched arms.

*Ferry boats and freighters could be seen crossing The Straits of Mackinac.*
*My Mom and Trish, who were watching from the window, reminded me of the kids from “The Cat In The Hat.”*

The recently remodeled “Esther Williams Pool” had been named for the actress and competitive swimmer who’d starred in the movie, “This Time for Keeps,” which had been filmed at The Grand Hotel in 1946.

Next, Trish had arranged for us to have afternoon tea! So, we headed to the parlor in the main lobby. I understand that over this past winter (2025) the parlor area has been repainted with a ‘coral hue.’

Afternoon Tea

Harp music drifted angelically as we were each served a three tier snack tray, champaign and a pot of tea. “I don’t think we’ll be able to eat all these goodies.” I sighed initially. Well, you’ll be proud to learn that we each managed to consume our savory sandwiches and delicate tarts.

As we nibbled on the deliciously prepared treats, each of us stitched together memories, like a vibrant crazy quilt, always using a thread of appreciation for our Mother’s talents and love through each tale. We smiled about cutting out and decorating sugar cookies for each holiday. Our special birthdays were a focus for a while, too.

From princess dresses to poodle skirts, we marveled at the hours our Mom had spent sewing costumes. Every single one had been quality and met our wishes beautifully throughout each stage of our childhood! As a Grandmother, she continued the tradition by creating our four girls’ holiday dresses along with a matching outfits for their American Girl Dolls. Precious!

Our Mom shared the highlights about her many trips to Europe with her sisters, Emelia and Glory. They had capers in so many countries as well as Disney: France, Germany, Italy and The Netherlands.

We giggled about sitting on the large green couch along the back of Uncle Will’s hay wagon. We muffled our squeals as we recalled singing loudly on our nightly hayrides through town during the first of many Bunek family reunions. For three generations, these week-long events have occurred every four or five years since our childhood.

After tea we had just enough time to complete an investigative stroll around the hotel before dinner. Everywhere we turned, there was entertainment!

Entertainment All Around

There’s an ice cream parlor, a gift shop and a museum dedicated to the movie, “Somewhere In Time,” which had been filmed at The Grand Hotel. Drink offerings and even a band playing in the ball room. “It reminds me of a resort, where there’s things to do everywhere you turn.” My Mom commented. “We don’t even have to go downtown. There’s everything right here!”

Lawn games could be used including a huge chess set! Bikes could be rented, too. The taxi carriages were ready and waiting at the red carpeted entrance, if desired. The Grand Hotel was energetic elegance, while being practical and entertaining.

Departing Mackinac Island

*Leaving Mackinac Island aboard the ferry boat.*

Somewhere in time our stories merge and overlap. Cherishing the occasions together makes life meaningful. Our ‘girls’ vacation will continue to bring a smile each time we recall, The Grand Hotel. Happy Birthday to the BEST Mom!

Resources:

Historic Hotels of America website

The Restless Viking