High above Lake Huron sits a little slice of heaven, and it goes by the name The Inn at Stonecliffe. Tucked away on the Western Bluff of Mackinac Island—famed for being the only city in America to have fully banned automobiles—the stunning property is a study in the luxury of simpler times, where horse-drawn carriages are the primary mode of transportation, hospitality is a way of life, and taking a vacation means truly unplugging (even if only for a couple days).
It’s hard not to be charmed by Mackinac Island—most visitors arrive via ferry, though you could also take a little Cessna airplane into the teaspoon-sized airport. Stepping onto the island is akin to stepping into another dimension; bustling main street—lined with fudge shops, art galleries, and saloons—is packed not with cars but with bikes and carriages waiting to take visitors to their destination.
One of those horse-powered carriages is meant for The Inn at Stonecliffe, located about two miles away from downtown. The equestrian team pulls visitors through the wooded hills of the island before arriving at the stone gates of the hotel, which just completed its two-year renovation this summer.
Originally built in 1904 as a lakeside retreat for the Cudahy family, the mansion has not only been restored to its former glory but also augmented with additional architecture and modern luxuries. Today, the stay comprises two main buildings—The Mansion, which boasts 16 rooms alongside a homey library and intimate pub, and the adjacent Summer House, whose 32 guestrooms are well-suited for a family vacation. For folks looking for an even more private experience, opt for one of the four private cottages.
The Inn at Stonecliffe has preserved the familial feel of the one-time private residence; upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a friendly staff in the lobby, which feels more like a grand foyer than a traditional check-in experience. Rooms in the Mansion are accessible via one of two staircases, maintaining the at-home feel (that is if your home were over 18,000 square feet). En route to guest rooms, you’ll pass stunning stained glass windows, walk across original wood floors, and be enamored with beautifully restored moldings, all evidence of the luxury of the former estate.
Each room in the Mansion is uniquely decorated and laid out based on their original blueprint—take the beautiful Cudahy room, which features a King bed in the midst of a blue oasis, with rich carpeting, calming drapery, and a marble-tiled bathroom. Head over to the Summer Home to find additional spacious layouts, many featuring a kitchenette, dining table, and view of the property’s garden or Lake Huron.
As lovely as the rooms are, you’ll spend most of your time either exploring the expansive grounds or headed into town. Catch the sunrise or some lawn games on the Straits Lawn, and for sunset, head down to beautiful Sunset Rock for unrivaled views. During the day, the hotel hosts a packed calendar of activities that includes pizza-making, watercolor, and beekeeping classes, bingo by the (heated) pool, and more. When you’re ready to go downtown, you can either take a carriage ride or rent a bike to explore the cornucopia of trails.
The Inn at Stonecliffe also maintains a top-notch culinary program, helmed by Executive Chef Joseph Nardo (formerly of French Laundry). For an elevated dining experience, check out The Straits, which leverages locally sourced ingredients, as well as produce from the inn’s own garden and orchard. For something more casual, check out The Backyard, where wood-fired pizzas are not to be missed. Grab-and-go items are found at the General Store, an on-property shop with the best breakfast sandwiches on the island and homemade ice cream.
As refreshed and rejuvenated as you’ll feel after a stay at The Inn at Stonecliffe, you can also take pride in knowing that all profits from the hotel—owned by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation—go toward both local and international charitable organizations.
So whether you’re headed to Mackinac for a weekend or a week, a stay at this iconic property is simply a must-do.
Top Takeaways
Location: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Your wealthy best friend’s summer mansion—now within reach.
Food + Drink: Be sure to lunch at The Backyard, where you can literally sit in the hotel’s backyard (the Straits Lawn), and then grab a drink at Horsey’s Pub before heading to The Straits for a fine dining experience.
Amenities: Restaurants; Bar; 2 Swimming pools; Fitness center; Meeting spaces; Concierge; Bikes; Spa
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The spectacular lawn, overlooking the lake below, is the perfect place to spend an afternoon—or even an entire day.
5 Nearby Attractions: The Woods Golf Course, Sunset Rock, Friendship’s Altar, Devil’s Kitchen, Market St. Rocky Beach,
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: Head over to The Woods, the back nine of the Jewel Golf Course, during twilight hours, and for $65, play the course with rentals and a cart
Rooms: 48 rooms and four cottages
Pricing: Rooms start at $400/night
Closest Airport: Mackinac Island Airport
