Northwinds Motel

Relax in comfort after a day exploring Straits State Park. Refresh at the nearby pools or unwind in your cozy room.

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A coastal hotel with multiple buildings, a sandy beach, and a kayak. - Northwinds Motel (Mackinaw City)

A motel with a beach sign, a parking lot, and a view of the ocean. - Northwinds Motel (Mackinaw City)

A hotel room with two beds, a television, a desk, and a chair. - Northwinds Motel (Mackinaw City)

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a television, and a view of the ocean. - Northwinds Motel (Mackinaw City)

A restaurant with a wooden counter, tables, and chairs. - Northwinds Motel (Mackinaw City)

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Located near Straits State Park, Northwinds Motel offers a cozy retreat with outdoor pool access nearby and indoor pool privileges. Enjoy the comforts of home with 32-inch TVs, bathrooms featuring showers, and daily housekeeping.

Popular amenities

Parking included
Housekeeping

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Aug 9 - Aug 10

Tomorrow

Aug 10 - Aug 11

All rooms

1 bed

2 beds

Showing 4 of 4 rooms

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a television, and a view of the ocean.

1 Queen Lakefront with Private Deck

Lake view
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

A hotel room with two beds, a television, a desk, and a chair.

2 Queen Lakefront with Private Deck

Lake view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

A wooden-paneled room with a bed, two bedside lamps, a TV on a wooden dresser, and a small trash bin.

Standard Single Room, 1 Queen Bed

Lake view
1 bedroom
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

A hotel room with two beds, a television, a mirror, and a painting on the wall.

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Lake view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Mackinaw City, Northwinds Motel is in the historical district and on the waterfront. Mackinac Bridge and Mission Church are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Straits State Park and Wilderness State Park. Don't miss out on a visit to Deer Ranch. Visit our Mackinaw City travel guide

View more Motels in Mackinaw City

11472 W US 23, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701

What's nearby

Mackinaw Crossings
2 min drive - 1.6 miles
Edgewater Beach
1 min walk - 0.1 miles
Edgewater Beach
7 min walk - 0.4 miles
Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion
3 min drive - 1.9 miles
Animal Tracks Adventure Golf
3 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
30 min drive

Restaurants

Keyhole Bar & Grill
3 min drive
Fox's Pizza Den
3 min drive
Dixie Saloon
3 min drive
Audie's Restaurant
2 min drive
Darrow's Family Restaurant
3 min drive

Similar properties

Pool
Pet friendly
Parking included
Free WiFi

Compare similar properties

Property amenities

Parking and transportation

Free uncovered self parking on site

Things to do

Indoor pool (guest access)
Outdoor pool (guest access)

Family friendly

Access to nearby indoor pool
Access to nearby outdoor pool

Guest services

Housekeeping (daily)
Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

On a lake
Picnic area

Accessibility

If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
No elevator
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

Private bathroom
Shower
Towels provided

Entertainment

32-inch TV with cable channels

Access via exterior corridors
Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property

The check-in location differs from the property location; go to: [11416 US Highway 23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701]

This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Frequently asked questions

Does Northwinds Motel have a pool?

Yes, this property has outdoor pool access.

Is Northwinds Motel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Northwinds Motel?

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Northwinds Motel?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Northwinds Motel located?

Situated on the waterfront, this motel is within 12 mi (20 km) of Straits State Park, Wilderness State Park, and Mackinac Bridge. Deer Ranch and Mystery Spot are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Northwinds Motel Reviews

5.8

6.0

Cleanliness

8.2

Location

6.8

Staff & service

5.2

Property conditions & facilities

Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Lisa

Jul 6, 2026

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

I am a former Boy Scout mom, so not much phases me, but this place? What a dump. The pictures have either been doctored or are very old. The carpet and linoleum looked to be original, beer caps on the top of the faucet, and the screen on the patio door was bent and would not properly open and close. They clearly took the time to put new siding on the outside, but that is no different that putting lipstick on a pig. The positive(s) include the location - down far enough from crowds, and the sunrise was spectacular.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Ginny

Jun 28, 2026

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities

I stayed here recently and had a mixed experience. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the location is excellent. However, the property is older and could use quite a bit of maintenance and upkeep. While my room was clean for the most part, it felt run down. The floor had a soft spot that made me a little nervous, and the bed sagged due to a lack of support, making it uncomfortable to sleep. I also felt the room was overpriced considering its condition. There isn't an ice machine on-site, so you have to drive to a nearby property if you need ice, which was inconvenient. The beach area was much smaller than expected and was overgrown with weeds. Overall, this property has a lot of potential because of its great location and friendly staff. With some repairs, updates, and better maintenance, it could be a wonderful place to stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chad

Jun 9, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful spot!

Wonderful little motel right on the beach. Great fire pit and beach. Shower was very nice with strong pressure and plenty hot. Bed was very comfortable. Excellent accommodations for the price. We'll stay here again!

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

Verified review

8/10 Good

Robert

Aug 20, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Very quiet location with a nice view of the water and the bridge. Nice accomodation at a very reasonable price.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Jul 2, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Would stay again

We really enjoyed our stay, the young lady at the desk was super nice and actually straightened out our check in that never went through.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Jason

Oct 1, 2023

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Amenities

Simple older but clean motel. Great place to rest your head

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Caia

Aug 22, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Easy check in. Multiple little cabin, lake front properties. Small, cozy rooms. Super comfy beds! Great views and great location to Mackinaw City and the bridge.

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Kari

Jul 14, 2025

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities

There was no hot water, the water pressure was non existent. The mini fridge took forever to get cold. However the bed was comfortable and the staff was very nice. Would stay again if only for a short stay. Location was also very convenient

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

Verified review

8/10 Good

Steve

Aug 13, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Clean and tidy Gravel parking lot

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Autumn

Aug 15, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Very upbeat and happy staff very helpful. Lots of fresh towels. Room was very clean. Had a wonderful view of the lake. Would come back again :)

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Kelsey

Sep 13, 2025

Liked: Staff & service

You get what you get for the price. $70 a night is a great price. Beds are comfy.... some of other issues people listed we did not encounter. Water was fine, ac was good, tv worked. Sure it could use renovations but then the price would go up. Decent for the price, maybe im just a simple person.

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

Verified review

8/10 Good

Tayler

Aug 11, 2024

Liked: Staff & service

Overall it was a good time. Wish they would update the rooms and maybe make the beach more accommodating. Add more chairs. The staff were very nice.

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

Verified review

8/10 Good

Joyce

Jun 28, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Very quiet and peaceful. It was perfect for me to sit outside, read a book, and listen to the waves hit the shore. Motel is a little dated but quaint. Needs a little updating but it was clean. New refrigerator, ac and microwave.

Verified review

8/10 Good

Tessa

Sep 1, 2024

Liked: Property conditions & facilities

The cutest little room. Nothing super fancy but got the job done. BUT OUR FAVORITE THING. Is the Lake is only 100 feet from our door, you could walk forever up and down the beach. Staff was very friendly and helpful! Will be back

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

Verified review

4/10 Poor

Hank

Aug 28, 2023

We had a problem with the condition of our room and when I brought it to their attention we were promptly offered another room at one of their other properties. Excellent customer service!!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Jun 18, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hidden gem on Lake Huron

The building is unassuming—don’t let that fool you. The room was immaculate, the bed comfortable, and the shower hot. Walk out your door right onto the beach of Lake Huron, with a view of the bridge and Mackinac Island. The Crown Jewels, however, are Tracy and Monique in the office. They went above and beyond to help us. From straightening out our reservation to helping arrange activities to offering discount tickets. They were FABULOUS!

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

Verified review

8/10 Good

Marcie

Aug 12, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

A little rough but super clean!

The carpet was ripped & the room was a little shabby but it was super clean. My husband took his ultraviolet light to it & found very little to worry about. The house keeper was super nice. It is old & has not been updated probably ever but $59 a night on the beach, can't beat the price. It was pretty sound proof, we never heard our neighbors. If you don't need luxury it's a great place! We will be back.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Karla

Jul 8, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

When you first pull in you, you feel like you’re in the ghetto. You have to go down to another property to check in. The motel rooms are very outdated. But they were clean and the bed was comfortable. Old-fashioned window air conditioning. There’s a beach and you can swim in Lake Huron. But the pool and hot tub were not at this property. Pictures are deceiving.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Jason

Jun 23, 2024

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Monique was the best! We got moved to bells melody, instead of northwinds. The pluses are the staff is friendly. The room smelled clean, and the beds were nice. The property needs maintenance badly. Basic things like a broom to the outside, and paint on the heater vents. The windows and door jams need cleaning and the smooched bugs on the walls need to be cleaned up. There are some electrical issues that should be addressed. We had room 23, so it’s right on the beach, but the deck is in disarray, and the spiders are awful. We will never stay there again, but hopefully they put a little bit of work into it. It has potential to be a nice establishment.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Jody

Aug 10, 2023

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Bathroom was in very poor condition. Surround shower tiles around the tub was separating from the wall. No curtain in the bathroom for privacy. I had to put up a beach towel for privacy. Other than that, it was clean and everything did work. No coffee maker. For what we paid for it work for us. Good location. Beach was nice but had a lot of geese droppings. Some children did get the swimmers itch due to the geese droppings. So beware.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Gregory

Sep 5, 2023

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

This was an adventure

I don’t like to complain. I hope this is taken as constructive criticism. It was a great location. Unfortunately I didn’t stay at Northwinds. When I arrived, I had to check in at a nearby motel (Sunrise). Then, I was given another room at another motel (Bells). When I arrived, the inside appeared clean. Bathroom was very clean. However, there were spiders. They don’t bother me too much but if my wife would have been with me, she would have slept in the car. The outside deck had a plastic table. No chairs. I borrowed one from next door. On the table was a half used bottle of charcoal lighter fluid. Paint was chipping off the deck, there were cobwebs and other debris all over the outside part of the cabin, and the previous tenants left pistachio shells all over the deck (look at pic). I’m not positive, but I think there was a homeless guy sleeping on the beach. A little paint, a broom, some dusting would fix all these issues. Would I stay here again? I think so. But I would bring cleaning supplies and camp chairs with me.

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

Verified review

8/10 Good

Sydney

Jun 24, 2026

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Check in was like a scavenger hunt. We got there later than 11 pm and there was a sign on the door saying to go to another hotel if the front desk was closed. Once we got to that hotel there was another sign on the door saying to go to another hotel if they were closed. We went to the third hotel and were able to get our key and go back to this hotel to get into our room. The room was basic, simply being somewhere to sleep. Shower floor was unfinished cement that I wouldn't feel comfortable standing in without shower shoes on. AC unit worked well. Room was good for what we needed it for, which was simply to get sleep for a few hours before hitting the road again.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026

Verified review