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Whaleback Inn

2.5 star property
Travelers find a private haven at the intersection of natural beauty and comfort, with Van's Beach explorations and garden views just steps away

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Photo gallery for Whaleback Inn

Kayaking - Whaleback Inn (Leland)
Reception - Whaleback Inn (Leland)
Sundeck - Whaleback Inn (Leland)
Exterior - Whaleback Inn (Leland)
Traditional Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets - Whaleback Inn (Leland)
The Whaleback Inn sits near Historic Fishtown and Van's Beach, creating a peaceful retreat. Guests connect with in-room WiFi, relax on the scenic terrace, and have easy access to the nearby dock while enjoying the tranquil garden setting.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Lake View

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Lake View | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Lake View

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Lake view
  • 42 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Traditional Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View

Traditional Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Traditional Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Apartment (Cottage Suite)

Apartment (Cottage Suite) | Living area | TV

Apartment (Cottage Suite)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 46 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Single Room, 1 Queen Bed, Lakeview with Loveseat

Single Room, 1 Queen Bed, Lakeview with Loveseat | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room, 1 Queen Bed, Lakeview with Loveseat

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Leland, Whaleback Inn is on a lake. Manitou Island Transit and Manitou Passage Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Van's Beach and Grand Traverse Bay. Historic Fishtown and Bel Lago Winery are two other places to visit that come recommended. Visit our Leland travel guide
Map
1757 N Manitou Trail, Leland, MI, 49654

What's nearby

  • Aerial of Leland, Michigan of Lake Michigan in Autumn
    Lake Leelanau
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore featuring general coastal views
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    6 min drive - 5.6 miles
  • Historic Fishtown
    2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Manitou Island Transit
    2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Van's Beach
    2 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
    45 min drive

Restaurants

  • VI Grill
    14 min drive
  • Village Cheese Shanty
    3 min drive
  • Leelanau Pie & Pastry
    7 min drive
  • Pedaling Beans Coffeehouse
    6 min drive
  • Nittolo's Seafood And Social
    7 min drive

About this property

Whaleback Inn

Hotel near Historic Fishtown
Located close to Van's Beach and Manitou Island Transit, Whaleback Inn provides a terrace and a garden. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • Free self parking
  • A dock and smoke-free premises
Room features
All guestrooms at Whaleback Inn include comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi.
More amenities include:
  • Showers, free toiletries, and hair dryers
  • Refrigerators, heating, and daily housekeeping

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  • Free WiFi
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Dock
  • Garden
  • On a lake
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 5 buildings
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between October 27 and April 15.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

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; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

Whaleback Inn Leland
Whaleback Leland
Whaleback Inn Hotel
Whaleback Inn Leland
Whaleback Inn Hotel Leland

Frequently asked questions

Is Whaleback Inn pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Whaleback Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Whaleback Inn?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Whaleback Inn located?

Situated on a lake, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Van's Beach, Historic Fishtown, and Manitou Island Transit. Manitou Passage Golf Club and Bel Lago Winery are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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Reviews

Whaleback Inn Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

10

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 141 out of 166 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 166 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 166 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 166 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 166 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Vicki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This place is located on the edge of Leland where it is peaceful and has a beautiful view of the lake. We were so blessed to be able to stay there. We highly recommend staying there when you are in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cumbee

Fanadtic place lovely owners. Clean ...beautiful gardens
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

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

The Best of Rustic and Amenities

This is a great place to stay! Rustic but with modern amenities. The Inn keepers are wonderful - helpful and friendly but not obtrusive. We will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was one of the most beautiful and unique inns we’ve ever stayed at. A great location with a lovely view of the water and dock for us to go out on. The staff was warm and welcoming and the grounds felt safe and homey. highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We really enjoyed our stay, the owner Drew made sure we felt welcomed when we first arrived and gave us a very thorough tour of the property. Both Ty and Rachel (who were the innkeepers) were always very approachable with any of our needs throughout the trip, including with helping us get situated with the onsite kayak rentals. We definitely plan to be back, as this place had a nice remote feeling and gorgeous up close view of Lake Leelanau!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Bruce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Location and view to water was beautiful. The rooms were very outdated and the beds not comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

john

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The facilities and staff were first rate.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice wooded area with comfortable housing and convenient amenities.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This amazing, cozy, cottage setting was perfect for a quiet retreat. Ty and Rachael made me feel like i was family and had all the comforts of home. The view was perfect, overlooking the lake. I highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
View of the lake is nice, front porch socializing very nice
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric

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

Quiet weekend.

Nice and relaxing in woods and water setting. Loved the nature hike.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Cathy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice stay there. The couple running the Inn are really friendly and helpfull. The only complaint I have is the smell of the water in the shower. It smells like sulfur, very stinky. But not the Inn keepers fault of course.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

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

what a whaleback!

great place . innkeepers, ty and rachel very friendly . hot coffee and great muffins!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Caretakers were welcoming and warm and welcoming for our day there. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Relax outside with a beautiful view of the lake. Very peaceful.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Decor was UP NORTH cute.....Bed was comfortable!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rachel had our room ready as soon as we arrived on the property. Our room was very clean. The community room is adorable and cozy. There are some snacks using the honor system, and some complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and oatmeal. I would highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked the newer wood & the room was very clean !
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We spent to delightful nights at the Whaleback Inn. The facility is clean and tidy. The host greet you and help out with any questions you have about the area. Starting our day on the porch eating a relaxing breakfast looking out in the lake was pure bliss. We loved the peacefulness of the Whaleback Inn.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Charming Lakefront Chateau

Drew and Rachels hospitality was amazing, Frank, the resident cat is mostly disinterested, yet friendly. The whole place is very charming and feels like a community as you walk to the breakfast bar with Hannah's fantastic muffins. Sitting on the porch with friends, food and a wonderful view of the lake, makes me sad to think of all the times ive missed being here in the past. 10/10 recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice room, great location, welcoming staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was wonderful! A super fun weekend. Will definitely come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice stay
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

KatieLynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The entire experience at the Whaleback Inn was like stepping into a small town romance novel. Every cabin was cozy and the owners were very welcoming and hospitable. There was a great community area and ample outdoor seating on the porch, property, and pier that gave the best views. We absolutely loved our time there and will be booking again soon!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paige

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Such a beautiful place, great staff, perfect location, I will stay there again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

MARCIA

Love the simplicity and uniqueness! No boxy holiday inn!!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025