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Whaleback Inn

2.5 star property
Lakefront hotel in Leland with free parking

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Photo gallery for Whaleback Inn

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

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

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)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • 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)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate dining area
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
TV
Sofa bed - double
  • 46 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

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)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 22 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 22 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
  • 42 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King 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)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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Front of property

Leland Lodge

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, 455 reviews
Leland Lodge

About the neighborhood

Map
1757 N Manitou Trail, Leland, MI, 49654

What's nearby

  • 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
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 7 min drive - 5.6 miles
  • Leelanau Sands Casino - 21 min drive - 15.1 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪VI Grill - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Pedaling Beans Coffeehouse - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Boone's Prime Time Pub - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Streetside Grille - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Leelanau Pie & Pastry - ‬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
  • Smoke-free premises and a dock
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

Languages

English

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

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between October 27 and April 10.

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 at Whaleback Inn?

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. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Manitou Passage Golf Club are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Whaleback Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 129 out of 153 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 153 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 153 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 153 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 153 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

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

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

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

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My husband and I both said we would love to revisit this resort.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carlina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice view of Lake and Rachel the Innkeeper was most attentive.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

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

Evelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Water view…homey…great location to town..quiet…lots of area to sit and relax…would highly recommend
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

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

Adorable place with exceptional hospitality!

What an adorable place with impeccable service and hospitality! Can’t wait to go back!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cleanest, friendliest place we’ve ever stayed. Will definitely go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

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

Jorge, Canton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, quiet and close to everything
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

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

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

Daphne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cozy atmosphere
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lee Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at the Whaleback Inn. The property is gorgeous. The rooms were comfortably appointed and very clean.It was conveniently located for day trips around the area. The view of the lake from our room and patio was just awesome....
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We loved the Whaleback Inn. We were so delighted with the view and location. We only stayed one night, I wish we had longer. I loved that there was a private dock to enjoy the water views and relax in the sun.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property was very clean and friendly. Close to restaurants and shops. The mattresses were amazing. One of the best nights sleep that we have had in a long time.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ron a

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Views were stunning, property and staff were great, only down side was very close to main road
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

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

Verified traveler

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

Great hidden treasure

Such a cute and friendly Inn. I would recommend this to all my family and friends.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Meng Qi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
it was wonderful.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

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

8/10 Good

SUSAN

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellant
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Will return!

We loved our short stay at Whaleback with the beautiful premises and view of Lake Leelanau and friendly interactions with staff, and close proximity to Leland, we can't wait to come back some day!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022