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Are you looking for a truly relaxing retreat? Picture great lawns with hammocks and croquet, paired with craft cocktails and fireside s’mores. Add in some fine dining with onsite garden-to-table dishes and wood-fired pizza that you can learn to make on your own during a complimentary pizza-making class. What about sweeping views of Lake Huron and horse-drawn carriage rides? This laid-back luxury vacation does exist when you stay at The Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan. And it’s all freshly renovated!
Last month, I joined a few other writers on a media trip to Mackinac Island, where we experienced the incredible restoration and renovations at The Inn at Stonecliffe firsthand. Over the course of three days, I took in the incredible views and enjoyed top-notch service. As I relaxed outside on the lanai, I kept telling myself that this place was exactly what I and so many of my friends have been craving.
You also won’t have to worry about parking or traffic on this trip because Mackinac Island doesn’t have cars. You can get around by horse-drawn carriage, bike, or on foot!
The Inn at Stonecliffe hosted my stay, but all opinions are my own. I would definitely recommend this property to anyone looking for a unique, laid-back luxury retreat. I feel so lucky that I got to experience it!
The Inn At Stonecliffe Mackinac Island
The Inn at Stonecliffe is a historic luxury property built in 1904. This 15-acre property is located lakefront on the western side of Mackinac Island, a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of town. This sprawling Edwardian estate reopened last summer after a two-year $40+ million renovation. And, they did this historic property justice, preserving the intricate details and gorgeous stained glass windows and doorways while modernizing the property for a new generation of visitors.
The Mansion, the original home at the center of the property, was beautifully restored. The Summer House, with 32 additional guestrooms, was fully renovated. Three new private cottages, event space, a state-of-the-art wellness center, further dining options, and so much more were seamlessly added. It felt as if they had always been there!
In addition to the beautiful renovations, they have built up their amenities, offering new high-end bike rentals and daily complimentary activities, including art classes, fudge and wine tastings, pizza-making classes, live music, and more.
What’s more, The Inn at Stonecliffe is a humanitarian hotel. All of the net profits are distributed as charitable contributions through the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, which is wonderful to hear. And I believe that being structured this way also allowed them to do such a stunning renovation versus cutting corners to please shareholders. I think this will pay off in the long run and enable the hotel to give back both locally on the island and on a global level for years to come.
But before I get into all of the specifics about The Inn at Stonecliffe, I want to share more about how to get there because it’s an experience all its own!
Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan
If you visit Mackinac Island, which is only 3.8 square miles, you’ll quickly learn that the journey there is as magical as the destination itself. Whether you drive in or fly into Pellston Airport, which has direct flights from Detroit and Chicago O’Hare, the gateway to Mackinac Island is by ferry. Once you arrive on the island, horse-drawn carriages serve as taxis and will take you to your hotel. It’s magical and something that fosters those core memories when traveling with kids.
The Inn at Stonecliffe has its own horse-drawn carriage, and your ride to and from the resort upon arrival and after checkout is complimentary with your stay. The ride from the ferry dock to The Inn at Stonecliffe takes about 45 minutes and is scenic and relaxing.
Did you know that Mackinac Island was voted the #1 Summer Travel Destination In The US for the last three years by USA Today readers?
Experience Laid Back Luxury At The Inn At Stonecliffe
What really stood out to me during my stay was how The Inn at Stonecliffe was the epitome of laid-back luxury. From evenings spent out back curled up under an embroidered Chappy Wrap blanket to elegant dinners just steps away, if that’s what you’re looking for. You can just as easily grab a wood-fired pizza and never leave your spot.
The Straits Lawn was dotted with The Inn at Stonecliffe branded Solo Stoves, and the property uses Moulton Brown hand soaps and toiletries. These little touches were noticed, and while they elevated the experience, it never felt stuffy or pretentious. The staff was incredibly friendly, learning our names by the end of our stay and always greeting us with a smile. If quiet luxury were a place, The Inn at Stonecliffe would be it!
While this was a working trip, I felt as relaxed as ever while at The Inn at Stonecliffe. Laying in the hammocks under the late Spring sunshine and walking to catch the sunset from Sunset Rock anchored my days, which were filled with biking, fresh fudge, art classes, yoga, and more.
And, yes, they do sell The Inn at Stonecliffe embroidered Hydrangea print Chappy Wrap blankets at the General Store onsite. And yes, I bought one to bring home. It’s so soft and makes me smile when I curl up under it!
Speaking of curling up, my bed at The Inn at Stonecliffe was one of the top hotel beds I have ever slept in. It was incredibly comfortable, and from bed, I could see the Great Lakes and the bridge in the distance, with the beautiful lawn in the foreground.
The Inn At Stonecliffe: Accommodations
There are essentially two different types of accommodations at The Inn at Stonecliffe: guestrooms and suites in the Mansion and Summer House, and private cottages perfect for a larger family trip.
All of the guest rooms, suites, and cottages at Stonecliffe are either brand new or tastefully restored and renovated, so there is no wrong choice! So, make sure to browse the various room types to see what is the best fit for your group.
The Mansion Guest Rooms
The heart of The Inn at Stonecliffe is the 18,500-square-foot fully restored Mansion. It is home to 16 guestrooms, each with stunning bathrooms and beautiful artwork. My room was spacious, with a large closet and an incredible view of the water and the Mackinac Bridge. The original artwork carries into the hallways, including most local oil paintings and truly beautiful works of art, many nautical in nature.
The guestrooms are located on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Mansion, with The Straits dining room, Horsey’s Pub, and reception on the first floor.
View the Mansion accommodations here.
Summer House Guest Rooms
During the renovation, the adjacent 26,000-square-foot Summer House was refreshed and offers 32 additional guestrooms and suites with a slightly more modern feel. While the Mansion does not have an elevator, the Summer House does, making it easier for guests with mobility issues or parents with strollers. Select rooms have private balconies and sleeper sofas as well.
View the Summer House accommodations here.
Cottage Rentals At The Inn At Stonecliffe
Or choose one of the three brand new private cottages, each with three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and plenty of living space. The Sunny Honey Cottage, Hill Top Cottage, and Yacht Watch Cottage each have a different feel. Each sleeps 9 or 10 guests, making them perfect for a multi-family trip, a girls’ trip, or if you just want to bring Grandma and Grandpa with you.
The Sunny Hunny Cottage blew me away with its bright and sunny decor, gorgeous wallpaper, and cute front porch overlooking the Straits Lawn. Here are a few photos that I took while touring it, and I have a video tour over on Instagram.
Additionally, couples can rent the Love Shack, a small private cottage near the water. It has a sleeper sofa and can accommodate four guests, so it may be an option for smaller families.
View The Inn at Stonecliffe’s private cottages here.
The Inn At Stonecliffe: Dining
The Inn at Stonecliffe has two main restaurants and a General Store that offers grab-and-go snacks and ice cream. In addition to the dining options on the property, there is a unique Bavarian restaurant called The Woods just past the entrance. This actually used to be part of the original private vacation home. The owner built it as a playhouse for his older kids, and the original duck pin bowling alley still stands and is open for play.
The Straits Dining Room
Enjoy breakfast and upscale dining at The Straits, located at the center of the Mansion. In cooler months, request a table near the crackling wood fireplace. The Straits offers a beautiful view of the Mackinac Bridge, and everything I ate was wonderful. The executive chef has created a lovely menu incorporating home-grown farm-to-table fruits, vegetables, and eggs from the property’s on-site orchard, garden, apiary, and chicken coops.
The Backyard Casual Dining & Wood-fired Pizza
If you are looking for a more casual meal, head to The Backyard, which offers a menu inspired by the Great Lakes and a large wood-fired pizza oven. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner starting at 11:00 am. It has an indoor-outdoor feel with heaters for the cooler months and retractable walls to let the air in on nice summer days.
INSIDER TIP: The garlic knots filled with summer squash, pecorino romano, and crushed chili flakes were so good that I ordered them twice on this trip!
Horsey’s Pub At The Inn At Stonecliffe
Located in the Mansion, Horsey’s Pub was cozy, yet a bit eclectic and right up my alley. I loved the lodge-like feel, and the cocktails were all unique and crafted with care. The friendly bartenders were happy to help you choose the perfect cocktail.
The General Store
The General Store is a great place to grab coffee and breakfast sandwiches in the morning and ice cream on a hot afternoon. This quaint shop has a merchandise selection that rivals high-end boutiques, with quiet luxury brands as well as more mainstream keepsakes and souvenirs.
Room service is also offered at The Inn at Stonecliffe. If you feel like venturing out, you can take a horse-drawn carriage into town for a variety of additional dining options. And, if you have a sweet tooth, make sure to visit the Candy Cart. It comes out at 7:04 pm nightly!
The Inn At Stonecliffe: Activities
One other thing that really stood out to me was the complimentary activities at The Inn at Stonecliffe. As the mom of two teenagers, I thought several of them would be fun for my kids. Abby would have loved the painting classes with a local artist, and both kids would definitely want to do the pizza-making class!
The Straits Lawn is also the perfect place to play bean bags, croquet, and other yard games. There is complimentary live music and concerts as well as their ticketed summer concert series benefiting charity.
Click here to browse the activities at The Inn at Stonecliffe.
Hammocks, Yard Games, S’mores & More
From morning until bedtime, the expansive lawns at The Inn at Stonecliffe offer the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you want to nap in a hammock or sip a glass of wine out on the patio, the property itself is an experience. In the evenings, enjoy one of the many fire pits and solo stoves, and don’t forget to stop by Stonecliffe’s General Store for a complimentary s’mores kit!
Daily Activities At The Inn At Stonecliffe
Every day, there is a different activity offered at The Inn at Stonecliffe, which currently includes things like:
- art classes
- fudge & wine-tasting
- yoga
- pizza making
- rock painting
- cookie decorating
- craft corner
- pilates
- movie night
- and more
Most are complimentary, but you must reserve a spot in advance. Additionally, special events are held throughout the year!
Pools & Wellness Center
The Inn at Stonecliffe has a family-friendly pool and an adults-only pool. The pools are seasonal, so check with the hotel if visiting during the shoulder seasons. When open, they are heated seasonally as needed.
Near both pools is a brand new state-of-the-art wellness center and sauna. Guests can come and go as they please. Make sure to pop in there to see the cute and kitschy wallpaper they used!
Catch The Sunset At Sunset Rock
As the evening winds down, stroll down to Sunset Rock, located at The Inn at Stonecliffe. Perched along the cliffs above Lake Huron, it is one of the best places to watch the sunset on Mackinac Island, and it is right there on the property.
Inn At Stonecliffe Bike Rentals
Biking is one of the best ways to explore Mackinac Island, and you can rent bikes right there at The Inn at Stonecliffe. It’s 8.2 miles to bike around the island. You can also ride into town or to see unique places spread around the island, such as Arch Rock.
Did you know that Highway 185 on Mackinac Island is the only U.S. highway that doesn’t allow vehicle traffic?
Exploring Mackinac Island
Whether you want to explore Mackinac Island by bike, on foot, or horse-drawn carriage, there are many great daytime outings. The most popular option would be to go into town and enjoy fudge from Murdick’s Fudge or to grab lunch at The Pink Pony. If you get there early, make sure to pop into the Watercolor Cafe for their homemade pop tarts, called Poppies, and a view of the water straight out of a Hallmark movie.
If you are into history or nature, add Fort Mackinac and Arch Rock to your list. I was blown away by Arch Rock’s natural beauty! If you are biking around the island, you can see it from down by the water. The brand new nature center is a great way to learn more about the island, including its rich history and natural wonders.
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours offers horse-drawn tours of this charming island. These tours last approximately an hour and 45 minutes, and combo packages are available that include entrance to some popular attractions, such as Fort Mackinac.
As you can see, there is as much to do as you’d like. Or, you can choose to disconnect and enjoy the simplicity that comes with a stay at The Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island. A stay at The Inn at Stonecliffe is the type of getaway where you will go home refreshed and recharged.
Book Your Stay At The Inn At Stonecliffe
To be honest, I feel like I am sitting on such a big secret here! This is the first full season The Inn at Stonecliffe has been open since its massive renovations, so most people don’t know about this quaint and comfy escape. Many may think that a laid-back yet luxurious property like this only exists in the Northeast. If you are located near Detroit, Michigan, or Chicago, Illinois, and are able to book direct flights into Pellston Airport, The Inn at Stonecliffe can be an easy long weekend getaway.
On top of that, this upscale property still has openings for bookings this summer! So, if you are looking for those timeless Americana summer vibes, this may be the perfect place for you!
Peak season on Mackinac Island is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but the shoulder seasons offer a chance to escape to the island with fewer crowds downtown and aboard the ferries. There was a chill in the air when I visited in May, and I found it so cozy sitting by the fire with that Chappy Wrap blanket around me!
Click here to learn more and book your stay at The Inn at Stonecliffe.
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