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Summary of reviewsMackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront receives frequent praise for its prime location, especially its proximity to the Star Line Ferry, making it exceptionally convenient for trips to Mackinac Island. Guests appreciate the beautiful beachfront setting with panoramic views of Lake Huron and easy access to downtown shops, restaurants and attractions. The availability of free parking and quiet surroundings further enhance the convenience and appeal of the location.
Dinner experiences at the hotel are highly regarded with guests enjoying the quality and variety of meals offered both on-site and at nearby restaurants. The cozy atmosphere of the hotel’s restaurant and its prime location near dining options contribute to positive gastronomic experiences for visitors.
Families find the hotel to be particularly accommodating with spacious rooms, a variety of family-friendly amenities and proximity to local attractions like playgrounds and a ship. Children enjoy the pool and game room, making it a suitable choice for family vacations.
Despite these positives, several areas require improvement. The breakfast has received mixed feedback with many guests noting the limited variety and poor quality of food options, often describing it as insufficient and disappointing. The breakfast service was especially criticized during the COVID-19 pandemic with a meager grab-and-go setup that failed to meet expectations.
Room conditions present a mixed bag; while some guests appreciate the spaciousness and comfort, many point out the outdated decor, old furniture and need for extensive renovations. Cleanliness also emerges as a significant concern with frequent reports of dirty carpets, musty odors and maintenance issues such as broken fixtures and malfunctioning appliances.
The hotel staff receive mixed reviews as well. While many guests commend the front desk staff for their friendliness and professionalism, others report instances of rudeness and unresponsiveness, particularly from management. The cleaning and maintenance staff, however, are often praised for their dedication and courtesy.
Reviews of the Wi-Fi service are largely negative with many guests experiencing poor connectivity and spotty service. The indoor pool also garners mixed feedback with some enjoying it and others citing issues such as dirtiness, unsanitary conditions and inconsistent temperatures.
The beachfront location is a major highlight with guests enjoying the clean, private beach and beautiful views, although some suggest that better upkeep is necessary. Parking, while generally sufficient and convenient, occasionally faces challenges with tight spaces and cleanliness issues.
In summary, the Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront excels in its location, dining options and family-friendly environment but needs significant improvements in breakfast offerings, room conditions, cleanliness standards and staff consistency to enhance overall guest satisfaction. Show more
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Hotel near The Beach
With 'Beachfront' in its name, this Clarion Hotel directly indicates its location on the beach. Its address on South Huron Avenue further confirms its waterfront location.
Family Friendly Hotel
As a beachfront hotel, it offers immediate access to beach activities. Clarion Hotels often provide amenities suitable for families, such as pools and complimentary breakfast.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
This beachfront hotel is expected to have a pool with views and easy access to the beach, enhancing the overall experience.
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
Hotel with Parking
This hotel is known to provide dedicated parking facilities for its guests, ensuring convenient access during their stay.
Accessible Hotel
The hotel provides wheelchair accessibility and has facilities for disabled guests available. An elevator/lift is also present at the property.
Hotel with Rooms With Jacuzzi / Hot-tub
Beachfront location in Mackinaw City, potentially offering rooms with jacuzzi and waterfront views. The beachfront access enhances the relaxation experience.
3-Star Hotel
The hotel is a standard hotel and offers essential amenities.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
This hotel provides a heated indoor pool and whirlpool. Guests also receive free unlimited access to two indoor waterparks, Pirate's Adventure Indoor Waterpark and Emerald Cove Indoor Waterpark.
Hotel with Heated Pool
This hotel provides a large heated indoor swimming pool, a whirlpool spa, and an outdoor pool. Guests also have access to two indoor waterparks, Pirate's Adventure Indoor Waterpark and Emerald Cove Indoor Waterpark.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel for Honeymoon
Room Types
Two-Bedroom SuiteFeaturing free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV with cable channels, this room is equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, a refrigerator and a microwave.
Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Courtyard ViewThis air-conditioned room offering free Wi-Fi and TV with cable channels, includes tea and coffee-making facilities.
Deluxe Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Lake ViewBoasting free Wi-Fi and a TV with cable channels, this room is equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, a refrigerator and a microwave.
King Room with Spa BathOffering free Wi-Fi and a TV with cable channels, this room is equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities.
King Room - Lake ViewThis double room has a cable TV and 2-person hot tub. There is a lake view as well.
King Suite with Sofa Bed - Lake ViewThis double room features a cable TV, a microwave, and a refrigerator. There is a lakefront view as well.
Queen Suite with Lake ViewThis double room features a balcony with a lake view, microwave, and refrigerator. There is also a sofa bed.
Queen Room with Two Queen BedsThis double room features a cable TV with free HBO, a coffee maker, and a hairdryer.
Guest Reviews
6.1
Rated
Location
The location of Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront is frequently praised by visitors with many highlighting its proximity to the Star Line Ferry, making it incredibly convenient for trips to Mackinac Island. Guests appreciate the hotel's beachfront setting, offering beautiful views of Lake Huron and easy access to the beach. The hotel's closeness to the city center allows for enjoyable walks to shops, restaurants and various local attractions. Free parking and quiet surroundings add to the convenience. Guests also noted that the property is easily accessible from downtown and major sights in Mackinaw City. Overall, the excellent location, panoramic lake views and convenience to key spots make it a compelling choice for travelers.
Breakfast
Guest reviews of the breakfast at Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront present a mixed but mostly negative experience. While some guests appreciated the breakfast, calling it good and nice, the general consensus suggests significant room for improvement. A recurring issue was the limited variety and poor quality of the breakfast options with several reviewers mentioning the lack of choices for those with dietary restrictions and the disappointing quality of food, often described as cold or unappetizing.
The breakfast service received criticism for a lack of hot options and healthy choices with some guests noting that it was more akin to a snack than a full meal. Examples of meager offerings included granola bars, apples and coffee, which many felt did not meet expectations. There were consistent complaints about the breakfast room being cold and outdated and often not open or not providing what was advertised.
A number of guests were particularly disappointed by the advertised breakfast features that were not available during their stay, leading to feelings of false advertisement and unmet expectations. This was exacerbated by the temporary grab-and-go breakfast setup during the COVID-19 pandemic, which many found insufficient.
Overall, while there were isolated reports of enjoying the basic free breakfast, the predominant feedback suggests that improvements in variety, quality and accurate advertising are needed to meet guest expectations. Many guests suggested that extending breakfast hours and providing more options could greatly enhance their experience.
Dinner
Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront boasts a spectacular view and provides excellent dinner options that guests find well worth trying. The hotel's own restaurant is praised for its cozy atmosphere and high-quality, varied menu. Additionally, there are numerous good dining options within walking distance, ensuring convenience and variety for visitors. The hotel's prime location also allows for easy access to nearby restaurants, shopping and the ferry to the Island, making it an ideal spot for a gastronomic adventure in Mackinaw City. Despite some limitations due to COVID, guests still enjoyed great dining experiences with many describing their meals as delicious and of very good quality.
Rooms
The rooms at Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront offer a variety of experiences with some guests finding them spacious, comfortable and clean. Many rooms come equipped with useful amenities like microwaves and fridges and some offer beautiful views of Lake Huron from private balconies. The bedding is noted to be comfortable by several guests and the size of the rooms generally meets expectations.
However, the hotel's age shows in multiple aspects with many guests highlighting the outdated decor, old furniture and overall need for renovations. Maintenance issues are common, including broken fixtures, peeling wallpaper and malfunctioning appliances like TVs and air conditioners. Cleanliness is another recurring issue; several reviews mention dirty carpets, musty odors, cobwebs and even mold in bathrooms. These conditions suggest that the hotel would benefit from a deep clean and better general upkeep.
Despite these drawbacks, some guests were pleased with the location, spaciousness and overall comfort of their rooms, making it a mixed bag for potential visitors.
Beds
Guest reviews on the beds at Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront present a mix of opinions. Many guests highlighted the comfort of the beds with phrases like comfortable beds, comfy and firm but comfortable frequently mentioned. The beds come in various sizes, including king, queen and even twin-sized with multiple pillows available. Despite this, some visitors found the beds to be uncomfortable, specifically noting issues like hard and uncomfortable mattresses, small and lumpy pillows and stained or dirty sheets and comforters. Comments on the firmness of the mattresses were varied with a number of guests appreciating the firm yet comfortable support, while others felt the beds were too hard and unyielding. Overall, while some guests found the bedding satisfactory and conducive to a good night's sleep, there were notable concerns about cleanliness and maintenance that affected the overall experience.
Cleanliness
Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront presents a mixed experience regarding cleanliness. The positive aspects highlight several instances of clean rooms, specifically mentioning clean and comfortable linens and beds. Some guests also found the hotel to be generally spotless with broadly clean carpets and a maintained structure. Specific mention was made of the clean pool area roadways and overall neat facilities.
However, the negatives appear to dominate the guests' feedback. Common complaints include a general lack of cleanliness with numerous reviewers pointing out that rooms were dusty, musty and moldy. Many cited issues with dirty carpets, unclean bathrooms and visible dirt or grime on surfaces. Some guests encountered significant problems with bugs, cobwebs and flies both inside and outside the property. Certain areas of the hotel, such as the beach and balconies, were reported to be particularly dirty.
The condition of the hotel raised concerns, as guests frequently remarked on its dated appearance and the need for substantial maintenance and updates. Specific issues included peeling wallpaper, poorly working room appliances and broken furnishings. The hallways and stairwells were noted as being in particularly poor condition, often dirty or littered with trash.
Overall, while there are isolated instances of positive feedback regarding room cleanliness and comfort, the bulk of the reviews suggest that the hotel suffers from significant and widespread cleanliness and maintenance issues.
Staff
The reviews of Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront paint a mixed picture of the staff's performance. Many guests highlighted the friendliness and helpfulness of the front desk staff, describing them as attentive, accommodating and professional. Check-in and check-out processes were frequently mentioned as smooth and efficient, contributing to a positive initial and final impression of the hotel.
However, a significant number of reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with the staff, citing instances of rudeness, unfriendliness and unresponsiveness. There were alarming reports of guests being left outside in the cold and staff demonstrating an uncaring and abrupt attitude. Some comments indicated that certain personnel, notably managers, displayed poor customer service skills.
Despite these issues, many guests also noted that the cleaning and maintenance staff were commendable, showing dedication and courtesy. There were also mentions of some staff members being highly informative and familiar with the local area, which was appreciated by visitors looking to explore the surroundings.
Overall, while many staff members were praised for their friendliness and professionalism, there were notable concerns related to inconsistency in service quality and attitudes, suggesting room for improvement in ensuring a uniformly positive guest experience.
Wi-Fi
The Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront has received mixed reviews regarding its Wi-Fi service. Several guests highlighted issues such as poor connectivity, spotty service and difficulties in establishing a reliable internet connection. Although there are a few mentions of good Wi-Fi, the majority of feedback indicates challenges with accessing and maintaining a stable connection throughout their stay.
Pool
The indoor pool at Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront has sparked a wide range of opinions from guests. While some describe it as a great spot, mentioning they absolutely loved it and appreciated its quality, others have highlighted significant issues. Several reviews point out that the pool area often needs more cleanliness and maintenance with complaints about dirty water, a murky appearance and even instances of sand at the bottom. The pool's condition was sometimes described as unsanitary or not swimmable and there were reports of unpleasant colors like yellow and green in the water, as well as slime.
Additionally, some guests found the pool to be cold and the long refilling times and cold hot tub area were also noted as negative points. However, the pool's availability until 11 pm received some positive mentions, though there were instances when it was unexpectedly closed or under maintenance.
Feedback on the maintenance of the surrounding area was consistently critical with descriptions of it being dirty, including an unkept bathroom and lack of clean towels. Despite some shortcomings and mixed reviews, the location’s proximity to other amenities and the room being close to the pool contributed to making the stay convenient for some visitors.
Beach
Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront boasts a prime location with convenient access to both the ferry and the beach, making it a great spot for beach lovers. Guests appreciated the beautiful views and private beach access, which offered a sense of safety and tranquility. Many visitors enjoyed the clean and beautiful beachfront with some highlighting the delight of walking along the shore and watching fireworks.
However, the hotel's beach maintenance received mixed feedback. While some found the beach clean and well-kept, others pointed out issues with litter and beach chairs scattered about, suggesting that better upkeep is needed. Despite these concerns, the overall experience of being right on the beach, coupled with splendid views and a nice atmosphere, contributed to enjoyable vacations for many guests.
Parking
The parking situation at the Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront provides a mix of experiences for guests. Positively, the hotel boasts good parking availability with multiple spots and parking is conveniently located close to many rooms, making it easy for guests to access their accommodations. The location receives specific praise for being right near the Star Line Ferry dock, which is complemented by a shuttle service to the Mackinac Island Ferry Boat, enhancing convenience for those visiting the island.
However, parking challenges are frequently noted with several guests mentioning tight and narrow spaces that might require an upgrade. While some find the parking sufficient and plentiful, others report difficulties in finding a spot and describe the parking scene as cramped or inadequate. There are also occasional mentions of needing to resort to street parking and a few comments highlight issues with cleanliness in the parking lot.
Overall, while the parking situation is manageable and has its advantages, it could benefit from some improvements to enhance the guest experience.
Family
The Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront offers an excellent experience for families with family-friendly amenities and a prime location near the water. The spacious rooms cater to large families, providing ample space for everyone. Children have a variety of activities to enjoy, from splashing around in the pool to spending time in the game room. The hotel’s proximity to a playground and a ship ensures that kids are entertained throughout their stay. Overall, the accommodations are deemed perfect for a family vacation, offering a satisfactory and enjoyable environment for both adults and children.
Rooms with Jacuzzi / Hot-Tub
Visitors to the Mackinaw City Clarion Hotel Beachfront have shared varied experiences regarding the in-room jacuzzi and hot tub. Amidst the feedback, some guests enjoyed their stay, finding the jacuzzi tub a pleasant surprise and describing it as great. However, there were notable issues raised by others. Some guests reported maintenance problems, including cracked and unusable jacuzzis, as well as hot tubs out of order. Cleanliness was also a concern with reports of dirty jacuzzi tubs, hair and pine needles present upon arrival. Several reviews pointed out that water needed changing or chemical treatment and issues with jacuzzi jets not functioning properly were noted. Additionally, it is highlighted that children are not allowed in the jacuzzi and hot tub areas. Despite some positive remarks, the general sentiment suggests a need for improved maintenance and cleanliness of these amenities.
Yes, Clarion Hotel Beachfront has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Clarion Hotel Beachfront.
No, Clarion Hotel Beachfront doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Clarion Hotel Beachfront.