Everything to Know About Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse on Mackinac Island

If you’re looking for accommodations on Mackinac Island that put you right in the heart of downtown, just steps from the ferry docks, shops, restaurants, and attractions, Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse might be exactly what you’re looking for!

During our recent visit to Mackinac Island, we had the opportunity to stay in the beautiful Downtown Harbor Penthouse, complete with spacious living areas, a fully equipped kitchen, and an incredible private rooftop terrace overlooking the harbor.

We also had the opportunity to tour the other suites, giving us a firsthand look at the different accommodations available.

In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know about Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse, including room options, amenities, ferry dock locations, and what we loved most about our stay.

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A special thank you to Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse for hosting our stay. While our accommodations were provided as part of a partnership, all opinions, experiences, and recommendations shared in this post are entirely our own.

Downtown Harbor Suites and Penthouse

Located on the second floor of a historic downtown building overlooking the harbor, Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse offers a wonderful combination of location, comfort, and convenience.

Managed by Mackinac Resorts, the property features four individual suites and one spacious three-bedroom penthouse. All five accommodations are located next to one another, making this an especially appealing option for families or groups traveling together who want their own private spaces while staying close to each other.

One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the location. You’re right on Main Street, just steps away from restaurants, shopping, ferry docks, and many of Mackinac Island’s popular attractions.

And for those who enjoy having a kitchen while traveling, several of the accommodations offer full kitchens, making it easy to prepare meals during your stay.

How To Get To Downtown Harbor Suites on Mackinac Island

How Far Is Downtown Harbor Suites From the Ferry Docks?

Downtown Harbor Suites Map

When is Check-In Time at Downtown Harbor Suites?

Check-in is at 4:00 P.M. Before your arrival, you’ll receive instructions for accessing your accommodations.

When is Check-Out at Downtown Harbor Suites?

Check-out is at 10:00 a.m. If you plan on exploring more of the island after you check-out, you can bring your luggage to the ferry dock and they will put it on the next ferry back to the mainland. Each ferry company has a luggage claim area on the mainland where your luggage will be waiting for you when you’re ready to head home.

Downtown Harbor Suites Luggage Policy

Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse offers luggage storage for guests arriving before check-in or departing after check-out.

When you arrive at the ferry dock on the mainland, make sure to have your luggage tagged for Downtown Harbor Suites so it can be transported to the correct location.

If you’re interested in using a dock porter or need assistance carrying luggage up the stairs, contact Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse before your trip. They can help you make arrangements.

A helpful tip: Dock porters work for tips, and we generally recommend $3–$5 or more per bag, depending on the size and weight of your luggage.

Since the accommodations are located on the second floor and there is no elevator, this is something you’ll want to plan for, especially if you’re traveling with several suitcases.

Downtown Harbor Suites Room Types

Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse offers five different accommodations: four suites that sleep up to four guests each and a spacious penthouse that sleeps up to eight.

Three of the suites overlook the harbor, while one overlooks Main Street.

All five accommodations are located on the second floor and are accessible by stairs only.

Harbor View One-Bedroom Suites

There are two one-bedroom Harbor View Suites, each accommodating up to four guests.

Each suite includes:

• King-size bed in a separate bedroom
• Full bathroom
• Living room with a queen-size sleeper sofa
• Kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and coffeemaker
• Table and chairs
• Harbor views

Please note that these two suites have kitchenettes rather than full kitchens, so they do not include a stove or range.

These would be wonderful options for couples or small families who want a little extra space to spread out while enjoying views of the harbor.

Harbor View Studio Suite

The Harbor View Studio Suite also accommodates up to four guests and offers a slightly different layout.

This suite includes:

• King-size bed
• Full bathroom
• Living area with sleeper sofa
• Full kitchen with cookware, dishes, utensils, and cooking supplies
• Harbor views

One of the biggest advantages of this suite is the full kitchen, especially if you’re planning to stay on the island for several days and would like to prepare some of your meals.

Main Street One-Bedroom Suite

Prefer watching the activity along Mackinac Island’s bustling Main Street? This suite offers a different view!

The Main Street Suite accommodates up to four guests and includes:

• Separate bedroom with king-size bed
• Full bathroom
• Living room with queen-size sleeper sofa
• Full kitchen
• Refrigerator, stove, microwave, toaster, and coffeemaker
• Table and chairs
• Cookware, dishes, utensils, and kitchen supplies
• Views overlooking Main Street

This is another great option for families or couples who appreciate the convenience of a full kitchen and separate living space.

Downtown Harbor Penthouse

The Downtown Harbor Penthouse is the largest accommodation on the property and is where we stayed during our recent visit.

Recently remodeled, this spacious penthouse accommodates up to eight guests and includes:

• Three bedrooms
• Two full bathrooms and one half bathroom
• Full kitchen
• Dining room
• Spacious living room with sleeper sofa
• Laundry room
• Private rooftop terrace overlooking the harbor

The penthouse offers plenty of room for families or groups traveling together, and the layout provides a wonderful balance of shared gathering spaces and private bedrooms.

One of our favorite features was the abundance of natural light throughout the penthouse, along with the beautiful views overlooking the harbor.

And, of course, there’s the rooftop terrace, which deserves a section of its own!

Does Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse Have Rooms With Balconies?

The four individual suites do not have private balconies. However, the Penthouse features an incredible private rooftop terrace that is partially covered and overlooks Mackinac Island’s harbor.

The terrace is available exclusively to registered guests staying in the Penthouse.

During our stay, we spent as much time out there as possible. Whether we were watching ferries arrive and depart, enjoying the activity along the waterfront, or taking in the beautiful sunrise, it quickly became our favorite place to relax.

It’s one of those spots where you could easily sit for hours and never get tired of the view.

Can You Host Events on the Rooftop Terrace?

The rooftop terrace is intended for registered Penthouse guests. If you’re interested in hosting a small gathering that includes individuals who are not registered guests, Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse has a specific approval process that must be followed. (Rooftop terrace event policy.)

Are There Family Suites at Downtown Harbor Suites?

Absolutely! All four suites accommodate up to four guests, while the Penthouse accommodates up to eight, making this property a great option for families of different sizes.

For smaller families, the one-bedroom suites offer separate sleeping and living spaces, while the studio provides the convenience of a full kitchen.

For larger families or those traveling with grandparents or extended family, the Penthouse offers three bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and plenty of space to gather.

Another feature we appreciated during our stay was having games and puzzles available in the Penthouse. It’s a thoughtful touch, especially for families who want to relax together after a busy day exploring Mackinac Island.

And because all five accommodations are located next to each other, this could also be an excellent option for multiple families traveling together.

What Is Included in the Rooms at Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse?

All accommodations include:

• Smart TVs
• High-speed internet/Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Private bathrooms
• Luxury bath amenities

Kitchen amenities vary depending on the room type.

Harbor View One-Bedroom Suites: Kitchenettes with refrigerators, microwaves, toasters, and coffeemakers. These do not have stoves or ranges.

Harbor View Studio Suite: Full kitchen with cookware, utensils, dishes, and other cooking essentials.

Main Street One-Bedroom Suite: Full kitchen with refrigerator, stove, microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, cookware, dishes, and utensils.

Penthouse: Full kitchen, dining area, and separate laundry room.

During our Penthouse stay, we found the kitchen well stocked with everything we needed to prepare meals. Having a full kitchen was especially convenient for our family, and it made the space feel even more like a home away from home.

Does Downtown Harbor Suites Offer Breakfast?

No, breakfast is not included with your stay. However, one of the benefits of staying right downtown is that you’re only a short walk from several restaurants serving breakfast.

One morning during our visit, we stopped at Chuckwagon, a longtime Mackinac Island favorite known for its classic breakfast options. It’s a small restaurant, so we recommend getting there early, especially during the busy summer season!

Of course, if you’re staying in one of the accommodations with a full kitchen, you can also prepare breakfast right in your room.

Are the Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse Accessible?

Unfortunately, Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse is not wheelchair accessible. All accommodations are located on the second floor, and the only way to reach them is by staircase. There is no elevator.

However, for guests who are comfortable navigating stairs, the Penthouse itself is arranged on a single level, so there are no additional stairs to move between its rooms. The primary bathroom also features a zero-entry shower, which may be helpful for guests with certain mobility needs.

If you have any mobility concerns, we recommend contacting Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse directly before booking to determine whether the accommodations will meet your needs.

Does Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse Have Elevators?

No. All accommodations are accessible by stairs only.

Does Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse Allow Dogs?

No, dogs are not permitted at Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse.

Are the Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse Smoke-Free?

Yes, the accommodations are smoke-free.

Downtown Harbor Suites have Bike Rentals?

Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse does not offer bike rentals directly, but there are several bicycle rental businesses within easy walking distance along Main Street.

If you’re looking for adaptive or mobility-related rental options, Mackinac Island Mobility & Bike Rental is located just around the corner on Hoban Street.

Can You Bring Your Own Bike?

Yes! Bringing your own bicycle can be a great way to save money, especially if you’re planning to spend several days on Mackinac Island. Just remember that ferry companies charge a fee for transporting bicycles to and from the island.

Where Do You Park Your Bike at Downtown Harbor Suites?

Personal and rented bicycles are not permitted inside the accommodations. There are bicycle racks at Windermere Point, just a short walk from Downtown Harbor Suites. When you exit onto Main Street, head to the left toward Windermere Point.

We always recommend bringing a bicycle lock, whether you’re renting or bringing your own bike. Not only does it help secure your bicycle, but many rental bikes look very similar, and it’s easy for someone to accidentally take the wrong one, especially after dark!

Downtown Harbor Suites Mackinac Island Reviews

What We Loved About Our Stay at the Downtown Harbor Suites Penthouse

We absolutely loved our stay! From the moment we arrived, we appreciated how convenient the location was. We took the Arnold Transit ferry from St. Ignace, walked up the dock, and were practically at our accommodations. No long walk through town with luggage, and no need to arrange transportation to a hotel farther away.

Once inside, we were immediately impressed with how spacious and bright the Penthouse felt. The layout was perfect for our family, with plenty of room for everyone to spread out, a comfortable living area for spending time together, and a fully equipped kitchen that made preparing meals easy. The large windows brought in so much natural light, and everywhere we looked, there seemed to be another beautiful view of the harbor.

But the feature that truly made this stay special was the rooftop terrace. We spent so much of our time out there, enjoying the fresh air, watching the ferries come and go, and simply taking in the beautiful surroundings.

We also appreciated the friendly and helpful staff, especially when we accidentally locked ourselves out of the Penthouse!

Here’s a little tip from our experience: When you arrive, you’ll receive a code to access a lockbox outside your door containing your key. There are additional sets of keys inside the accommodations.

Make sure you put that original key back in the lockbox before heading inside!

We learned that lesson the hard way. Haha! Thankfully, the staff was wonderful and helped us get back inside quickly.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking

Here are a couple of things worth knowing before you book.

First, all accommodations are located on the second floor, and there is no elevator. If stairs are difficult for you or someone in your group, this may not be the best fit.

Second, because you’re located directly along the waterfront, you’ll hear the ferry horns when boats are preparing to depart. I’ll admit, the first couple of times we heard them, they startled us a little because we were so close to the docks! But after that first day, we got used to them and hardly gave them another thought. For us, being able to watch the ferries from our windows and rooftop terrace was part of what made the location so enjoyable.

Would We Stay Here Again?

Absolutely!

The Penthouse was a wonderful fit for our family, and we truly enjoyed our time there. Between the convenient downtown location, spacious accommodations, fully equipped kitchen, and incredible harbor views, there was so much to love. And it’s hard to beat having your very own private rooftop terrace overlooking Mackinac Island!

We also appreciated having the opportunity to tour the other suites. Whether you’re visiting as a couple, a family of four, or a larger group, Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse offers several different options depending on your needs.

If you’re looking for accommodations with extra space, kitchen amenities, and a location that puts you right in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island, this property is definitely worth considering.

What Our Family Liked Most About Staying Here

Without a doubt, our favorite part of the Penthouse was the rooftop terrace. We could have spent our entire stay sitting out there!

There’s something so relaxing about watching the ferries arrive and depart, seeing the activity around the harbor, and enjoying the beautiful views of Mackinac Island.

And the sunrises? Absolutely incredible! Being able to step outside in the morning and watch the sun come up over the water was such a memorable part of our visit.

We also loved having so much room to spread out. After a full day exploring the island, it was wonderful to return to a comfortable space where we could prepare a meal, put together a puzzle, or simply relax. It’s those little things that can make a family vacation feel extra special.

Have You Stayed at the Downtown Harbor Suites?

We hope this guide helped answer your questions about staying at Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse on Mackinac Island.

From the convenient location and comfortable accommodations to the friendly staff and thoughtful amenities, we truly enjoyed our stay and are grateful we had the opportunity to experience it.

Now we’d love to hear from you!

Have you stayed at Downtown Harbor Suites & Penthouse before? If so, what was your favorite part of your stay? And if you’re considering booking, what questions do you still have?

Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll do our best to help!