Modest 4.6-rated motel near Mackinac Island with indoor pool, free coffee, air conditioning, and airport shuttle. Close to ferry terminal and Fort Michilimackinac.
Guests appreciate the clean, cozy rooms and welcoming hosts, highlighting the motel’s convenient proximity to local attractions and ferry access. While some note dated décor, the motel offers excellent value in a family-friendly setting.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Offering simple, modest accommodations with a nostalgic vibe, Rainbow Motel provides clean and comfortable rooms that cater to travelers seeking practical lodging. The property features an indoor pool, picnic areas, and complimentary morning coffee, adding convenient amenities for a relaxed stay. Air conditioning and kid-friendly services are available, along with an airport shuttle to ease accessibility.
Located at 602 S Huron Ave in Mackinaw City, the motel sits less than a mile from I-75 and within a six-minute walk to the Mackinaw City ferry terminal. It is also approximately 1 km from the historic Fort Michilimackinac, making it a practical base for visitors looking to explore local attractions. Nearby points of interest include Mackinac Island, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and Headlands International Dark Sky Park, each offering unique outdoor and cultural experiences.
Guest feedback often highlights the friendly and attentive owners, with many praising the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms. While some reviews mention a dated décor and bathrooms that could use updates, the property’s value and location receive consistent appreciation. The motel tends to appeal to travelers prioritizing a homey atmosphere and straightforward accommodations over luxury.
Check-in is from 14:00, with check-out by 10:00, providing a clear schedule for guest arrivals and departures. Rainbow Motel is especially suitable for visitors interested in a quiet, affordable stay within walking distance to the ferry and local shops, as well as those seeking a welcoming environment away from large chain hotels.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
I love the owners, they were very friendly and fun to talk to! The rooms were lovely: clean and tidy! Love the mystery machine! Me and my boyfriend had to go check it out. The pool and hot tub were great, if not one of the best pools/hot tubs I've been to!
Great old fasioned motel with everything you need! We loved our stay especially the feeling of being connected to the local area as opposed to staying at a large chain hotel. Nice pool and hot tub too! Highly reccomend!
My boyfriend and I had a wonderful stay at Rainbow Hotel! The rooms were incredibly clean, spacious, and very comfortable. The owners were very kind and had great local recommendations, and the motel's location was perfect for a day trip to Mackinac Island. We would absolutely return here!
Celebrating our 50th wedding Anniversary and wanted a nice "non-chain", "homey" place to stay for a couple of nights! What a great find!! The Rainbow Motel was awesome. The owners were super friendly and helpful, the room was so clean, the pool area with hot tub was wonderful, and the location was perfect! Within walking to shops, eating, and the ferry dock. A HUGE thank you to Laura and Todd and the Rainbow Motel Family!!
This motel was such a great stay. My room was quiet, clean, and the bed comfortable for me. The owner was so welcoming. Convenient location, and a small natural area by the parking lot that had lots of great spring birds. The pool wasn’t opened yet for the season, so I cannot comment on that.
We had another wonderful stay at Rainbow Motel last week. The newest owners are so helpful and full of knowledge of the deals and activities in the area. I appreciate the updated website and ease of booking! A special THANK YOU to the gentleman who works in the office on 7/1/25. He promptly helped us late in the evening with a plumbing situation in our room and didn’t leave until it was fully resolved. Rainbow continues to be our favorite place to stay while in Mackinaw and we recommend it to every person we know who plans to visit the area. The rooms, while more of a nostalgic vibe, are comfortable and extremely clean. You can’t beat their price and location. Highly recommend!
This is the best value anywhere in Mackinac City. We just stayed for the second time. When the reviews say it's very clean, it's absolutely true. The rooms are spotless. It's not a luxurious room, but that's not what you're here for. The only reason I rated the service 4 stars is because they don't bug you. If you want more service, I'm sure they would provide it. The owners are very friendly. You almost feel like you've known them forever. We can't afford to stay on the island anymore, since they raised the prices to an outrageous cost. The other hotels in the area look fancier than this one, but don't expect the rooms to be as spotless. This is going to be our destination everytime we come here. Thanks again Rainbow Motel for making our 42nd anniversary magical.
This is a dated motel in need of remodeling. The host was wonderful and cheerful. I certainly appreciated that. The room was 1970's motif and in need of a facelift. The bathroom was not good. The toiled was super low to the floor . The shower had a nozzle well under my chin level. Worse still, the shower had a straight curtain bar and the curtain stuck to me the entire shower. It did have a cheap price which is a plus. Just OK.
We always stay HERE ! Cleanest hotel around. Always spotless ! Wow ! Love the NEW MODERN bathroom ! Thank you to the owners ! We never think about staying anywhere else ! Sandi & Ron
This is by far the BEST place to stay...I've stayed in other top price hotels & the rainbow has ALWAYS been the cleanest & most friendly! I will NEVER stay anywhere else! I love it there.
Less than a mile from I-75, this modest motel is a 6-minute walk from the Mackinaw City ferry terminal and 1 km from the 18th-century Fort Michilimackinac.
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Michigan. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
1,026 reviews Mackinac Island, MI 49757, USA
2,801 reviews 15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, United States
2,050 reviews 526 N Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, United States
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