It was 1895 as Mark Twain stepped off the steamboat that carried him to Mackinac Island. Twain was visiting this budding tourist hub to give a lecture at the new Grand Hotel Casino. Hundreds of rich vacationers from Detroit, Chicago, and Montreal paid a hefty $1 admission fee to attend Twain's lecture. Twain was drawn to the elegance of America's new summer Palace. Following Twain's lead, thousands of "rich & famous" visited the Grand Hotel in the 20th century.

INSIDE THE GRAND HOTEL

It is often said that the Grand Hotel is lost in time. The style and mystique of the Grand Hotel seem to tell the story of its past. As you arrive at the hotel via a horse-drawn carriage, you feel the same excitement that vacationers who paid just $3 per night to stay at the Grand Hotel in the early 1900's felt. When you set foot into the Grand Hotel's extravagant ballrooms it is easy to imagine the Gatsby-esque parties that were once a regular occurrence at the hotel. 

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The Guest Rooms

"At Grand Hotel, all 393 guest rooms are individually decorated. Each guest room has been decorated by the hotel’s longtime interior designer, Carleton Varney of Dorothy Draper & Co. in New York City in its own special character and style."

--Photo & Text Courtesy of the Grand Hotel

The world's largest Front Porch!

"At 660 feet, Grand Hotel’s Front Porch is the world’s largest, and is visible as you approach the island from the Straits of Mackinac."

--Photo & Text Courtesy of the Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel Gardens 

"For more than a century, the legendary Grand Hotel gardens have provided a beautiful enhancement to our guest experience. Century-old lilacs, white cedar and maple trees provide dramatic structure, while perennials and annuals by the tens of thousands contribute bursts of color throughout Grand Hotel’s season, thanks to the ideal climate of a Mackinac summer. Guests can see over 150 varieties of flowers during a single visit, including geraniums, roses, peonies, coleus, garden heliotropes, cosmos, lilies, daisies and begonias."

--Photo & Text Courtesy of the Grand Hotel

The Main Dining Room

Few dining locations are more picturesque than Grand Hotel’s Main Dining Room. It overlooks the world’s longest porch displaying the hotel’s many American flags, as well as the glistening Straits of Mackinac. 

Afternoon Tea Time

A timeless tradition for more than 100 years, Afternoon Tea at Grand Hotel takes place each day in the hotel’s Parlor. In the 1840’s Afternoon Tea became popular as an activity to break up the day and provide a snack between lunch and dinner.

--Photo & Text Courtesy of the Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel Jewel Golf Course

"Recently awarded Editor’s Choice Best Grand Golf Hotel by Golf Digest, The Jewel is one of the most unique courses in Northern Michigan and the United States. With its unparalleled scenic beauty, lush landscaping, meticulously manicured tees, fairways and greens it is sure to be a Grand golf experience."

--Photos & Text Courtesy of the Grand Hotel

The Hotel Tea Garden

"The sprawling lawn surrounded by the lush Grand Hotel Tea Garden is a spectacular setting for croquet and bocce ball. Both sports were popular in America when Grand Hotel opened in 1887 and today they remain so at family gatherings, garden parties and other social events."

--Photos & Text Courtesy of the Grand Hotel

Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor

"This classic American ice cream parlor has been decorated by Grand Hotel’s longtime interior designer Carleton Varney of Dorothy Draper and Co. in New York. Inside you will find cafe tables and seating along with outdoor benches for seating."

--Photos & Text Courtesy of the Grand Hotel

The Esther Williams Swimming Pool

"It takes 500,000 gallons of water to fill Grand Hotel’s swimming pool. It was named for actress Esther Williams who starred in the 1947 movie This Time for Keeps, shot at Grand Hotel."

--Photos & Text Courtesy of the Grand Hotel

View From the Lake

"Since 1887 Grand Hotel beckons guests to a bygone era of old-world hospitality and charm. Experience the tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Parlor, dressing up for dinner, nightly dancing to the sounds of the Grand Hotel Orchestra, and sitting in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch with views of the Straits of Mackinac."

--Photos & Text Courtesy of the Grand Hotel

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*All photos courtesy of the Grand Hotel: www.grandhotel.com/