As its name suggests, The Inn at Stonecliffe is located on a bluff at the far end of Northern Michigan’s Mackinac Island, a few miles from the bustling city center. The property is surrounded by 15 acres of lush land and a rocky shoreline with excellent views of the Straits of Mackinac. The 120-year-old inn was built as a private family residence in 1904 by renowned architect Frederick Perkins. Yet it has lived many lives since then, from a family home to a conference venue, from a small university to the modern-day hotel.

After becoming part of the Pulte Family Charitable Trust in 2021, Stonecliffe closed for several years to focus on renovating and modernizing the property. After a $40 million renovation, the inn reopened in June 2024. The property has retained many of the original details that give the property its charm, such as original hardwood floors, beautiful stained glass windows, and fireplaces, but has updated the facilities to include modern luxuries. such as air conditioning, contemporary bathrooms, Wi-Fi and redesigned food and beverage options.

If you come at night like me, you will be immediately attracted by the stained glass windows of the main mansion, which set the tone for the beautiful building you are about to enter. Filled with antiques and memorabilia from the estate and Mackinac Island over the past century, Stonecliffe is a nearly perfectly preserved time capsule. Arriving during the day, you’ll undoubtedly notice the large lawns filled with white Adirondack chairs, the extra-large American flag waving above the ground, and the views of Lake Huron right at the end of the lawn. But the property’s 15 acres are much more than a sprawling lawn: The Inn at Stonecliffe is home to an apple orchard, beehive, chicken coop, and even a secret lookout. You can be sure that every guest will find their favorite spot.

The backyard is where most guests spend the most time. You’ll find families playing lawn games or individuals reading by the pool, people watching dramatic sunsets or gathering around fire pits roasting s’mores at night. The grand lawns are the social center of the resort, but the rooms are personal homes away from home. Each room at Stonecliffe is a little different, just like a house. But each is cozy and comfortable, with hints of nautical and equestrian themes; all nod to the island’s history. The property embodies a kind of Americana that is rare today; a quirky and relaxed environment that takes only the best parts of the last 100 years and brings them into the present day.

Continue reading my full review below to learn more about everything The Inn at Stonecliffe has to offer.

rooms

Stonecliffe’s renovation has preserved the property’s original charm while enhancing it with modern updates. Each room has a modern bathroom with adjustable rain showers, air conditioning (not always available on the island) and mattresses made specifically for the hotel.

There are three types of rooms at Stonecliffe. The first type is located in the main host. The mansion features classic Tudor-style architecture with 16 guest rooms that feel personal yet sophisticated. Decorated in blue and white colors that reflect the island’s nautical themes, all rooms offer views of the Strait of Mackinac. The Summer House is another completely renovated building separate from The Mansion. Here you will find 32 rooms with different layouts, providing greater flexibility for families and groups. These rooms may include extra touches like a private patio or balcony, and some have a sofa bed.

Meanwhile, private cottages on the property offer a little more privacy. Each cottage has three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a fully functional kitchen. Cottages also feature unique amenities like board games, private patios, and grocery delivery. Each cottage has its own aesthetic: Hill Top Cottage is more like a cottage, Sunny Honey has bright and interesting details, and Yacht Watch comes in white, blue and nautical colours.

Food and Beverage

The Inn at Stonecliffe has four different dining options designed by Executive Chef Joseph Nardo, whose entire menus have appeared in Michelin-starred restaurants such as The French Laundry and San Francisco’s Lazy Bear.

Nardo uses locally sourced ingredients to create upscale comfort food at The Backyard and New American classics at The Straits. The Straits is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast includes eggs straight from the chicken coop, while dinner features fine local fare like lake whitefish and chicken from local Amish farms. Save some room for dessert as the strawberry smoothie is incredible.

Horsey’s is an upscale pub with access to patio seating and upscale pub classics like fish and chips, wagyu burgers and whitefish dishes. The bar also prepares refreshing cocktails, often featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. The aptly named The Backyard is a casual outdoor dining area with a wood-fired oven that churns out dishes like smoked pork tacos and smoked chicken wings. It is perhaps best known for its handmade pizzas. The Backyard is next to The General Store; There’s a coffee counter, grab-and-go options and everything you might need during your visit, from toiletries to a Stonecliffe logo sweatshirt.

Across the front lawn is The Woods. Originally the family’s playhouse, the building was recently purchased by The Grand Hotel. However, it still has a strong connection to Stonecliffe and is worth a visit. An old manual bowling lane sits next to a fine dining room.

Activities and Experiences

There is plenty to do in Stonecliffe, which has 15 acres of land. There are two large lawns; You’ll find hammocks out front; In the back, you’ll find several Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, and lawn games. Stonecliffe also has an apple orchard with a chicken coop and beehives. Guests are encouraged to explore the area and also visit Sunset Point with its cliff views, a perfect spot for sunset. There are two pools, one for adults and the other family-friendly. Next to the pool, guests can find the wellness center with a gym on the ground floor and sauna and massage rooms on the upper floor.

There is a daily list of activities throughout the resort, including exercise classes, art classes, fudge and wine tasting, movies on the lawn, and more. These activities are open and free to all guests. While at Stonecliffe, I took a watercolor painting class from a local artist who owned an art cafe in town, a pizza-making class from the head chef, and a few exercise classes, and I really worked up a sweat during those classes.

Bike rentals are available for those who want to explore the island, and a car shuttle to the city center is free for guests.

Spa

While the resort does not have a full-fledged spa, it does have a few amenities typically found at spas. There is a sauna on the lower floor of the Wellness Centre, next to the gym. Upstairs you’ll find several treatment rooms and a full-time massage therapist.

Family Friendly Offers

The cottages are ideal for families. Their large private spaces, different room layouts and extra amenities make them a great option for groups needing different room configurations. The cottages also offer grocery delivery before arrival, so anything you might need for your stay is ready and waiting for you when you check in.

The resort has many child-friendly activities, including a Kids Corner and batik painting sessions. The bike rental also includes all kinds of bikes suitable for children.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Stonecliffe has one ADA-compliant guest room and several ADA-accessible bathrooms around the property.

Stonecliffe makes many efforts in terms of sustainability and outreach. The Inn incorporates practices such as composting, recycling, refillable toiletry dispensers and energy-efficient lighting.

But perhaps most notable is being a part of the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation. This means 100 percent of the resort’s profits are donated to humanitarian and educational initiatives. Stonecliffe recently created a scholarship program for students who graduate from local Mackinac Island Public Schools and attend college off-island. The hotel also hosts public programs. This means anyone in the community can attend art classes, movies on the lawn, or live music.

Location

There are many ways to get to Mackinac Island, from planes, ferries and personal boats, but the real challenge begins once you’re on the island. Mackinac Island is unique in that no motor vehicles are allowed.

This causes everyone to get around on bicycles or taxis, that is, horses and carriages. The Inn at Stonecliffe offers a free shuttle (horse and carriage) from the inn to the city center (and vice versa) every hour. These cars can take your luggage when you arrive; However, if you are traveling by ferry, your luggage will be tagged and taken to the hotel to be ready for you at check-in.

How to Get the Most Value from Your Stay?

This is a small boutique property that is not part of any loyalty program. Therefore, booking directly through them is your best bet for a great deal. Booking gives you direct access to deals like fall discounts or honeymoon packages.