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Mackinac Island's oldest running hotel shines

Posted at 11:16 AM, Jul 11, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-11 13:43:32-04

At Lake View Hotel, an 85-room resort property on historic Mackinac Island, Michigan, every year of operation is a reminder of the Victorian tradition in which the hotel is steeped.

Built in 1858, Lake View is the oldest operating hotel on the island. Its longevity makes it the “Grand Dame” of lodging on this adventurous island and an absolute treat for guests wanting to imagine themselves traveling back in time. (Yes, Lake View Hotel even pre-dates the Grand Hotel which wasn’t built until 30 years later in 1888.)

It isn’t easy keeping a hotel in good shape that’s been around since before Abraham Lincoln was president. Spanning three centuries, the hotel has changed quite a bit over the past 159 years, notably when large turrets were added in the late 1890s, and then again in the early 1980s.

That’s when Lake View embarked on its largest reconstruction project to date that resulted in 47 new guest rooms being added, along with banquet and conference facilities, two restaurants and bars, and an impressive four-story atrium with indoor heated swimming pool.

In 2008, the aging structure required a million dollar plus renovation to shore up the foundation and update the facade. Several major interior upgrades have been completed since and new renovation projects are continually on-going.

 

 

Lake View’s manager, James Johnson, has ambitious plans to stay on top of things.

“Over the winter, we renovated several guest bathrooms and are on an aggressive program to re-do all 85. These new bathrooms are complete gut jobs, down to the studs. We’re installing premium vanity fixtures and tiled walk-in showers with glass doors and rainfall shower heads,” Johnson said. “Right now, we’re also replacing the bedding in all 85 rooms with a more contemporary design.”

For 2017, guests will enjoy air conditioned rooms with premium, pillow top beds, flat-screen HDTVs, Keurig coffee-makers, Bluetooth radios, recharging stations for electronic devices, and in-room safes. Physically, the hotel has never looked better, including its updated common areas and redecorated atrium with pool, thanks to constant care and upkeep by a dedicated maintenance and housekeeping staff.

Lake View’s on-site Goodfellow’s Restaurants also updated all three of its establishments throughout the winter by brightening up the decor, installing new carpeting and raising the ceiling to improve your dining experience.

To be sure, much is required behind the scenes to prepare for each season’s influx of guests. Fortunately, Lake View Hotel continues to hit their stride every year and can accommodate essentially any guest’s desire and budget. Lake View has a summer Family Vacation Value Package that includes two nights lodging, free ferry tickets, $100 food credit at Goodfellow’s and all taxes and fees.

Book now to ensure best availability. A discount coupon is also available when you social share. Learn more at lake-view-hotel.com or call toll free (800) 207-7075 for reservations and more information.