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2-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Clearwater Lakeshore Motel

Clearwater Lakeshore Motel offers free breakfast, indoor pool, and private lakefront near Mackinaw City's top attractions. Rated 4.6 with 621 reviews.

11380 US-23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, United States View on map
9.2/10
Exceptional Based on 622 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Indoor pool Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced comfort with scenic lakefront appeal

Guests highlight the motel’s clean, quiet rooms and picturesque views, appreciating the friendly service and lakeside amenities. While some practical issues and firmness of beds are noted, the overall experience suits travelers seeking a relaxed, budget-friendly stay near Lake Michigan.

Guests often praise

  • Clean and quiet rooms with attractive views of the Mackinac Bridge and lake
  • Friendly, helpful, and hospitable staff creating a welcoming atmosphere
  • Enjoyable lakeside setting with a private beach, nightly bonfires, and s’mores
  • Complimentary breakfast featuring a variety of hot items, including sausage, eggs, and waffles
  • Convenient amenities such as free parking close to rooms, indoor pool, and hot tub

Worth knowing

  • Beds tend to be on the firm side, which may not suit all preferences
  • Some guests mention minor maintenance and cosmetic issues in rooms, including inconsistent water temperature
  • Check-in service can have delays, with staff not always immediately available at front desk
  • The motel is not within easy walking distance to downtown attractions, requiring a vehicle
  • Path to the beach is partly rocky despite a nice sandy area

Best for

  • Travelers seeking an affordable, no-frills lakeshore stay
  • Guests who value scenic water views and relaxed outdoor activities
  • Families appreciating kid-friendly amenities and easy beach access
  • Visitors prioritizing a quiet environment away from busy roads
  • Those looking for basic comfort combined with friendly service and community feel
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About this property

Welcome to Clearwater Lakeshore Motel

Clearwater Lakeshore Motel offers straightforward, budget-friendly accommodations just off US-23 in Mackinaw City. Overlooking Lake Michigan, it appeals to visitors seeking a convenient base near attractions like Colonial Michilimackinac Park and Fort Michilimackinac, both about 2 miles away. The motel provides free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and free parking, along with air-conditioned rooms that prioritize function over luxury.

The property includes a private lakefront area where guests can relax by the water, enjoy bonfires, or take advantage of available kayaks and paddleboards. Amenities such as an indoor pool and hot tub add to the appeal, especially for families traveling with children. Some guests have noted that rooms are clean and quiet, although beds tend to be on the firmer side and there are minor maintenance updates that could enhance comfort.

Reviews mention thoughtful extras like nightly bonfires with s’mores and attentive staff who contribute to a pleasant atmosphere, though there have been occasional concerns about check-in delays and safety privacy in certain rooms. This balance of positive experiences and some practical issues reflects the motel’s no-frills style and value-oriented approach.

Its location provides easy access to several notable nearby attractions, including Mackinac Island, Headlands International Dark Sky Park, and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. The proximity to Pellston Regional Airport (about 21 minutes by car) makes it accessible for travelers. Nearby accommodations vary in style and rating, positioning Clearwater Lakeshore Motel as a reasonable choice for those looking for a lakefront stay without the higher price tag.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Indoor pool
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Hot tub
Golf course
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

R
rdgit Apr 14, 2026
8.0

Although we will probably stay here again, there were issues. Most importantly, there was a safety/privacy issue with our room. We were told not to worry, and that nothing bad would happen. Not an appropriate response. The shower water wasn't very hot and there were other minor issues. But we were able to park, literally by our door which is so handy and the view was nice too and the rooms seemed clean. So even though there certainly is room for improvement, we will probably come back.

BP
Barbara Pierson Apr 09, 2026
8.0

The room was beautiful had a beautiful view of the bridge, it was amazing at night! The only complaint is the bed was super hard for us. Service, there was no one at the check in center for at least 45 minutes after check in time we were given.

MC
Mackenzie Corbin Apr 07, 2026
8.0

I’m not sure why reviews are so low. We enjoyed this quaint lakeside motel. There’s a nice sandy beach but the path to the water is rocky. The double queen room was great size with microwave and mini fridge. It was very quiet. No road noise or excessive door slamming. The nightly bonfires with s’mores was a nice touch. The beds were okay but nothing spectacular. There are cosmetic fixes that could be done to make this motel even more desirable. I just enjoyed being by the water, with a balcony, and a view of the bridge for a reasonable price.

IB(
Isabel Bishop (née Diggins) Mar 27, 2026
10

Clean rooms, friendly and helpful staff. Nice location but not walkable. We had some issues with our room but they worked to make things right for us. Mattresses were a bit hard for us, but the rooms were quiet and we had a great view of the bridge!

AG
Alexander Galant Feb 21, 2026
10

My wife and I loved this place!! Sitting on the private beach with a fire that is fed and tended to by hotel staff and s'mores bags being offered was amazing! They also offer kayaks and paddle boards to use! Their views of the bridge, even from the rooms, are the best in Mackinaw City in our opinion, even compared to the hotels closer to the bridge. Staff is incredibly polite and kind. Who doesn't love good sausage links with gravy for breakfast.. along with eggs, waffles, and many other complimentary breakfast items! Rooms are very clean and we won't even bother looking at the other hotels next time we visit purely based on the amenities and views.

DF
Dana Foxx Feb 07, 2026
10

This hotel was much nicer than i expected, the rooms are basic, but clean. The bathroom is half was updated. The free breakfast was basic but had plenty of options for everyone. The hotel staff is so hospitable and friendly. I can’t say enough good things about every staff member I encountered. The grounds are beautiful covered with large hydrangeas. Both nights we were here they had bon fires and smores on the beach. A staff member drove by to add more wood to the fires & drop off smore kits. I will definitely be back!

LS
Lilly Shudell Jan 31, 2026
10

Stayed here for one night after deciding to extend our trip last minute. The staff were so nice, and our stay was great! Our room was freshly cleaned, and the view was beautiful! We will 100% be back!

K
Kimpossible Jan 16, 2026
10

We stayed here for our vacation to Mackinaw city and Macinac island. The view was beautiful and right on Lake Huron. We could see the Mackinac Bridge and Mackinac island from the balcony of our room. It was very clean and comfy and quiet. The pool was very clean and the hot tub was amazing. The location was perfect and prices were reasonable. We were very close to downtown Mackinaw city and all the stores and restaurants.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Clearwater Lakeshore Motel

Mackinaw City, Michigan, USA

Situated off Route 23 and overlooking Lake Michigan, this functional hotel is 2 miles from both Colonial Michilimackinac Park and the 18th-century Fort Michilimackinac.

  • Pellston Regional Airport 21 min Car
  • Chippewa County International Airport 47 min Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Michigan. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Mackinac Island 1,026 reviews

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, MI 49757, USA

4.8 · Island
Headlands International Dark Sky Park 2,801 reviews

Headlands International Dark Sky Park

15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, United States

4.8 · Park
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse 2,050 reviews

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

526 N Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, United States

4.7 · Historical Place Museum
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