My grandmother was one of the inspirations for me launching “Pink Girls Run The World.” Mackinac Island was one of the places where she wanted to tour with her “Club Femme” travel group back in the 1980’s [click here to read about how my Mom-Mom, the “original Pink Girl,” inspired me ]. While my grandmother never made the trip, I recently visited the majestic Michigan island and this connection made the time experiencing this oasis that much more magical for me.
Great drinks, excellent service, complimentary breakfast and an AMAZING hotel location on a Lake Huron island! I was lucky to arrive right when the crisp autumn colors begin creating the perfect picturesque scenery for this time of year. An unmatched waterfront location nestled in a quaint corner of the main street, Hotel Iroquois is a short walk from the dock and offers easy access to many of the island’s great restaurants and sites. I stayed in the Waterfront Deluxe room with 2 queen beds and plush, retro-inspired chairs (1 of the 45 suites and guest rooms offered at this boutique hotel). I absolutely loved the immaculate sunset views of the historic Round Island Light house in the Straits of Mackinac, twice daily housekeeping and evening turn-down service! The hotel and its waters edge Carriage House Restaurant have been recognized by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as top destinations. I arrived a week after the restaurant’s mid-October closure for the season, but I look forward to tasting Chef Greg Murphy’s award- winning cuisine on my next visit. Reservations can be made right on the hotel’s site.
Hotel Iroquois was originally built as a private cottage in 1902 by the island blacksmith. His wife, however, did not enjoy living on the water and they moved back to their home on Market Street. In 1904 Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Poole purchased the cottage and transformed it into the Hotel Iroquois (Mr. Poole was superintendent of the Mackinac Island State Park). The legend is that Mr. Poole named it after a hotel where he stayed in Chicago during the great Chicago fire of 1871. The Pooles’ daughter, Alicia Poole, operated the Hotel Iroquois until 1954 when Mr. and Mrs. Sam McIntire (a Michigan State Trooper) purchased it from them. Owned by the McIntire family for 66 years, McIntire matriarch, Margaret McIntire was most likely at the hotel when my grammy planned to visit over 30 years ago. The Mcintire family operated the hotel until July of 2020 when it was sold to the current owner, Jon Cotton (a longtime Michigan based patron of the iconic family-owned hotel).
Part of Mackinac’s Island’s undeniable charm is that it is directly accessible only by ferry or private or charter flight. Cars are not allowed on the island. One of my most iconic island experiences was pedaling the 8.2 miles around the rim (60-90 minutes) of the island while taking in the lake breeze. While bicycling is one of the post popular modes of transportation on the island, renting a drive-it-yourself horse and carriage is on my “must-do” list for my next visit!
Special thank you to the hotel’s Manager and General Manager for helping to make my stay at this gem extra special.
CLICK BELOW TO READ OTHER PGRW FEATURES ON THINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN:
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