Mackinaw City's BEST Kept Secret: Court Plaza Inn & Suites!
Mackinaw City's "BEST Kept Secret" - Court Plaza Inn & Suites: A Raw & Real Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill some tea on Court Plaza Inn & Suites in Mackinaw City. This place…well, it's got its quirks, but let me tell you, there's a reason they call it a "best-kept secret." It's kinda charming in a slightly chaotic, wonderfully imperfect kind of way.
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- Meta Description: Honest review of Court Plaza Inn & Suites in Mackinaw City. Find out the good, the bad, and the slightly surprising! Accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and all the juicy details you need for your next Mackinac vacation.
The Arrival & Initial Impressions (Okay, Let's Get Real)
Driving up to Court Plaza, you're greeted with a…well, let's call it a "classic" motel look. Not exactly sleek and modern, but it's got that nostalgic charm that says, "Welcome, you're in Mackinaw!" Parking was a breeze – Car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] – huge plus, especially during the busy summer months. You know how stressful finding parking can be when you're dying for ice cream. The exterior corridors kind of give you a sense of community, and the exterior corridor design wasn't bad at all.
Accessibility – Not Perfect, But Trying!
Okay, here's where we get to the nitty-gritty. Accessibility is a HUGE deal for me, and while Court Plaza isn't perfectly set up, they're clearly trying. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available, which is fantastic. The elevators are a bit of a squeeze, but they have them! I heard Facilities for disabled guests and the air conditioning in public area make a huge difference during the summer heat.
I didn't personally experience the CCTV in common areas or CCTV outside property, but it's a nice touch for feeling safe.
Rooms – Cozy, Clean-ish, and Wi-Fi FTW!
My room? Honestly, it was pleasant. Not palatial, but perfectly serviceable. The air conditioning blasted like a mini-hurricane (a lifesaver!), and the blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in. The alarm clock (yes, still a thing!) worked. The desk was acceptable and the Free Wi-Fi – Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless, worked like a charm. I'm a digital nomad at heart, so that's a HUGE win. I was even able to get some work done with the Laptop workspace.
The bathroom was clean, and yes the towels weren't fluffy, but they were clean. The bathtub was fine, and I loved the slippers. I didn't use the Additional toilet, but it was there. I liked the separate shower/bathtub. The satellite/cable channels were a nice touch with plenty of selections.
Now, a little room sanitization opt-out available. That made me feel comfortable during the pandemic. Rooms were cleaned when I asked!
Cleanliness & Safety – Doing Their Best
This is where the "slightly chaotic" element comes in. I noticed the Daily disinfection in common areas, which was reassuring during the height of concerns. They had Hand sanitizer stations, and the staff clearly had some training in safety protocol. I appreciated the Safe dining setup as well.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – An Adventure, Indeed!
Okay, so the Breakfast [buffet]…it was a buffet. Not exactly a Michelin-star experience, but hey, it was free! Breakfast service was efficient, but nothing to write home about. But the Coffee/tea in restaurant was always hot and fresh – and that's what truly matters.
There's a Poolside bar where you can grab a drink.
Spa Time and Relaxation
They have a Swimming pool with a Swimming pool [outdoor] -- it was gorgeous and that's where I spent a lot of time. Sauna, Spa/sauna, maybe next time.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – More Than Meets the Eye
Mackinaw City offers endless possibilities. Family/child friendly stuff is all around.
I mean, the Family/child friendly aspects aren't overwhelming, but it's a great base for exploring.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things Matter
Daily housekeeping was a plus. Front desk [24-hour] was always available.. They had a Luggage storage.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy
Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site], fantastic.
The Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely!
Look, Court Plaza Inn & Suites isn't a five-star resort. It's not perfect. It's a little rough around the edges. But it's clean, comfortable, the staff is friendly, it's well-located, and the price is right. And for me, that's what matters. It's the kind of place that feels like home, even if it's just for a few days.
Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars (because let's be real, nothing's perfect!)
Pro Tip: Book directly! You might get a better deal and they're usually happy to accommodate requests. Bring your own coffee (just in case). And soak in the small-town charm. You won't regret it.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Camelia, Pescaglia, Italy
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get real. Forget those Pinterest-perfect itineraries! This is my messy, magnificent, potentially disastrous plan for a Mackinaw City adventure, specifically with the Court Plaza Inn & Suites as my chaotic home base.
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Great Fudge Fiasco
- 1:00 PM-ish: Arrive in Mackinaw City, MI! Ugh, the drive was relentless. I swear I’m already dehydrated from staring at the endless expanse of highway. Pull up to the Court Plaza Inn & Suites. Pray to the travel gods they didn't give me the room next to the ice machine… shudders. Quick check-in, unload the car (which, let's be honest, will involve strategically stacked luggage in a way that looks organized but is secretly held together by pure hope and the power of caffeine).
- 1:30 PM: Room check! Okay, not bad. Clean-ish. Bed looks comfy enough for my pre-vacation-exhausted body. Let the unpacking commence! Or, you know, the throwing-everything-on-the-bed-and-sorting-it-later stage.
- 2:00 PM: Settle in. Time to breathe. Seriously, just stare out the window for a few minutes. Appreciate the fact you made it. Then, a crucial mission: locate the nearest fudge shop. This is of utmost importance.
- 2:30 PM: Fudge hunt BEGINS. Walk down the main street, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of fudge vendors. It's a fudge-alypse! The aromas are intoxicating. I'm sampling everything. EVERYTHING. Okay, maybe I went a little overboard. I'm pretty sure I've gained five pounds already. And I think I prefer the peanut butter fudge, though I'm also oddly fond of something with Mackinac Island maple in it. The Fudge. Battle. Rages. On.
- 4:00 PM: Slight sugar crash. Okay, more than slight. I need water and a sit-down. I retreat back to the room, face-planting on the bed to regroup.
- 5:00 PM: Explore the immediate surroundings. Maybe find a decent place to eat dinner. Avoiding the tourist traps is the goal, but sometimes, a greasy burger just hits the spot.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner! Found a place, and it's alright. Not spectacular, but fuel is fuel.
- 8:00 PM: Sunset watch by the lake. (Okay, maybe that sounds a little too idyllic, but I genuinely love the water.)
- 9:00 PM onward: Collapse into bed. Tomorrow is another day filled with more fudge and maybe, just maybe, some actual sightseeing.
Day 2: Forts, Ferries, and the Fury of Lake Huron (and the Ice Machine!)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up… or, more accurately, drag myself from bed. Did I pack earplugs? Note to self: pack earplugs. The ice machine, it is a beast (I knew it!). Maybe a cold splash of water to my face will do the trick.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast! Hopefully something more substantial than fudge. Maybe the Inn has a continental breakfast? (Fingers crossed for decent coffee. Oh, how I need that coffee!)
- 10:00 AM: Head for Fort Michilimackinac. This is a must-see, historical stuff, and I'm excited! I love history. I can almost taste it…or, wait, is that fudge? Damn it.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! Probably a picnic, unless I find a cute little cafe.
- 1:00 PM: After the Fort, it's time to hop on a ferry to Mackinac Island! The anticipation is a little overwhelming, but I’m ready. I'm thinking I will rent a bicycle there.
- 2:00 PM: Ferry ride! I'm hoping for calm waters and good views. And maybe a seagull friend.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Mackinac Island! Sightseeing, fudge-buying (again, obviously), maybe even a horse-drawn carriage ride if I get fancy. Gotta see Arch Rock! Must. See. Arch. Rock. I also plan to wander aimlessly for a good while. I'm here to soak it all in.
- 7:00 PM: Ferry back to the mainland. I'll be tired. Exhasted. But my spirit will be full.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner in Mackinaw City again.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Maybe I will watch some TV and relax.
Day 3: The Bridge, the Lake, and Departure (With a Fudge Hangover)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Ugh. The fudge… it’s still in my veins. Gotta get some water in me.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Mackinac Bridge! We will stop at a scenic overlook to take some photos. Epic bridge views!
- 11:00 AM: Spend some time on the shore. Just breathe, listen to the waves, and reflect on my adventure.
- 12:00 PM: Pack, head to the front desk for checkout.
- 1:00 PM: Grab some last-minute fudge for the road. Necessary.
- 1:30 PM: Hit the road! Sigh. Time to leave this magical place. But what a trip!
- 5:00 PM: Arrive back home.
This itinerary? It's more a suggestion than a schedule. I'll get distracted. I'll get lost. I'll probably eat way too much fudge. It’s all part of the experience. Embrace the mess, the unexpected, and, most importantly, the fudge. After all, that's what life (and travel) is all about!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Camelia, Pescaglia, Italy
Court Plaza Inn & Suites: Seriously, Is This Place REALLY Mackinaw City's Best Kept Secret? (Or Just a Secret?) - FAQs
Okay, okay, I'm intrigued. What's the *real* deal with Court Plaza Inn & Suites? All the hype feels... a little sus.
Alright, let's be honest. "Best Kept Secret" is a phrase that gets tossed around like a beach ball at a family reunion. It's *possible* Court Plaza fits the bill. But, and this is a HUGE but, it depends on what you're looking for. First off, it’s NOT some fancy, glitzy resort with a spa the size of Michigan. Think more… charmingly functional. I'd almost call it "utilitarian-chic." My first impression? "Wow, it's... clean." And that matters. *Especially* after a day surrounded by screaming kids and fudge-induced sugar highs. More on that later.
Secondly… are you expecting perfection? Because you *might* find a small imperfection or two, like maybe the A/C sounds like a jet engine taking off at 3 AM (been there, done that, regretted it that morning). But honestly, the staff is genuinely friendly, and the location? *Chef's kiss*. You can walk to EVERYTHING. Everything! Which saves you valuable fudge-eating time and gas money.
Look, I’ve stayed in places where the complimentary coffee tasted like dishwater and the "continental breakfast" was a stale donut and judgmental stares. Court Plaza? They do a decent job. It’s… good. Not life-altering. But good. And in Mackinaw City, 'good' can be a goldmine.
The location thing... How *close* is "walking distance" really? Because I'm picturing a grueling half-marathon to get a pasty.
Okay, embrace this: *walking distance* is legit. Okay? I'm talking a leisurely stroll. Like, the kind where you can be distracted by a seagull and still get to the fudge shop before your kid starts melting down. It's seriously a huge selling point. I mean, come on, the whole point of Mackinaw City is to wander around, be a tourist, and grab copious amounts of food.
I'm talking about: * **Fudge shops:** Literally, *everywhere*. * **Restaurants:** Dozens, from the classic to the slightly questionable (but hey, adventure!). * **Ferries to Mackinac Island:** Minutes away. Seriously. Save that energy for climbing Arch Rock. * **Shops selling everything you never knew you needed:** T-shirts? Check. Giant plastic swords? Absolutely.
Last time I was there (a few years ago, with my perpetually grumpy pre-teen), we parked the car and *never used* it again until we left. It was glorious. So liberating! So fudge-filled. Pure bliss.
Let's talk rooms. What are they like? Are we talking Motel 6, or something slightly less… budget-friendly?
Here's the deal. They're not the swankiest rooms on Earth. Think clean, comfortable, and functional. They have all the basics: a bed (or two, three, depending on the room); a bathroom (hopefully with decent water pressure); a TV (for zoning out after a day of intense sightseeing). They're perfectly adequate. They won't blow your mind, but they won't make you want to sleep in your car either. I'd say they're better than Motel 6, and definitely less pretentious than a fancy resort.
I will say this: The *size* can vary. Some rooms are a bit cozy. If you're traveling with a family of six and a goat (just kidding… mostly), maybe request a bigger room. Definitely call ahead and ask specifics. I remember my first trip, and the room was *tight*. We were practically tripping over each other. But hey, it forced us to actually *talk* and bond, right? Or maybe it just made us cranky. Depends on the day, honestly. But, it's about being cozy, and not being cramped is a big plus.
What about the amenities? Free breakfast? Pool? Pet-friendly? What's the deal?
Okay, let's unpack this carefully. "Amenities" can be a deal-breaker for some. Court Plaza offers: * **Breakfast:** Yes, a basic continental breakfast is included. You're probably looking at things like cereal, pastries, coffee, and maybe some fruit. Don't expect gourmet; expect sustenance. It'll get you started. * **Pool:** Yep. It's a swimming pool. And, in the summer, it's a LIFE SAVER. Especially after a long day of walking around in the sun. It's clean, and it’s actually a very nice pool, despite the "basic" theme, which I am completely fine with. * **Pet-Friendly:** This is a big one for a lot of people! Yes, they *do* accommodate pets. Check their website (or call!) for specifics on fees and restrictions. But it's a huge bonus if you're traveling with your furry friend. * **Free Parking:** Crucial. Mackinaw City parking can be a nightmare. * **WiFi:** Because we're living in the 21st century.
They may have other little details, so don't be afraid to ask. But ultimately, it's got everything you *need*, not everything you possibly *want*. It prioritizes the important stuff. You're there to see Mackinaw City, not hang out in a hotel room all day, right?
Okay, you mentioned something about a potential "bad" experience... spill the tea! What's the worst thing about Court Plaza?
Alright, here's where I get REAL. I had *one*… incident. And it wasn’t a hotel issue, really. It was *me*. I was so excited about the fudge, I decided to buy TWELVE pounds. TWELVE. Pounds. I mean, it was on sale, okay? Don't judge.
So, picture this: We're checking out, the car is packed (with fudge, mostly), and I'm trying to squeeze in one last, *massive* piece of fudge. Of course, as I'm biting into it, a seagull swoops down, steals the entire piece, and shits on my head. I'm not kidding. *Shit* on my head. And all I could do was stand there, covered in avian excrement and, well, regret. Mostly regret. (And fudge, which I wasn't able to eat because I was in shock.)
Okay, so not Court Plaza's fault, obviously. But the point is, Mackinaw City can be chaotic. And being covered in bird poop? Not an experience I'd readily repeat. The *worst* thing about Court Plaza? Absolutely nothing. It was a decent, clean, well-located hotel. The best thing? That I was able to shower and change before the ferry. I'm *still* traumatized by the seagull, though. Twelve pounds of fudge is a curse!
So, would you actually recommend Court Plaza Inn & Suites? Is it worth the hype (or lack thereofEscape to Paradise: Luxurious Florenville Villa with Private Pool!
