As its name suggests, The Inn at Stonecliffe sits on a bluff on the other side of Mackinac Island in northern Michigan, just a few miles from the bustling city center. The resort is surrounded by 15 acres of lush green land and a rocky coastline with perfect views of the Straits of Mackinac. The 120-year-old inn was built in 1904 by famed architect Frederick Perkins as a private family residence. Yet since then it has lived many lives, from a family home to a conference destination to a small university to a current hotel.

After joining the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation in 2021, Stonecliffe closed its doors for a few years to focus on renovating and modernizing the property. After a $40 million renovation, the inn reopened in June 2024. The resort retains many of the original details that give the property its charm, such as the original hardwood floors, Gorgeous stained glass windows and fireplaces, but has updated facilities to include modern luxury. like air conditioning, contemporary bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and revamped food and beverage options.

If you arrive at night like me, you will immediately be drawn to the stained glass windows of the main mansion, which set the tone for the magnificent building you are about to enter. Filled with antiques and memorabilia from the property and Mackinac Island over the past century, Stonecliffe is an almost perfectly preserved time capsule. Arriving during the day, you will undoubtedly notice the large lawn dotted with white Adirondack chairs, a very large American flag flying above the field, and the view of Lake Huron just at the end of the lawn. But the property’s 15 acres are more than just a sprawling lawn: The Inn at Stonecliffe is home to an apple orchard, a beehive, a chicken coop and even a secret gazebo. Each guest is guaranteed to find their favorite place.

The back lawn is where most guests spend a lot of time. You’ll find families playing games on the lawn or individuals reading by the pool, people admiring the awe-inspiring sunsets or gathered around fire pits at night roasting s’mores. The Great Lawn is the social hub of the resort, but the rooms are personal residences, away from home. Each room in Stonecliffe is slightly different, just like a house. But each is cozy and comfortable with hints of nautical and equestrian themes; all nods to the history of the island. The resort embodies a type of Americana rare these days, a quaint, comfortable ambiance that takes only the best moments of the last 100 years and brings them into modern times.

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

The rooms

Stonecliffe’s renovation retained the property’s original charm while infusing it with modern updates. Each room includes a modern bathroom with adjustable rain shower, air conditioning (not always provided on the island), and mattresses made exclusively for the hotel.

There are three types of rooms at Stonecliffe. The first type is located in the main mansion. The mansion features classic Tudor-style architecture with 16 rooms that are both personal and sophisticated. Decorated in blue and white tones that echo the island’s nautical themes, all offer views of the Straits of Mackinac. The Summer House is another completely renovated building separate from the Mansion. There you will find 32 rooms with different layouts, offering more flexibility to families and groups. These rooms may include extra touches like private patios or balconies, and some include sofa beds.

Meanwhile, the property’s private cottages offer a little more privacy. Each cottage has three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a fully functional kitchen. The cabins also feature unique amenities, like board games, private porches, and grocery delivery. Each cottage also has its own aesthetic: Hill Top Cottage is more of a country house, Sunny Honey features bright, whimsical details, and Yacht Watch is white, blue, and nautical.

Food and drink

The Inn at Stonecliffe offers four different dining options, with all menus designed by executive chef Joseph Nardo, who has appeared at Michelin-starred restaurants like The French Laundry and San Francisco’s Lazy Bear.

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

Horsey’s is an upscale pub with access to outdoor seating and fine pub classics like fish and chips, wagyu burgers and whitefish dishes. The bar also prepares refreshing cocktails, often incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients. The aptly named The Backyard is a casual outdoor dining space with a wood-fired oven that creates dishes like smoked pork tacos and smoked chicken wings. It is perhaps best known for its artisan pizzas. The Backyard is next to the general store, with a coffee counter, takeout options and everything you might need during your visit, from toiletries to a Stonecliffe logo sweatshirt.

Across the lawn is The Woods. Initially a family performance hall, it was recently purchased by the Grand Hotel. However, it still has a strong connection with Stonecliffe and is worth a visit. It houses an old manual bowling alley next to a beautiful dining room.

Activities and experiences

With 15 acres of land, there is plenty to do in Stonecliffe. There are two large lawns; at the front you will find hammocks; out back you will find several Adirondack chairs, fire pits and lawn games. Stonecliffe also has an apple orchard with a chicken coop and beehives. Guests are encouraged to explore the area and should also visit Sunset Point, a cliffside viewpoint that provides the perfect place to watch the sunset. There are two swimming pools, one for adults and one for families. Next to the swimming pool you will find the wellness center, which includes a gym on the ground floor, as well as a sauna and massage rooms on the top floor.

There is a daily roster of activities throughout the resort, including workout classes, art classes, fudge and wine tastings, movies on the lawn and much more. These activities are open and free to all guests. At Stonecliffe, I took a watercolor class taught by a local artist who owns an art cafe in town, a pizza-making class taught by the head chef, and several practice classes during which I really sweated.

For those wishing to explore the island, bicycle rentals are available and a horse-drawn carriage shuttle to the city center is free for guests.

The spa

Although the property does not have a full-fledged spa, it does include a few amenities that spas usually have. The wellness center has a sauna downstairs, next to the gym. Upstairs you will find a few treatment rooms and a full-time massage therapist.

Offers suitable for families

The chalets are perfect for families. Their large private spaces, different room configurations, and additional amenities make them a great option for groups who need different room configurations. The cottages also provide grocery delivery prior to your arrival, so that everything you might need for your stay is ready and waiting for you when you arrive.

The resort offers many activities for children, including the Kids Corner and dyeing sessions. Bike rental also offers all types of bikes suitable for children.

Accessibility and sustainability

There is one ADA compliant bedroom at Stonecliffe and several ADA accessible bathrooms around the property.

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

Perhaps most notable, however, is being part of the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation. This means that 100 percent of the station’s profits are donated to humanitarian and educational initiatives. Stonecliffe recently created a scholarship program allowing students graduating from local public schools on Mackinac Island to attend college off-island. In addition, the hotel organizes programming open to the public. This means anyone in the community can attend the art classes, movies on the lawn, or live music.

Location

There are many ways to get to Mackinac Island itself, from planes, ferries, and personal boats, but the real challenge begins once you’re on the island. Mackinac Island is unique because it does not allow motorized vehicles.

This results in everyone traveling by bicycle or taxi, which are horses and carriages. The Inn at Stonecliffe has a free horse and carriage shuttle that runs from the Inn to downtown (and vice versa) every hour. These cars can take your luggage when you arrive; however, if you are traveling on the ferry, your luggage will be tagged and taken to the hotel to be ready for you at check-in.

How to get the most out of 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 getting a good deal. Booking gives direct access to offers such as autumn discounts or honeymoon packages.