GoHotelly
2-star hotel Check-in 16:00 · Check-out 11:00

Starlite Budget Inn

Stay at Starlite Budget Inn in Mackinaw City, MI. Features basic rooms, free breakfast, pool, and shuttle near Mackinac Island Ferry Docks and local attractions.

116 Old US 31 Hwy, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, United States View on map
6.8/10
Average Based on 308 recent guest reviews
Air-conditioned Pet-friendly Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced value with friendly service and convenient location

Guests appreciate the affordable rates, helpful staff, and proximity to key attractions. While rooms are dated, cleanliness and comfort meet expectations for budget-conscious travelers. Some amenities and facilities are limited or occasionally out of service.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly and attentive front desk staff who assist with guest needs.
  • Clean and comfortable rooms despite an older, no-frills style.
  • Convenient location near Mackinaw City ferry docks and shopping.
  • Affordable pricing good for longer stays and budget travelers.
  • Functional air conditioning and a usable pool area (though sometimes affected by maintenance).

Worth knowing

  • Rooms are visibly dated; modern amenities and decor are limited.
  • Check-in is handled at a nearby building, not on site.
  • Breakfast is not provided despite some guests expecting it.
  • Pool facilities have experienced intermittent closures for repairs.
  • Not all standard hotel amenities (e.g., airport shuttle, coffee maker) are available or consistently working.

Best for

  • Budget-minded visitors looking for simple, clean lodging.
  • Families and groups who value proximity to local attractions over luxury.
  • Guests seeking a no-frills base with easy access to Mackinac Island ferries.
  • Travelers comfortable with older-style accommodations and basic facilities.
  • Those prioritizing friendly service and value over upscale amenities.
Compare booking partners

Open this hotel on the platform you trust.

GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.

Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.

About this property

Welcome to Starlite Budget Inn

Starlite Budget Inn is a no-frills motel offering basic, clean rooms and essential amenities such as air conditioning, a pool, and free breakfast. Located at 116 Old US 31 Hwy in Mackinaw City, this budget-friendly property is pet and kid-friendly, making it suitable for families and travelers on a budget. Check-in begins at 4 PM and check-out is at 11 AM, with a courtesy shuttle service available to the nearby ferry docks.

The motel sits within an easy walking distance—about eight minutes—from the Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry Docks and under a mile from the shopping options at Mackinaw Crossings. Its strategic position near highways I-75 and Route 23 offers convenient access for visitors planning excursions around the area. Guests often note the property's practical location and helpful staff as positive aspects of their stay.

Accommodation at Starlite Budget Inn tends to be straightforward and somewhat dated, according to previous guests, but is generally described as comfortable and clean. Rooms may not feature modern decor but provide good value for those prioritizing affordability over luxury. Feedback reflects a balance, with some guests appreciating the friendly service and others noting the motel's modest appearance.

Nearby attractions include Mackinac Island, famous for its historic sites and car-free streets, the scenic Headlands International Dark Sky Park, and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse with its educational exhibits and lake views. This makes the motel a practical base for visitors interested in exploring the natural and historical points of interest around Mackinaw City.

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

Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Airport shuttle
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.

BK
Ben Knowlton Apr 17, 2026
8.0

Decent room and decent price. Very convenient location. I'd stay again.

DC
Debbie Coenen Apr 10, 2026
10

The staff is very friendly. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The price was good for a 3 night stay. If your looking for an affordable place to stay in Mackinaw this is one of them. There was an issue with a broken water pipe for the 2 pools, so the lady who works very hard at the front desk gave us waivers for the water park at the Crown INN. The kid's had a great time.

KR
Kristen Ryan Apr 07, 2026
8.0

There are some mixed reviews here, but I really don’t have any complaints for our stay. The room was outdated (#23 I think) but was not an issue. I’m staying here for the value, so I wasn’t expecting all white/sleek everything. Our room was spacious and clean. The beds were comfortable. The AC worked great. Check in was at another building, but it was next door and not a big deal at all. The woman who checked me in was super super nice and helpful. She had all kinds of info for me about our stay and our visit to Mackinac island. The hotel is on a quiet road so that was refreshing. Also close to a walking trail in town. Would stay again

JM
jesii mariia Apr 05, 2026
8.0

5 star for the friendly staff. We decided to turn our 1 night stay in mackinaw to a 3 night stay but the hotel we were in was completely booked, they recommended this budged inn and it had vacancy. They were very affordable. Not the best hotel to stay in obviously but it was a nice stay. The pool was good as well, didn’t try the sauna room but they do have one as well as a park for the kids and a basketball court. No issues whatsoever.

MH
Michael Henline Mar 03, 2026
8.0

We needed to pull over and take a short rest from driving. Our room was reasonable and clean. The location was convenient too.

LW
Lonnie Williams Mar 03, 2026
8.0

The rooms are dated looking but clean, comfortable, and affordable. I've stayed here twice, been satisfied, and I'd stay here again. Set your expectations properly and you'll have both an enjoyable stay and money left in your pocket to do other things.

JB
Jacqueline Buskard Feb 22, 2026
10

This was what I was looking for! It was outdated UP nostalgia. I liked being a little further away from all the downtown action, and my kids got the pools all to themselves! What!?!?! If you want no chips in the wall, or a working coffee maker with filters, or a clean tub, don't come here. This place is for crashing and enjoying the area. It was perfect

RS
Ryan Steffes Feb 03, 2026
8.0

Nice little motel, rooms are definitely older style but we don’t mind as we like the older style. Even though they were older styling they were very clean and not worn or anything, we will definitely be staying here again.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Starlite Budget Inn

Mackinaw City, Michigan, USA

Situated near I-75 and Route 23, this unpretentious budget motel is an 8-minute walk from Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry Docks and less than a mile from shopping at Mackinaw Crossings.

  • Pellston Regional Airport 19 min Car
  • Chippewa County International Airport 46 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
People also viewed

Similar Motels in Michigan

Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.

2105 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel

Stay at SOVA MicroRoom & Social Hotel, Dallas. Enjoy industrialchic rooms, free WiFi, a cocktail bar, and easy access to top at...

4.6 (907) View
66810 4th St, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240, United States

El Morocco Inn and Spa Resort

Experience Moroccan flair and natural hot mineral pools at El Morocco Inn and Spa Resort, a 4.4rated hotel near Palm Springs Inte...

4.4 (331) View
1410 W Cedar St, Beresford, SD 57004, United States

Super 8 by Wyndham Beresford

Stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Beresford with free WiFi, breakfast, and parking. Conveniently located near Union Grove State Park and...

3.2 (261) View
140 Carmel Valley Way, St Robert, MO 65584, United States

Candlewood Suites St. Robert by IHG

Stay near Fort Leonard Wood at Candlewood Suites St. Robert by IHG. Offers suites with kitchens, gym, laundry, and LGBTQ+ friendly...

4.5 (292) View
935 NW Garfield Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330, United States

Econo Lodge Corvallis Near University

Relaxed 3.5star hotel near Oregon State University offering rooms with microwaves, free continental breakfast, and LGBTQ+ friendl...

3.5 (292) View
2520 NE 28th St, Fort Worth, TX 76106, United States

Motel 6 Fort Worth, TX - Stockyards

Modest rooms with free WiFi and parking at Motel 6 Fort Worth, TX Stockyards. Conveniently located near Fort Worth Stockyards a...

3.3 (613) View
Forest Rd 001, Manila, UT 84046, United States

Spirit Lake Lodge

Stay at Spirit Lake Lodge, basic lakeside cabins with wood stoves and petfriendly amenities in Manila, UT. Close to Spirit Lake a...

4.9 (46) View
8 Dyer St, Provincetown, MA 02657, United States

8 Dyer Hotel + The Benchmark

Chic 5star hotel in Provincetown featuring pinefurnished rooms, whirlpool tubs, outdoor pool, free WiFi, and easy access to bea...

5 (223) View
Share your stay

Stayed at Starlite Budget Inn? Help the next traveler decide.

Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.

Your email is only used to verify the review — it won't be shown publicly.