MACKINAC ISLAND, Michigan — The Inn at Stonecliffe, a historic luxury property originally built in 1904 on Mackinac Island as a lakeside estate for the Chicago Cudahy family, reopened in June following a two-year, $40-million, property-wide transformation.
Horse-drawn carriages transport guests from the ferry to the Edwardian estate. Steeped in Mackinac Island culture and history, the resort brings a new luxury hospitality experience to the island, including new common spaces, guest rooms, multiple food and beverage offerings, event spaces, an event lawn with fire pits and games, restored apple orchard and much more.
The new Sunset Pavilion event venue boasts 3,000 square feet of flexible event space and custom catering menus for up to 150 guests. Located adjacent to the historic Mansion, the event space features floor-to-ceiling window walls delivering views of Lake Huron and the Straits. A 900-square-foot patio with continued sweeping views surrounds the building.
In the center of the 15-acre property, the 18,500-square-foot Mansion has been lovingly restored, preserving its historic charm while adding modern comforts and design elements. The lobby welcomes guests with a mix of vintage charm and sleek touches, while common areas, including the library and pub, offer sophisticated retreats. The building’s classic architecture and old photographs inspired much of the design, including restoration of the moldings, original hardwood floor, stained glass windows, fireplace mantels, gables and timberwork, while brightening the spaces with modern furniture and color schemes.
The Mansion’s 16 updated King and Queen guest rooms, and the new Straits Suite, feature new bathrooms and updated amenities, including air conditioning. Each room has unique décor with designs inspired by the property’s history and scenery.
In addition to The Mansion, The Inn at Stonecliffe features a 26,000-square-foot Summer House building, boasting 32 King and Queen guest rooms, each equipped with a kitchenette, small dining table and lake or garden views.
“We are excited to open The Inn at Stonecliffe’s doors this season and unveil the transformation of this property, including new resort amenities and a careful restoration of the historic 1904 mansion,” said Kevin Doyle, Chief Operating Officer, Pulte Family Charitable Foundation. “The Inn at Stonecliffe, throughout its history, has been deeply connected to the Island – a special place where families and guests create lifelong memories and traditions. We are thrilled to introduce a new Stonecliffe as a Humanitarian Hotel that will bring an elevated, yet authentic Mackinac Island experience to guests this summer.”
New to the resort are three private cottages: Sunny Honey Cottage, Hill Top Cottage and Yacht Watch Cottage. Each cottage has three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen. With views of the Straits Lawn and beautiful Lake Huron, the cottages are well suited for families and groups.
Three brand-new, on-property dining concepts feature local products from Michigan and the Great Lakes. The Straits, a fine-dining restaurant located in The Mansion’s main dining room with an outdoor patio, is inspired by the surrounding Great Lakes, serving locally sourced dishes, including items from the on-property orchard and vegetable garden.
The Backyard, a casual outdoor restaurant, features a variety of pizzas as well as daily themed specials ranging from BBQ to burgers and seafood. Located inside The Mansion, Horsey’s is a choice spot for a craft cocktail, pint of beer or snack. The General Store offers homemade ice cream, a coffee bar, grab-and-go food options, merchandise and souvenirs.
Additional amenities on the property include a family-friendly pool and an adults-only pool, and the Straits Lawn with a fire pit, solo stoves and lawn games overlooking views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Straits. State-of-the-art fitness equipment, massages, locker rooms and a sauna are all part of the new Wellness and Fitness Center. A calendar of guest activities includes movie nights, pizza-making classes, watercolor and beekeeping classes, bingo by the pool, lawn games and more. The Bike Pavilion allows guests to rent bikes to explore nearby trails.
Owned by The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, The Inn at Stonecliffe is one of three Humanitarian Hotels with 100% of net profits being used to support charitable initiatives in Mackinac County and around the globe. Additionally, the hotel itself is used to undertake programming for employees, guests and nonprofits that represent the Foundation’s mission of serving people in need.
To learn more or book a stay, please visit theinnatstonecliffe.com.
