Clearwater Lakeshore Motel

Beautiful curb appeal! Big sign out front says the place is a TripAdvisor Award Winner! Front desk staff was courteous and professional. Opening the door to our room, we were hit with an overpowering smell. I tried to open the balcony door to let in fresh air, but the sliding screen door was off the track. It wouldn’t open or close all the way. We had a big room facing the beach and bridge, a gorgeous view, but right in front of our patio there were fire pits lined up on the beach. Fires are available each night, and ingredients for S’mores are provided. Nice, but we were never able to enjoy the nightly bridge lights because of the crowds of folks right outside of our room. No privacy unless your drapes were closed. Cleanliness was hit and miss, mostly the bathroom. I used a wet wipe to clean a big brown spot on the floor. Walls, the door, and floor molding could have used a good power wash, then caulking and a new coat of paint. The ceiling fan looked to have a fur coat and started making a screeching noise after running for a few minutes. Linens were nasty looking. (see pic) The office and pool are in a separate building, as is the very small breakfast room. You have to walk across the parking lot to access these amenities and get ice. Our room cost us over $250.00 each night. I expected cleaner facilities for the money.

We chose this for it's quiet location just up the road from the noisier area of Mackinaw City. Pretty view off the balcony towards the bridge. We used this as a 1 night stop on a trip around Lake Michigan. No elevator for the 2nd floor but that wasn't an issue for us, could be for others. Room and bathroom were clean and had Dove shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Each night they light 5-6 bonfires on the beach/lakeshore and provide everything needed for S'mores. We would stay here again.

The reviews made me choose this place, but I cannot give it 5 stars. As others have said, it seems to be a work in progress, so I give them credit for their friendliness and clean rooms. What they cannot fix is the unbelievably small rooms and bathrooms. It was next to impossible to have 2 people in the bathroom at the same time (brushing teeth, for example). Without a mirror in the bedroom, it took a bit longer to get out the door in the morning. And though the rooms were clean, the exterior needed a good washing (looking out the windows was filled with webs and spiders/bugs). I agree with others, though, that the fire pits and s’mores were a nice touch. As long as you don’t expect to spend the evening in your room and waiting your turn for the bathroom, it will work!