By Ellen Kendall
Horse and Carriage, Mackinac Island, Michigan
The Lilac Tree Hotel is on Mackinac Island in the Great Lakes of Michigan. Room amenities include air conditioners, telephones, microwaves, cable television and coffeemakers. A full service spa is located in the hotel; guests have access to the hot tub across the street in the Chippewa, Lilac Tree's sister accommodation. Internet access is available. Though there is no restaurant in the hotel, several restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Wows and Woes
The massage service at the spa is superb. Housekeeping makes up the rooms very quickly in the mornings and leaves tasty chocolates on the pillows. The beds have extremely comfortable pillow-top mattresses.
The elevator to the guest rooms is on the street, thereby providing little security for hotel guests.
Insider Tips
The Lilac Tree hotel offers specials on its website (lilactree.com). Most specials include breakfast at the Pink Pony, located across the street in the Chippewa Hotel. Try delicious Power Pony, which features onions, asparagus, tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms scrambled with egg whites and served with salsa, toast and seasonal fruit. Make sure to buy some Mackinac Island fudge; it is scrumptious.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
I met a friend at the Lilac Tree Hotel for a restful weekend. We had a great time riding in a horse-drawn carriage and exploring Mackinac Island State Park. That night, however, we were surprised at all the noise from Main Street; people had been drinking and we got very little rest until 3 a.m.
Bottom Line
This hotel is not cheap; however, the staff is attentive and the spa provides excellent services.
Resources
About the Author:
Ellen Kendall has 15 years of writing and editing experience. Her travel and insurance articles have appeared in national magazines. Her book contributions include biographies and multi-cultural and Holocaust lesson plans. She has previously served as a real estate broker and interior designer and taught ESL in Korea and at Duke.
