MACKINAC ISLAND, MI - It was a busy off-season on Michigan’s most popular island, and now there is a lot of buzz about upgrades at some of Mackinac’s best-known spots. This includes Grand Hotel, where new features are making their debut both inside and on the resort’s grounds. Much of the excitement here surrounds the newly renovated Esther Williams Swimming Pool and its pool bar, pool house and surrounding area. But that’s just one of the new things in store for guests this season, as Grand Hotel marks its 135th year.
“In preparation of our 2021 season, our team has been hard at work making significant improvements,” said Doug Dean, executive vice president of operations. “While embracing our rich history, you will find that we have created a magical experience: the splendor and the intimacy, the hospitality and the décor, the past and the present.”
Here’s a peek at the new things you’ll see at Grand Hotel this season:
Grand Hotel's Esther Williams Swimming Pool turns 100 this year, and is getting a huge remodel just in time to celebrate. This rendering shows what's in store. Image provided by Grand Hotel.
#1 New Esther Williams Swimming Pool
Grand Hotel’s 220-foot-long serpentine pool is named after the Hollywood leading lady whose 1947 movie, “This Time for Keeps,” was filmed at the resort and helped put it on the map for a fresh wave of tourists. Extensive renovations to the pool and its surrounding area has been one of the most talked-about off-season construction projects on the island in the last year. Here are the new pool area highlights guests should look for, staff say:
- 15 cabanas that can be reserved for a luxurious poolside experience.
- Food and beverage service from the Esther Williams Pool Bar.
- New family-friendly area complete with a zero-depth beach entry, water jet play area, and water slide.
- New large heated whirlpool and private adults-only pool area featuring an infinity edge with magnificent views of the island.
- Expanded seating areas including new pool furniture for the pool deck, terrace and lawn, allowing guests plenty of space to relax in comfort and style.
- Events throughout the season, such as family friendly “dive-in” movie nights.
- Expanded pool house with a fitness center and bathhouse, upscale changing rooms, lockers and showers.
- Dedicated pool area for private events and the addition of a new meeting and event space on the second floor of the pool house called the Lilac Room. This new meeting space adjoins a covered, outdoor terrace with unobstructed views of the Straits of Mackinac.
RELATED: How a Hollywood star in a swimming pool helped save Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel
Retail shops inside the resort got a reset for the 2021 season. Grand Kids is one of the new stores. Photo provided by Grand Hotel.
#2 New shops
The resort’s lower-level shops have always offered a unique mix for those seeking a little retail therapy. This year, some shops are new while others have been renamed and offer a fresh approach. More locally-made and branded merchandise is available. The newest offering is Grand Kids, which features books, plush animals, toys and more for the smallest guests. The shops formerly known as Colony and Cagney have been refashioned into Grand Womens and Grand Mens. “Grand Womens includes the perfect summer clothing and accessories for all of your Mackinac Island activities, including looks from Vineyard Vines, and also newly-designed tote bags,” staff said. “Grand Mens will prepare guests with a professional and active look, including a signature Geranium tie from Alynn neckwear.”
Also be on the lookout for:
- The Mackinac Market retail shop will still have a plethora of souvenirs in stock. New this year will be Christmas ornaments, including those from Klassics by Kurtis and Beacon Designs, along with products from Corksicle, a new needlepoint pillow design and custom puzzles.
- Tucked near the new pool is the resort’s pool shop. Inside, you’ll find pool-themed items like Grand Hotel pool towels by Hatton Mills, shirts from Vineyard Vines and flip flops.
Michael Boudreault paints the ceiling of the Cupola Bar. Photo provided by Grand Hotel.
#3 Upgrades to the Cupola Bar
Decorative artist and muralist Michael Boudreault did some off-season work on the walls of the Parlor and Cupola Bar. The bar’s ceiling is now a bit higher and has a more celestial look. “We enjoyed restoring the iconic wallpaper in the Parlor and raising the roof in the Cupola Bar ceiling with a tasteful sky mural indicative of the beautiful colors found in the sky over the Grand. We fell in love with Mackinac Island, this beautiful place is truly magical,” Boudreault said.
#4 Guest Room Bathrooms
Many guests will be unlocking their doors to find some personal-touch renovations this season, including refreshed bathrooms. New fixtures and finishes were on the to-do list over the winter.
Afternoon Tea is a long-standing tradition at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Don't have time to take part? Stop by the expanded Grand Coffee & Provisions for a fresh-brewed coffee, some tea or snacks. Photo provided by Grand Hotel.
#5 Expansion at Grand Coffee & Provisions
This lower-level spot for coffee, snacks, picnic items and grab-and-go fare was introduced at the start of the 2020 season. It proved to be such a popular spot that it’s been expanded this year, doubling the amount of items it can offer guests. “We will feature many local Michigan products, as well as premium brands from around the country and world,” staff said. “Items will include espressos and cappuccinos as well as fresh-baked items from our Grand Hotel Bakery, fresh healthy salads, fruit and yogurt parfaits, antipastos, wraps, and sandwiches. Breakfast and lunch items are all prepared and ready for guests to grab & go as they begin their day.
“Guests will have the opportunity to select from a wider variety of adult and nonalcoholic beverages including Grand Hotel label wines, Bell’s Brewery Big Porch Ale, and several Michigan-made microbrews and sodas.”
Grand Hotel's Secret Garden has become a social media sensation in the last few years. Photo provided by Grand Hotel.
#6 Find the New Secret Garden
A big hit for the last couple years, Grand Hotel’s picturesque Secret Garden spot has been a social media darling and a must-stop for guests and visitors to the grounds alike. Get ready for a big season of blooms, as the preparatory planting included thousands of bulbs. But this year, the garden is even more secret. Here’s why: “This year’s garden was such a big secret that our Director of Golf & Grounds, Drew Butterfield, made sure to plant it alone with no witnesses after Grand Hotel was closed for the season and the grounds crew was finished working,” staff said. “Not only is it a new display but it is in a new undisclosed location and sure to be a new favorite. Best of luck finding it!”
More breakfast and brunch options are now available at Grand Hotel properties. Photo provided by Grand Hotel.
#7 More Farm to Ferry foods that Showcase Local Flavors
Wild-caught whitefish from the Straits of Mackinac, brought in by a sixth-generation family of fishermen. Free-range poultry from a farm near Cadillac. Tortillas and pickles from Detroit. This year, Grand Hotel has greatly expanded the locally-produced foods that it serves to guests. New partnerships were forged by Executive Chef Michael Cerrie, who joined the resort’s team last year. “He has worked efficiently to gain partnerships with Midwest families and farms to create an unforgettable dining experience with exquisite food. These partners will provide fish, chicken, lamb, beef, baked goods, jams, and more.”
Dining options inside the main hotel and nearby on resort property offer a mix of different styles. Photo provided by Grand Hotel.
#8 New Brunch and Breakfast Options
Brunch and breakfast options have always been a bit sparse on the island. To help fill that gap, Grand Hotel this season is debuting weekend brunch at The Jockey Club and daily breakfast at The Gate House. “You can look forward to a Breakfast Buddha Bowl, Detroit Breakfast Casserole, and indulge a little in Cinnamon Monkey Bread French Toast from The Gate House,” staff said. “The Jockey Club will also offer special events this season like a Seafood Broil - stay tuned on our social media for more details.”
A couple other new food twists of note:
- Sushi Grand will re-open this season with the return of Chef Sangdon Chung.
- Lunch will return in the Main Dining Room as the Grand Luncheon Experience - a new take on the Grand Luncheon Buffet.
Planning a vacation to Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel this year? Here are some ideas to guide your stay:
How a Mackinac Island mansion’s playhouse became Grand Hotel’s fine dining showpiece
Afternoon Tea at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel is a step back in time
Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel announces special packages for 2021 season
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Cabanas and weekend brunch, 8 new things at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel in 2021 - MLive.com
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