Quaint Whaleback Inn in Leland, MI features woodsy-chic rooms with kitchens, free Wi-Fi, parking, BBQs, and lake views. Close to wineries and Historic Fishtown.
Guests appreciate the scenic lake views, comfortable accommodations, and friendly service, with a few noting accessibility considerations. Ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat near local attractions and wineries.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Situated on N Manitou Trail overlooking Lake Leelanau, Whaleback Inn offers woodsy-chic accommodations with some rooms featuring kitchens. The quaint hotel provides guests with lake views, a boat dock, and outdoor BBQ facilities, blending a relaxed setting with practical comforts such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and free parking. Although there is no pool, restaurant, or fitness center on site, the property maintains a smoke-free and kid-friendly environment.
Guests appreciate the inn’s peaceful location just off Route 22, close enough to explore local attractions including historic Fishtown and several nearby wineries within a seven-mile radius. Reviews highlight the cozy and clean rooms, comfortable beds, and welcoming common areas, with many guests valuing the lakeside views and proximity to outdoor activities. Some accessibility considerations were noted, such as limited wheelchair access to the check-in area, but the staff are reported to be accommodating.
The inn’s location is convenient for travelers arriving via Cherry Capital Airport, approximately a 40-minute drive away. It is also near several other well-regarded lodging options, including The Leland Lodge and The Riverside Inn, providing variety for visitors to the area. The setting suits those seeking a quiet retreat with easy access to nature, local culture, and wine country experiences, making it a solid choice for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts.
While the property lacks on-site dining and fitness amenities, the surrounding towns offer dining and activities. Guests often mention the hospitality of the innkeepers and the charm of communal spaces like the porch, which has become a favored spot for relaxation. Overall, Whaleback Inn combines lakeside tranquility with convenient access to regional attractions in a cozy, informal atmosphere.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
A nice inn far enough from the city to not have all the congestion yet close enough if you want it. The rooms are nice, and the beds are comfortable. The ADA room worked great for me. the bed allowed my lift under neathand it no problem. The bathroom was plenty big to move around. No problem. The shower was a little on the small side, but it was easily rolled into with no lip or bump. All in all, it's a great place to stay. View of the lave is great to wake up to. The one thing that surprised me but was not a big concern for me was there was no wheelchair access to the check-in area, but the staff gladly came out, and we were able to handle business there.
Such a great place tucked away, rooms were clean and charming. It was great to sit on the main porch and watch a storm. Definitely plan to return and highly recommend to others.
Always a joyous time at the Whaleback. Cozy, clean and conveniently located. Incredible waterfront at Lake Leelanau- we love swimming there views from the room and hot coffee with fresh muffins in the morning-- just delightful.
We picked to stay here because it looked nice and was right on the water, not to mention very close to where we were visiting. We had an amazing view of the lake from our room, got to hike a nearby trail and enjoyed the amenities of this location. The staff were amazing and very accommodating. I plan to come back someday and hope to have the same amazing experience!
This place is amazing!! We pulled in yesterday for two nights. Low key, great view, comfortable beds and I would love to come back already and we haven't even left. I would give more stars if possible. We are on a two week tour of Michigan and was going to stay in Traverse City. We are happy that we changed our minds! I would highly recommend whenever I can. Best place we have stayed in and we have been on the road for a week and a half!
This is way overdue! My husband and I stayed here last June for 3 nights. It was great. We stayed here starting 40 years ago and they have made many improvements to the place. The rooms are immaculate and views can’t be beat. Location is excellent, we hit Leland and some wineries, Suttons Bay for lunch, hiking trail. So much to do around the inn. The innkeepers were very friendly and we loved hanging on the porch with resident cat, Hank either having coffee and muffins or an evening drink.We are planning a return trip this summer. Worth every penny!
We loved our stay here. The rooms are cozy with lovely views of the lake. It’s only a few minutes from downtown, which was perfect for our visit to our friend’s wedding!! Everything felt welcoming and comfortable. Highly recommend! Hank was a bonus!!
Absolutely loved staying here. I wished we could have stayed longer. The place was perfect for our party of five - two adults and three teenagers. We had adjoining rooms and patio. There is a common kitchen area which enabled us to prepare our meals and sit as a family to dine. All the kids LOVED Hank the resident cat :) The Whaleback Inn is located across the street from the water with gorgeous views. We are not a family of swimmers, so it was perfect for us. Although, they do have water vessels to use/checkout if that’s your thing. It was a short drive into a couple of quiet towns. Very enjoyable stay.
Off Route 22, this quaint hotel overlooking Lake Leelanau is a mile from the Leelanau Historical Society Museum and within 7 miles of a half-dozen wineries.
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Michigan. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
3,874 reviews 203 W River St, Leland, MI 49654, United States
1 reviews 7788 E Horn Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653, United States
145 reviews 56 S French Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653, United States
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