Mackinaw City's Hidden Gem: Parkside Inn Bridgeview - Unbelievable Views!

Mackinaw's Parkside Inn: Bridgeview - Seriously, Unforgettable Views (and a Whole Lot More!) - A Messy, Honest Review.

Okay, folks, buckle up. I just got back from Mackinaw City, and honestly, my brain is still buzzing from the Parkside Inn Bridgeview. Forget perfectly polished travel brochures; this is the real deal. We're talking a messy, honest, and slightly obsessive deep dive. Buckle up!

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The View. Oh. My. God. The View.

Let's just get this out of the way: the view from Parkside Inn is worth the price of admission alone. Seriously. We snagged a room with a bridge view (duh!), and I’m still not over it. Waking up to that majestic, steel behemoth sparkling in the morning sun? Jaw-dropping. Watching it bathed in the orange glow of sunset after a ferry ride on the lake? Emotional. I may or may not have teared up a little. Don’t judge! The room was super clean too, and I mean really clean, which made me feel better.

Accessibility:

Okay, real talk: I'm all about accessibility, and Parkside delivered pretty darn well. They have facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator, which is crucial. I didn’t personally need to utilize the wheelchair-accessible features, but I did see them, and it felt like they'd put thought into it. I'm not an expert here, but the impression’s good. More hotels need to put in the effort - it's not just good business, it's the right thing to do.

Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know…):

I'll be honest, the whole hotel felt clean. Like, seriously clean. They had anti-viral cleaning products, and obviously, the staff was all about the daily disinfection in common areas. The stuff in the rooms was great and I really paid attention to the hygiene certification. Staff trained in safety protocol, hand sanitizer everywhere, the works. I felt safe, period. I mean, they even had that whole room sanitization opt-out thing.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Foodie Part!):

Alright, listen. We got a breakfast buffet. And yes, a traditional one with that Asian offering. It was, you know, a breakfast buffet. Edible. Nothing wrong. Coffee was…coffee. But hey! Bottle of water every day in the room. 24-hour room service, which came in handy because we got back late one night from the island.

Restaurants/ Lounges:

I didn't see an in-house restaurant itself, but it was a quick walk or drive to some amazing places with excellent food and service.

Things to Do and Ways to Relax (The Fun Stuff!):

So, the pool. The outdoor pool. With a view. Come. On. It's not a massive Olympic-sized affair, but it's perfectly adequate for a refreshing dip after a day of exploring. Perfect for the day after.

The Spa, The Gym, and the other bits:

So, no spa or gym. I didn't go to those things on this trip.

Services and Conveniences:

Okay, free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Essential. They also had a concierge, which was super helpful with booking ferries to Mackinac Island (a MUST-DO!). The daily housekeeping was stellar. They even had a gift shop.

For the Kids (Family Vibes):

They are def family-friendly. The place is family friendly, and I think it'd be a great place to take the kids.

Rooms, Rooms, Rooms! (The Nitty Gritty):

The rooms, in my humble opinion, were totally fine. Clean. Modern. Air conditioning that worked (essential in summer!). Big enough for a family. Mini bar (though I didn't use it). Flat-screen TV, you know; standard stuff. They have non-smoking rooms, of course. And a great feature is that there's a window that opens.

The Little Quirks (The Stuff You Don't Get in the Brochure):

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The Elevator: It's a little… slow. Plan accordingly, especially if you're impatient (like me). But hey, elevators are elevators!
The Location: It's right there, front and center to a lot of things. If you get a bridge-view room, you'll need to get used to the bridge traffic, because its a little loud. But well worth it in my opinion.
The Staff: They were all super helpful and kind. A major plus!

The Imperfections (Because, Honestly, Nothing's Perfect):

Okay, I'm going to nitpick now. The carpets in the hallways are a tad worn. And the coffee at the breakfast buffet really could use an upgrade. But honestly, those are minor complaints. It's a small price to pay for that view.

My Verdict (The Bottom Line):

Parkside Inn Bridgeview is a winner. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. I'd go back for that view alone. The cleanliness, the helpful staff, and the convenient location are all huge bonuses. Yes, there were a few minor imperfections, but they barely registered compared to the overall positive experience.

Final, Rambling Thoughts:

See, the view is the main thing, but the whole place… it grew on me. It's not super fancy, it's not pretentious, it's just solid. And that's exactly what I needed on this trip. A comfortable, clean place to rest my head after a day of exploring. So, book it. Seriously. You won't regret it. The Mackinac Bridge will be waiting… and it's glorious.

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Parkside Inn Bridgeview Mackinaw City (MI) United States

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my slightly-too-ambitious Mackinaw City adventure. And trust me, it wasn’t all postcard-perfect ferry rides and perfectly-timed fudge consumption. This is the real deal, warts and all. My base camp of operations: Parkside Inn Bridgeview – which, let’s just say, has a view of a bridge, if you look really damn hard.

Day 1: Arrival and the Bridge-Induced Existential Crisis

1:00 PM: Arrive in Mackinaw City! Okay, technically, I arrived a bit late because, and this is crucial, I got stuck behind a trailer hauling… lawn ornaments. Seriously. Like, gnomes and plastic flamingos. The audacity! But hey, scenic drives are part of the game, right? Check into the Parkside Inn. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and regret, which, honestly, is a vibe. Room is… functional. The bedspread? Definitely seen better days. But hey, at least there’s a mini-fridge and a questionable view of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge.
1:30 PM: Unpack (ish). Okay, more like fling my suitcase onto a chair and vow to deal with it later. That view though… the bridge. Holy moly. It's majestic, intimidating, and unexpectedly melancholic. Anyone else get hit with an existential crisis just looking at a monumental structure? I'm already pondering the meaning of life, all thanks to some steel and concrete. I need a beer. Immediately.
2:00 PM: Stroll the town. Mackinaw City is super cute, like a slightly-overdressed puppy. The tourist shops are already calling my name, particularly the one selling the "I Heart Fudge" t-shirts. Temptation level: high. Got some snacks for the room, and a beer from local shop downtown.
3:00 PM: The most delicious fudge I've had in ages! I mean, seriously, this is some seriously good fudge.
4:00 PM: The beach… or, what passes for a beach. It's rocky, the water is FREEZING, and the wind's whipping my hair into a frenzy, but I love it! It's that refreshing, crisp moment.

Day 2: Island Fever and Fudge-Fueled Mayhem

7:00 AM: Breakfast. The motel breakfast at Parkside Inn is… well, it's free. And the coffee? Let's just say it's a philosophical question to decide if it'll wake you up or just make you contemplate your life choices. I had toast and a sad little piece of melon. Fuel for the day!
8:30 AM: The Ferry to Mackinac Island! Okay, here’s where things get interesting. The ferry wasn't the problem. The sea legs part was. I get motion sickness. Badly. I'm talking green face, clutching the rail, praying to Neptune. I somehow made it.
9:30 AM: Mackinac Island! Pure magic! Horses and buggies. Victorian architecture. The air smells like fudge (again, a good thing). I rented a bike and tried to be the epitome of a cool, island-cruising tourist, but I kept getting distracted by the sheer beauty of the place. I was practically screeching to halt on the bike to take photos. I spent way too long just staring at the Grand Hotel, imagining myself as a character in a bygone era.
11:00 AM: I had planned on doing some hiking but instead spent the entire time eating fudge and feeling extremely content.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant. Got the whitefish sandwich. Delicious. And then, the fudge. Oh, the fudge. I wandered from fudge shop to fudge shop, sampling every single flavor! Chocolate peanut butter, maple walnut, even a weird rocky road concoction. By the end, I was basically a walking, talking fudge factory. I probably should have paced myself.
3:00 PM: The return ferry. This time, I brought the Dramamine. Still a little green around the gills. Learned a valuable lesson: bring extra.
4:00 PM: Back in Mackinaw City. Nap. Fudge Coma.

Day 3: Bridge, History, and the Last Slice of Fudge

9:00 AM: Breakfast at the motel, finally got some real orange juice!
- 9:30 AM: Okay, this is where I got my history lesson, heading to Colonial Michilimackinac. It's a reconstructed 18th-century fort and trading post. The re-enactors are awesome! They're in full period costume, shooting muskets, and explaining the complexities of colonial life. It was fascinating, and a little disorienting to remember I was in the 21st century.
11:30 AM: Took some photos with the bridge.
12:00 PM: Lunch. The town is empty and most places are closed.
1:00 PM: One last walk around the shops and I am buying one single piece of fudge.
2:00 PM: Check out of Parkside Inn. Said goodbye to the bridge.
2:30 PM: The moment has arrived! I'm heading home, hopefully without the lawn ornaments.

Overall Reflections:

Mackinaw City, you weird, wonderful place. It's not perfect. It's touristy. It's got a lingering scent of fudge, and the bridge will probably give you an identity crisis. But it’s also beautiful, charming, and full of little pockets of joy. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe with a bigger bag of Dramamine and a slightly more realistic fudge consumption plan. And, of course, a camera to capture every awkward, imperfect, and utterly human moment.

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Parkside Inn Bridgeview Mackinaw City (MI) United States```html

Parkside Inn Bridgeview: Mackinaw City's Best-Kept (Maybe Not So Secret Anymore?) Weapon! - FAQs YOU Actually Need!

Okay, okay, fine... what's the BIG deal about "Bridgeview"? Is it really that good?

Alright, here's the truth bomb: YES. It *really* is that good. I mean, look, I've stayed in… let’s just say *questionable* motels in my time, the kind where you half-expect a ghost to wander through. This isn't one of those. Picture this: waking up, bleary-eyed, and BAM! The Mackinac Bridge stretches out before you, HUGE, majestic, like a giant metal hug. The sun hitting it just right in the morning? Forget about it. You'll be drooling. I legit almost cried the first time I saw it from my balcony. It's that kind of experience. Seriously, it's like they built the hotel specifically for those postcard-worthy moments. Just, uh, bring tissues. You might need 'em... for the views. Or maybe for the sheer emotional overload of being *that* close to that bridge. I may have also gotten a little misty-eyed when I watched the sunset over the bridge. Don't judge.

Is it actually on a bridge? (Because, you know, advertising.)

Nope, not *on* the bridge. Thankfully! Imagine the traffic noise! The "Bridgeview" part comes from the, you guessed it, spectacular *view* of the Mackinac Bridge. It's close enough to make you feel like you're practically *inside* the bridge itself (in a good way, I mean). And the proximity? Awesome. You can walk to the bridge, see it from all sorts of angles, and then saunter back to your room with a cup of coffee, all while basking in its glory. And the walk to town? Easy peasy. So, yeah, the name's accurate, even if you aren't actually driving *through* a room. Probably.

What are the rooms like? Are they... clean? (Because I'm a bit of a germaphobe.)

Okay, this is important to me too. I'm not saying I'm a *total* clean freak, but I appreciate a tidy space. The rooms? Honestly? Surprisingly good! They're not exactly the Ritz, but they're clean, comfortable and, most importantly, *functional*. I remember one time... Okay, I brought my own cleaning supplies, just in case (judging, are we?). But I felt absolutely silly, because the room was spotless. I mean, legit spotless. The beds are comfy, the bathrooms are fine, and let's face it, you're there for the bridge-view anyway. And the free breakfast? Not gourmet, but gets the job done. They had those little cereal boxes, I swear, they're like a time capsule. A tasty cardboard time capsule.

Is it family-friendly? I have a gaggle of small, demanding humans.

Yes, mostly. They have family rooms and cribs, which is a huge win. The pool *looked* inviting, though I didn't jump in. I mean, it's a motel pool, but hey, the kids will love it, and you'll be able to finally sit and relax! As for the "demanding humans" part... well, you’re on your own there, parent. Just make sure you book a room with a bridge view. It’ll keep them occupied for at least, oh, thirty minutes. Maybe an hour, if you're lucky. And hey, a happy kid is a less-screaming kid, and a less-screaming kid is a win for EVERYONE. Think of the peace... and the photographic opportunities!

What about the price? Is it going to bankrupt me just to stare at a bridge?

Alright, let's talk money. Mackinaw City can get pricey, especially during peak season. Parkside Inn generally offers pretty decent value, especially considering the location. Don't expect a bargain basement price, but honestly, the view *alone* is almost worth the cost. And you’re not just paying *for* the view, you are paying for the *experience* of the view! It's a bit of an investment, yes, but one I'd happily make again. Just, be prepared to do a little price comparison beforehand. And book well in advance! They fill up fast. I learned *that* the hard way one year. I ended up in a room with a view of, well, a parking lot. Don't be me. Plan ahead! Please. Regret is a bitter enemy.

Anything I need to watch out for? Any downsides? (Be honest!)

Okay, here's the brutally honest part. Parking can sometimes be a *little* tight, especially during busy times like the Fourth of July or the annual bridge walk. The breakfast, while functional, isn't exactly a culinary masterpiece. (I mean, come on, motel breakfast, what did you expect?) And, and this is a weird one, you might become slightly obsessed with the bridge. Like, you’ll find yourself staring at it for hours, watching the boats go underneath, and Googling its history, which I may have done. It's a bridge! But it's *that* kind of bridge, the one that captivates you. And, ok, I really really wanted to eat at the restaurant, but it was always so busy! But I will, I will, one day .

Is there a restaurant, or any food available on-site?

Yes, they *do* have a restaurant. On-site! Hooray! It's called "The Bridgeview Restaurant," which, you know, makes sense. I have heard it is pretty good, but I'm a bit of a picky eater, and every time I tried it was so busy, I never got to go! Though the thought of getting bridgeviews while I eat is an incredible combination. In a town full of tourist traps, it's nice to know they have that. There's also a decent little shop where you can grab some snacks and the essentials. I swear, I lived off of those gummy bears for, like, two days. So the short answer: yes!

Okay, sold! When should I book? And any secret tips? (Whisper!)

Okay, listen up! Book ASAP! Seriously, like, right now. Especially if you're going during peak season. Don't be that person who waits until the last minute and ends up in a room overlooking a dumpster. My *secret* tip? Request a room on the highest floor possible. Those views are MIND-BLOWING. Also, pack binoculars! You'll thank me later. And ifPremium Stay Search