Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 8 min drive
Leelanau Sands Casino - 19 min drive
Getting around
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 45 min drive
Restaurants
VI Grill - 14 min drive
Roman Wheel Pizza & Subs - 14 min drive
Boone's Prime Time Pub - 15 min drive
Nittolo's Seafood And Social - 7 min drive
Pedaling Beans Coffeehouse - 7 min drive
About this property
Whaleback Inn
At Whaleback Inn, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Guests will have free perks such as WiFi and self-parking. Other features include a terrace and a garden.
Languages
English
At a glance
Hotel size
18 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Restrictions related to your trip
Check COVID-19 restrictions
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
No cots (infant beds)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free on-site self-parking
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
What to do
Beach nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Facilities
5 buildings/towers
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Dock
Room amenities
Be entertained
Television
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Shower only
Free toiletries
Hairdryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Free local calls
Food and drink
Fridge
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Renovations and closures
The property is closed between 27 October and 10 April.
Policies
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
This property does not have lifts.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Also known as
Whaleback Inn Leland
Whaleback Leland
Whaleback Inn Hotel
Whaleback Inn Leland
Whaleback Inn Hotel Leland
Frequently asked questions
Is Whaleback Inn currently open?
The property is closed between 27 October and 10 April.
Are pets allowed at Whaleback Inn?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Whaleback Inn?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Whaleback Inn?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
Is there an on-site casino at Whaleback Inn?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Leelanau Sands Casino (19-min drive) is nearby.
What is there to do at Whaleback Inn and nearby?
Whaleback Inn has a picnic area and a garden.
What's the area around Whaleback Inn like?
Whaleback Inn is located a short 14-minute walk from Lake Michigan.
Whaleback Inn Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.8/10
Cleanliness
9.8/10
Staff & service
9.2/10
Amenities
9.6/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
27 Oct 2024
Quiet weekend.
Nice and relaxing in woods and water setting. Loved the nature hike.
Eric
Eric, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
11 Oct 2024
Verified traveller
1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
27 Sept 2024
The facilities and staff were first rate.
john
john, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
9 Aug 2024
what a whaleback!
great place . innkeepers, ty and rachel very friendly . hot coffee and great muffins!
John
John, 3-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
27 Jul 2024
Caretakers were welcoming and warm and welcoming for our day there. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Relax outside with a beautiful view of the lake. Very peaceful.
Susan
Susan, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
15 Jul 2024
Megan
Megan, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
1 Jul 2024
Charming Lakefront Chateau
Drew and Rachels hospitality was amazing, Frank, the resident cat is mostly disinterested, yet friendly. The whole place is very charming and feels like a community as you walk to the breakfast bar with Hannah's fantastic muffins. Sitting on the porch with friends, food and a wonderful view of the lake, makes me sad to think of all the times ive missed being here in the past. 10/10 recommend!
Anthony
Anthony, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
10 Jun 2024
We spent to delightful nights at the Whaleback Inn. The facility is clean and tidy. The host greet you and help out with any questions you have about the area. Starting our day on the porch eating a relaxing breakfast looking out in the lake was pure bliss. We loved the peacefulness of the Whaleback Inn.
Steve
Steve, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 Jun 2024
Loved the casual feel. Enjoyed the coffee and light breakfast in the mornings. Was nice to have a kitchen on property as well w large fridge, microwave and drinking water tap. Rooms have a dorm fridge as well.
Room was comfortable and bed was cozy. View of the lake off my porch. Would definitely return and recommend!
Deborah
Deborah, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
22 May 2024
Very nice stay
Timothy
Timothy, 4-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
19 May 2024
Book it!
It was amazing! Great location, the inn keepers were great, room clean.
Scott
Scott, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 May 2024
Check in and out was easy. The room was clean and kept up very well. The property is well maintained. The inn keepers are very friendly and helpful. It is a peaceful and relaxing place to stay.
Craig
Craig, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
13 Oct 2023
Nice view of Lake and Rachel the Innkeeper was most attentive.
Carlina
Carlina, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
9 Oct 2023
Cozy atmosphere
Daphne
Daphne, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
23 Sept 2023
We loved our stay at the Whaleback Inn. The property is gorgeous. The rooms were comfortably appointed and very clean.It was conveniently located for day trips around the area. The view of the lake from our room and patio was just awesome....
Lee Ann
Lee Ann, 4-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
17 Sept 2023
Up on a hill, the former resort overlooks Lake Leelanau. It is rather expensive, but I found it worth it. I had to catch a passenger boat to an island off shore, and leave early. The charm is fantastic.
Susan
Susan, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
13 Sept 2023
The lakes and water
Tom
Tom, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
9 Sept 2023
The location was beautiful. Right across the street from the lake. Lovely setting with outside patio and chairs off the the room. Comfortsble bed. I was a bit disappointed that there was no coffee maker or microwave in the room and very limited continental breakfast for the price however many close restaurants. We wake up very early and like a cup in am.
Judi
Judi, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
1 Sept 2023
They views were extraordinary. The rooms were spacious and the beds were so comfortable. The staff was helpful and our rooms were made up each day. The location was central to cute towns, vineyards and the state and national parks. So many great hiking trails!
Loni
Loni, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
21 Aug 2023
Such a welcoming experience with a stunning view.
Marilyn
Marilyn, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
21 Aug 2023
Decor was UP NORTH cute.....Bed was comfortable!
Diane
Diane, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
9 Aug 2023
Charles
Charles, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
5 Aug 2023
Jackie
Jackie, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
19 Jul 2023
Gina
Gina, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
10 Jul 2023
We loved the Whaleback Inn. We were so delighted with the view and location. We only stayed one night, I wish we had longer. I loved that there was a private dock to enjoy the water views and relax in the sun.