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
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
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
Renovations and closures
The property is closed between October 27 and April 10.
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Property is also known as
Whaleback Inn Leland
Whaleback Leland
Whaleback Inn Hotel
Whaleback Inn Leland
Whaleback Inn Hotel Leland
Frequently asked questions
Is Whaleback Inn pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Whaleback Inn?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Whaleback Inn?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at Whaleback Inn?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Whaleback Inn located?
Situated on a lake, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Van's Beach, Historic Fishtown, and Manitou Island Transit. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Manitou Passage Golf Club are also within 9 mi (15 km).
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Whaleback Inn Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers 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.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 122 out of 144 reviews
10 - Excellent
122
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 144 reviews
8 - Good
15
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 144 reviews
6 - Okay
7
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 144 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 144 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
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
My husband and I both said we would love to revisit this resort.
Sandra
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
10/10
Nice wooded area with comfortable housing and convenient amenities.
Gene
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10
Rachel had our room ready as soon as we arrived on the property. Our room was very clean. The community room is adorable and cozy. There are some snacks using the honor system, and some complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and oatmeal. I would highly recommend.
Ashley
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
10/10
Nice view of Lake and Rachel the Innkeeper was most attentive.
Carlina
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
10/10
Water view…homey…great location to town..quiet…lots of area to sit and relax…would highly recommend
Evelyn
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
10/10
What an adorable place with impeccable service and hospitality! Can’t wait to go back!!
Nicole
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
10/10
View of the lake is nice, front porch socializing very nice
David
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
10/10
Cleanest, friendliest place we’ve ever stayed. Will definitely go back!
Julie
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
10/10
Clean, quiet and close to everything
Jorge
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
10/10
great place . innkeepers, ty and rachel very friendly . hot coffee and great muffins!
John
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10
Cozy atmosphere
Daphne
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
10/10
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
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
10/10
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.
Kevin
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
10/10
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
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
10/10
The property was very clean and friendly. Close to restaurants and shops. The mattresses were amazing. One of the best nights sleep that we have had in a long time.
Paul
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
10/10
Views were stunning, property and staff were great, only down side was very close to main road
Ron a
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
10/10
Such a cute and friendly Inn. I would recommend this to all my family and friends.
Verified traveler
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
10/10
it was wonderful.
Meng Qi
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
10/10
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
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
8/10
Excellant
SUSAN
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10
We loved our short stay at Whaleback with the beautiful premises and view of Lake Leelanau and friendly interactions with staff, and close proximity to Leland, we can't wait to come back some day!
Verified traveler
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
10/10
The lakes and water
Tom
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
10/10
Quaint, impeccably maintained and clean. We fell in love with Hank, the cat.
Kevin
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
10/10
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!