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Whaleback Inn

2.5 star property
Lakefront hotel in Leland with free parking

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The Whaleback Inn sits near Historic Fishtown and Van's Beach, creating a peaceful retreat. Guests connect with in-room WiFi, relax on the scenic terrace, and have easy access to the nearby dock while enjoying the tranquil garden setting.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Lake View

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Lake View | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Lake View

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 22 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
  • 42 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Traditional Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View

Traditional Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Traditional Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 22 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Apartment (Cottage Suite)

Apartment (Cottage Suite) | Living area | TV

Apartment (Cottage Suite)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate dining area
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
TV
Sofa bed
  • 46 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Single Room, 1 Queen Bed, Lakeview with Loveseat

Single Room, 1 Queen Bed, Lakeview with Loveseat | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room, 1 Queen Bed, Lakeview with Loveseat

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Map
1757 N Manitou Trail, Leland, MI, 49654

What's nearby

  • Lake Leelanau - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Historic Fishtown - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Manitou Island Transit - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Van's Beach - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 6 min drive - 9.0 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪VI Grill - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Fishtown Village Cheese Shanty - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Pedaling Beans Coffeehouse - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Streetside Grille - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Cove - ‬2 min drive

About this property

Whaleback Inn

Hotel near Historic Fishtown
Located close to Van's Beach and Manitou Island Transit, Whaleback Inn provides a terrace and a garden. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • Free self parking
  • Smoke-free premises and a dock
Room features
All guestrooms at Whaleback Inn include comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi.
More amenities include:
  • Showers, free toiletries, and hair dryers
  • Refrigerators, heating, and daily housekeeping

Similar properties

Front of property
Leland Lodge
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, 505 reviews
Leland Lodge

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Dock
  • Garden
  • On a lake
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 5 buildings
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

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?

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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Reviews

Whaleback Inn Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

10

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Eco-friendliness

9.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 141 out of 166 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 166 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 166 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 166 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 166 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Vicki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This place is located on the edge of Leland where it is peaceful and has a beautiful view of the lake. We were so blessed to be able to stay there. We highly recommend staying there when you are in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cumbee

Fanadtic place lovely owners. Clean ...beautiful gardens
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

KatieLynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The entire experience at the Whaleback Inn was like stepping into a small town romance novel. Every cabin was cozy and the owners were very welcoming and hospitable. There was a great community area and ample outdoor seating on the porch, property, and pier that gave the best views. We absolutely loved our time there and will be booking again soon!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice stay
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We really enjoyed our stay, the owner Drew made sure we felt welcomed when we first arrived and gave us a very thorough tour of the property. Both Ty and Rachel (who were the innkeepers) were always very approachable with any of our needs throughout the trip, including with helping us get situated with the onsite kayak rentals. We definitely plan to be back, as this place had a nice remote feeling and gorgeous up close view of Lake Leelanau!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Bruce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Location and view to water was beautiful. The rooms were very outdated and the beds not comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was one of the most beautiful and unique inns we’ve ever stayed at. A great location with a lovely view of the water and dock for us to go out on. The staff was warm and welcoming and the grounds felt safe and homey. highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paige

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Such a beautiful place, great staff, perfect location, I will stay there again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This amazing, cozy, cottage setting was perfect for a quiet retreat. Ty and Rachael made me feel like i was family and had all the comforts of home. The view was perfect, overlooking the lake. I highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

john

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The facilities and staff were first rate.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Cathy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice stay there. The couple running the Inn are really friendly and helpfull. The only complaint I have is the smell of the water in the shower. It smells like sulfur, very stinky. But not the Inn keepers fault of course.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My husband and I both said we would love to revisit this resort.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great place.

Definately will stay again. Resident cat Hank is so cool. He has got it made. I can’t say enough . Relaxing. Clean. Quiet. A true get a way.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carlina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice view of Lake and Rachel the Innkeeper was most attentive.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

David

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The water smelled and didn’t taste good. You had to buy bottled water and bags of ice. No coffee maker in the rooms
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice wooded area with comfortable housing and convenient amenities.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Water view…homey…great location to town..quiet…lots of area to sit and relax…would highly recommend
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Adorable place with exceptional hospitality!

What an adorable place with impeccable service and hospitality! Can’t wait to go back!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Whaleback Inn Is Lovely

I would stay at the Whaleback Inn again in a minute. The staff was wonderful and helpful, the location beautiful and the rooms great. Loved the view!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cleanest, friendliest place we’ve ever stayed. Will definitely go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
View of the lake is nice, front porch socializing very nice
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jorge, Canton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, quiet and close to everything
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Book it!

It was amazing! Great location, the inn keepers were great, room clean.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024