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Whaleback Inn

2.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Whaleback Inn

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

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
The current price is $263
$249 nightly
$263 total
Total with taxes and fees
Jun 13 - Jun 14

Explore the area

View in a map
1757 N Manitou Trail, Leland, MI, 49654
  • Place, Lake Leelanau
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Historic Fishtown
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Van's Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪42 min drive‬

Room options

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)
  • Lake view
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • Lake view
  • 450 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • Lake view
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Apartment (Cottage Suite)

Apartment (Cottage Suite) | Living area | TV

Apartment (Cottage Suite)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 495 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Similar properties

Exterior
Empire Lakeshore Inn
Downtown Mmpire
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 1,012 reviews
$201 nightly
The price is $213
Jun 14 - Jun 15
Total with taxes and fees
Empire Lakeshore Inn

About the neighborhood

Leland

Located in Leland, Whaleback Inn is on a lake, within a 5-minute drive of Van's Beach and Historic Fishtown. .This hotel is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Manitou Island Transit and 4.3 mi (7 km) from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

What's nearby

  • Lake Leelanau - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Historic Fishtown - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Van's Beach - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 5 min drive - 5.4 miles
  • Traverse City Beach - 40 min drive - 35.6 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪VI Grill - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Fiddleheads - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Leelanau Pie & Pastry - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Roman Wheel Pizza & Subs - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Streetside Grille - ‬15 min drive

About this property

Whaleback Inn

Whaleback Inn offers 18 air-conditioned accommodations with hair dryers and complimentary toiletries. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access.

Bathrooms include showers. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided daily.

Make yourself at home in one of the 18 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms feature showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks, as well as phones with free local calls.
Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access.
The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between October 27 and April 15.

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

Whaleback Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 147 out of 172 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 172 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 172 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 172 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 172 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice room, great location, welcoming staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Timothy

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cumbee

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

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was wonderful! A super fun weekend. Will definitely come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie

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

The Best of Rustic and Amenities

This is a great place to stay! Rustic but with modern amenities. The Inn keepers are wonderful - helpful and friendly but not obtrusive. We will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

MARCIA

Love the simplicity and uniqueness! No boxy holiday inn!!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jorge

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marianne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Third year that we’ve enjoyed the world back in. Perfect setting, beautiful place, and the staff was wonderful
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

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
Verified

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