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Whaleback Inn

2.5 star property
Lakefront hotel in Leland with free parking

Photo gallery for Whaleback Inn

Porch
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View
Kayaking
Reception
Exterior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
1757 N Manitou Trail, Leland, MI, 49654
  • Place, Historic Fishtown
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Manitou Island Transit
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Van's Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

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

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Lake View

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Lake View

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
TV
Hairdryer
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

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
Fridge
TV
Hairdryer
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

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
TV
Hairdryer
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

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Apartment (Cottage Suite)

Apartment (Cottage Suite) | Living area

Apartment (Cottage Suite)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate dining area
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
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

Single Room, 1 Queen Bed, Lakeview with Loveseat

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the area

Leland

At Whaleback Inn you'll be within a 30-minute stroll of Van's Beach and Historic Fishtown. Highlights at this hotel include free in-room WiFi. .This smoke-free hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, a terrace and a garden. Plus you'll find a picnic area. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this Leland hotel include Manitou Island Transit and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

What's nearby

  • 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
  • Leelanau Sands Casino - 17 min drive - 24.2 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 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

Lakefront hotel in Leland with free parking
As a guest of Whaleback Inn, you'll find a terrace, a garden, and a picnic area. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free self parking is available.

This Leland hotel is smoke free.

  • 18 guestrooms or units
  • 5 buildings
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Whaleback Inn offers 18 air-conditioned accommodations with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access.

Bathrooms include a shower. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Front of property
Leland Lodge
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
4.7 out of 5, Exceptional, 505 reviews
The price is NZ$179
includes taxes & fees
14 Dec - 15 Dec
Leland Lodge

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • 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 lift

More

  • 5 buildings
  • Smoke-free property

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 27 October and 10 April.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Cash is not accepted. 

Property is also known as

Whaleback Inn Leland
Whaleback Leland
Whaleback Inn Hotel
Whaleback Inn Leland
Whaleback Inn Hotel Leland

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available at Whaleback Inn?

Yep, Whaleback Inn has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Whaleback Inn?

The closest beach to Whaleback Inn is Van's Beach (1.9 km).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Whaleback Inn?

No, Whaleback Inn does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Whaleback Inn?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Whaleback Inn?

No, pets are not allowed.

Reviews

Whaleback Inn Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness
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

Brad

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erich

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

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

6/10 Okay

Bruce

Travelled with partner
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

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

8/10 Good

Cathy

Travelled with group
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

Barry

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

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

Benjamin

Travelled with partner
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

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

Ashley

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric

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

Quiet weekend.

Nice and relaxing in woods and water setting. Loved the nature hike.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

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

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

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked the newer wood & the room was very clean !
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

SUSAN

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellant
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Sandra, Fremont

Travelled with partner
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

John

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

what a whaleback!

great place . innkeepers, ty and rachel very friendly . hot coffee and great muffins!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024