See all properties

Whaleback Inn

2.5 star property
Hotel near Van's Beach in Leland

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Whaleback Inn

Kayaking
Sundeck
Reception
Traditional Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View
Exterior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

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, Manitou Island Transit
    ‪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)
  • Lake view
  • 22 sq m
  • 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)
  • Lake view
  • 42 sq m
  • 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)
  • Lake view
  • 22 sq m
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the area

Leland

On lake.Within 2 miles (3 km) of this Leland hotel, you'll find Van's Beach and Historic Fishtown. Also, Manitou Island Transit is within 2 miles (3 km) and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is within 6 miles (10 km).

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 - 5 min drive - 8.6 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪VI Grill - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Village Cheese Shanty - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Leelanau Pie & Pastry - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Pedaling Beans Coffeehouse - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Nittolo's Seafood And Social - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Whaleback Inn

Hotel near Van's Beach in Leland
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 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.

Similar properties

Exterior
Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • 24/7 front desk
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 628 reviews
The price is CA $171
CA $182 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

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

  • No pets 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
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, 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. 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

How close is Whaleback Inn to the airport?

Whaleback Inn is 29.6 mi (45-min drive) away from the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Whaleback Inn?

As of Mar 27, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Whaleback Inn on Apr 19, 2026 start from CA $276, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Whaleback Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Whaleback Inn.

How close is Whaleback Inn to the beach?

This hotel is 1.3 mi (2-min drive) from Van's Beach.

Does Whaleback Inn offer free breakfast?

Whaleback Inn does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Whaleback Inn?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Leelanau Sands Casino (19-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Whaleback Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Whaleback Inn?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Whaleback Inn have a pool?

Whaleback Inn does not have a pool.

Does Whaleback Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Whaleback Inn to downtown Leland?

Whaleback Inn is 1.1 mi away from Leland.

Whaleback Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

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

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

steve

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

10/10 Excellent

Hope

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Grace

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

David

Travelled with partner
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

MARCIA

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

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

KatieLynn

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Stanley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cumbee

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

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Travelled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Amie

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

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