Grand Hotel High Tea
Hello all,
Planning a trip to the UP in mid Sept. that ends with an overnight on Mac Island. We (husband, 22yr old son, 15yr old daughter & I) are staying at Harborview Inn, but we want to spend some time at the Grand, of course. Daughter loves all things girly & romantic, so was thinking about high tea there. Wondering if anyone has any recent experience with the tea? GH website says it’s 3:30-5pm…does that mean they’ll seat you for tea up until 5pm, or the tea starts at 3:30 & closes down at 5 (not super familiar with the “high tea” concept, as you can tell!) Is there a dress code? And are the food offerings “snack size” or more of a lunch/lite dinner quantity? Thank you so much in advance for your help — these forums have been invaluable to me in planning our MI trip!
High Tea at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is a classic experience and a highlight for many visitors, especially those who enjoy a touch of elegance and tradition. Here’s what you should know based on recent experiences:
The scheduled time for High Tea is typically 3:30pm to 5:00pm. This means that tea service begins at 3:30pm, and most guests are expected to be seated and enjoying tea during that window. You generally cannot arrive at 4:50pm and expect a full experience, as the service winds down closer to 5pm. Arriving around 3:30-3:45pm is ideal to enjoy the full tea experience.
Regarding dress code, the Grand encourages “resort casual” to “smart casual” attire. For High Tea, many guests opt for slightly dressier outfits. Hats, dresses, slacks, and collared shirts are common, but formal wear is not required. The setting is elegant, so dressing nicely enhances the experience and fits the ambiance.
The food offerings at High Tea are more in the “snack” or “light meal” category rather than a full lunch or dinner. You can expect an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, pastries, and small desserts. Tea is served in individual pots with a variety of blends, and refills are generally available. It’s more about the experience, atmosphere, and presentation than filling up with a large meal.
- Arrive early in the seating window (around 3:30pm) to fully enjoy the tea.
- Dress in smart casual attire to match the elegant surroundings.
- Expect a light meal — enough for a snack or light lunch, but not a dinner replacement.
- Reservations are highly recommended, especially in September when the hotel sees steady tourist traffic.
- Consider planning time afterward for a stroll on the Grand Hotel grounds to enjoy the gardens and lake view.
High Tea is as much about the ambiance and experience as it is about the food. It’s a fun, memorable way to treat your daughter to something girly and romantic while also letting the whole family enjoy a taste of classic Mackinac Island tradition.
