Situated on the northeastern end of the Upper Peninsula, Sault Ste. Marie shares the border with its twin city, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Both Sault Ste. Marie cities are connected by the International Bridge.
Settled by Native American tribes more than 12,000 years ago, the area has long been a crossroads for trade and fishing across the Great Lakes. Sault Ste. Marie was also the first European settlement located in the Midwest. Sault Ste. Marie means “the rapids of Saint Mary,” and the city takes its name from the Saint Mary's River which runs from Lake Huron to Lake Superior.
Today, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is home to the International 500 Snowmobile Race. It's also a major tourist attraction for its inland lakes, forests, Soo Locks, and Lake Superior shoreline. Whatever your reason for visiting Sault Ste. Marie, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything this beautiful region has to offer.
When to Visit Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Sault Ste. Marie offers temperate weather that can change dramatically, which is common for the Upper Peninsula. The warmest months to visit are June, July, and August, but since summer is peak tourist season, you'll need to plan your trip in advance to save money on your hotel. Highs in mid-July are normally around 78 degrees Fahrenheit with lows rarely dipping below 57 degrees.
The shoulder seasons in Sault Ste. Marie can be quite pleasant if you don't plan your trip too close to winter. May, for example, offers highs averaging around 61 degrees and lows around 41 degrees. September's temperatures are slightly warmer, but you'll still want to pack a few layers and wear a light jacket. Since spring and fall aren't considered peak tourist season, you can also save quite a bit of money on your hotel.
If you're planning a trip to Sault Ste. Marie in the winter, expect snowy conditions. The city has led the nation in snowfall totals, recording 158.7 inches in 2015. However, this heavy snowfall doesn't mean you can't enjoy a memorable vacation to this northern winter wonderland. Winter activities abound in Sault Ste. Marie, including snowshoeing, tubing, and snowmobiling. When you need a break from the cold, head indoors to the Kewadin Casino or Dondee Lanes bowling center. Be aware that flights into the area may be affected by severe weather conditions, so play it safe and book refundable tickets and accommodations.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Sault Ste. Marie, MI:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Analyze these line graphs to determine the best dates to stay in Sault Ste. Marie for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Sault Ste. Marie, MI
If you're looking for more upscale accommodations in Sault Ste. Marie, you're in luck.
The Kewadin Hotel in Sault Ste. Marie is located at the Kewadin Casino, Hotel and Convention Center. Spacious guest rooms include in-room coffee service, work desks, flat-screen TVs, and warm wood finishes. Upgrade to a suite to enjoy a separate living and bedroom area, a kitchenette, or a whirlpool. The hotel features a state-of-the-art fitness center, a game room, and a relaxing pool with a sauna and whirlpool.
Kewadin Casino offers several dining options. Enjoy a hearty breakfast or dinner buffet at DreamCatchers Restaurant, a scrumptious sandwich at Trail Deli, or a cocktail at Signatures Lounge. You can also order room service to kick back and wind down after a long day of sightseeing.
Another high-end option is Delta Hotels by Marriott Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront. Ideally situated on the boardwalk, this remarkable hotel offers modern guest rooms with plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access, spacious work desks, and available room service. The property offers stunning river views, a health club with a pool and fitness facility, a seasonal outdoor terrace, and a 12,000-square-foot event space. The hotel is also pet-friendly and features an airport shuttle service.
The Water Tower Inn BW Premier Collection is a surprisingly affordable resort with many amenities. It features a stunning saltwater spa with an indoor pool, hot sauna, oversized whirlpool, and an outdoor whirlpool. Other notable offerings include a fully equipped fitness center with large-screen TVs, meeting and conference spaces, and multiple dining options. Signature rooms and suites offer designer bathrooms, comfortable beds, operable windows, soaker tubs, oversized work desks, flat-screen TVs, in-room Starbucks coffee, and mini-refrigerators.
Affordable Hotel Options in Sault Ste. Marie, MI
3 Star Average Prices: $128.90
Finding an affordable hotel in Sault Ste. Marie is easier than you may think.
Budget Host Crestview Inn is a no-frills, roadside accommodation within walking distance of the city's downtown, Soo Locks, and several eateries. The straightforward hotel features at-your-door parking, complimentary continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi internet access, and a casino shuttle service. Guest rooms are a bit dated, but they're clean and comfortable, offering flat-screen TVs, wood furnishings, chairs, mini-refrigerators, fluffy towels, and alarm clock radios. Bathrooms are small, however, which is something to keep in mind if you feel you need more space.
Another budget-friendly option is the Super 8 by Wyndham Sault Ste. Marie. Conveniently located near the Sault Ste. Marie Airport, this pet-friendly hotel offers travel packages for skiing, golf, and the Agawa Canyon Train Tour to help you save money on your trip. Amenities include ample parking, free breakfast, a fitness center, a meeting room, and free Wi-Fi. The updated guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, tasteful wall art, work desks, microwaves, mini-refrigerators, and optional sleeper sofas.
Sleep Inn Sault Ste. Marie provides easy access to many notable attractions, including the Soo Locks, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, and the Searchmont ski area. It's also within walking distance of the Station Mall and Roberta Bondar Building. This pet-friendly Sleep Inn offers an exercise room and sauna, an in-lobby internet station, free Wi-Fi access, a free weekday newspaper, and a complimentary hot breakfast. Guest rooms feature 32-inch LCD TVs, tub chairs, new bedding, and mini-refrigerators.