What would become Port Huron saw its modern beginnings in 1814 when the government established Fort Gratiot at the base of Lake Huron. Before that, the area had been used as a temporary trading post during the 17th century. Until 1836, an Ojibwa reservation occupied a portion of modern Port Huron, but the inhabitants were ultimately removed to Minnesota and Wisconsin. By 1857, Port Huron was officially incorporated and its population boomed, thanks to the lumber and shipbuilding trade that attracted immigrants. In 1895, Port Huron annexed the village of Fort Gratiot, and the city continued to grow.
Today, Port Huron is home to many businesses related to the automotive and tourism industries. The city is also an attractive destination for tourists, thanks to its historic downtown area, marina, boardwalk, museum, lighthouse, and entertainment complex. Whatever your reasons for visiting Port Huron, it is important to find the perfect hotel that allows you to explore everything this maritime city has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Port Huron, MI
The best time to visit Port Huron is during the spring and fall. The weather tends to be quite pleasant, and while you won't experience temperatures as hot as during the summer, which is ideal for water recreation, you won't be dealing with high humidity either. Hotel rates are also at their lowest during these seasons, although due to Port Huron's struggling economy, it is easy to find great hotel rates year-round.
Summer is an ideal time to visit if you plan on fishing, boating, biking, or doing any other outdoor activities, as the temperature tends to peak around 81 degrees. There are also numerous festivals that take place during the summer, including The Blue Water Fest. This highly anticipated, free summer festival features fireworks, a family night, and an amazing display of boats lined up for the annual race.
While winters in Port Huron can be lovely, you will need to brace for frigid weather. Lows in January average about 19 degrees, and the city gets about 36 inches of snowfall each year. If you can brave the ill weather, however, you will be rewarded with rock-bottom hotel rates.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Port Huron, MI:
Port Huron by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in Port Huron, MI. You can use these charts to evaluate the least expensive dates to book a room in Port Huron for any future trips.
Luxury Hotel Options in Huron, MI
4 Star Average Prices: £120.16
If you're looking for luxury hotels in Port Huron, there are a couple of higher-end options to choose from.
Hampton Inn Port Huron is a modern accommodation approximately 2.2 miles from the Port Huron Museum. All guest rooms feature flat-screen televisions with HD channels, free Wi-Fi internet access, work desks, ergonomic laptop desks, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves. Some rooms even add whirlpool tubs. Guests can enjoy a free hot breakfast or breakfast bags to go, an outdoor patio, an indoor pool, a fitness center, event space, a business center, and free parking.
Fairfield Inn Port Huron is a straightforward hotel set off Interstates 69 and 94. Located two miles from the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and the McMorran Place Sports and Entertainment Center, this hotel offers some pleasant freebies, including parking and a hot breakfast. Guest rooms include free Wi-Fi access, work desks, flat-screen televisions, and coffeemakers. Some rooms add pullout sofas, mini-fridges, and whirlpool tubs. There is also an on-site business center, a convenience store, an indoor pool, an exercise room, and guest laundry facilities.
Affordable Hotel Options in Huron, MI
3 Star Average Prices: £92.96
Finding an affordable hotel in Port Huron is easy. Super 8 Marysville/Port Huron Area is a straightforward budget hotel just four minutes from the St. Clair River and I-94. Guest rooms at this budget lodging feature en suite bathrooms, cable television, microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Suites add whirlpool tubs and separate living areas. Kids under 17 stay free with an accompanying adult, and Wi-Fi access is included. Other amenities include an indoor pool with a hot tub, a gym, free continental breakfast, free coffee 24/7, free parking, and a meeting room.
Days Inn Port Huron is conveniently set off I-94 and is within walking distance of the Bluewater Bridge to Canada. It's also located near the Port Huron Museum and the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. Guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi access, work desks, televisions, and en suite bathrooms with showers. Upgraded rooms and suites add kitchenettes or whirlpool tubs. Continental breakfast is included, as is parking for cars and larger vehicles. The property also features a hot tub, an outdoor pool, a bar, and a business center.
The Comfort Inn off Interstates 69 and 94 is a modern, low-rise hotel located 2 miles from the McMorran Place Sports and Entertainment Center. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi internet access, flat-screen televisions, and coffeemakers. Suites add microwaves, mini-fridges, living spaces with pullout sofas, and marble whirlpool tubs. A hot breakfast buffet is included, and computers are available for guest use. Additional amenities include a hot tub, indoor pool, gym, guest laundry facilities, and free RV parking.
2 Star Average Prices: £78.73
Best Discounts in Huron, MI
If you know where to stay, you can save even more money during your trip to Port Huron by taking advantage of discounts. Many area hotels, including Hampton Inn Port Huron, offer special rates for seniors, AARP members, AAA/CAA members, government employees, and military personnel. Simply book your room at the special rate and present proof of eligibility, such as a membership card, at check-in. Doing so can save you as much as 20 percent off the hotel's best available rates.
Another hotel that offers these discounts is DoubleTree by Hilton Port Huron. In addition to membership rates, this modern accommodation offers special package deals that give you more bang for your buck. For instance, booking the bed and breakfast offer adds breakfast for four during your stay. The hotel's Celebration Package is ideal for honeymooners or couples celebrating their anniversaries, as it includes sparkling wine, breakfast, and a late checkout. These special offers vary by hotel and some tend to be seasonal, but it is a great idea to do some research to get the best rate.
Best Value Options in Huron, MI
Port Huron offers various midrange options that give you plenty of value for your dollar. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Port Huron is a casual accommodation off I-94, just 2 miles from the Blue Water River Walk. Guest rooms are modern and unpretentious with flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Upgraded rooms add whirlpool tubs, while suites throw in living areas with pullout sofas. Kids under 19 also stay free with an adult. Other guest amenities include a free hot breakfast buffet, an indoor pool, a gym, and laundry facilities.
Just across the river in Ontario, Best Western Plus Guildwood Inn places guests within walking distance of Centennial Park. This low-key, three-star property offers a complimentary hot breakfast, an outdoor seasonal pool, an exercise room, and a business center. Guest rooms feature contemporary décor, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, work desks, flat-screen televisions, and Nintendo game consoles. Upgraded rooms add pullout sofas and whirlpool tubs.
DoubleTree by Hilton Port Huron overlooks Blue Water Bridge and the St. Clair River. This modern facility boasts chic rooms with custom-designed beds, flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Upgrade to a suite for extra living space and a private balcony with a river view. Other guest amenities include an on-site American restaurant, a fitness center, indoor pool, event space, and free parking.
Top Attractions in Port Huron, MI
Being the Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes, it should come as no surprise that many of Port Huron's attractions revolve around the city's deep-seated maritime culture. The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is a must-see, as it was Michigan's first lighthouse constructed in 1829. The lighthouse was originally 65 feet high, but it was extended to its present height of 82 feet during the 1860s. Lighthouse tours are available, but closed-toe shoes are required for climbing to the top.
The Port Huron Museum is a series of four facilities located throughout Port Huron, one of which is the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. The other sites are the Huron Lightship, the Thomas Edison Depot Museum, and the Port Huron Museum itself, also known as the Carnegie Center. The Carnegie Center was constructed in 1902, and as the Port Huron Museum, it is currently home to more than 45,000 historical objects and archival items related to the history of the Blue Water Area. While each site showcases items from the collection, the main museum at Carnegie Center features most of the collection. There's even a 6,000-square-foot gallery space for rotating exhibits, so there's always something new to experience.
Exploring Port Huron is an exciting prospect. Regardless of what your itinerary includes, you'll find a beautiful, historic city worth a second visit. No matter your hotel needs, you can find the perfect accommodation in Port Huron to meet your needs and budget.
FAQs about hotels in Port Huron
Recent traveler guest reviews of Port Huron, MI
Below are reviews of the city of Port Huron, MI from an actual visitor's perspective.
"The water. The bridge. The parks."
Score
4.0 / 5
The water. The bridge. The parks.
Kelly D., from 14-Nov-2023
"Food!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Food!
David G., from 03-Sep-2023
"Lighthouse"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lighthouse
Elizabeth S., from 03-Sep-2023
"Room was very clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly and helpful. "
Score
4.0 / 5
The hotel was beautifully located with water views and the staff was very friendly and nice.
Leeann D., from 25-Jul-2023
"BEAUTIFUL Lake!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The blue water of the lake was BEAUTIFUL.
Richard T., from 17-Apr-2023
"Clean and comfortable."
Score
5.0 / 5
I always enjoy Port Huron destination: Lighthouse, lightship and train station and watching for Lakers by the Blue Water bridge. Next time I will be staying at the Hilton by the bridge.
Shirley H., from 16-Oct-2022
"Shopping!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Shopping!
Cathy G., from 27-Aug-2022
"Great waterfront and restaurants in Port Huron!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love Port Huron...friendly people, great waterfront and some nice restaurants.
Kathleen D., from 13-Jul-2022
" With a lot of shopping and dining options"
Score
5.0 / 5
We only live about 40 minutes away, and visit often for shopping and dining. There are a lot of things to do, depending on a person's interests. It's a larger city,, but still has a smaller town feel.
Vicky S., from 03-Dec-2019
"Shopping and food"
Score
4.0 / 5
shopping a choice of dining options
Brian D., from 28-Aug-2019
"Great hotel and location!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Port Huron is very quaint. We even ventured to the casino over the bridge. The wait to cross the bridge took 1 hour to get there, only 10 minutes to come back:)
Marie T., from 29-Jun-2017
"Port Huron is My Hometown"
Score
4.0 / 5
I have many good memories of the city and community. It is a wonderful and friendly lakeside community!
Unknown U., from 30-Aug-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Port Huron, MI shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 12 reviews