Grand Hotel Welcomes Five Millionth Guest in 119 Years
By Bernie Nguyen

When Carol Alee checked into Grand Hotel with her family Monday, June 26, and was told that the manager wished to speak with her, she thought there was a problem. But John Hulett, the general manager, greeted the family and announced she was Grand Hotel's five millionth guest.

"I was so excited," Ms. Alee said. She arrived with her daughter, Tina Alee, Tina's son, Steven, and two other grandchildren, Holden Alee and Megan Podschlne. They were escorted to the office of Grand Hotel President R.D. Musser III, who personally congratulated them and offered them two certificates, one that paid for their stay this year and one for a second visit next year.

"We just love it up here," said Ms. Alee, who was on the Island with her family for an organ concert that her grandson performed Tuesday night at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Part of her enjoyment of the Mackinac experience is staying at Grand Hotel, said Ms. Alee. She said that her family saves for trips to the Island, and comes about once every five years to enjoy the scenery and the relaxed atmosphere.

"I love the view from this place," she said of Grand Hotel's front porch. "I love the scenery."

Ms. Alee said that the slower pace of Mackinac Island is what her family likes best.

"To me," she said, "it's less congestion. The shopping malls aren't all around, you can relax, it's quiet. There's not all that hustle and bustle."

Others in the family share her sentiment.

"This is my daughter's favorite place," Ms. Alee added. "She'd love to live here, if she could."

Mr. Hulett said that the idea to recognize the hotel's five millionth guest started last winter when R. D. Musser Jr., chairman of Grand Hotel, expressed an interest in finding out how many visitors had stayed at Grand Hotel during its 119 year history.

"The best we could figure out," said Mr. Hulett, "was five million. We thought that it was a recognition we should make."

Mr. Hulett said the staff calculated that the guest list would reach the five million mark on

June 26, bud didn't know exactly who the guest would be until Ms. Alee and her family arrived.

The Alees are from Whitmore Lake, which is about

10 minutes outside of Ann Arbor, and they stayed on the Island for two nights. They are looking forward to returning next year to Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island.