The Grand Hotel is in its third century as "America's summer place." The ambiance of Mackinac Island combines with the hotel's ultimate level of hospitality, premiere dining, and five-star guest experience for an unforgettable stop on any visitor's itinerary. The setting itself has been captured by Hollywood on film, selected by politicians and the business community for conferences, and explored by those seeking relaxation and top-notch amenities for everything from weddings to family vacations. The Grand Hotel has been named a National Historic Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel, author Mike Fornes takes the audience up the red carpeted steps, through the doors, back to the past, behind the scenes, and to today's world of Mackinac Island finery. While operating the Straits Area Step-On Guide Service for three decades, Fornes has escorted many private tours, corporate organizations, and motor coach groups to the 19th Century mystique of Mackinac Island. He has also lectured and performed as a musician in the Grand Hotel's theater.

Mike Fornes has covered Grand Hotel for more than 25 years for several media outlets in Northern Michigan, including radio and television stations and the Cheboygan Daily Tribune. His new book, “Mackinac Island’s GRAND HOTEL” was published in 2021 and is the result of his of long association with “America’s Summer Place.” He has reported on and photographed the many celebrity guests, named rooms, amenities, dining options and Hollywood filming of the hotel for three decades. A member of the Historical Society of Michigan, Mike enjoys scuba diving and sailing among his interests in the Northern Michigan area. He is an avid guitarist. Fornes is frequently in demand as a guest speaker and presenter to tour groups, cruise ship organizations and historical societies. He estimates that he has given more than 1,000 tours of Grand Hotel for guests of motorcoaches, cruise ships and shore-based presentations. He is also the author of Mackinac Bridge - A 50 Year Chronicle 1957-2007, USCGC Mackinaw WAGB 83 - An Illustrated History of a Great Lakes Queen, and two titles for Arcadia Publishing -Mackinac Bridge and USCGC Mackinaw (WLBB-30).