Holiday Inn Express Sault Ste. Marie sits at 1808 Ashmun Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, providing dependable mid-range accommodation in the Upper Peninsula's northernmost city, situated at the international border with Ontario, Canada. The property belongs to IHG's Holiday Inn Express brand and delivers the chain's characteristic mix of free breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary WiFi at rates that reflect the smaller market scale of the Soo. The hotel is positioned along the commercial Ashmun Street corridor, approximately two miles south of the historic Soo Locks, where freighters from Lake Superior navigate their descent into Lake Huron through the lock system that has operated since 1855. The 70 guest rooms span standard queens, standard kings, and suites, all furnished in the brand's contemporary style with USB charging stations and refrigerators. A free hot breakfast—including IHG's signature cinnamon rolls—is served each morning in the lobby dining area and is included in the room rate. An indoor pool and whirlpool operate year-round, and free parking accommodates the car-dependent travel patterns typical in the Upper Peninsula. The Soo Locks Park and Visitors Center, where visitors can watch vessels transit the locks from observation decks, is the area's primary attraction and merits at least a half-day visit. The International Bridge crossing into Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is accessible by car, and the Canadian city's casino, riverfront boardwalk, and additional dining options extend the stay experience. Tahquamenon Falls State Park, home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, is approximately 55 miles west.
Room types
- Standard Queen
- Standard King
- Suite
Amenities
- Free Breakfast
- Indoor Pool
- Fitness Center
- Free WiFi
- Free Parking
Location
1808 Ashmun St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
46.4858, -84.3573 View on map
Highlights
- Free hot breakfast included each morning with IHG signature cinnamon rolls
- Indoor pool and whirlpool available year-round for guests
- Two miles from the historic Soo Locks, one of Michigan's most-visited engineering landmarks
- Free parking for all guests—essential in car-dependent Upper Peninsula travel
- Convenient access to the International Bridge into Ontario, Canada for cross-border day trips
Tips for visiting
- Visit the Soo Locks observation deck in early morning or late evening when freighter transits are most scenic and crowds are thinner
- The hotel is two miles from the locks—a car or bicycle is necessary as there is no practical pedestrian route
- Cross-border day trips to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario require a valid passport or NEXUS card at the International Bridge
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park is about 55 miles west and makes a worthwhile full-day excursion from the hotel
- Winters in the Soo are severe—pack accordingly if visiting between November and April for aurora watching or snowmobile access
When to visit
June through September offers the best conditions for Soo Locks viewing, Tahquamenon Falls visits, and cross-border day trips; late fall and winter attract aurora hunters and snowmobilers using the extensive Upper Peninsula trail network.
Accessibility
Holiday Inn Express Sault Ste. Marie provides ADA-accessible guest rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars. The main Ashmun Street entrance, lobby, breakfast area, and indoor pool are all accessible at ground level or by elevator, with designated accessible parking spaces in the free parking lot.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is breakfast included at Holiday Inn Express Sault Ste. Marie?
Yes—a free hot breakfast is included in the room rate each morning, served in the lobby dining area. The breakfast bar includes hot items, pastries, and IHG's signature cinnamon rolls.
How far is the hotel from the Soo Locks?
The hotel is on Ashmun Street, approximately two miles south of the Soo Locks Park and Visitors Center. A short drive along Ashmun Street or I-75 connects the hotel to the locks area.
Can guests cross into Canada from Sault Ste. Marie?
Yes—the International Bridge linking Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is accessible by car. A valid U.S. passport or NEXUS card is required for re-entry into the United States; enhanced driver's licenses from certain states are also accepted.
What is the best time to see freighters at the Soo Locks?
The shipping season on the Great Lakes typically runs from late March through mid-January. Summer and early fall see the highest volume of freighter traffic; the Soo Locks Visitors Center is most active between May and September.