Experience the tranquility of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at The Cottonwood Inn B&B. Enjoy a warm full breakfast, bask in the peacefulness of the garden, and cozy up by the firepit on chilly evenings. With free self parking and outdoor furniture, your stay will be a relaxing retreat.
Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
beach near Village Park - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
beach near Downtown Mmpire - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
Empire Bluff Trail - 5 min drive - 2.9 km
Getting around
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 47 min drive
Restaurants
‪La Becasse - ‬14 min drive
‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬14 min drive
‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬8 min walk
‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬10 min walk
‪Food For Thought - ‬7 min drive
About this property
The Cottonwood Inn B&B
When you stay at The Cottonwood Inn B&B, you'll be in a great location, within just a 10-minute walk of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Philip A. Hart Visitor Center. Free perks include WiFi, self parking, and full breakfast daily between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM. This Victorian bed & breakfast is also just a 5-minute drive from Empire Bluff Trail and Lake Michigan.
At a glance
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Hotel size
7 rooms
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Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
DONE
Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and an access code; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
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Children
No cribs (infant beds)
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Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free covered onsite self parking
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Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free full breakfast each morning 8:00 AM–9:30 AM
Facilities
Built in 1895
Garden
Firepit
Outdoor furniture
Victorian architecture
Accessibility
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Stair-free path to entrance
Room amenities
Be entertained
Flat-screen television
Cable TV channels
Home comfort
Climate-controlled air conditioning and heating
Sleep well
Travel crib
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Furnished patio
Yard
Individually furnished and decorated
Separate sitting area
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Soap and shampoo
Hair dryer
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Free WiFi
More
Daily housekeeping
Mobile key entry
Fees & policies
Policies
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property does not have elevators.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
Cashless transactions are available.
Also known as
The Cottonwood Inn B&B Empire
The Cottonwood Inn B&B Bed & breakfast
The Cottonwood Inn B&B Bed & breakfast Empire
Frequently asked questions
Are pets allowed at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at The Cottonwood Inn B&B and nearby?
The Cottonwood Inn B&B has a garden.
Does The Cottonwood Inn B&B have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a furnished patio and a yard.
What's the area around The Cottonwood Inn B&B like?
The Cottonwood Inn B&B is in Downtown Mmpire, a short 10-minute walk from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
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Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
9.8
Cleanliness
9.8
Amenities
9.8
Staff & service
9.2
Property conditions & facilities
Guest review summary
What guests liked
Breakfast was consistently described as amazing, delicious, and restaurant-style with real eggs. (8 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 19, 2025
Friendly and welcoming staff in a cozy comfortable b&b
Michael
Michael, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 24, 2025
Beautiful property. Staff was friendly and we really enjoyed breakfast. We look forward to staying here again!
Julie
Julie, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 24, 2024
the staff was execellent and the property was close to town and trails for hiking!
Jenn
Jenn, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 20, 2024
Very friendly staff. Great proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Bil
Bil, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 12, 2025
Breakfast was amazing! Toby did a spectacular "restaurant-style" breakfast. We got to stay at the Carriage house which was private with our own seperate kitchen which was a nice treat. Local restaurant rec Art's tavern for sanwiches/onion rings/cheese curds and blueberry and whipped cream and the village inn for pizza. Grocer's daughter is a must for chocolates. This B&B is perfectly placed for easy access to all the nearby sights!
Anna
Anna, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 28, 2024
Second Family
We felt so welcomed by everyone. Like a second family. The Inn is beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The setting is idyllic.
Michelle
Michelle, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 6, 2025
Must Stay! This is a cute and cozy Bed and Breakfast in a perfect central location, within walking distance to downtown. Throughly enjoyed morning talks with our host, Toby. Served a great breakfast every morning, made you feel right at home! Met the owner Holly, who also is very accommodating! We will definitely be staying here again! Thanks for the great service!! Sonya & Joe
Sonya
Sonya, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 29, 2024
We enjoyed our stay at the Cottonwood inn. It’s conveniently located in an area not too far from the beach and local restaurants. The staff was friendly and inviting. Our room was clean and comfortable. Our remote had dead batteries and we contacted our host and they were promptly replaced. The one thing I would note is that we had to take really quick showers because the hot water would run cold fast. I will say, It is an old building and there were other guests there at the time, so that may have had a lot to do with it. Overall, it was a pleasant experience.
Judy
Judy, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 4, 2025
Best B&B
Wonderful little gem!
M
M, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 20, 2025
Beautiful property and hosts were very nice, first B&B I've stayed at and it was a great experience
Jacob
Jacob, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 11, 2025
Great staff, breakfast and lovely grounds. Close to visitors center and Sleeping Bear Dune.
Suzanne
Suzanne, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Sep 26, 2025
Quiet and within walking distance to downtown Empire.
Darlene
Darlene, 5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 5, 2025
Awesome property!!
Terri
Terri, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 20, 2023
great hosts.. The breakfast was amazing
Prasanna
Prasanna, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 31, 2024
we love empire
great food and conversation with innkeepers
TF
TF, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 15, 2025
I visited the area for 79.3 Ironman. As I was late to look for lodging, affordable space was slim. That’s how I came across The Cottonwood. The place is very charming. Toby makes an excellent breakfast and Holly is a wonderful welcoming host!
Empire is a close drive to many attractions in the area!
I would definitely stay here again!
Joanna
Joanna, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 30, 2023
Great location, super nice and quiet vintage home , somewhat like a Victorian style. The hosts, super nice people!!! Delicious breakfast with real eggs . Our family liked the experience a lot! Recommend!
Alexandru
Alexandru, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 28, 2023
The property and our Cottage House was absolutely adorable. The Fresh flowers all around the cottage topped it off! Very relaxing and restful stay.
The breakfast! Love how all guests would be talking and the host, Holly and the staff were exceptional!!
Can't wait to come back!
Rosanna
Rosanna, 4-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jul 3, 2023
Very nice place , friendly people , good breakfast. We stayed in the Empire room, It was very clean, just needs a bigger bed and fix the lights going upstairs. Thank you guys
wissam
wissam, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Aug 26, 2024
Expensive for what you get
jackie
jackie, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 26, 2024
Always wanted to stay in a farm house. Had so much personality! Lots of personality!
The rural setting (bright red barn, porch, lawn and garden) were even prettier than the pictures. Our upper room (three beds) was cozy and welcoming after a long day of exploring the Upper Peninsula and Sleeping Bear Dunes park. I would describe it as homey rather than chic, exactly what we were looking for. Very friendly staff and delicious breakfast. I would recommend the Cottonwood, a genuine, traditional bed and breakfast, to anyone looking for a unique experience in this beautiful part of Michigan.
Laurie
Laurie, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 11, 2019
Quiet and peaceful, nice surroundings, close to everything.
Verified traveler
2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Sep 6, 2019
This farmhouse is in a beautiful, peaceful setting. We enjoyed the breakfast in particular. But the bed was not comfortable and had no extra pillows to choose from. The second floor bedrooms might pose a challenge to anyone who had trouble with the steep stairs.