Empire Lakeshore Inn, near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, offers a tranquil retreat with a serene garden and inviting terrace. Connect to in-room WiFi, take advantage of express check-in and express check-out. Previous guests rave about the helpful staff.
Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Empire Bluff Trail - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - 6 min drive - 6.9 km
Little Glen Lake - 8 min drive - 9.0 km
Getting around
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive
Restaurants
Shipwreck Cafe - 1 min walk
Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - 3 min walk
Food For Thought - 7 min drive
Friendly Tavern - 5 min walk
Tiffany's Ice Cream - 4 min walk
About this property
Empire Lakeshore Inn
Empire Lakeshore Inn offers a great location, putting you within a 15-minute walk of Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Freebies like WiFi and self parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails, kayaking, and mountain biking. Other highlights at this Colonial motel include a terrace and a garden. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff and location.
Languages
English
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
12 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in/out available
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
The check-in location differs from the property location; go to: [11626 S. Sunset Drive Michigan]
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and key retrieval information; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
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
DONE
Children
Up to 4 children (18 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Onsite parking includes off-street options
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
What to do
Beach nearby
Bicycle rentals nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Downhill skiing nearby
Surfing/body boarding nearby
Snowboarding nearby
Facilities
1 building/tower
Built in 1987
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Colonial architecture
Room amenities
Be entertained
LCD television
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Coffee/tea maker
Sleep well
Pillow menu
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Balcony or patio
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Designer toiletries
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Free local calls
Food and drink
Refrigerator
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Housekeeping is offered for an extra charge of USD 25.00 per stay
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.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Also known as
Empire Lakeshore Inn
Empire Lakeshore
Empire Lakeshore Inn Motel
Empire Lakeshore Inn Empire
Empire Lakeshore Inn Motel Empire
Frequently asked questions
Are pets allowed at Empire Lakeshore Inn?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Empire Lakeshore Inn?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Empire Lakeshore Inn?
You can check in starting at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Express check-in and check-out and contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Empire Lakeshore Inn and nearby?
During the winter, enjoy nearby recreation like cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and return when the snow melts for cycling and hiking. Enjoy amenities like a picnic area and a garden.
Does Empire Lakeshore Inn have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.
What's the area around Empire Lakeshore Inn like?
Empire Lakeshore Inn is in the heart of Empire, a short 13-minute walk from Lake Michigan and 13 minutes' walk from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Travelers say the area is walkable and ideal for skiing.
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Empire Lakeshore Inn Reviews
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
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.
9.4/10
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Staff & service
8.4/10
Amenities
8.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Location
Service staff
Bed
Beach
Towns
Restaurant
Dune
Visitor center
Microwave
What guests liked
The property is within walking distance to a beautiful, quiet beach with a lighthouse, picnic area, and playground. (15 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Jul 22, 2025
Good location, we enjoyed our stay here.
William
William, 4-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 26, 2025
Clean, modern facilities and a great location for exploring the area around Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Sunniva
Sunniva, 6-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 21, 2025
The stay was great!
Tyler
Tyler, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 17, 2025
Very nice, easy access, good location.
Ernst
Ernst, 4-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 27, 2025
Great location! We could easily walk to the beach, shops, ice cream, and breakfast the next day. Close to everything we wanted to explore!
Erin
Erin, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 7, 2025
Nice place very comfortable.
Dany
Dany, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 12, 2025
Check in was vey easy even though we arrived after hours the staff was very friendly and helpful throughout the process! Check out was easy too!
Andrea
Andrea, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 21, 2025
Very clean and rooms seemed newly renovated. Late check in was very convenient. Highly recommend.
Kendall
Kendall, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 23, 2025
Stayed a couple of nights for a girls weekend. Loved the area (small town). Very comfortable beds and clean rooms. Would stay again.
Pam
Pam, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 13, 2025
Clean comfortable room and so convenient. Great location for everything at the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. The Beach, restaurants, the National Park Service visitors center, convenient store and unique shopping experiences are all within walking distance. Not to far from Traverse City and Crystal Lake also.
Chris
Chris, 5-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 26, 2025
Very family friendly
Allison
Allison, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 9, 2025
Love this place.
Sandra
Sandra, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 6, 2025
Great location for visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes and other "up north" experiences.
The room was clean and well stocked. Highly recommend.
Paulette
Paulette, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 3, 2025
Stay next-door to the sleeping bear fell apart visitor center. This location is very convenient. Small quiet tile. Was able to get a good meal at the village Inn, which I could walk to and in the morning I got up and rode my bike to empire Bluff Trail Before heading up to sleeping Barry to ride the Heritage Trail
Marc
Marc, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 2, 2025
Better than I expected! Owner left key in mailbox for easy access. Updated room and so quiet!
Maria
Maria, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 17, 2025
This was a charming Inn close to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The room was clean and spacious, and the staff were very friendly. I highly recommend it!
Deborah
Deborah, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 1, 2025
Very nice and clean room. Here for two nights and would definitely recommend!!!
Mary
Mary, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Aug 1, 2025
It was a lovely and clean space and had very easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes and the beach. Also close to all the cute towns surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes. The bed and shower were nice.
The owner was not personable and said about 6 words between the check in and check out process. He did not seem very interested in interaction.
Kristen
Kristen, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 11, 2025
Nice quiet place
Joseph
Joseph, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 28, 2025
Clean. Good size frig. Microwave. Keirig. 8 min walk to public beach.
Peg
Peg, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 29, 2025
Great
Danny
Danny, 1-night trip
6/10 Okay
Jul 17, 2025
Nice location, tight parking area, knew no food even though knew in advance, noisy, no clocks and no employees to voice information, but was clean and comfortable.
Lewis
Lewis, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Jul 4, 2025
We stayed in the original building. It was very nice except there wasn't sound proofing. We heard every word, footstep, and snoring from the neighbors. The staff were great! The building and grounds are very well taken care of
Cory
Cory, 3-night trip
8/10 Good
Jun 8, 2025
Nice and new.
Teresa
Teresa, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Jun 3, 2025
Besides extremly loud neighbors, property was nice and clean.