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
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 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 such as WiFi and self-parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can experience the nearby hiking/biking trails, kayaking and mountain biking. Other highlights at this Colonial motel include a terrace and a garden. Fellow travellers 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 and check-out are 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
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 on-site self-parking
On-site parking includes off-street options
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Travelling with children
Children stay for free (see details)
What to do
Beach nearby
Bike 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/bath combination
Designer toiletries
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Free local calls
Food and drink
Fridge
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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property does not have lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that 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-authorise 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 social distancing and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Empire Lakeshore Inn and nearby?
During the winter, enjoy nearby recreation such as cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and return when the snow melts for cycling and hiking. Enjoy amenities such as 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. Travellers say that 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 travellers 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.More informationOpens in a new window
9.2/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
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. (14 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
13 June 2025
Excellent accommodation
Deborah
Deborah, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
11 June 2025
Loved our stay! Super cute and clean!
Sarah
Sarah, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
22 May 2025
great location for visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes NP
great location for visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes national park - right next door to the visitor center.
One beach is within walking distance of the Inn and driving to other trails is minimal.
Nice small town - walkable area with good local dining options and small shops
Sandra
Sandra, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
7 May 2025
Nice place,great location
I really liked the Lakeshore Inn. It was a clean and cute room. The mattress was a little too firm for me but everything else was good.
Cheryl
Cheryl, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
11 June 2025
Family Vacation at the dunes
We stayed at Empire Lakeshore Inn as a family on vacation visiting the dunes. It was a very quiet, comfortable stay. I left a star off of service due to not interacting with staff at check in or check out. I prefer checking in on my own, however I had no interactions with them to really judge. Otherwise we had a great stay and would love to come back in the future.
Nicole
Nicole, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
17 May 2025
Good - so go!
The Lakeshore Inn in Empire is comfortably furnished. The new decor made is feel at home. The beds put us right to sleep and I used the extra blanket. Don't miss the sunset on Empire Beach! We liked Joe's Friendly Tavern too.
Pamela
Pamela, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
26 March 2025
Very easy access, super clean and nice! Right next door to a convenient and friendly and fully stocked Bp! Lakeshore Inn is definitely the place to be!! Loved it!! Also for those first timers to the dunes, right next to the inn is a national parks info center, the ranger there was Extremely informative and friendly!! Highly recommend this place!!
shannon
shannon, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
25 September 2024
It was a great stay
Verified traveller
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
20 January 2025
Very nice room, well run.
Joseph
Joseph, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
30 September 2024
We love Empires so loved this little inn that is conveniently located at edge of town and reasonably priced.
elizabeth
elizabeth, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
21 September 2024
Lovely place
Jennifer
Jennifer, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
19 September 2024
Cute, quiet motel like accommodations close to M22 and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore visitor center. Great place to stay for discovering the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
Robert
Robert, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
3 November 2023
Beautiful area, great hotel
Joseph
Joseph, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
24 August 2024
The hotel was easily accessible. Rooms were spacious and service was excellent.
Robert
Robert, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
8 August 2024
Clean room and friendly staff.
Joshua
Joshua, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
26 October 2024
Everything about this place was first rate. The town of Empire is quaint and the surrounding area offers all kinds of wonderful opportunities.
David
David, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
26 July 2024
Close to sleeping bear dunes and beautiful beach
Catherine
Catherine, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
18 August 2024
Perfect location!! The beach was great! The staff were very friendly!!
Lindsay
Lindsay, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
3 September 2024
Not much around the property store wise and dining but the room itself was great and we were very pleased with our stay.
Madison
Madison, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
26 July 2024
Very clean, nice room, easy check in and check out process.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
9 November 2024
They take dogs, very clean and quiet. Close to gas station.
Walter or Susan
Walter or Susan, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
4 October 2024
Very clean and quiet.ground are well kept
richard
richard, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
29 October 2024
The property is right next door to the Sleeping Bear Dunes visitors centre. It was clean and quiet, easy walking to the restaurants and beach in Empire. Check-in / out was straightforward.
Richard
Richard, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
8 October 2024
Very clean and comfortable.
Valerie
Valerie, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
26 June 2024
Great location to Empire Beach and Sleeping Bear Dunes