See all properties

Empire Lakeshore Inn

2.5 star property
Sandy fun near Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Empire Bluff Trail

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Empire Lakeshore Inn

Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Point of interest
Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
11730 S. Lacore Rd, Empire, MI, 49630
  • Place, Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Empire Bluff Trail
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for King Bed Annex

King Bed Annex | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

King Bed Annex

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(45 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 2 Double Beds Annex

2 Double Beds Annex | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

2 Double Beds Annex

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(40 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(35 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe King Bed

Deluxe King Bed | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe King Bed

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(18 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Empire

Empire Lakeshore Inn places you next to Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and a short stroll from other popular sights like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This 12-room motel has in-room conveniences like balconies, refrigerators, and coffee makers.
View more Motels in EmpireOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 19 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - 5 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • Crystal Mountain - 35 min drive - 30.3 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Joes Friendly Tavern - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Food For Thought - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Empire Lakeshore Inn

Sandy fun near Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Empire Bluff Trail
Guests of Empire Lakeshore Inn enjoy free WiFi in public areas, express check-in, and express check-out. Free parking is available if you drive. Other amenities at this beach motel include a terrace, a picnic area, and a garden.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and LCD TVs. Beds sport pillow menus and bathrooms offer designer toiletries. Other standard amenities include balconies or patios, refrigerators, and coffee makers.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Family Suite (2 BR) | Living area | Flat-screen TV
Dune Climb Inn
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 75 reviews
$114 nightly
The price is $121
Nov 23 - Nov 24
Total with taxes and fees
Dune Climb Inn

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1987
  • Colonial architecture
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Pillow menu

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Express check-out available

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

Access methods

Host will greet you, key retrieval

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 4 kids 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Housekeeping fee: USD 25.00 per stay

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Empire Lakeshore Inn
Empire Lakeshore
Empire Lakeshore Inn Motel
Empire Lakeshore Inn Empire
Empire Lakeshore Inn Motel Empire

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do close to Empire Lakeshore Inn?

Guests positively rate the motel's walkable location in Empire, and it's a short 13-minute walk from Lake Michigan and also 13 minutes on foot from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You'll also find Empire Bluff Trail and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel.

Does Empire Lakeshore Inn have a casino at the property?

No, Empire Lakeshore Inn doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

Is Empire Lakeshore Inn a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this motel will value amenities like a pillow menu, premium bedding in some guestrooms, as well as a terrace.

Does Empire Lakeshore Inn have a hot tub?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Empire Lakeshore Inn feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Empire Lakeshore Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Empire Lakeshore Inn allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Empire Lakeshore Inn though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Empire Lakeshore Inn?

The closest major airport to Empire Lakeshore Inn is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is 28.5 mi away (48 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

Yes, every guestroom at Empire Lakeshore Inn comes with a balcony.

Empire Lakeshore Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 588 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 255 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 88 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 35 out of 1000 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Daniel

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property. Spacious and clean room. Just a few maintenance issues spoiled a perfect start. Bath tub stopper not working. Microwave shuts off after a few seconds. Slow drain in sink. All minor details. I’m sure they will take care of it all. Room is still a very good bargain for the area.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Holly

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Nicely renovated property. Like an old style hotel with nice updates. Check in invoked getting our room key from a mailbox. Parking is tight.
Dune Climb just minutes away.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle, Duluth

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Audrey

Traveled with group
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Close to Sleeping Bear Dunes & within walking distance to Empire Beach. Just a standard motel room. Weird thing was that the cleaning staff came in daily to replace towels & get trash but not once made the beds understanding that it’s eco conscious not to change the sheets every day but would have been nice to come back and have the beds straightened up. Also no decent coffee in Empire if that is inportant to you. There was a coffee maker in the room though.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Patricia

Traveled with family
Shower doesn’t work. No ironing board Would no recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Joseph

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have stayed at this property before, once at the new location, and this time at the "annex", which is the old location. The first time, I had a decent enough experience, but that is because I arrived there much later than this time. Unlike last time, I arrived a little earlier than check-in time. To be fair, it said that they may not be able to check me in early, but it was still possible (which is the case for most hotels and inns in my experience). I got there at 3 pm and the guy walked to the office and asked who I was. I gave him my name, he flipped through some papers behind the desk then quickly said that I needed to come back at 4. One hour really shouldn't make a difference when no cars were in the parking lot at either location. Once we got into the room, we found staining on the carpets and walls, damage to the furniture and walls in the bathroom, mold (or at least a lot of hard water buildup and a strong smell from the Keurig), and a bunch of notices telling us of ways in which they will bill us $150 for this or for that. I think the price for the hotel (almost 300 dollars for one night) is way too much since the walls were thin, the TV had issues with connection, the condition of the room, the lack of breakfast at the property, having a sign in the room telling me that I had to go to the other property (either a 5-10 minute walk or 2-3 minute drive) with the ice bucket to go get ice, and the fact that the room itself uses an unsafe standard house key.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Kristin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Cute
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Spotless

I’m the type of hotel guest that is peeling back the bed sheets and pillow cases, searching behind the fridge, etc and this place was spotless. Location was great. Room has everything you may need! Definitely recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Better than I expected! Owner left key in mailbox for easy access. Updated room and so quiet!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Kristen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Earla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We decide to pay at check in but were told bytext that we needed to pay over the phone by noon or the room would be forfeited check-in was at 4.00
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peg

Clean. Good size frig. Microwave. Keirig. 8 min walk to public beach.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin, Grand Rapids

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location! We could easily walk to the beach, shops, ice cream, and breakfast the next day. Close to everything we wanted to explore!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sunniva

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, modern facilities and a great location for exploring the area around Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tanya

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice property with a convenient location.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

William, Mt. Pleasant

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location, we enjoyed our stay here.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kendall

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and rooms seemed newly renovated. Late check in was very convenient. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Tim

Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The shower wouldn’t turn hot. And the facet I. The sink blew off.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ernst

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice, easy access, good location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Lewis

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

Hotels