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The Cottonwood Inn B&B

Property class: 3.5

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Photo gallery for The Cottonwood Inn B&B

A beach with footprints leading to the water, a grassy area with trees, and a cloudy sky.
A red barn with a white door and a small white house with a porch and two chairs.
A cozy living room with a staircase, a sofa, a wooden bookshelf, and a kitchen area in the background.
A spacious attic bedroom with a high ceiling, a large bed, a desk, and a TV.
A small, single-story house with a front porch, a sliding glass door, and a small patio area with outdoor furniture.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
9583 W Front St, Empire, MI, 49630
  • Place, Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, beach near Village Park
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for The Empire Room

A bedroom with a bed, a dresser, a television, and a window.

The Empire Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 180 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for The Sunset Room

A bedroom with a wooden ceiling, a bed with a floral bedspread, a television, a window with blinds, and a small table with a vase of flowers.

The Sunset Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for The Monarch Room

A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a dresser, a mirror, a ceiling fan, and a window.

The Monarch Room

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for The Cottonwood Room

A bedroom with a wooden bed, a bench, a small table, and a chair.

The Cottonwood Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Trillium Room

A bedroom with a white metal bed frame, a patterned bedspread, two nightstands with green lamps, and a framed picture of a bicycle on the wall.

Trillium Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Trundle Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for The Roen Room

A bedroom with a bed, two bedside tables, a bench, and a window with curtains.

The Roen Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Trundle Bed

View all photos for The Cottonwood Carriage House

A cozy living room with a staircase, a sofa, a wooden bookshelf, and a kitchen area in the background.

The Cottonwood Carriage House

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Empire

Located in Downtown Mmpire, The Cottonwood Inn B&B is within a 10-minute walk of popular sights such as Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This 3.5-star bed & breakfast has 7 rooms and welcomes guests with free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.
View more B&B 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
  • South Bar Lake - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • beach near Village Park - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • beach near Downtown Mmpire - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Joes Friendly Tavern - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪La Becasse - ‬14 min drive

About this property

The Cottonwood Inn B&B

The Cottonwood Inn B&B features free WiFi in public areas and a garden. A stay here includes free parking.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and free WiFi keeps guests connected. Other standard amenities include furnished patios, private yards, and hair dryers.

Similar properties

A house with a white door marked with the number 5, a dark blue exterior, and a white porch with a wicker chair.
Empire Lakeshore Inn
Downtown Mmpire
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 1,003 reviews
$111 nightly
The price is $118
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Empire Lakeshore Inn

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free covered self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Built in 1895
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Mobile key entry

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

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

Access methods

Access code, host will greet you

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

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, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
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: 3:00 PM—-6:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
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, debit cards, and cash.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions and guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is 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

What can I see around The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

This bed & breakfast is situated in Downtown Mmpire within a short 10-minute walk of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and also 18 minutes on foot from South Bar Lake. You'll also find Lake Michigan and Empire Bluff Trail within a short drive.

Does The Cottonwood Inn B&B feature a casino on the premises?

No, The Cottonwood Inn B&B doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

No, there is no indoor pool at this bed & breakfast.

Does The Cottonwood Inn B&B have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

The Cottonwood Inn B&B offers free full breakfasts each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does The Cottonwood Inn B&B allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Cottonwood Inn B&B.

Where is the closest airport to The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

The closest major airport to The Cottonwood Inn B&B is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is 28.2 mi away (47 minutes by car).

The Cottonwood Inn B&B Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 51 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 51 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 51 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 51 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 51 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Cottonwood Inn was a fantastic experience! This was our first bed and breakfast and we loved it! The home is historic but in very good condition. And the breakfast was amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location. Walking distance to cute town of Empire and beach. House was cute but old. Breakfast and coffee were excellent!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was spacious and clean. Breakfast was delicious! We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best B&B Wonderful little gem!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly and welcoming staff in a cozy comfortable b&b
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property and hosts were very nice, first B&B I've stayed at and it was a great experience
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property. Staff was friendly and we really enjoyed breakfast. We look forward to staying here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff, breakfast and lovely grounds. Close to visitors center and Sleeping Bear Dune.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at the Cottonwood Inn and will definitely be back! Breakfast was great and such a great addition to the stay. Our son loved biking down the long driveway and the paved road, we even saw some deer and fox on the property at dusk. The Carriage House was perfect for our family of 3 with room for more. We visit Empire every year and will definitely be returning to the cottonwood soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
the staff was execellent and the property was close to town and trails for hiking!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff. Great proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a very beautiful B and B, very roomy and clean. Breakfast was fresh every morning, with a varied selection each time. Tony was a great host, and made you feel very welcome. He directed us to different local spots to hunt for Potosky stones. I plan on coming back later this summer and bringing the kids next year when Manitou Islands reopen. 10/10 would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Awesome property!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quiet and within walking distance to downtown Empire.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
great hosts.. The breakfast was amazing
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely b&b within walking distance of Empire and only a 10 minute drive from beautiful Glen Arbor. We were in the Empire room which was very compact with a small double bed and wouldn’t be suitable for anyone who was on the tall/large size. Bathroom was also very small. Plenty of choice at breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

we love empire

great food and conversation with innkeepers
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always wanted to stay in a farm house. Had so much personality! Lots of personality!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Second Family

We felt so welcomed by everyone. Like a second family. The Inn is beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The setting is idyllic.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Expensive for what you get
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

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