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The Cottonwood Inn B&B

3.5 star property

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Beach
The Cottonwood Carriage House | Individually decorated, individually furnished, travel crib, free WiFi
The Cottonwood Carriage House | Living area | Flat-screen TV
Exterior
Front of property

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
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Empire Bluff Trail
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪39 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for The Empire Room

The Empire Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, travel crib, free WiFi

The Empire Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for The Sunset Room

The Sunset Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, travel crib, free WiFi

The Sunset Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for The Monarch Room

The Monarch Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, travel crib, free WiFi

The Monarch Room

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for The Cottonwood Room

The Cottonwood Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, travel crib, free WiFi

The Cottonwood Room

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

View all photos for Trillium Room

Trillium Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, travel crib, free WiFi

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

The Roen Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, travel crib, free WiFi

The Roen Room

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

View all photos for The Cottonwood Carriage House

The Cottonwood Carriage House | Living area | Flat-screen TV

The Cottonwood Carriage House

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

About the neighborhood

Empire

Located in Downtown Mmpire, The Cottonwood Inn B&B is a leisurely stroll from 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 - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Little Glen Lake - 6 min drive - 5.4 miles
  • Glen Lake - 7 min drive - 6.3 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Joes Friendly Tavern - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪La Becasse - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬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, sitting areas, and private yards.

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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

Family friendly

  • Travel crib

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
  • Separate sitting area

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

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 12-minute walk of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You'll also find Lake Michigan and Empire Bluff Trail within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

Yes, covered self parking is offered for free at the bed & breakfast.

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.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

Couples staying at this bed u0026 breakfast will appreciate amenities like free breakfast plus some guestrooms include kitchens and garden views.

Are there hot tubs at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

No, there isn't a spa tub 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.

Does The Cottonwood Inn B&B have connecting rooms?

No, this bed & breakfast doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

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).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

Yes, every guestroom at The Cottonwood Inn B&B comes with a furnished patio with some featuring garden views.

The Cottonwood Inn B&B Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 35 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 35 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

M

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

8/10 Good

Darlene

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

8/10 Good

Melanie

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanna

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

10/10 Excellent

Anna

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

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Sonya, Middlebury

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terri

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

10/10 Excellent

JoAnna

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brittany

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

jackie, Portland

Expensive for what you get
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bil

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

10/10 Excellent

TF

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

we love empire

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

10/10 Excellent

wissam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Jenn

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

10/10 Excellent

Judy

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Garry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rosanna

Traveled with family
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

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