Dune Climb Inn

Property class: 2

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Dune Climb Inn

A bedroom with a large bed, wooden walls, a window with a view of the outdoors, and a ceiling fan.
A spacious living area with a wooden dining table, wicker furniture, and a fireplace.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, a television, wooden shelves with books and decorations, and a blue armchair.
A wooden signpost with two circular signs, one for Dune Climb Inn and another indicating a vacancy.
A metal fire pit with rocks around it, two Adirondack chairs, and a wooden structure in the background.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
7194 S Dune Hwy, Empire, MI, 49630
  • Place, Little Glen Lake
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Glen Lake
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Studio (SS)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Superior Studio, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed (BDS)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Superior Studio (SWS)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Studio (SWB)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Suite (2 BR)

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

Family Suite (1 BR)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Empire

Located within a 5-minute walk of Little Glen Lake, Dune Climb Inn is within a mile (2 km) of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Each of the 14 rooms at this hotel includes a private yard, a microwave, and a coffee maker.

What's nearby

  • Little Glen Lake - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Glen Lake - 6 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • Crystal River - 7 min drive - 5.7 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum - 8 min drive - 4.1 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cherry Republic - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Art's Tavern - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Boonedocks - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪River Club Glen Arbor - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co. - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Dune Climb Inn

Guests of Dune Climb Inn enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and microwave in a common area. Free parking is available if you drive. Staff members can help with accommodation requests, and provide front-desk service during limited hours. Additional amenities include a refrigerator in a common area, free use of bicycles, and a vending machine.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 43-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Private yards, microwaves, and coffee makers are also available. Housekeeping is available once per stay.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include complimentary bicycles.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (once per stay)

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • In a national park
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • Area rugs in room
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevator
  • Smooth flooring in room

More

  • 1 floor
  • Built in 1937
  • Renovated entire property - May 2024
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 43-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Freezer
  • Microwave

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 40 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 150 per stay
  • Dogs only
  • 1 total pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Pet deposit: USD 150 per stay
  • Pet fee: USD 40 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

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, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is available during limited hours. 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.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

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

Property is also known as

Dune Climb Inn Hotel
Dune Climb Inn Empire
Dune Climb Inn Hotel Empire

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Dune Climb Inn?

Dune Climb Inn provides free cancellation on some room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Dune Climb Inn?

As of Oct 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dune Climb Inn on Nov 3, 2026 start from $147, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do close to Dune Climb Inn?

This hotel is located in Empire within a short 4-minute walk of Little Glen Lake. You'll also find Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive within a short drive.

Does Dune Climb Inn have a casino?

No, Dune Climb Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Dune Climb Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Does Dune Climb Inn have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Dune Climb Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Dune Climb Inn allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at Dune Climb Inn for a fee of USD 40 per pet, per night. A deposit of USD 150 per stay is collected.

Where is the closest airport to Dune Climb Inn?

The closest major airport to Dune Climb Inn is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is about 24.7 mi away.

Dune Climb Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 85 out of 123 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 123 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 123 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 123 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 123 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay if visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Cozy, calm and quiet. We had a relaxing stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Family friendly, right on the Heritage Bike path, and within walking distance to The Dune Climb. The community room was a wonderful ammenity.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Great place to stay
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super convenient location for visiting sleeping Bear dunes. Staff was very nice and friendly. We were able to enjoy the fire pits in the backyard. Rooms are very clean.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great experience!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was friendly and helpful. Great spot to stay and hike the dunes. Empire and glen arbor are just a short drive away.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect location, room was clean and staff was super responsive, would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a great stay plus the bed was super comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay near close to the lake(s) and dunes
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It is a nice, clean, comfortable place to stay. We would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, comfy beds and pillows.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location; great historic/retro road trip vibe.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Great place
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, clean and close to the dunes
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness
Convenient to all attractions, rustic but lovely. Loved the cottage feel
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable, and cozy for me and my pet. Loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Amenities
Delightful, rustic stay. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were clean and had a nice retro look to them. Was nice that they had a fire pit area and chairs to hang out in outside.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Beautiful sky at night.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful management for check in and out. Also quiet. Close to Sleeping Bear Dunes! Bed very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Convenient place to stay to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes. The room was fine, the bedroom area was very nice. The bathroom was good but could use some updating.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great roadside inn. Room was cozy and perfect. I visited in winter when most tourist amenities are closed, so glad this inn stays open. Fridge, microwave, and fully-stocked coffee machine were very helpful. Everything was clean and staff was very nice to leave the light on for me when I told them I was arriving late at night. I will definitely stay here again. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect place very close to Dunes and Park
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property. Great location. Very clean and comfortable beds. Very helpful staff as well.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024