Empire Lakeshore Inn

Property class: 2.5

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Empire Lakeshore Inn

A two-story building with a blue exterior and white trim, featuring a balcony on the second floor.
A wooden boardwalk leading to a sandy beach with benches and a railing overlooking the ocean.
A house with a white door marked with the number 5, a dark blue exterior, and a white porch with a wicker chair.
A covered porch with white railings and a tree with red leaves.
A hotel room with a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, a microwave, and a mini-fridge.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

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
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Empire Bluff Trail
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

King Bed Annex

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(69 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

2 Double Beds Annex

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

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

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

Deluxe King Bed

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(26 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Empire

Located in Downtown Empire, Empire Lakeshore Inn is adjacent to Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and within a 10-minute walk of other popular attractions like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This 12-room motel has in-room conveniences like balconies, refrigerators, and coffee makers.

What's nearby

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • beach near Village Park - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • beach near Downtown Mmpire - 12 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

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

About this property

Empire Lakeshore Inn

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. Additional amenities include a terrace, a garden, and a vending machine.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and LCD TVs. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and 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

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Daily housekeeping (for a fee)

Outdoors

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

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Null
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

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

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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?

This motel is situated in Downtown Empire within a short 13-minute walk of Lake Michigan and also 9 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.

How much does it cost to stay at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

As of Nov 14, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Empire Lakeshore Inn on Nov 15, 2026 start from $118, 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.

Is there parking available at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Wheelchair-accessible van parking is also available for guests.

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.

What do couples enjoy most about Empire Lakeshore Inn?

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

Are there hot tubs at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

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).

Are there rooms with balconies at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

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

Empire Lakeshore Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 636 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 225 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 75 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 35 out of 1000 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is close to Sleeping bear sand dunes. If they provide breakfast, it help me better because of there are not supermarket or choose of restaurant near hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Simple and clean
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, close to the water and the trails and easy check in and out. Would stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, comfy beds, quaint location, very walkable.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a very comfortable one night stay in this Inn in Empire. It was a centrally located, easy walk to the small center of town and walkable to the lovely beach. We would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location for our travel
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our hotel room was clean and perfectly located for exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The town of Empire was charming as well.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved that it’s so close to sleeping bear dunes!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is very convenient and very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location bike ride easily to attractions like beach restaurants shopping and bike trail.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay- great location, recently remodeled and very clean and comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, clean room and easy parking! Would highly recommend and would not hesitate to stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, friendly staff at check-in & great location for a single-night stay. Make sure you walk down to the Empire Beach to see the sunset & sunrise.....very nice!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property with a perfect location. We were able to walk and bike easily to local attractions and businesses. When we drove to trails it was very easy drives as well. Would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a very nice stay at the Lakeshore Inn in Empire MI! Very clean and the staff was very nice! Close enough to several nice towns and lakes. We enjoyed our very much!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super clean and comfortable. Great location close to all the local attractions.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Easy to find Very clean Quite
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The owners and staff are all very nice people, I appreciate them. The rooms are great and so clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I cannot say enough good things about my stay, a lovely spot and very clean and comfortable room.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quaint, nice little spot and walking distance from the beach. Great experience!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room and nice location
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Empire is a cute small town, perfectly located for Sleeping Bear Dunes and beach. Lakeshore Inn was clean, quiet, comfortable and had great customer service. Easy check in and out, had all we needed after days of exploring.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026