Empire Lakeshore Inn

Property class: 2.5

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Empire Lakeshore Inn

A house with a white door marked with the number 5, a dark blue exterior, and a white porch with a wicker chair.
A hotel room with two beds, a nightstand, a lamp, and a window.
A two-story building with a balcony, a large white flower bush, and outdoor seating.
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.

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
(67 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

2 Double Beds Annex

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

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(41 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe King Bed

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

About the neighborhood

Empire

Located in Downtown Mmpire, 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
  • South Bar Lake - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • beach near Village Park - 10 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. 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 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.
  • 2 on-site accessible parking spaces
  • No elevator
  • 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 Mmpire 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 Sep 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Empire Lakeshore Inn on Oct 25, 2026 start from $121, 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.

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.

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.

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).

Empire Lakeshore Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 642 out of 1017 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 231 out of 1017 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 77 out of 1017 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 1017 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 36 out of 1017 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean Convenient Good value for the money Spacious rooms
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, walkable to Empire. Comfortable room, friendly travelers.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Small Inn that was clean and quaint!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient location, clean rooms, cleaning staff was lovely and hilarious she made the whole stay better - seemed to be around throughout the day and if you were late to check in had a good easy process so you could do it yourself upon arrival! Beds were super comfy and Inn was walking distance to some cute spots!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a very clean hotel. The room was decorated very nicely, and it’s walkable to a couple of restaurants in town. It was right near the sleeping bar dunes visitor center and very convenient to the park.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was perfect. Very clean, quiet, good location, not far from all places of interest.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room, the property, the building...everything was so clean! Super easy check in process. Minimal amenities, but it's not really needed for everything else in the area. I would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property very close to empire village. Easy walk into town to shop and dine. Rooms very large and comfortable. Easy check in and out. Very close to the sleeping bear dunes. Many lakes in the surrounding area as well as other cites close by to shop and dine. Visitor center right to hotel. I would stay again when in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cozy, sparkling clean room in a perfect location for those visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Good shower pressure, comfortable bed, nice to have the fridge, microwave, and abundant power outlets on each side of the bed. We appreciate that they have a recycle bin & returnable bin on the property. Will absolutely return in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Every was neat and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything about staying was great. Thank you to Rosemary and all the rest of the staff. If you are using your gps to get there use the address they provide. If you use Google maps it will send you to the building across the street. Lol this is not their fault.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Spotless room comfortable bed great stay even in the dead of winter
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice place to stay in a calm quiet area
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great clean place to stay. Very comfortable setting
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very clean, close to everything we wanted to do.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice hotel good value
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025