Empire Lakeshore Inn

Sandy fun near Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Empire Bluff Trail

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

August 2025

September 2025

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds | 1 bedroom, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Excellent

Popular amenities

Housekeeping
Air conditioning
Parking included
Free WiFi

Explore the area

11730 S. Lacore Rd, Empire, MI, 49630

Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
‪5 min walk‬
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
‪13 min walk‬
Empire Bluff Trail
‪19 min walk‬
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
‪46 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

Wonderful

355 sq ft
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

2 Double Beds Annex

Excellent

301 sq ft
Sleeps 4
2 Double Beds

Deluxe King Bed

Exceptional

355 sq ft
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

King Bed Annex

Exceptional

301 sq ft
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Empire

Empire Lakeshore Inn places you next to Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and a short stroll from other popular sights like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This 12-room motel has in-room conveniences like balconies, refrigerators, and coffee makers.

View more Motels in Empire

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
Empire Bluff Trail - 19 min walk - 1.1 miles
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - 6 min drive - 4.3 miles
Little Glen Lake - 8 min drive - 5.6 miles

Getting around

Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬1 min walk
‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬3 min walk
‪Food For Thought - ‬7 min drive
‪Friendly Tavern - ‬5 min walk
‪Tiffany's Ice Cream - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Empire Lakeshore Inn

Sandy fun near Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Empire Bluff Trail

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 garden, and a picnic area.

Guests can expect to find free WiFi and LCD TVs. Beds sport 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.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Pet friendly
Parking included
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

$213 nightly

Sep 8 - Sep 9

Total includes taxes and fees

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

Free self parking on site
Onsite parking includes off-street options

Family friendly

In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

Vending machine

Guest services

Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

Garden
In a national park
Picnic area
Terrace

Accessibility

No elevator

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

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bedsheets provided
Pillow menu

Bathroom

Designer toiletries
Private bathroom
Shampoo
Shower/bathtub combination
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided

Entertainment

LCD TV

Food and drink

Coffee/tea maker
Refrigerator

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

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

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?

Guests positively rate the motel's walkable location in Empire, and it's a short 13-minute walk from Lake Michigan and also 13 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.

Is parking available on site at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel.

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 will couples enjoy most about a stay at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

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

Does Empire Lakeshore Inn have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub 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.

Are there connecting rooms at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

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.

Empire Lakeshore Inn Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Traveled with family and small children

May 11, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Nice quiet place

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

May 9, 2025

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

Love this place.

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

gilbert, Falmouth

Traveled with family

May 7, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Fantastic. Newly refurbished or furnished. Was immaculate.

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

May 7, 2025

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

Nice place,great location

I really liked the Lakeshore Inn. It was a clean and cute room. The mattress was a little too firm for me but everything else was good.

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Business traveler, Traveled with partner

Apr 7, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Fantastic place. Newly updated and nice and clean. Nothing super special, but who wants to stay in your room all day when you’re in such a beautiful area. Very close to the beach, places to eat, etc. Used it as a jumping point for the airport, even though it was a pretty good distance away. Definitely recommend. Be aware this is an older style motel where your room opens up to the outside and your car is parked out there.

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Business traveler

Apr 1, 2025

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

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Mar 30, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Nearly new and nice basic accommodation. If I ever needed to be near Empire or Sleeping Bear Dunes I wouldn’t hesitate to rebook it. Only one negative, the walls are not well sound insulated.

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

shannon

Mar 26, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Very easy access, super clean and nice! Right next door to a convenient and friendly and fully stocked Bp! Lakeshore Inn is definitely the place to be!! Loved it!! Also for those first timers to the dunes, right next to the inn is a national parks info center, the ranger there was Extremely informative and friendly!! Highly recommend this place!!

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susana

Mar 3, 2025

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

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Feb 18, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Feb 18, 2025

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

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Jan 20, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Very nice room, well run.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue

Jan 19, 2025

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

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Walter or Susan

Traveled with family

Nov 9, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

They take dogs, very clean and quiet. Close to gas station.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Nov 7, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

The in was just lovely... All of the in room amenities you would need. The decor was fresh and modern and comfortable. The staff was able to quickly accommodate our spur of the moment after hours booking, friendly and warm folk. Lakeshore inn is a great choice for overnight or longer Empire MI is a tiny town and only has a few dining options in the Fall/Winter but we did find a nice place for dinner.

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Oct 30, 2024

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

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Richard, Villaviciosa de Odon

Traveled with family and small children

Oct 29, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

The property is right next door to the Sleeping Bear Dunes visitors centre. It was clean and quiet, easy walking to the restaurants and beach in Empire. Check-in / out was straightforward.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

James

Oct 27, 2024

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Traveled with partner

Oct 26, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Everything about this place was first rate. The town of Empire is quaint and the surrounding area offers all kinds of wonderful opportunities.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Tara

Oct 24, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Traveled with partner

Oct 21, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Beautiful

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

Kevin

Traveled with family

Oct 21, 2024

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Poor accommodations at best

We discovered that the main floor room had walls and ceiling that well NOT well insulated. It was very noising during the hour of rest. The bed was horribly uncomfortable. The ice machine was located across the street at their newer building. At $450.00 for the two nights we expected much more. I would NOT recommend this to others or book another stay. We should have requested a partial refund.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024