Empire Lakeshore Inn

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

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

September 2025

October 2025

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds | 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

Place, Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
‪5 min walk‬
Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
‪13 min walk‬
Place, Empire Bluff Trail
‪19 min walk‬
Airport, 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
‪Joes Friendly Tavern - ‬5 min walk
‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬13 min drive
‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬3 min walk
‪Food For Thought - ‬6 min drive

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 picnic area, and a garden.

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.

Similar properties

Family Suite (2 BR) | Living area | Flat-screen TV

Pet friendly
Parking included
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

$144 nightly

Oct 19 - Oct 20

Total with 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.

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

As of Sep 27, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Empire Lakeshore Inn on Oct 19, 2025 start from $128.52, excluding 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 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.

Is Empire Lakeshore Inn a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this motel will value amenities like a pillow menu, premium bedding 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 that I can book 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

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

8/10 Good

Daniel

Traveled with partner

Sep 6, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Beautiful property. Spacious and clean room. Just a few maintenance issues spoiled a perfect start. Bath tub stopper not working. Microwave shuts off after a few seconds. Slow drain in sink. All minor details. I’m sure they will take care of it all. Room is still a very good bargain for the area.

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Audrey

Traveled with group

Aug 12, 2025

Liked: Property conditions & facilities

Close to Sleeping Bear Dunes & within walking distance to Empire Beach. Just a standard motel room. Weird thing was that the cleaning staff came in daily to replace towels & get trash but not once made the beds understanding that it’s eco conscious not to change the sheets every day but would have been nice to come back and have the beds straightened up. Also no decent coffee in Empire if that is inportant to you. There was a coffee maker in the room though.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Danny

Jun 29, 2025

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

Great

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allison

Jun 26, 2025

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

Very family friendly

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Sarah

Jun 25, 2025

Dark strains of long hair left on bed sheets after pulling back the comforter.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Jun 25, 2025

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

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie

Jun 24, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Valerie

Traveled with partner

Jun 24, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Nice property in a very nice little town. We lived the atmosphere and charm. The only problem was the thinness of the walls. The poor couple next door have a rough life. The man snored so loud it sounded like a grizzly was trying to tear through! Then he started cussing! A female voice would try to calm him down periodically, but the peace never lasted. I was considering sharing my C-pap with him. He really needs to see a doctor.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pam

Traveled with group

Jun 23, 2025

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

Stayed a couple of nights for a girls weekend. Loved the area (small town). Very comfortable beds and clean rooms. Would stay again.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Marissa

Jun 22, 2025

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

Room had a wonderful bright theme and was very clean. There were warning signs for being charged such as “don’t plug your own devices into TV- $150.” Hotel charged us days prior to our stay even though we booked the pay when you stay option. I like to switch credit cards sometimes when I arrive, and now there is a higher statement balance on my card than expected since it charged 1-2 days before the monthly bill switched over. Managers and front desk didn’t understand, so they didn’t refund my card so we could charge the correct credit card. Rooms were preassigned before we checked in and our 2nd floor request was not met. Room doors are exterior motel style with a Hard key bolt lock room access. I imagine robbers could get in. It required us to go to front desk in the morning or use key drop box. Gentleman there in the morning was a bit dismissive and didn’t even ask us how our stay was. He seemed busy with computer work. He seemed not interested in confirming my name and room number for check out, so what was the point of the hard key and checking out? Overall property was quiet. Evening front desk girl was nice.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Jun 21, 2025

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

The stay was great!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Jun 18, 2025

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

Great place!

Was a very nice place in a very nice town. We thoroughly enjoyed our two day stay!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Jun 17, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

This was a charming Inn close to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The room was clean and spacious, and the staff were very friendly. I highly recommend it!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Jun 13, 2025

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

Excellent accommodation

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Traveled with family

Jun 11, 2025

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

Family Vacation at the dunes

We stayed at Empire Lakeshore Inn as a family on vacation visiting the dunes. It was a very quiet, comfortable stay. I left a star off of service due to not interacting with staff at check in or check out. I prefer checking in on my own, however I had no interactions with them to really judge. Otherwise we had a great stay and would love to come back in the future.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025