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Empire Lakeshore Inn

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

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Photo gallery for Empire Lakeshore Inn

Exterior
Exterior
Front of property
Point of interest
Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • 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
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Empire Bluff Trail
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for King Bed Annex

King Bed Annex | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

King Bed Annex

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(46 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 2 Double Beds Annex

2 Double Beds Annex | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

2 Double Beds Annex

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

View all photos for Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

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

View all photos for Deluxe King Bed

Deluxe King Bed | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe King Bed

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(18 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 15-minute walk of popular sights like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This 12-room motel has in-room conveniences like balconies, refrigerators, and coffee makers.
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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
  • Front Street - 32 min drive - 28.8 miles
  • Crystal Mountain - 35 min drive - 30.3 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

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

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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

  • Daily housekeeping (for a fee)

Outdoors

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

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 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

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

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 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.

Is Empire Lakeshore Inn good for couples?

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, 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.

Does Empire Lakeshore Inn have connecting rooms?

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).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

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

Empire Lakeshore Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 593 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 251 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 88 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 35 out of 1001 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Philip F Von Voigtander

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
High quality in every way. Excellent handicap room.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved the area! Close to everything including a beautiful beach to watch the sunset. Also a great area to get around by bicycle.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This only hotel in this little city was a find! It is located at the South end of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, near the Pearce Stocking Scenic Drive through this end of the Park. Taking it will bring you to the closest you might ever be to Lake Michigan in this National Lakeshore Park with the Lake Michigan Tutnout. Then, there is about a 50 yard dirt path taking you to the dunes, where in about 40 yards you will be on the Dunes viewing glorious Lake Michigan!! The stay was in the Annex and for only overnight, the reservation made at the last minute on our way home from Mackinac Island. The reservation process was a bit different, but it worked out perfectly!! The room was clean and very pleasant, non-smoking with a noise curfew, equipped with a one-cup coffee pot, toiletries of soaps, shampoo and conditioner. To be honest, we do not remember if it had a microwave and small refrigerator. The bed was very comfortable for my bad back. It was not an issue for us. but some might not like that you needed to go to their bigger hotel a block away to get ice in your bucket. They had one room available for a rate that fit our budget of under $150. We will always check to see if they have availability when we come that way again, which will be within the next couple of weeks! Restaurants are sparse, but a great dinner restaurant,The Manitou, with a varied menu and delicious food is not very far away in the woods by Honor, Michigan. You will be glad you chose it!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dominique

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
clean and comfortable room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and fresh upon arrival. Staff was very nice. AC worked just fine and the parking was great. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Empire!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana

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

Great place to stay

Late fall and it was chilly outside. Great heater to warm up the room before sleeping. Then we turned it down. Very comfortable. Easy access to village of Empire, the beach as well as to Glen Have, Glen Arbor and Leland Fishtown. It is one of our favorite places to stay in that area! Our third or fourth time!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renee, Owosso

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is our go-to place to stay in Empire. Always perfect for our visit to Sleeping Bear.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Ryan

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
We stayed at the annex so not sure on the newer motel. Annex is an older building that they have fixed up pretty nice. Walls are thin and they provide noise machines but if you have an active neighbor who likes to talk into the night you will hear them. Overall a nice motel for a place to sleep.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Manson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Like that there is a convenience store and gas station next door. Did not like that you can hear and feel people walking up the stairwell from the bottom floor next to it.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nicely located near Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore; gas station virtually next door.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dana

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay! Clean, updated room. Convenient location for our travels along M-22.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Courtney

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

10/10 Excellent

david

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Modern clean
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joyce

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lonnie

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

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed in a room where there was no light in the entryway. Dangerous.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dina

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was super clean and cozy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Lou

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Bo

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beth

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

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