Empire Lakeshore Inn, near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, offers a tranquil retreat with a serene garden and inviting terrace. Connect to in-room WiFi, take advantage of express check-in and express check-out. Previous guests rave about the helpful staff.
Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Empire Bluff Trail - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - 5 min drive - 5.4 km
Little Glen Lake - 7 min drive - 7.1 km
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
Empire Lakeshore Inn offers a great location, putting you within a 15-minute walk of Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Freebies like WiFi and self parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails, kayaking, and mountain biking. Other highlights at this Colonial motel include a terrace and a garden. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff and location.
Languages
English
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
12 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in/out available
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
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
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
Up to 4 children (18 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Onsite parking includes off-street options
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
What to do
Beach nearby
Bicycle rentals nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Downhill skiing nearby
Surfing/body boarding nearby
Snowboarding nearby
Facilities
1 building/tower
Built in 1987
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Colonial architecture
Room amenities
Be entertained
LCD television
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Coffee/tea maker
Sleep well
Pillow menu
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Balcony or patio
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Designer toiletries
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Free local calls
Food and drink
Refrigerator
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Housekeeping is offered for an extra charge of USD 25.00 per stay
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Also known as
Empire Lakeshore Inn
Empire Lakeshore
Empire Lakeshore Inn Motel
Empire Lakeshore Inn Empire
Empire Lakeshore Inn Motel Empire
Frequently asked questions
Are pets allowed at Empire Lakeshore Inn?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Empire Lakeshore Inn?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Empire Lakeshore Inn?
You can check in starting at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Express check-in and check-out and contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Empire Lakeshore Inn and nearby?
During the winter, enjoy nearby recreation like cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and return when the snow melts for cycling and hiking. Enjoy amenities like a picnic area and a garden.
Does Empire Lakeshore Inn have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.
What's the area around Empire Lakeshore Inn like?
Empire Lakeshore Inn is in the heart of Empire, a short 13-minute walk from Lake Michigan and 13 minutes' walk from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Travelers say the area is walkable and ideal for skiing.
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Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.2/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Staff & service
8.2/10
Amenities
8.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Location
Service staff
Bed
Beach
Towns
Restaurant
Dune
Visitor center
Microwave
What guests liked
The property is within walking distance to a beautiful, quiet beach with a lighthouse, picnic area, and playground. (14 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
May 17, 2025
Good - so go!
The Lakeshore Inn in Empire is comfortably furnished. The new decor made is feel at home. The beds put us right to sleep and I used the extra blanket. Don't miss the sunset on Empire Beach! We liked Joe's Friendly Tavern too.
Pamela
Pamela, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 7, 2025
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.
Cheryl
Cheryl, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 1, 2025
Thomas
Thomas, 1-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 3, 2025
Susana
Susana, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 18, 2025
Justin
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 18, 2025
Joseph
Joseph, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 20, 2025
Very nice room, well run.
Joseph
Joseph, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 19, 2025
U
Sue
Sue, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 9, 2024
They take dogs, very clean and quiet. Close to gas station.
Walter or Susan
Walter or Susan, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 7, 2024
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.
Laura
Laura, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 30, 2024
Chris
Chris, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
Oct 29, 2024
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.
Richard
Richard, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
2/10 Poor
Oct 27, 2024
James
James, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 26, 2024
Everything about this place was first rate. The town of Empire is quaint and the surrounding area offers all kinds of wonderful opportunities.
David
David, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
Oct 24, 2024
Tara
Tara, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 21, 2024
Beautiful
Thomas
Thomas, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
2/10 Poor
Oct 21, 2024
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.
Kevin
Kevin, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
Oct 21, 2024
andrea
andrea, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 20, 2024
Very clean rooms
Beth A
Beth A, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 20, 2024
Rodney
Rodney, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
2/10 Poor
Oct 19, 2024
Brian
Brian, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 16, 2024
Sweet little place to stay while visiting Route 22 this fall, everything was just perfect