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Empire Lakeshore Inn

2.5 star property
Beach motel near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Empire Lakeshore Inn

Exterior
Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds
Front of property
Point of interest
Exterior

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
    ‪7 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

King Bed Annex

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(49 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 2 Double Beds Annex

2 Double Beds Annex

2 Double Beds Annex

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

View all photos for Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

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

View all photos for Deluxe King Bed

Deluxe King Bed

Deluxe King Bed

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(19 reviews)
  • 33 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Empire

City center stay.You'll be steps from Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and within a 10-minute walk of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a stay at this Downtown Mmpire motel. Also, Empire Bluff Trail is within 2 miles (3 km) and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Motels in EmpireOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Little Glen Lake - 6 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum - 16 min drive - 17.3 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Joes Friendly Tavern - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Food For Thought - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Empire Lakeshore Inn

Beach motel near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire Lakeshore Inn offers its guests a terrace, a vending machine, and a garden. WiFi is free in public spaces. Empire Lakeshore Inn also features a picnic area, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Colonial Empire motel.

  • 1 building
  • 12 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1987
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
Empire Lakeshore Inn offers 12 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and designer toiletries. Rooms open to balconies or patios. A pillow menu is available. LCD televisions are featured in guestrooms. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.

This Empire motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided daily.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

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

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • LCD TV

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Pillow menu

Bathroom

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

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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 4 children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Housekeeping fee: USD 25.00 per stay

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Up to 4 children 18 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.

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

How close is Empire Lakeshore Inn to the airport?

Empire Lakeshore Inn is 28.5 mi (48-min drive) away from the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Apr 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Empire Lakeshore Inn on Apr 15, 2026 start from CA $154, 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.

Does Empire Lakeshore Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Empire Lakeshore Inn.

Does Empire Lakeshore Inn offer free breakfast?

Empire Lakeshore Inn does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Empire Lakeshore Inn have a pool?

Empire Lakeshore Inn does not have a pool.

Does Empire Lakeshore Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Empire Lakeshore Inn to downtown Empire?

Empire Lakeshore Inn is 0.1 mi away from Empire.

Empire Lakeshore Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 592 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 252 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 87 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 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

Laura

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas, Alger

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

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

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We stayed for one night for a winter trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Clean and great location!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michele

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

10/10 Excellent

Shane

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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