Dune Climb Inn

Property class: 2
Enjoy the free WiFi at this Empire hotel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Dune Climb Inn

A bedroom with a large bed, wooden walls, a window with a view of the outdoors, and a ceiling fan.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, a television, wooden shelves with books and decorations, and a blue armchair.
A wooden signpost with two circular signs, one for Dune Climb Inn and another indicating a vacancy.
A metal fire pit with rocks around it, two Adirondack chairs, and a wooden structure in the background.
A spacious living area with a wooden dining table, wicker furniture, and a fireplace.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
7194 S Dune Hwy, Empire, MI, 49630
  • Place, Little Glen Lake
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Glen Lake
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Room options

Studio, 1 Double Bed (SS)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Superior Studio, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed (BDS)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Superior Studio (SWS)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Studio (SWB)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Suite (2 BR)

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

Family Suite (1 BR)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Empire

Close to the beach.Stay at this Empire hotel and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Little Glen Lake and 2 miles (3 km) of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Also, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is within 3 miles (5 km) and Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum is within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Little Glen Lake - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Glen Lake - 6 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • Crystal River - 7 min drive - 5.7 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum - 8 min drive - 4.1 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cherry Republic - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Art's Tavern - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Boonedocks - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪River Club Glen Arbor - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co. - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Dune Climb Inn

Enjoy the free WiFi at this Empire hotel
Dune Climb Inn offers its guests barbecue grills, a vending machine, and a picnic area. Public spaces have free WiFi. Dune Climb Inn also features a television in a common area, a microwave in a common area, and a refrigerator in a common area. Free self parking is available. A complete renovation of Dune Climb Inn was completed in May 2024.

This Empire hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 floor
  • 14 guestrooms or units
  • Meeting rooms
  • Built in 1937
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
Dune Climb Inn offers 14 air-conditioned accommodations with hair dryers and ceiling fans. 43-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the in-room microwaves and coffee/tea makers. Housekeeping is offered once per stay and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • Area rugs in room
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevator
  • Smooth flooring in room

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 43-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Freezer
  • Microwave

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • Pets: USD 40 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 150 per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 1 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Pet deposit: USD 150 per stay
  • Pet fee: USD 40 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

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, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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, American Express, Discover, debit cards, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Dune Climb Inn Hotel
Dune Climb Inn Empire
Dune Climb Inn Hotel Empire

Frequently asked questions

How close is Dune Climb Inn to the airport?

Dune Climb Inn is 33.1 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 Dune Climb Inn?

As of Nov 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dune Climb Inn on Nov 2, 2026 start from $159, including 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 Dune Climb Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Dune Climb Inn.

Does Dune Climb Inn offer free breakfast?

Dune Climb Inn does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Dune Climb Inn?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Dune Climb Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Dune Climb Inn?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Dune Climb Inn have a pool?

Dune Climb Inn does not have a pool.

Does Dune Climb Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Dune Climb Inn to downtown Empire?

Dune Climb Inn is 4.5 mi away from Empire.

Dune Climb Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 92 out of 130 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 130 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 130 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 130 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 130 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay if visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Cozy, calm and quiet. We had a relaxing stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Tired mom of 4 snuck away for some r&r. Great proximity to the beautiful county beaches, cozy simple clean room. Would definitely come again - with or without the family :)
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Family friendly, right on the Heritage Bike path, and within walking distance to The Dune Climb. The community room was a wonderful ammenity.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is super cute! The room is a bit small but the bed was so comfy that it completely made up for it. It was conveniently located to everything you plan on doing in the area. The check in is contactless, but the girl I was in contact with was very responsive. I would highly recommend & they are pet friendly!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Great location for the Sleeping Bear Dunes but very spartan, cheap accommodations. Certainly not worth the price
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super convenient location for visiting sleeping Bear dunes. Staff was very nice and friendly. We were able to enjoy the fire pits in the backyard. Rooms are very clean.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great experience!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Great place to stay
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was friendly and helpful. Great spot to stay and hike the dunes. Empire and glen arbor are just a short drive away.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
It was a nice room but expensive for what we got. The room needed a bit of tlc, the plumbing for example was a little hit or miss. The community room was nice but the coffee maker wasn’t clean. We didn’t know about the community room until we arrived. The location was very good.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect location, room was clean and staff was super responsive, would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a great stay plus the bed was super comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay near close to the lake(s) and dunes
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It is a nice, clean, comfortable place to stay. We would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, comfy beds and pillows.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location; great historic/retro road trip vibe.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Great place
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, clean and close to the dunes
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable, and cozy for me and my pet. Loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness
Convenient to all attractions, rustic but lovely. Loved the cottage feel
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very conveniently located.. We did silver river kayaking, dune climb and sleeping bear dune climb at scenic drive. All are within 2-3 miles distance and we were able to come back in middle of day after one activity to relax a bit, wash off sand, take shower .. which was very nice... Owner was excellent too.. We reached very late and office was closed. She kept curtains off and lights on. Sent me text that room is kept ready ans key is hung inside room.. We were bit worried at first on how to reach out as there was no phone network in the area
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were clean and had a nice retro look to them. Was nice that they had a fire pit area and chairs to hang out in outside.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Amenities
Delightful, rustic stay. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Beautiful sky at night.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025