Empire Lakeshore Inn

Property class: 2.5
Beach motel near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Empire Lakeshore Inn

A house with a white door marked with the number 5, a dark blue exterior, and a white porch with a wicker chair.
A two-story building with a balcony, a large white flower bush, and outdoor seating.
A two-story building with a blue exterior and white trim, featuring a balcony on the second floor.
A wooden boardwalk leading to a sandy beach with benches and a railing overlooking the ocean.
A hotel room with two beds, a nightstand, a lamp, and a window.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • 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
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Empire Bluff Trail
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

King Bed Annex

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(65 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

2 Double Beds Annex

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

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(41 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe King Bed

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(24 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

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).

What's nearby

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • South Bar Lake - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • beach near Village Park - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

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

Similar properties

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
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 on-site accessible parking spaces
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • LCD TV

Bedroom

  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

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

DiscoverMastercardVisa

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 Sep 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Empire Lakeshore Inn on Sep 24, 2026 start from $131, 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 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. 635 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 230 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 75 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 36 out of 1007 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Curtis

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location for our travel
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very well maintained. A little heavy on the instructions for a motel.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

chad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay- great location, recently remodeled and very clean and comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room and nice location
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alessandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I cannot say enough good things about my stay, a lovely spot and very clean and comfortable room.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Joann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean Convenient Good value for the money Spacious rooms
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, walkable to Empire. Comfortable room, friendly travelers.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sheila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Small Inn that was clean and quaint!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient location, clean rooms, cleaning staff was lovely and hilarious she made the whole stay better - seemed to be around throughout the day and if you were late to check in had a good easy process so you could do it yourself upon arrival! Beds were super comfy and Inn was walking distance to some cute spots!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Susan A.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a very clean hotel. The room was decorated very nicely, and it’s walkable to a couple of restaurants in town. It was right near the sleeping bar dunes visitor center and very convenient to the park.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Pheng

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wish they had a play pen for our room for our toddler to make our sleeping situation easier. Rooms were spectacular, clean, smells great. Staff was super nice, we had a small power surge but they fixed it within 20 mins.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

INDULIS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was perfect. Very clean, quiet, good location, not far from all places of interest.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bethany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, quiet area.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kelley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room, the property, the building...everything was so clean! Super easy check in process. Minimal amenities, but it's not really needed for everything else in the area. I would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property very close to empire village. Easy walk into town to shop and dine. Rooms very large and comfortable. Easy check in and out. Very close to the sleeping bear dunes. Many lakes in the surrounding area as well as other cites close by to shop and dine. Visitor center right to hotel. I would stay again when in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cozy, sparkling clean room in a perfect location for those visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Good shower pressure, comfortable bed, nice to have the fridge, microwave, and abundant power outlets on each side of the bed. We appreciate that they have a recycle bin & returnable bin on the property. Will absolutely return in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jeanne

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The man at the front desk was the only reason the stay got 4 stars instead of 5 stars. He was efficient but not friendly
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stephan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Every was neat and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

DANA

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sherri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything about staying was great. Thank you to Rosemary and all the rest of the staff. If you are using your gps to get there use the address they provide. If you use Google maps it will send you to the building across the street. Lol this is not their fault.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

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

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location, we enjoyed our stay here.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Courtney

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

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