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Empire Lakeshore Inn

2.5 star property
Beach motel near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

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Photo gallery for Empire Lakeshore Inn

Exterior
Front of property
Exterior
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Empire

City center stay.At this Downtown Mmpire motel, you'll be steps from Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and within a 15-minute walk of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Also, Empire Bluff Trail is within 2 miles (3 km) and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is within 6 miles (10 km).
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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
  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - 5 min drive - 4.3 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
  • ‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪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. 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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Jan 13 - Jan 14
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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 Jan 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Empire Lakeshore Inn on Jan 13, 2026 start from $111.38, 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. 253 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 87 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

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very happy with this little place. Toured M 22 and had an excellent stay. Check in was simple and the whole hotel was clean and cared for. Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tunya

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Sara

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice and clean with great location but faucet dripped all night and the noise from other rooms was substantial .
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reanna

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, conveniently located, friendly staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nikki

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
For the last six years, we have stayed here for the Sleeping Bear Half Marathon. It’s clean! The people are friendly and welcoming.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

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

8/10 Good

Deborah E

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and very comfortable room. We spent a couple days biking the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Great ice cream shop in walking distance. Definitely recommend. The reason I did not choose excellent was because we were in the annex and they had no ice machine.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Emily

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was clean and met our needs well
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROBERT

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Jeanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Thought it was closer to the lake. Clean room, comfy beds.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Billie

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Call to check in was easy , phones staffed efficiently
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
2nd floor, no elevator, awkward location in dead end hallway, not many food options.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

William

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Ok
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ferenc

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

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

Rob K.

Great location for Sleeping Bear Dunes and surrounding area! Within walking distance of restaurants, beach, gas station, and National Park Visitor's Center. Hotel was very nice, quiet, clean, and comfortable. Empire is a nice little town. Empire Village Inn pizza is amazing! Catch the sunset at Empire beach or on Empire Bluffs Trail!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

William

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Acceptable motel

Overall, it was acceptable. The bed pillows were much better than average for a hotel; the bed was maybe a little above average for comfort. The bathroom was disappointing in three ways: first, the shower curtain smelled sour. I have run into that problem at a lot of hotels that still use shower curtains. Why can't housekeeping staffs carry a bottle of dilute bleach solution and spray the inside of the curtain? That would be really easy and would kill the sour smell (to which I am really sensitive). Second, the sink drain was very slow. Dirty water sat there a long time, which is pretty disgusting. I told the housekeeper about it; who knows if she passed the word to the owners. Third, I am glad I took my own soap, shampoo because the stuff they stocked the room with was pitiful. They owner left an envelope to encourage tipping of the housekeeping staff, which I find off-putting. And the housekeeping staff did nothing except take away used towels, at my request. Maybe I expect too much........
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sydney

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice and clean! Check in was easy.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025