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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
Exterior
Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds | 1 bedroom, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
Point of interest

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
11730 S. Lacore Rd, Empire, MI, 49630
  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Empire Bluff Trail
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds | 1 bedroom, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(33 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for 2 Double Beds Annex

2 Double Beds Annex | 1 bedroom, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

2 Double Beds Annex

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

View all photos for Deluxe King Bed

Deluxe King Bed | 1 bedroom, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe King Bed

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

View all photos for King Bed Annex

King Bed Annex | 1 bedroom, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

King Bed Annex

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(43 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Empire

City center stay.At this 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).
View more Motels in EmpireOpens in a new window

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 - 6 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • Little Glen Lake - 8 min drive - 5.6 miles

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

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.

Languages

English

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  • Parking included
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The price is $197
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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

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 Aug 8, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Empire Lakeshore Inn on Sep 8, 2025 start from $160.92, 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. 554 out of 954 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 250 out of 954 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 84 out of 954 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 33 out of 954 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 954 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love this place.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

gilbert, Falmouth

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic. Newly refurbished or furnished. Was immaculate.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

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

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.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic place. Newly updated and nice and clean. Nothing super special, but who wants to stay in your room all day when you’re in such a beautiful area. Very close to the beach, places to eat, etc. Used it as a jumping point for the airport, even though it was a pretty good distance away. Definitely recommend. Be aware this is an older style motel where your room opens up to the outside and your car is parked out there.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Nearly new and nice basic accommodation. If I ever needed to be near Empire or Sleeping Bear Dunes I wouldn’t hesitate to rebook it. Only one negative, the walls are not well sound insulated.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin

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

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

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

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice room, well run.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
U
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Walter or Susan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They take dogs, very clean and quiet. Close to gas station.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Richard, Villaviciosa de Odon

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

James

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything about this place was first rate. The town of Empire is quaint and the surrounding area offers all kinds of wonderful opportunities.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Tara

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

Kevin

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

andrea

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beth A

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean rooms
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rodney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

Brian

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

sara

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Sweet little place to stay while visiting Route 22 this fall, everything was just perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024