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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
Point of interest
Exterior
Exterior
Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

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
  • 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)
    ‪39 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
(45 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 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
  • Little Glen Lake - 6 min drive - 5.6 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Joes Friendly Tavern - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪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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Nov 10 - Nov 11
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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 Nov 9, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Empire Lakeshore Inn on Nov 10, 2025 start from $106.92, 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.

Reviews

Empire Lakeshore Inn Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 588 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 256 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 88 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 35 out of 1001 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jay, Grand Rapids

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Kristin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Cute
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tara

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

Spotless

I’m the type of hotel guest that is peeling back the bed sheets and pillow cases, searching behind the fridge, etc and this place was spotless. Location was great. Room has everything you may need! Definitely recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stay next-door to the sleeping bear fell apart visitor center. This location is very convenient. Small quiet tile. Was able to get a good meal at the village Inn, which I could walk to and in the morning I got up and rode my bike to empire Bluff Trail Before heading up to sleeping Barry to ride the Heritage Trail
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Better than I expected! Owner left key in mailbox for easy access. Updated room and so quiet!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Kristen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
It was a lovely and clean space and had very easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes and the beach. Also close to all the cute towns surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes. The bed and shower were nice. The owner was not personable and said about 6 words between the check in and check out process. He did not seem very interested in interaction.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Earla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We decide to pay at check in but were told bytext that we needed to pay over the phone by noon or the room would be forfeited check-in was at 4.00
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peg

Clean. Good size frig. Microwave. Keirig. 8 min walk to public beach.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin, Grand Rapids

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location! We could easily walk to the beach, shops, ice cream, and breakfast the next day. Close to everything we wanted to explore!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sunniva

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, modern facilities and a great location for exploring the area around Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tanya

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice property with a convenient location.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

William, Mt. Pleasant

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

10/10 Excellent

Kendall

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and rooms seemed newly renovated. Late check in was very convenient. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Tim

Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The shower wouldn’t turn hot. And the facet I. The sink blew off.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ernst

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice, easy access, good location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Lewis

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Nice location, tight parking area, knew no food even though knew in advance, noisy, no clocks and no employees to voice information, but was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Moe

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

Perfect

Shocked by how clean the room was last year, and they did it again this year. Out of all the hotels and air bnbs I've been too, this is easily the cleanest. Towels were replaced while we were out for lunch as well so we didn't even have to ask. Looking forward to next year
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Yaoyao

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Amy

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
So it’s a pretty nice place, but the $300 per night rate is definitely for location—it’s a relatively short walk to Empire Beach which is usually a difficult place to find parking otherwise. Also, it’s close to Sleeping Bear Dunes. We were REALLY disappointed with the wifi since cell service is spotty at best. The only ice machine is in a different building across the street…and traffic is super loud. The main intersection in Empire is directly outside your window. Also..be aware that Empire has very limited food/grocery options and everything is SO expensive ($30 for a 12 in pizza). This place may not be the best if you’re looking for budget friendly, or things to do other than the beach/SBD. We spent way more money than we planned here. Take your vacation budget…triple it…and you’ll have a great time.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Riley

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean comfortable room and so convenient. Great location for everything at the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. The Beach, restaurants, the National Park Service visitors center, convenient store and unique shopping experiences are all within walking distance. Not to far from Traverse City and Crystal Lake also.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check in was vey easy even though we arrived after hours the staff was very friendly and helpful throughout the process! Check out was easy too!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025