Empire Lakeshore Inn

2.5 star property
Sandy fun near Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Empire Bluff Trail

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Empire Lakeshore Inn

Exterior
Exterior
Point of interest
Exterior
Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets
Empire Lakeshore Inn sits near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, offering a peaceful retreat with its garden and welcoming terrace. Guests appreciate the in-room WiFi, express check-in and check-out options, and consistently mention the helpful staff who enhance their stay.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

King Bed Annex

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(45 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Pillow menu
Designer toiletries
  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

2 Double Beds Annex

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(39 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Pillow menu
Designer toiletries
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(35 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe King Bed

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(18 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
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About the neighborhood

Map
11730 S. Lacore Rd, Empire, MI, 49630

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
  • ‪Joes Friendly Tavern - ‬5 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

Motel near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Located close to Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Empire Bluff Trail, Empire Lakeshore Inn provides a terrace and a garden. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self parking
  • Express check-out, express check-in, and a vending machine
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff and location
Room features
All guestrooms at Empire Lakeshore Inn include perks such as pillow menus and air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi. Guest reviews highly rate the clean rooms at the property.
Other amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with designer toiletries and shower/tub combinations
  • Balconies or patios, wardrobes/closets, and refrigerators

Similar properties

Property amenities

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

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1987
  • Colonial architecture
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Pillow menu

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV

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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
4 children, up to the age of 18 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Housekeeping fee: USD 25.00 per stay

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

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

Is Empire Lakeshore Inn pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

As of Oct 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Empire Lakeshore Inn on Oct 26, 2025 start from $74.52, 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.

How much is parking at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Empire Lakeshore Inn located?

Located in the heart of Empire, this beach motel is within a 15-minute walk of Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Empire Bluff Trail and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Empire Lakeshore Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 590 out of 1020 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 268 out of 1020 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 92 out of 1020 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 1020 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 35 out of 1020 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Clark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nicely located near Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore; gas station virtually next door.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay! Clean, updated room. Convenient location for our travels along M-22.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice hotel good value
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 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

Nikki

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

8/10 Good

Billie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Call to check in was easy , phones staffed efficiently
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

William

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

10/10 Excellent

Anne

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

10/10 Excellent

Larry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great quaint place to stay and very convenient to the Lake and Bear Dunes. We will be back for sure.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

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

8/10 Good

kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is in an amazing location. Just a short walk to the lake & short drive to Empire Bluff Trail!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Sara

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

Sunniva

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

Jay

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Very clean and cozy
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed in a room where there was no light in the entryway. Dangerous.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROBERT

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

10/10 Excellent

Ernst

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

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The stay was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin

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

Dany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was great! We were only a short walk to the beach at Lake Michigan. And there were shops and restaurants to walk to from our room. Also, our daughter left one of her favorite stuffed animals there, and they mailed it back to us, which was so nice of them! Definitely recommend!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Holly

Liked: Amenities
Nicely renovated property. Like an old style hotel with nice updates. Check in invoked getting our room key from a mailbox. Parking is tight.
Dune Climb just minutes away.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025