Our room was clean and kept up well, and it had a small kitchenette that allowed us to bring our own food and cook dinner there. Staff were friendly and helpful, and the location was only minutes from many of the spots we wanted to visit at Sleeping Bear Dunes. We are already looking forward to returning next year!
Our room was clean and kept up well, and it had a small kitchenette that allowed us to bring our own food and cook dinner there. Staff were friendly and helpful, and the location was only minutes from many of the spots we wanted to visit at Sleeping Bear Dunes. We are already looking forward to returning next year!
I have stayed at this property 2-3 times a year for several years now, when I travel north to go birding/hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. As a single woman traveling alone and kinda fussy, I appreciate their attention to the cleanliness of the entire hotel. I have no problem walking barefoot in the room because I know it’s clean. All room surfaces are immaculate…and the bed comfort is beyond wonderful! Just wish I had one at home like this. HUGE TV in the room for evening...
I have stayed at this property 2-3 times a year for several years now, when I travel north to go birding/hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. As a single woman traveling alone and kinda fussy, I appreciate their attention to the cleanliness of the entire hotel. I have no problem walking barefoot in the room because I know it’s clean. All room surfaces are immaculate…and the bed comfort is beyond wonderful! Just wish I had one at home like this. HUGE TV in the room for evening...
Our family had a wonderful stay at the hotel. Its location right on the beach was convenient with a nice set up of chairs/umbrellas. The daily breakfast box was a good way to start the day. Rooms were clean. Pool was a bit on the small side and sometimes got crowded was the only negative
Our family had a wonderful stay at the hotel. Its location right on the beach was convenient with a nice set up of chairs/umbrellas. The daily breakfast box was a good way to start the day. Rooms were clean. Pool was a bit on the small side and sometimes got crowded was the only negative
Upon arriving we were pleasantly greeted by the frint desk staff with friendly faces. Bridge was the kindest and most welcoming front desk agent my wife and I have ever met. She asked us where we were coming from and how our journey was. We explained we came from Gaylord, MI which was/is nearly entirely out of any power. She expressed her heartfelt care and concern for all of us affected by this terrible ice storm. She explained where everything was, who to call/talk to if we needed anything and...
Upon arriving we were pleasantly greeted by the frint desk staff with friendly faces. Bridge was the kindest and most welcoming front desk agent my wife and I have ever met. She asked us where we were coming from and how our journey was. We explained we came from Gaylord, MI which was/is nearly entirely out of any power. She expressed her heartfelt care and concern for all of us affected by this terrible ice storm. She explained where everything was, who to call/talk to if we needed anything and...
My husband and I were so impressed with this motel. So easy to find, great location, and the room was large. Very comfortable king bed and the shower was great. The private beach was large, plenty of chairs, and the view of the lake from the balcony was gorgeous! Very short walk to town where one can find cafes, restaurants, etc. We will be back!
My husband and I were so impressed with this motel. So easy to find, great location, and the room was large. Very comfortable king bed and the shower was great. The private beach was large, plenty of chairs, and the view of the lake from the balcony was gorgeous! Very short walk to town where one can find cafes, restaurants, etc. We will be back!
We stayed in a single room just behind the beach suites. The room was comfortable, clean and attractive with nice fluffy towels. It was convenient parking right at our door. The beach was wonderful with benches to sit on for a relaxing view of the beautiful harbor. You can walk to town or drive and visit the nice shops. In the area, there is a nice park across Betsie Lake with a great playscape for kids. Had a great time despite some bad weather visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. ...
We stayed in a single room just behind the beach suites. The room was comfortable, clean and attractive with nice fluffy towels. It was convenient parking right at our door. The beach was wonderful with benches to sit on for a relaxing view of the beautiful harbor. You can walk to town or drive and visit the nice shops. In the area, there is a nice park across Betsie Lake with a great playscape for kids. Had a great time despite some bad weather visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. ...
We traveled to the area for a business trip. The hotel was fairly brand new, the room was beautiful and a nice size, the beds were comfortable and the staff was very friendly and very helpful. There was a lot of choices for breakfast the next morning and the person running the breakfast was very nice I came around and asked how everybody was doing and if they needed anything. I have never seen that in a hotel before and it was quite refreshing. We will definitely stay again!
We traveled to the area for a business trip. The hotel was fairly brand new, the room was beautiful and a nice size, the beds were comfortable and the staff was very friendly and very helpful. There was a lot of choices for breakfast the next morning and the person running the breakfast was very nice I came around and asked how everybody was doing and if they needed anything. I have never seen that in a hotel before and it was quite refreshing. We will definitely stay again!
We stayed at the Delemar twice now and cant wait to go back during the warmer mo ths. This hotel has so many great options for swimming, relaxing and just overall a great atmosphere. Very fancy but also so kids/family friendly.
We stayed at the Delemar twice now and cant wait to go back during the warmer mo ths. This hotel has so many great options for swimming, relaxing and just overall a great atmosphere. Very fancy but also so kids/family friendly.
Ryan D
Reviewed January 20, 2025Reviewed January 20, 2025
The best area to stay in Empire is directly within the village of Empire itself, a small community located on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The village of Empire is the heart of the area, offering direct access to Empire Beach and the Empire Bluffs Trailhead, both well-known local landmarks. Its main street, Front Street, features a few local eateries and shops. This area is particularly well-suited for families looking for a relaxed, nature-focused getaway.
Families will appreciate staying in Empire due to its immediate proximity to outdoor activities. Empire Beach provides a spacious area for children to play, swim, and enjoy the sunset over Lake Michigan. The nearby Empire Bluffs Trail offers a rewarding hike with panoramic views, suitable for families with older children.
What are the best hotels in Empire that travelers recommend?
Two of the best hotels in Empire that receive consistently high recommendations from travelers are the Dune Climb Inn and the Empire Lakeshore Inn.
The Dune Climb Inn, with a 9.2 rating, is praised for its fantastic location and comfortable beds and pillows. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a fireplace, a yard, and a patio, along with free self-parking. It is conveniently located near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Little Glen Lake.
Another highly recommended option is the Empire Lakeshore Inn, which has an 8.8 rating. Guests frequently compliment its clean, great rooms, excellent central location, and modern decor. It offers premium bedding and designer toiletries, and is well-situated for outdoor activities, with skiing and various ski areas nearby, as well as proximity to Empire Bluff Trail and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
What are the best family hotels in Empire?
For family-friendly hotels in Empire, consider Welcome to our farmhouse. Come and enjoy Empire. You will be happy you did., Empire Lakeshore Inn, and The Cottonwood Inn B&B.
Welcome to our farmhouse. Come and enjoy Empire. You will be happy you did., with a great 10.0 rating, offers a variety of amenities specifically designed for children, including toys, games, books, a highchair, and a stair gate, ensuring a comfortable stay for families. It is also conveniently located just 0.8 miles from Empire Bluff Trail and 4.2 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
The Empire Lakeshore Inn, rated 8.8, provides useful amenities for families such as cribs and free rollaway extra beds. The hotel is also well-suited for winter sports enthusiasts, with nearby ski options. Guests frequently mention the clean rooms, excellent central location, and lovely amenities. It is 0.8 miles from Empire Bluff Trail and 4.0 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
The 3.5-star Cottonwood Inn B&B, with an impressive 9.6 rating, offers free breakfast, including a full breakfast, and free self-parking, which are valuable for families. Free WiFi is also available. It is located 0.9 miles from Empire Bluff Trail and 3.8 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Empire
What hotels in Empire offer free breakfast?
For hotels in Empire that offer free breakfast, The Cottonwood Inn B&B is an excellent choice.
The 3.5-star Cottonwood Inn B&B, with an outstanding 9.6 rating, frequently receives praise for its complimentary full breakfast, ensuring a convenient start to your day. Guests also appreciate the free self-parking and the convenience of a kitchen, along with free WiFi. This inviting bed and breakfast is located close to the Empire Bluff Trail, just 0.9 miles away, and is also within easy reach of the scenic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is 3.8 miles away.
Maple Lane Empire, with an 8.6 rating, permits pets and is praised by guests for its comfortable and clean rooms and comfortable beds. It is conveniently located near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, just 0.4 miles away, and also close to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.
Another excellent choice is Dune Climb Inn, which has a 9.2 rating. This hotel permits pets and offers free WiFi and free self-parking. Guests consistently highlight its fantastic location and comfortable beds and pillows. It is also near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Little Glen Lake, with mountain climbing and mountain biking opportunities nearby. See more pet-friendly hotels in Empire
The Empire Lakeshore Inn, with an 8.8 rating, offers free WiFi and free self-parking. Guests often praise its clean and great rooms, excellent and central location, and lovely amenities. It is conveniently located near Empire Bluff Trail, just 0.8 miles away, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, at 4.0 miles.
Another fantastic option is the Dune Climb Inn, rated 9.2. This inn provides free WiFi and free self-parking, along with amenities like bicycle access. It's ideally situated near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, only 2.2 miles away, and Little Glen Lake, 1.2 miles away. Guests frequently highlight the fantastic location, comfortable beds, and great staff.
The Maple Lane Empire, with an 8.6 rating, features free self-parking and free toiletries, with rooms also including a kitchen. Guests appreciate the comfortable and clean rooms and comfortable beds. It boasts an exceptional location, being only 0.4 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and 1.0 mile from Little Glen Lake. View all budget hotels in Empire
What are the best hotels in Empire near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
The Dune Climb Inn, with an impressive 9.2 rating, is exceptionally close to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, just 2.2 miles away. Guests appreciate the free WiFi, complimentary self-parking, and the availability of bicycles. The location is also convenient for outdoor activities, with mountain climbing and mountain biking opportunities nearby, and Little Glen Lake is just over a mile away.
The 3.5-star The Cottonwood Inn B&B, rated 9.6, is another highly-rated option just 3.8 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It offers a travel crib and provides both free full breakfast and free WiFi, along with complimentary self-parking.
The Empire Lakeshore Inn, with an 8.8 rating, is located 4.0 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This inn offers a crib and rollaway extra beds free of charge, and it is well-suited for winter sports enthusiasts with nearby skiing, including downhill, cross-country, and ski lifts. Guests frequently praise its clean rooms, excellent central location, and modern decor.
When is the best time to go to Empire?
The best time to visit Empire, Michigan, largely depends on your preferred activities, with the summer months offering the warmest temperatures and the fullest range of outdoor options.
For those looking to enjoy the area's natural beauty and outdoor recreation, July and August are ideal. Temperatures are typically in the 70s Fahrenheit, superb for exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, swimming in Lake Michigan, or hiking the numerous trails. This period allows for comfortable access to beaches and water sports.
Early fall, specifically September and early October, is also an excellent time to visit for couples. The weather remains pleasant, and the crowds from summer begin to thin, offering a more tranquil experience.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Empire.
How much is the nightly rate at a Empire hotel?
Prices for hotels in Empire often vary, but you can find a great deal from $64 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for the cheapest rate.