Empire Lakeshore Inn

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

Photo gallery for Empire Lakeshore Inn

Exterior
Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds
Front of property
Exterior
Point of interest

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$204
includes taxes & fees
6 Feb - 7 Feb

Explore the area

View 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

King Bed Annex

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(46 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
LCD TV
Pillow menu
Private bathroom
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

2 Double Beds Annex

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(40 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Fridge
LCD TV
Pillow menu
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Shower/bath combination
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Deluxe, 2 Queen Beds

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(35 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Fridge
LCD TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Designer toiletries
Shower/bath combination
  • 33 sq m
  • 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 cots/infant beds
Fridge
LCD TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Empire

Empire Lakeshore Inn puts you in the heart of Empire, steps from Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and within a 15-minute stroll of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Highlights at this beach motel include in-room free WiFi, balconies and LCD TVs. .This Colonial motel offers free WiFi in public areas, a terrace and a garden. Additionally, you'll find a picnic area, express check-in and express check-out. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this Downtown Mmpire motel include Empire Bluff Trail and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

What's nearby

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Front Street - 32 min drive - 46.4 km
  • Crystal Mountain - 35 min drive - 48.7 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 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

Sandy fun near Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Empire Bluff Trail
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 a combined bath/shower unit and complimentary toiletries.

This Empire motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily) (for a fee)

Outdoors

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

Accessibility

  • No lift

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 and check-out are available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
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.

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.

  • Cleaning/housekeeping/linen 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-authorise 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise 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 all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Up to 4 children aged 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

Is parking available at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

Yep, Empire Lakeshore Inn has a free self car park.

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

As of 2 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Empire Lakeshore Inn on 6 Feb 2026 start from AU$203.80, including 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.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

No, Empire Lakeshore Inn does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Empire Lakeshore Inn?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Empire Lakeshore Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 593 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 251 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 87 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 35 out of 1000 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dominique

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
clean and comfortable room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and fresh upon arrival. Staff was very nice. AC worked just fine and the parking was great. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Empire!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana

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

Great place to stay

Late fall and it was chilly outside. Great heater to warm up the room before sleeping. Then we turned it down. Very comfortable. Easy access to village of Empire, the beach as well as to Glen Have, Glen Arbor and Leland Fishtown. It is one of our favorite places to stay in that area! Our third or fourth time!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renee, Owosso

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is our go-to place to stay in Empire. Always perfect for our visit to Sleeping Bear.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Ryan

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
We stayed at the annex so not sure on the newer motel. Annex is an older building that they have fixed up pretty nice. Walls are thin and they provide noise machines but if you have an active neighbor who likes to talk into the night you will hear them. Overall a nice motel for a place to sleep.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Manson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Like that there is a convenience store and gas station next door. Did not like that you can hear and feel people walking up the stairwell from the bottom floor next to it.
Stayed 2 nights 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

Travelled with partner
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

Courtney

Travelled with partner
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

david

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Modern clean
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joyce

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lonnie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very clean, close to everything we wanted to do.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 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

Mary

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dina

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was super clean and cozy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Lou

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Bo

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

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

Travelled 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