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Dune Climb Inn

Property class: 2

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Photo gallery for Dune Climb Inn

A bedroom with a large bed, wooden walls, a window with a view of the outdoors, and a ceiling fan. - Dune Climb Inn (Empire)
A cozy living room with a fireplace, a television, wooden shelves with books and decorations, and a blue armchair. - Dune Climb Inn (Empire)
A spacious living area with a wooden dining table, wicker furniture, and a fireplace. - Dune Climb Inn (Empire)
A metal fire pit with rocks around it, two Adirondack chairs, and a wooden structure in the background. - Dune Climb Inn (Empire)
A wooden signpost with two circular signs for Dune Climb Inn, a QR code, and a vacancy arrow. - Dune Climb Inn (Empire)
Dune Climb Inn provides a firepit and more. Active travelers can enjoy hiking/biking at this hotel. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Standard Studio (SS)

A wooden-paneled bedroom with a bed, nightstand, and window.

Standard Studio (SS)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Superior Studio, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed (BDS)

A bedroom with a wooden paneled wall, a bed with a green blanket, a grey sofa, and three framed pictures.

Superior Studio, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed (BDS)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Superior Studio (SWS)

A bedroom with wooden paneling, a bed with white bedding, a desk with a chair, and a bathroom with a sink and mirror.

Superior Studio (SWS)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Superior Studio (SWB)

A wooden-paneled room with a bed, a ceiling fan, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

Superior Studio (SWB)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Suite (2 BR)

A wooden-paneled room with a bed, a white headboard, a bedside table, and a ceiling fan.

Family Suite (2 BR)

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Suite (1 BR)

A bedroom with two beds, a ceiling fan, and three paintings on the wall.

Family Suite (1 BR)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Empire, Dune Climb Inn is in a national park and near the beach. Manitou Passage Golf Club and Mistwood Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Little Glen Lake. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Empire travel guide
Map
7194 S Dune Hwy, Empire, MI, 49630

What's nearby

  • A lakeside park with trees, chairs, and a boat on the water.
    Little Glen Lake
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A coastal landscape with a sandy dune, dense forest, and a large body of water.
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • A kayak on calm water with a cloudy sky above.
    Glen Lake
    6 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • A coastal landscape with a sandy beach and clear blue waters.
    Crystal River
    7 min drive - 5.7 miles
  • A porch leading to a beach with a cloudy sky.
    Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum
    8 min drive - 4.1 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
    48 min drive

Restaurants

  • Art's Tavern
    6 min drive
  • Boonedocks
    6 min drive
  • Trattoria Funistrada
    12 min drive
  • Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co.
    6 min drive
  • River Club Glen Arbor
    6 min drive

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  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (once per stay)

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • In a national park
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • Area rugs in room
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevator
  • Smooth flooring in room

More

  • 1 floor
  • Built in 1937
  • Renovated entire property - May 2024
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 43-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Freezer
  • Microwave

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 40 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 150 per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Pet deposit: USD 150 per stay
  • Pet fee: USD 40 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

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, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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

Frequently asked questions

Is Dune Climb Inn pet-friendly?

Yes, this hotel allows dogs (limit 1 total). There's a deposit of USD 150 per stay and a fee of USD 40 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Dune Climb Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Dune Climb Inn?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Dune Climb Inn located?

Situated in a national park, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Little Glen Lake and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is 1.9 mi (3 km) away.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Dune Climb Inn Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

9.0

Amenities

9.2

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 73 out of 106 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 106 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 106 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 106 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 106 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brittany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Tired mom of 4 snuck away for some r&r. Great proximity to the beautiful county beaches, cozy simple clean room. Would definitely come again - with or without the family :)
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Lynne

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Room #8 could have been cleaner. Bugs in the overhead light fixture and cobwebs in the room. Location was great.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Family friendly, right on the Heritage Bike path, and within walking distance to The Dune Climb. The community room was a wonderful ammenity.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

SAMBHAJI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very conveniently located.. We did silver river kayaking, dune climb and sleeping bear dune climb at scenic drive. All are within 2-3 miles distance and we were able to come back in middle of day after one activity to relax a bit, wash off sand, take shower .. which was very nice... Owner was excellent too.. We reached very late and office was closed. She kept curtains off and lights on. Sent me text that room is kept ready ans key is hung inside room.. We were bit worried at first on how to reach out as there was no phone network in the area
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Christina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect location, room was clean and staff was super responsive, would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable, and cozy for me and my pet. Loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It is a nice, clean, comfortable place to stay. We would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a great stay plus the bed was super comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, clean and close to the dunes
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, comfy beds and pillows.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Liked: Cleanliness
Convenient to all attractions, rustic but lovely. Loved the cottage feel
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location; great historic/retro road trip vibe.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were clean and had a nice retro look to them. Was nice that they had a fire pit area and chairs to hang out in outside.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joe

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great roadside inn. Room was cozy and perfect. I visited in winter when most tourist amenities are closed, so glad this inn stays open. Fridge, microwave, and fully-stocked coffee machine were very helpful. Everything was clean and staff was very nice to leave the light on for me when I told them I was arriving late at night. I will definitely stay here again. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nikki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So we pulled up. My boyfriend said “omg you rented a crappy motel” I said “don’t judge a book by its cover! It’s cute!” We get inside and it’s like a small cabin vibe feel. Reminds me of summer as a kid staying at the cabin with a modern touch. When I rent places the biggest thing I worry about is the beds. We are super spoiled with our bed at home because I’ve gone all out on making sure it’s the most comfy bed ever. But you don’t get that when you stay places. Well this little gem…. Surprised us. I think it was memory foam. Wasn’t too soft, but wasn’t too firm. It was just right. I did bring my own bedding because I’m picky. So in my opinion this was better then a super over priced hotel stay in the area that could potentially have hard as a rock beds. Quiet time starts at 10pm so that was nice. Never was bothered by people being loud. It was honestly the perfect little gem to have a bed to sleep in at night after a day of exploring. It was everything we needed. Plus the location was pretty awesome for what our plans were. We will be back :)
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Will

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Beautiful sky at night.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marianne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful management for check in and out. Also quiet. Close to Sleeping Bear Dunes! Bed very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Convenient place to stay to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes. The room was fine, the bedroom area was very nice. The bathroom was good but could use some updating.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jenny

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Great amenities like borrowing bikes and having a common room available for use (stove, dishes, utensils, etc.). Perfect location to dunes.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was cozy, clean and had everything I needed esp coffee maker, microwave and refrigerator. I especially liked that it is located on the Heritage Trail so I could easily walk out the hotel door and walk or bike the trail. The management was responsive quickly to my questions. Thanks for a nice stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property. Great location. Very clean and comfortable beds. Very helpful staff as well.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cherrie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked the shared kitchen and outdoor spaces. The location was fantastic
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Eugene

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

Cozy motel in a spectacular setting

My room was cozy and a throwback to a bygone era, but with modern amenities.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Naomi

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

Great place for hikers.

Basic but very nice. Comfortable and convenient. Great place to stay to hike in the area.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was an awesome hotel… we were able to use the community room. The rooms were so cute with vintage frig.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025