Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

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
Exterior
Point of interest
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

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 13 - Sep 14
Check availability for tonight Sep 13 - Sep 14

Tomorrow

Sep 14 - Sep 15
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 14 - Sep 15
Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

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
(34 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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
(38 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Pillow menu
Designer toiletries
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double 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
(17 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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)

Highlights

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

About the neighborhood

Located in Empire, Empire Lakeshore Inn is in the city center and near the beach. Empire Bluff Trail and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Old Indian Trail. Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum are two other places to visit that come recommended. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and downhill skiing, or check out other outdoor activities such as snow tubing and snowmobiling.
Visit our Empire travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Motels in EmpireOpens in a new window
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
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Friendly Tavern - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Little Finger Eatery - ‬4 min walk

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

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 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).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Empire Lakeshore Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 569 out of 983 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 258 out of 983 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 87 out of 983 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 983 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 34 out of 983 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

Christina

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

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

Anne

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Dany

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

8/10 Good

Sally

Disliked: Amenities
Stayed at the Annex facility. Office closed on morning of check ou.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leah

Clean!!!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent accommodation
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

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

10/10 Excellent

Kendall

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

10/10 Excellent

Chris

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

8/10 Good

Kristin

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

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved our stay! Super cute and clean!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed a couple of nights for a girls weekend. Loved the area (small town). Very comfortable beds and clean rooms. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 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

6/10 Okay

Pamela

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
We stayed in the annex and you had to drive or walk across the street through an EZ Mart parking lot to get ice in the main building and that wasn’t very convenient. Also there were no USB plugs in the room which seems below par in my travel experience. And a small roach in my bed one night. It was very convenient to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

  • † More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 – 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia ®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.