Empire Lakeshore Inn

Marianne Rodriguez

2024-05

I stayed here with my boyfriend and our dog, and we had a great time. The room was great, the access to the grass (for the dog) was perfect, the location is walking distance to restaurants, stores, gas station and the beach. Also the owner of the place is very welcoming and friendly.Hopefully we will come back again next year.

Stacey Bales

2023-09

Great location within walking distance to restaurants, shops and the beach! Our room and the property were in great condition and clean. Check in was super easy. The bed was comfortable and the room had the basic amenities: fridge, coffee maker, hair dryer and even a sound machine. We stayed over Labor Day weekend and the hotel was sold out, but we didn't notice any noise from other rooms which was nice! Oh and the shower head is awesome :) Thanks for a great stay! Can't wait to visit again!

Linda Hammons

2023-11

Super Clean, quiet place to stay. Walk to the beach and see the sunset (drive in winter). Friendly small town with plenty of hiking around the National Park and beaches. Very friendly staff, we have stayed here twice , the rooms are super clean and comfortable!!Nearby activities: National park, sand dunes, beachesSafety: Very quiet little townWalkability: Short walk to the beach, Joes friendly tavern, a antique shop, sandwich shop,

Kyle High

2023-10

*writing under a pseudonym*Location is good, close to the beach, but beware! First night was OK, second night my wife woke up to find many itchy red marks. On inspection we found a large bed bug - see photo. To be fair I did not note other travelers having this issue based on the reviews so perhaps its something new that's come up, but best check the beds carefully. We were located on the 2nd floor of the annex building.

Chelsea Brown

2023-07

This place is beautiful! Look no further for a great spot to rest your head at night! The beds are so comfortable. The rooms are very clean and beautifully remodeled. The hotel is in a great central location to many places around that you'd like to visit. Some good places to get food are within walking distance. There are a few places to shop just steps away. Not to mention the beach and sand dunes are a short drive away.Rooms: Very clean rooms!Nearby activities: Sleeping bear dunes, bike rentals, hiking, beachSafety: I felt very safe in this areaWalkability: Great location for walking to some food places and activities

Debra Wynne

2023-09

Location and cleanliness was great however we got NO sleep. We could hear the upstairs renters ALL night. Not nearly enough insulation between rooms. You hear everything. If you aren’t there to sleep it’s perfect. We even questioned people upstairs to see if they were working on renovations (that’s how loud they were). Don’t think we will ever stay again.

Nelly McCormick

2023-10

Tried to stay there for a couple of nights, made the booking through a third party, and didn't know my credit card wasn't going through(fraudulent purchase protection from my banking.) Called the Lakeshore Inn to let them know I was getting there late but before I said anything the man who answered the phone was very rude and very frustrated that my credit card didn't work, I was at work, didn't have my credit card with me at the moment and he was very insisted on my credit cards number or a different credit card RIGHT NOW! Once again said I was at work give me some time. He proceeded to call me over 10 times in the span of 10 minutes which was very rude and unprofessional (super rude, telling me things like “I do not have time for this,” and “I’ll just give away your room to someone else your room.”) So if I didn't call to let them know I was getting late I would get there with no room and no call or text from anyone! Very very unprofessional for sure! It made me feel like my bank was right and I was being scammed! I ended up staying in a much better hotel where every penny was worth it.I won't recommend this place to anyone!Horrible customer service!

Armando Iaizzo

2023-08

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P McIntyre

2023-10

We were just here overnight. Check-in is at 4. The room is near but not on, Lake Michigan. Just a quick drive. It's also close enough to walk.Our room had a very comfortable king bed, a fridge, large bathroom, and lots of pillows. We would definitely stay here again.One caution, Empire is a very small town, not many restaurants, and no movie theater, but it does have quaint shops to visit.

Jason Rurpight

2024-04

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Kerri Hodges

2023-10

Wow!!! Truly impressed! We took a chance on this place and called from the parking lot to reserve our room. Rooms were beautiful and clean. A definite favorite of our weeklong road trip through Michigan.Rooms: Clean!!! Fresh and beautiful.

Chad & Kristen VH

2023-08

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oompa loompa

2023-12

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Birder and Hiker

2023-05

I stayed 3 nights last week in the newer building, which is across the street from the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center. My room was very clean and comfortable. Bed was super comfortable. Neighborhood, the entire town seemed safe. One warning: currently there seems to be no place for breakfast (that I could find) or place to purchase breakfast items. Coffee is provided in the rooms, so come prepared with what else you need. There is no grocery store. Surprisingly, the gas station next door doesn't have fresh pastry or donuts! However, down the street to the west is a house that sells baked items at a sidewalk stand. Food was great. There are at least 2 good restaurants close by for lunch/dinner. The people running this hotel are friendly and responsive. I will definitely stay here again when I visit the Dunes.

Mr L

2023-09

Pot smoking infested nasty place. Confronted management and was told it is what it is deal with it or leave. Rooms and beds dated for what you get for the money not worth it. Look at other reviews they state the same thing. Charge my card extra fees that I was NOT AWARE OF called them on it and they hang up. Rude and to top it off got a rash on my leg that I'm sure came from there sheets or beds.

Taylor Clarke

2023-05

Was so pleasantly surprised by our room! Booked last minute and coming in at night to a VERY CLEAN ROOM was so wonderful!!! Super nice shower and bathroom, clean and new carpet and simple clean furnishings. Beds were very comfy with clean bleached blankets and sheets. Simple hotel layout with great service, highly recommend for couples or small families looking to stay close to the dunes or downtown Glen Arbor!

Kristina Bunnell

2023-05

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Jeannie Miernik

2023-05

Affordable, great location a short walk from the beach and everything we needed, laid-back vibe with everything clean and new. Although the place is friendly for families and pets, we were surprised at how quiet and peaceful it was as well. The motel structure with open-air corridors and stairs also felt safer in the time of covid. Our room was large, and we appreciated having a coffee maker, fridge, and microwave inside.

Rebecca Stafford

2023-06

This motel is great, it's got everything you need and its beautiful, the staff is wonderful, and it's near some great hiking. I would give it a 5 if the people next to me were not yelling so much.I would definitely stay again.

Diana Kirtland

2023-05

Great hotel. Very clean. Quiet boutique hotel. Wish room had a list of businesses with address and brief explanation. We discovered the hotel is close to downtown businesses. Shipwreck Cafe around the corner for breakfast and coffee. Pizza place too. Secret Garden gift shop is nice for souvenirs for everyone on your list. Support small business.

The Boughan Ranch

2023-05

Great location for sure. This great location is reflected in the price, so the room itself would not be considered a good value. The construction seems to be "builder grade"/basic. The management caters toward individuals that just want to use the room to sleep. Our group was large and they did not want us to congregate anywhere on the hotel grounds.

Asmita Idate

2022-05

We loved this cute little inn! We were happy to find a dog friendly stay. The inn is newly updated and super comfortable, our golden retriever loved it especially. Everything was cleaned and presented well, a keurig was available for coffee and tea in the morning. Owner and staff were courteous and kind. Close to the Sleeping Bear Dunes. If you have a dog and are looking for a great place to stay, this is it!

Rob Turner

2023-05

Nothing but the best. Cleanest rooms I’ve ever been in. Everything is fresh and new and well taken care. Management was very friendly and helpful from the office staff to the cleaning staff, even the handyman was friendly. Location is great. Nice and quiet and within short walks to anything you could need. Hands down the nicest place in the area. Would definitely recommend!

Will Hardaway

2023-10

Small town hotel with clean rooms. Rooms have recently been updated and are very clean. Check in/out was very easy. Would stay againRooms: Recently updated and really nice

Chanin Gilman

2023-05

The Empire Lakeshore Inn was a great place to stay for our visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes NP. The new building location has been very nicely appointed. The rooms are bright and cheery and clean. The decor is classic and comfortable. There is no breakfast, but tea and coffee are provided in the room with a microwave, fridge and coffee maker. There is no water view, but there is only a short drive over to a lakeshore park where you can enjoy Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes is only about a 15 min drive from the hotel. You can walk to the NP Visitor Center, a couple of restaurants and a couple of small shops.

Lou Schultz

2020-05

The room was nice for being a new motel. But I would of thought being a new build that it would of had more sound proofing. People walking up the stairs and in room above you were heard pain as day. We stayed in one of the two pet friendly rooms even thought we did not have a pet. The floors were vinyl and tracked the sand through out. They had coffee in the morning but did not see any breakfast or even a granola bar. The king bed was very firm, the shower was good and had a ton of grab bars. It is in a great spot for visiting the area. Just when you come up if you eat at the restaurant in Glen Arbor they think they should all charge 5 start prices. We will stay again if we are in the area.

Melanie

2022-05

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Amanda Dantzer

2021-05

Stayed three nights in the new location . The room was clean. location was perfect for walking to town or bluffs. Short drive to dunes. The room was a little small for being a “deluxe queen”. The only two negatives about our experience : no dresser for clothes . And our sheets were never changed during our stay. Both I could deal with. Not a big deal and we would definitely return!

Tammy Sack

2022-05

We will certainly be coming back to this basic, clean inn. It was ready when promised, clean and had all the things you needed for a home away from home. Little touches like signs types up to assist with things such as regulating the shower water we’re very helpful. Parking was adequate and close. Little convenience store close by (walking distance) for snacks and drinks. Our room even had a sound machine. That was a nice touch I have never seen in a hotel. Make sure you stop by Empire Village Inn and check out their craft beer selection, great food and friendly staff.

Millie Johnson

2022-05

It was a bit confusing as to where the new motel is located. It says across the street, but is actually across the street and on the other side of the gas station.We could walk or bike to restaurants and the beach. Easy parking and in and out.The room was very comfortable and the beds/pillows were great. The staff was also great. The only thing I would recommend is using top down blinds. It would be nice to get in some fresh air and light, but since everyone walks past your window, you must keep the blinds down for privacy. It would be nice to be able to have the top down and still have privacy. I would book this again.