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Summary of reviewsEmpire Lakeshore Inn is highly praised by guests for its prime location in the charming town of Empire, Michigan. Situated near the awe-inspiring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the inn offers easy access to various local attractions, including scenic trails, picturesque beaches, and the iconic dune climb. Its location provides convenient proximity to the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Empire's quaint downtown, filled with delightful shops and restaurants. Visitors appreciate the short stroll to the beach for tranquil sunset views over Lake Michigan, and the ease of reaching nearby towns like Leland, Glen Arbor, and Suttons Bay.
Guests consistently commend the inn's clean, spacious, and modern accommodations. The rooms are well-equipped with practical amenities such as microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers, and adorned with fresh, modern decor that enhances the inviting atmosphere. Comfort is further elevated by the extremely comfortable beds, contributing to restful nights. Although some minor issues like smaller bed sizes and firm pillows are noted, the overall satisfaction remains high due to the immaculate condition and appealing layout of the rooms.
The Empire Lakeshore Inn excels in cleanliness, offering a spotless and well-maintained environment that guests find both welcoming and serene. This commitment to cleanliness extends to the accommodations' modern and updated furnishings, creating a refreshing retreat for travelers. The peaceful setting and newness of the property ensure a tranquil experience, allowing guests to unwind in comfort.
Staff at the inn are frequently highlighted for their friendliness and accommodating demeanor. Reviews describe the check-in process as smooth and hassle-free, with the staff's attentiveness leaving a lasting positive impression. Mark, in particular, receives accolades for his exceptional hospitality. While there are occasional mentions of limited housekeeping, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests expressing a desire to return due to the warm and inviting atmosphere created by the staff.
Although the inn does not offer breakfast and nearby dining options can be limited, especially off-season, guests enjoy the convenience of in-room amenities like single-serving Keurig coffeemakers for a morning coffee fix. The absence of breakfast is mitigated by the inn's location, making it easy to explore local restaurants and cafes.
Empire Lakeshore Inn stands out as a favored lodging choice, offering a superb balance of quality, comfort, and convenience. With its hospitable staff and well-appointed rooms, it comes highly recommended for visitors to Empire, Michigan, and is likely to become a beloved destination for future stays. Show more
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Categories
Small Hotel
Situated in Empire, this inn offers comfortable lodging near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The location allows for easy access to outdoor activities and scenic views of Lake Michigan.
3-Star Hotel
This Inn is located close to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Empire Bluff Trail. The rooms are clean and comfortable with amenities such as free WiFi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and coffee makers. Select rooms include a balcony.
Family Friendly Hotel
Room Types
Double Room with Two Double BedsThis quadruple room has a flat-screen cable TV, free WiFi access, and a mini-fridge.
Deluxe King RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor as well as a quiet street view. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Queen Room with Two Queen BedsThis air-conditioned quadruple room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a private bathroom as well as a patio. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
Location
Nestled in the charming town of Empire, Empire Lakeshore Inn offers an idyllically central location for those keen on exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Guests consistently praise its proximity to an array of local attractions, providing easy access to scenic trails, picturesque beaches, and the iconic dune climb. The inn's location not only places visitors right next to the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center but also within easy walking distance of Empire's quaint downtown, dotted with delightful stores and restaurants.
For those looking to unwind, the beach is only a short stroll away, perfect for enjoying a tranquil sunset by Lake Michigan. Moreover, reaching other nearby towns and attractions, including Leland, Glen Arbor, and Suttons Bay, is a breeze, making the inn the ideal base for broader exploration of the region. The property's convenience doesn't end there; guests appreciate its easy accessibility to essential amenities, including a gas station and various dining options.
Complementing its prime location, Empire Lakeshore Inn garners praise for the cleanliness and comfort of its rooms, ensuring a pleasant stay amidst the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Whether visiting for a relaxing retreat or active exploration, this well-situated inn stands out as a favored choice for experiencing the best of Empire and its stunning surroundings.
Breakfast
Travelers staying at the Empire Lakeshore Inn may need to plan ahead when it comes to breakfast, as the hotel itself does not offer a breakfast option. Nearby dining selections can also be limited, especially during the off-season, with the nearest full breakfast opportunity located about eight miles away. Although some guests felt that a simple continental breakfast would have been a welcome addition given the room rates, which some considered on the higher side, there are still options for a satisfying morning meal. The Shipwreck Cafe received positive mentions as a delightful spot for breakfast in the area. In-room amenities like single-serving Keurig coffeemakers provide a convenient start to the day with a fresh cup of coffee. Despite the breakfast constraints, guests appreciated the friendly staff and efficient check-in process, contributing to an overall pleasant stay at the inn.
Rooms
Empire Lakeshore Inn receives high marks from guests for its clean, spacious, and modern accommodations. With a prime location next to the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center, the inn offers convenient access to beaches and local attractions. Visitors appreciate the quiet setting and the peacefulness of the older building's rooms, despite the simplicity of amenities like the small bathrooms and occasional low water pressure. Rooms are often described as well-equipped, featuring comfortable beds, bright furnishings, and practical extras such as microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers. The decor is frequently highlighted for its freshness and modern aesthetic, contributing to a charming and welcoming atmosphere. Guests find the natural light in rooms appealing, and the option to open windows further enhances the experience. Although smaller beds and air conditioning issues were noted, overall satisfaction remains high due to the immaculate condition and recent renovations of the rooms. The property also benefits from its proximity to local dining and activities, making it a favorite choice for visitors to Empire.
Beds
Empire Lakeshore Inn consistently receives praise for its extremely comfortable beds, providing guests with wonderful sleep experiences. Many reviewers highlight the beds as very comfortable or super comfy, often accompanied by a clean and well-maintained environment. The bedding and mattresses are noted as being fresh, new, and of high quality, with some guests appreciating the firmness of the mattresses and the coziness of the blankets.
While the beds themselves earn commendations, the pillows receive mixed reviews, with some guests finding them too hard, despite others appreciating their comfort. Overall, the comfort of the beds and the cleanliness of the rooms stand out as redeeming features amidst occasional minor issues like the firmness of pillows or small bed sizes.
Guests generally enjoy the above-average quality of the bedding and mattresses, finding them to be a highlight of their stay. The Inn manages to combine coziness with a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a pleasing experience for travelers visiting this small town.
Cleanliness
Empire Lakeshore Inn boasts an impressive reputation for cleanliness among its guests. The rooms, often described as immaculate, are not only clean but also comfortable and well-maintained, providing a restful retreat after a day of exploration. Many reviewers appreciate the modern and updated furnishings, contributing to a fresh and welcoming atmosphere. Situated in a convenient location near the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the inn offers easy access to the beach and local restaurants, encapsulating both tranquility and accessibility. The property is noted for being exceptionally quiet, ensuring a peaceful stay with an environment that calms the senses. Guests also highlight the newness and cleanliness of the accommodations, making it a highly recommended choice for those seeking a spotless and serene getaway. The presence of high-quality amenities, including a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, adds to the comfort and convenience experienced by visitors. Overall, Empire Lakeshore Inn is frequently lauded for exceeding expectations in providing a clean and pleasant stay.
Staff
The reviews for Empire Lakeshore Inn highlight a consistently positive experience with its staff. Guests frequently mention the friendly and accommodating nature of the team, emphasizing their helpfulness and warmth during stays. Check-in processes are described as smooth and hassle-free, with specific compliments directed at the welcoming demeanor of the desk personnel and innkeepers. Mark, in particular, receives accolades for his exceptional hospitality, being described as one of the best hosts encountered by patrons.
While most of the staff are praised for going above and beyond in ensuring a comfortable stay, there are a few notes about occasional lapses in service, such as limited housekeeping and isolated instances of less helpful interactions. Despite these minor issues, the overall sentiment remains highly favorable, with many visitors expressing a desire to return, citing the staff's responsiveness and the inviting atmosphere they create. Overall, the warmth and attentive service of the Empire Lakeshore Inn's staff seem to leave a lasting positive impression on its guests.
3 Star
Empire Lakeshore Inn, located in the charming village of Empire, Michigan, offers travelers a cozy and comfortable retreat with a great location. Nestled within walking distance to restaurants and a small but lovely beach, the inn provides convenient access to local attractions, making it an ideal spot for visitors looking to explore the area.
The inn boasts modern, renovated rooms that ensure a pleasant stay. Travelers have praised the accommodations for being immaculate, with spacious bathrooms and efficient showers. The friendly and accommodating staff enhances the experience by delivering excellent service, ensuring guests feel welcomed and well cared for during their visit.
While some guests noted the walls are somewhat thin, the quiet overnight rules help create a peaceful environment for restful sleep. Despite occasional noise from neighboring rooms, the overall experience remains positive for many.
Although the inn doesn't offer suites or roll-away options, making it slightly less convenient for larger groups or families, the reasonable pricing and overall value make it a great choice for visitors to the Empire area. The efficient check-out process and welcoming atmosphere leave a lasting impression, encouraging several guests to express their intent to return.
In summary, Empire Lakeshore Inn stands out as a superb lodging option, balancing quality, comfort, and a prime location. With its hospitable staff and well-appointed rooms, it comes highly recommended for anyone visiting Empire, Michigan, and is likely to become a favorite spot to return to in the future.
No, Empire Lakeshore Inn doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Empire Lakeshore Inn.
No, Empire Lakeshore Inn doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Empire Lakeshore Inn.