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Dune Climb Inn

2.0 star property
Hotel in Empire with free parking

Photo gallery for Dune Climb Inn

Family Suite (2 BR) | Living area
Superior Studio, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed (BDS)
Family Suite (2 BR) | Living area
BBQ/picnic Area
Family Suite (1 BR) | Private kitchen

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included
  • Business services
The current price is NZ$238
includes taxes & fees
19 Oct - 20 Oct

Explore the area

View map
7194 S Dune Hwy, Empire, MI, 49630
  • Place, Little Glen Lake
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪55 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior Studio (SWB)

Superior Studio (SWB)

Superior Studio (SWB)

Highlights

Garden
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
Pet friendly
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

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

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Garden
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Standard Studio (SS)

Standard Studio (SS)

Standard Studio (SS)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Garden
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Suite (2 BR)

Family Suite (2 BR)

Family Suite (2 BR)

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Separate bath and shower
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Suite (1 BR)

Family Suite (1 BR)

Family Suite (1 BR)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Garden
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Superior Studio (SWS)

Superior Studio (SWS)

Superior Studio (SWS)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Garden
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Coffee/tea maker
Pet friendly
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Empire

At Dune Climb Inn you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Little Glen Lake and 3 km (1.9 mi) from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Highlights at this hotel include free in-room WiFi. .Enjoy access to free bike hire and hiking/biking trails. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a microwave in a common area and a fridge in a common area. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .With a stay at this Empire hotel, you'll be 5.6 km (3.5 mi) from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

What's nearby

  • Little Glen Lake - 1 min drive - 0.4 km
  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - 4 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 7 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Glen Lake - 7 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum - 9 min drive - 6.6 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cherry Republic - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Mill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Art's Tavern - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Boonedocks - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co. - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Dune Climb Inn

Hotel in Empire with free parking
Dune Climb Inn offers its guests barbecue grills, a vending machine, and a picnic area. Public spaces have free WiFi. Dune Climb Inn also features a television in common area, a microwave in a common area, and a fridge in a common area. Free self parking is available. A complete renovation of Dune Climb Inn was completed in May 2024.

This Empire hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 floor
  • 14 guestrooms or units
  • Conference rooms
  • Built in 1937
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
Dune Climb Inn offers 14 air-conditioned accommodations, with coffee/tea makers. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered once per stay and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

Similar properties

Exterior

Empire Lakeshore Inn

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 996 reviews
Empire Lakeshore Inn

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site

Things to do

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

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

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 1 floor
  • Built in 1937
  • Renovated entire property - May 2024
  • Smoke-free property
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 43-inch flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Air conditioning

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • Pets: USD 40 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 150 per stay
  • Maximum 1 pets
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

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, debit cards and cash
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, American Express, Discover, debit cards and cash.

Property is also known as

Dune Climb Inn Hotel
Dune Climb Inn Empire
Dune Climb Inn Hotel Empire

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Dune Climb Inn?

Dune Climb Inn offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Dune Climb Inn?

As of 29 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dune Climb Inn on 19 Oct 2025 start from NZ$237.60, 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 parking available at Dune Climb Inn?

Yep, Dune Climb Inn has a free self car park.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Dune Climb Inn?

No, Dune Climb Inn does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Dune Climb Inn?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Dune Climb Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 65 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 65 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 65 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 65 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Annemarie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cute, clean room. Easy check in. Comfy beds.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

lisa

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Brady

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really wonderful place to stay. Very cute & quaint spot, loved the convenience of the check-in & out. space was super snug & the bathroom door & window couldn’t fully close. also was kind of nervous about how chill the door lock was lol. otherwise truly loved staying here & would again!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Mary

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The manager was extremely nice and accommodating to us. Our room was clean but very small and the bathroom was in need of updating. The area is beautiful and this was convenient.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mami

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed at the Family Suite (2 BR). It was recently renovated and clean. The staff we met were all very nice. The kitchen in the Family Suite had plates, silverware, cups, coffee maker, coffee, creamer, plastic wrap, etc. Very convenient! Looked like the community room also had similar things. They sell bottles of water in front of the office (cash or venmo only). The location is really convenient, few minute drive to Pierce Stocking Scenic drive and the dune climb. 7 minute drive to Glen Arbor or Empire for shopping and dining.
Family Suite (2 BR)
Family Suite (2 BR)
Back yard
Family Suite (2 BR)
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Dawn

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

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets, Travelled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eugene

Travelled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

N

Travelled with partner
Great place
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Alicia

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Lynnette

Business traveller
Disliked: Staff & service
The property appears to be closed for the season; however, did permit booking a room. The television did not work on first night, dead ladybug and dust on bedspread, thick dust behind furniture (had to plug charger in) and on the ceiling fan. The room is very small with only space to walk around bed and does not have table or chair to sit at for work space. They do have a nice common area but being the only one on the premises at dark was not somewhere I would choose to sit!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brett

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Inn was located in the perfect spot to get places, but be outside the busy areas. The room was very cozy and the bed was extremely comfortable. The community room was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian

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

8/10 Good

Michelle

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Really nice spot, with access to dunes. Room was mostly clean, with minor dust and some cobwebs in bathroom. Really thin walls! Can hear neighbors TV, door slamming in the morning when they left! Could use better black out curtains for windows and in bathroom (completely see through). Overall, really good location and Was able to bring my dog 🐶
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Joy, Jenison

Liked: Cleanliness
Motel room was clean, comfortable bed and hot water in shower. Property had a nice community room, grills and fire pit areas. Very convenient for enjoying Sleeping Bear Dunes area. We would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian

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

10/10 Excellent

Pam

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very accommodating. We arrived early and they quickly finished preparations and let us in early.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

Yaoyao, Solana Beach

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Adam

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very good stay, and would do it again. Staff was great. Very clean. Bathroom sink needs to be replaced, and bathroom could use exhaust fan. Common room was cozy and inviting. Very to close to nearby attractions.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Rustic Getaway in the Woods

Perfect spot for anyone planning to spend time in Sleeping Bear or just traveling on M22! Very rustic and humble, it allows you to spend time in nature away from light pollution and people. We were able to see the Northern Lights while sitting next to a bonfire that we built with wood supplied by the hosts. Absolutely perfect spot. If you're wary of spiders, be prepared.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melinda

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

STEPHEN

Travelled with partner
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Great location. Close to dunes. Quiet and very comfortable. Refrigerator in cabin 5 was not working.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024