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Dune Climb Inn

2.0 star property
Hotel in Empire with free parking

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Photo gallery for Dune Climb Inn

Children's play area - outdoor
Family Suite (2 BR) | Private kitchen | Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker
Superior Studio (SWS) | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Family Suite (1 BR) | Living area | Flat-screen TV
Exterior

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Superior Studio (SWB)

Superior Studio (SWB) | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Studio (SWB)

Highlights

Yard
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
  • 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) | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Standard Studio (SS)

Standard Studio (SS) | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Studio (SS)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Family Suite (2 BR)

Family Suite (2 BR) | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite (2 BR)

Highlights

Patio
Yard
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Separate bathtub and shower
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Suite (1 BR)

Family Suite (1 BR) | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite (1 BR)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Yard
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Superior Studio (SWS)

Superior Studio (SWS) | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Studio (SWS)

Highlights

Yard
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Map
7194 S Dune Hwy, Empire, MI, 49630

What's nearby

  • Little Glen Lake - 1 min drive - 0.4 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
  • Crystal River - 9 min drive - 9.1 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cherry Republic - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Arts Tavern - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Boone Dock's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Blu - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Dune Climb Inn

Hotel remodeled in 2024 and located near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Dune Climb Inn provides a firepit and more. Adventurous travelers may like the hiking/biking at this hotel. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • Free self parking
  • Free bicycle rentals, meeting rooms, and charcoal grills
  • A vending machine, a nature reserve, and outdoor furniture
Room features
All guestrooms at Dune Climb Inn have comforts such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Private yards, coffee/tea makers, and limited housekeeping

Languages

English

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  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
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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

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 elevator
  • 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

  • Private 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 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
1 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
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
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

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Dune Climb Inn pet-friendly?

Yes, this hotel allows pets (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 at Dune Climb Inn?

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 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Little Glen Lake and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Dune Climb Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 46 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10

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

10/10

Great location, comfy beds and pillows.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10

Perfect location; great historic/retro road trip vibe.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10

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

Delightful, rustic stay. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10

I liked the shared kitchen and outdoor spaces. The location was fantastic
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10

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

8/10

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

8/10

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

This is the perfect spot for quick trip to the dunes. Great location. Quiet and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10

Staff was very accommodating. We arrived early and they quickly finished preparations and let us in early.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10

It was adorable! It also smelled very clean when we entered our room.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10

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

8/10

Great location. Close to dunes. Quiet and very comfortable. Refrigerator in cabin 5 was not working.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10

We enjoyed spending time with our dog and walking the trails. The dune climb and driving trail were both close by. Our room was very comfortable. We spent our meal time in the community room. It was nice to have a spot to eat.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10

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

There was zero cellular reception around the Inn. Thankfully the WiFi worked amazing.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10

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

8/10

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

We should have gotten one of the larger rooms. We didn't realize how small the room we got was.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10

Kevim has done a great job renovating the Dune Climb Inn since he purchased it in April. Very comfortable bed and beautiful surroundings. You are on a bike path that can take you to the Glen Haven Beach and Dune Climb Park as well as other area attractions. It has a fire pit and outdoor furniture. Only negative was the shower. It was small and has yellow stains. It also forms a puddle at the bottom as it runs.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10

Could be an amazing place but falls short of that. Love the location between Empire and Glen Arbor right on the Heritage bike trail. Attention to detail is lacking. The ceiling fan in our unit had no control over the speed or the overhead light on the fan. The smoke alarm was removed. A floor lamp in the room next to the only chair would be nice. Though overall cleanliness of the unit was fine, a deep cleaning would be beneficial. The grounds of the property overgrown and unkempt. We would likely stay here again however it would not be our first choice
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10

Für eine Nacht völlig ok. Es ist eine einfache Unterkunft, das Zimmer klein und z.T. etwas in die Jahre gekommen, aber dennoch charmant eingerichtet. Wir haben nichts zu bemängeln.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10

Great place
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025