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The Cottonwood Inn B&B

3.5 star property
Victorian bed & breakfast in Empire with free breakfast

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Cottonwood Inn B&B

Beach
Front of property
The Cottonwood Carriage House | Private kitchen
The Cottonwood Carriage House | Living area | Flat-screen TV
Trillium Room | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, travel cot
The Cottonwood Inn B&B offers a peaceful retreat near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Guests enjoy a warm full breakfast, explore the tranquil garden, and unwind by the evening firepit. Free self-parking and outdoor furniture complete this relaxing getaway.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Check availability for tonight Oct 1 - Oct 2
Tomorrow
Oct 2 - Oct 3
Check availability for tomorrow Oct 2 - Oct 3
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Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for The Empire Room

The Empire Room | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, travel cot

The Empire Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Garden
Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for The Sunset Room

The Sunset Room | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, travel cot

The Sunset Room

Highlights

Garden
Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for The Monarch Room

The Monarch Room | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, travel cot

The Monarch Room

Highlights

Garden
Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for The Cottonwood Room

The Cottonwood Room | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, travel cot

The Cottonwood Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Garden
Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Trillium Room

Trillium Room | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, travel cot

Trillium Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Garden
Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Trundle Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for The Roen Room

The Roen Room | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, travel cot

The Roen Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Garden
Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Trundle Bed

View all photos for The Cottonwood Carriage House

The Cottonwood Carriage House | Living area | Flat-screen TV

The Cottonwood Carriage House

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Garden
Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed
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About the area

Located in Empire, The Cottonwood Inn B&B is in a national park. 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 Little Glen Lake. Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Glen Lake are two other places to visit that come recommended.
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Map
9583 W Front St, Empire, MI, 49630

What's nearby

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 4 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - 7 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Little Glen Lake - 9 min drive - 9.4 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Joes Friendly Tavern - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪La Becasse - ‬14 min drive

About this property

The Cottonwood Inn B&B

Bed & breakfast near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Located close to Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Empire Bluff Trail, The Cottonwood Inn B&B provides free full breakfast, a firepit and a garden. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • Free self-parking
  • Outdoor furniture
Room features
All rooms are individually furnished, and boast comforts such as furnished patios and air conditioning, as well as thoughtful touches such as free WiFi and separate sitting areas.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with baths or showers and hairdryers
  • Flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Private gardens, separate sitting areas and travel cots

Similar properties

Exterior

Empire Lakeshore Inn

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 997 reviews
Empire Lakeshore Inn

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free covered self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM

Family friendly

  • Travel cot

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Built in 1895
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Mobile key entry
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and an access code; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Access code, host will greet you

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

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
Cashless transactions are available
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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

Property is also known as

The Cottonwood Inn B&B Empire
The Cottonwood Inn B&B Bed & breakfast
The Cottonwood Inn B&B Bed & breakfast Empire

Frequently asked questions

Is The Cottonwood Inn B&B pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Cottonwood Inn B&B located?

Situated in a national park, this bed & breakfast 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).

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The Cottonwood Inn B&B Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff, breakfast and lovely grounds. Close to visitors center and Sleeping Bear Dune.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property and hosts were very nice, first B&B I've stayed at and it was a great experience
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terri

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Awesome property!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast was amazing! Toby did a spectacular "restaurant-style" breakfast. We got to stay at the Carriage house which was private with our own seperate kitchen which was a nice treat. Local restaurant rec Art's tavern for sanwiches/onion rings/cheese curds and blueberry and whipped cream and the village inn for pizza. Grocer's daughter is a must for chocolates. This B&B is perfectly placed for easy access to all the nearby sights!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
the staff was execellent and the property was close to town and trails for hiking!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sonya

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Must Stay! This is a cute and cozy Bed and Breakfast in a perfect central location, within walking distance to downtown. Throughly enjoyed morning talks with our host, Toby. Served a great breakfast every morning, made you feel right at home! Met the owner Holly, who also is very accommodating! We will definitely be staying here again! Thanks for the great service!! Sonya & Joe
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

TF

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

we love empire

great food and conversation with innkeepers
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

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

Second Family

We felt so welcomed by everyone. Like a second family. The Inn is beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The setting is idyllic.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rosanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property and our Cottage House was absolutely adorable. The Fresh flowers all around the cottage topped it off! Very relaxing and restful stay. The breakfast! Love how all guests would be talking and the host, Holly and the staff were exceptional!! Can't wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alexandru

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, super nice and quiet vintage home , somewhat like a Victorian style. The hosts, super nice people!!! Delicious breakfast with real eggs . Our family liked the experience a lot! Recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

wissam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place , friendly people , good breakfast. We stayed in the Empire room, It was very clean, just needs a bigger bed and fix the lights going upstairs. Thank you guys
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay at the Cottonwood inn. It’s conveniently located in an area not too far from the beach and local restaurants. The staff was friendly and inviting. Our room was clean and comfortable. Our remote had dead batteries and we contacted our host and they were promptly replaced. The one thing I would note is that we had to take really quick showers because the hot water would run cold fast. I will say, It is an old building and there were other guests there at the time, so that may have had a lot to do with it. Overall, it was a pleasant experience.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I visited the area for 79.3 Ironman. As I was late to look for lodging, affordable space was slim. That’s how I came across The Cottonwood. The place is very charming. Toby makes an excellent breakfast and Holly is a wonderful welcoming host! Empire is a close drive to many attractions in the area! I would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

JoAnna

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brittany

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

jackie

Expensive for what you get
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff. Great proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

wissam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always wanted to stay in a farm house. Had so much personality! Lots of personality!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Alain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Très bonne localisation. Environnement très agréable. Hôtes sympathiques Lit trop petit dans la 1ère chambre
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Garry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Prasanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
great hosts.. The breakfast was amazing
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marsha

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Laurie, Cambridge, MA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rural setting (bright red barn, porch, lawn and garden) were even prettier than the pictures. Our upper room (three beds) was cozy and welcoming after a long day of exploring the Upper Peninsula and Sleeping Bear Dunes park. I would describe it as homey rather than chic, exactly what we were looking for. Very friendly staff and delicious breakfast. I would recommend the Cottonwood, a genuine, traditional bed and breakfast, to anyone looking for a unique experience in this beautiful part of Michigan.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019