The Cottonwood Inn B&B

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

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for The Cottonwood Inn B&B

Beach
Front of property
The Monarch Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, cribs/infant beds
The Cottonwood Carriage House | Living area | Flat-screen TV
The Cottonwood Carriage House | Living area | Flat-screen TV

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Housekeeping
    Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFi
  • Parking included
    Parking included

Explore the area

Map
9583 W Front St, Empire, MI, 49630
  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
    7 min walk
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    12 min walk
  • Empire Bluff Trail
    4 min drive
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    47 min drive

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Room options

The Cottonwood Carriage House

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

The Empire Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

The Sunset Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

The Monarch Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

The Cottonwood Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Trillium Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Trundle Beds and 1 Queen Bed

The Roen Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Trundle Bed

About the neighborhood

Empire

The Cottonwood Inn B&B places you within a 15-minute stroll of popular sights such as Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This 3.5-star bed & breakfast has 7 rooms and welcomes guests with free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 4 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - 6 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • Little Glen Lake - 8 min drive - 4.7 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Food For Thought - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Friendly Tavern - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪La Becasse Restaurant - ‬14 min drive

About this property

The Cottonwood Inn B&B

Victorian bed & breakfast in Empire with free breakfast
The Cottonwood Inn B&B features free WiFi in public areas and a garden. A stay here includes free parking.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and free WiFi keeps guests connected. Other standard amenities include furnished patios, sitting areas, and private yards.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free covered self parking on site

Food and drink

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

Family friendly

  • Crib (surcharge)
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

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
  • Crib (surcharge)
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

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 available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

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

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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available
  • Cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Cribs (infant beds) are available for an additional fee
  • Rollaway beds are available for an additional fee

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
Cashless transactions are available
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-6:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions and guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

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

What can I see around The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

This bed & breakfast is located in Empire within a short 12-minute walk of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You'll also find Lake Michigan and Empire Bluff Trail within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

Yes, covered self parking is offered for free at the bed & breakfast.

Does The Cottonwood Inn B&B feature a casino on the premises?

No, The Cottonwood Inn B&B doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

No, there is no indoor pool at this bed & breakfast.

Is The Cottonwood Inn B&B a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this bed u0026 breakfast will appreciate amenities like free breakfast plus some guestrooms include kitchens and garden views.

Are there hot tubs at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

No, this bed & breakfast doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Cottonwood Inn B&B have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

The Cottonwood Inn B&B offers free full breakfasts each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does The Cottonwood Inn B&B allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Cottonwood Inn B&B.

Are there connecting rooms at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

No, this bed & breakfast doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

The closest major airport to The Cottonwood Inn B&B is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is 28.2 mi away (47 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Cottonwood Inn B&B?

Yes, every guestroom at The Cottonwood Inn B&B comes with a furnished patio with some featuring garden views.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 20 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 20 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

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

wissam

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

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with family
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

Gabriel

Traveled with family
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

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

Judy

Traveled with family and small children
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

Garry

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

10/10 Excellent

Rosanna

Traveled with family
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

8/10 Good

wissam

Traveled with partner
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

Prasanna

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

10/10 Excellent

Alexandru

Traveled with family and small children
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

10/10 Excellent

Marsha

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Laurie, Cambridge, MA

Traveled with family
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet and peaceful, nice surroundings, close to everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This farmhouse is in a beautiful, peaceful setting. We enjoyed the breakfast in particular. But the bed was not comfortable and had no extra pillows to choose from. The second floor bedrooms might pose a challenge to anyone who had trouble with the steep stairs.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Mary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place! Near the beach and close to the few restaurants in town; tranquil. Not much storage for luggage in the room. Breakfast was delicious, except for the coffee.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

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