The house was lovely, and the kitchen was well out-fitted. The host was friendly and very helpful. We visit Leelanau often, but this was our first stay in Empire, and we loved it. Close to Sleeping Bear Dunes, the park visitor center, hiking trails, a Lake Michigan beach, and Platte River canoeing. It's a perfect location for visiting this area, and much quieter than towns further north.

The rental was immaculate and comfortable, the hosts reside next-door and were friendly and responsive to any needs we had. The rental is walking distance to the Empire beach, a wonderful ice cream and chocolate shop, and the headquarters of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It also sits at the beginning of a very lengthy and scenic bike trail.

Very clean home with stairs to bedrooms. Bedrooms upstairs have window AC. Close to Empire Beach and Empire Bluff trail. Great communication with host.

The owner was very strict about who stays in the house. It could have easily accommodated the addition of my 2 young Grandchildren, but she adamantly stated no when I asked if they could stay with us.

The house is perfectly located for bike riding and going to see the sunset on the beach. Empire is a very sweet small town and we enjoyed our stay. The house is very clean, comfortable, and quiet.

Stayed here for a week and loved it! Perfect place for a getaway, Our host was awesome. She lived next door, and was accommodating and helpful. Great location on M22. Short walk to downtown Empire. Close to the dunes, beaches and walking trails.

We visit Empire every year to see family and this was a nice place to stay. A little further from the beach/town than optimal - but a very short drive. Sparkling clean, comfortable beds, lots of space. First experience bringing our own towels and sheets - but with family nearby we were able to borrow most. Enjoyed the deer frequenting the back yard. Kitchen and grill adequate for home cooked meals. Host very responsive and friendly. Bottom line - we would stay here again.

House was a few blocks from the beach & downtown. Private & quiet. Interior of house appeared to be new, clean, and comfortable. We enjoyed our stay.

This VRBO was just what we were seeking for our trip to Michigan. It was on the outskirts of Empire, a short walk from everything including the beach and restaurants. We could be "downtown" in minutes or on the road to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor, or wineries on the bays in minutes. It is an economical, comfortable, practical, and attractive home away from home. The property is brand new with two bedrooms (queen beds) upstairs with a full bathroom with single person (maybe 2'x'2'), step up showers in each bedroom and a half bath downstairs in the laundry room. Each bedroom comes with a sizeable closet, a dresser, bed (no sheets or pillowcases), two pillows, and a light comforter with a heavier blanket in the closet. There is a small travel hairdryer in one of the bathrooms. You bring your own linens including sheets, pillowcases, and towels. Downstairs is the living, dining, and kitchen. The kitchen is fully stocked with just about everything you might need. We ate out mostly, but there is a full sized fridge, stove, and - most importantly - a coffee maker with filters. The owner has a full set of dishes with coffee cups and glassware available. The living area has two couches, a TV with sufficient offerings, and a dining room table. Outside the dining area is a wood patio with seating and a grill overlooking a serene wooded area. Out front and to the side of the entrance is a quaint greenspace with Edison lights overhead and four Adirondack chairs overlooking a beautiful butterfly garden. The owner greeted us and has a conveniently located bicycle rental business just down the steps from the rental home. You can just walk outside and get everything you need for an outdoors adventure. Everything was clean, convenient, and a great value. Really enjoyed our stay and would love to return!

The house is very spacious and clean. Upstairs are two bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. Downstairs are the kitchen, eating/living area and a utility room with 1/2 bath and a clothes washer and dryer.The first floor was comfortably cool on warm days and the second floor bedrooms had window air conditioners which we didn’t need except at night as fans.The reason I rated the location as three is that it is a short distance outside of town. It’s definitely walkable but not super close to the center of town or the beach. Everything else was excellent. Martina, the owner, was very responsive, amiable and helpful whenever we had a question. Her home and rental business are next door but she gave us complete privacy. It was a pleasure to interact with her.

Wonderful stay second year in the row! Martina is a great host and the property is outstanding. Walking distance to Empire Beach and Empire Bluffs Trail. Perfect base for all other locations in the area. I recommend!

Great location AND host! Many amenities within walking distance. Host is cheerful, helpful, and all around awesome. We were totally delighted with our stay.

Walked to the beach to watch the sunset most evenings. Approx 1mile. Great location to dunes, hiking, biking, kayaking, beach bonfires. Hoping to return next summer. Loved having his and hers bathrooms. Great clean rental.

Super clean, like brand new construction, super cute, great sitting areas. Don’t let the highway location scare you- at night the traffic is so light. Close to town, beach and hiking. Owners are very nice.

Looked to me as a brand new house, very enjoyable to stay. 15 min walking distance to Village of Emire beach, beach parking permit provided for the car. I recommend it, you will love it. Great host! I am definitely coming back if I am lucky enough to book.

We decided to book Martina’s house due to the location to the bike path (Heritage Trail) and the dunes access. We had all that plus more! We walked from the house to the start of the Bluff trail and ended up going to Empire’s beach twice. A parking pass is provided with your stay and it is a great place to swim and watch the sunset. The location is very quiet and private. Martina was super helpful too. I’m not sure any of the other reviews or property description includes the fact that the owners live on the attached property and operate an e-bike tour company from the same location. We were surprised when we first got there, but it didn’t interfere at all. We are cyclists and had our bikes, but I can see why e-bikes could be a fantastic way to see the scenic area! There are a few stairs (6-7) that lead to the front door too. One more thing out of anyone’s control is that a storm knocked out power in the area. The Vrbo needs electricity for the water pump so we didn’t have electricity or water for a few days. Martina brought us water every day for drinking and buckets for other water needs. Despite that we had a wonderful time! If you don’t want to be in-town this is a perfect place that backs into the woods. While grilling and having dinner we saw a lot of deer.

Cottage set back off M22 and was very convenient to Empire and everything accessible by bike. Stairs going up to cottage and inside so maybe difficult for people with physical challenges. Great broadband access, cable tv, and very clean and comfortable! European flavor in decor! Wonderful and accommodating host who is next door should issues arise.

Great property with friendly, knowledgeable and helpful host right next door. Clean and comfortable and consistent with the description. Nice community without the traffic and crowds of other lakeside communities. Great vacation and loved the peaceful family time with our two adult daughters. Thank you for the great WiFi…a true necessity with young adults! Thank you Martina! Joanne

I rented this home for my adult children as we were camping nearby at Indigo Bluffs. This rental was everything that was indicated on the listing. The home was very clean and well taken care of and had all the amenities that were needed for the stay. My family loved the home and we hope to rent again next year.

We enjoyed our weeklong stay here. Even though it is on M22, at night there is almost no traffic, so it is quiet for sleeping. The beds are comfortable and the house is furnished with standard IKEA furnishings. However, there are , as you can see in the photos, stairs to the house and to the bedrooms, both of which are upstairs. There is a half bath on the first floor. Linens for the beds, the kitchen and bathrooms are not provided. Both bedrooms have window air conditioners in case it gets hot, but you can’t open those windows (You can run a fan setting). There was an odd smell that may have been old cigarette smoke in the carpeting.

This is an efficient & clean space.

This was our first time to Michigan, and this was the perfect location! Close to Traverse City, Crystal Lake (and many other lakes!), sand dunes, beautiful Empire Beach, and more! The cabin was all that we needed… but make sure to note that you do have to bring your own towels, sheets, soaps for showers and sinks. Martina was quick to respond if we needed anything. I would recommend this place!

Quite peaceful

The cabin looked brand new and was incredibly clean. The owners were nice and communicated well on where to park. The cabin also had alot of information for this GS to do in the area in the form of guide and pamphlets. Locations is within a half hour of Glen Arbor and Travers City and is right next to the Sleeping Bear National Sea Shore. If your looking to stay in the area this is the place to do it.

Great place. No hand soap or bath mats in the bathrooms. Only reason it did not get 5 stars.

Amazing time at this new, clean home only minutes from the water and amazing sunsets! Marina is a wonderful host and was right there if we ever needed anything. The kitchen was stocked with whatever we needed to make home-cooked meals. We can't wait to come back next summer!

The property was easy to find, and fit us perfectly. The location was perfect to enjoy both the Dunes and Traverse City.

Nice clean new building, well designed. A short walk from here to Lake Michigan in the early morning was a real treat!

This is an almost-new cottage with 2 bedroom, 2.5 baths, and all conveniences (dishwasher, new appliances, washer/dryer)… easy and beautiful walk to Empire Beach, easy to drive to everything in Sleeping Bear... at a fabulous price. Your hostess is absolutely wonderful, cheerful and obviously enjoys the area very much. Highly recommended!

Clean, uncluttered, newly finished rental in Empire. Great location to bike Sleeping Bear heritage trail. In close proximity to Glen Arbor, Leland and Crystal Lake. Quiet location - highly recommend for couples who like to bike/hike trails in dunes area.

We just returned from a fantastic stay in charming Empire and loved staying at our cottage. It is spacious, super clean, bright and fabulously located. The kitchen is well appointed and we loved the open floor plan of the first floor, along with easy access to deck/picnic table for outdoor dining. Martina and Falk are very kind and quick to respond to any questions. We loved being nestled in the trees, having many windows to catch wandering deer, darting humming birds, or gaze at the changing sky. The local beach is a 12-minute walk or a 2-minute drive (thanks for including a parking pass to use for the week!). We appreciated being surrounded by so many delightful leisure activities at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Inspired by Martina, we went to the Empire museum and were pleasantly surprised by the rich history of this quaint village. Martina used her training as a master gardner to design a lovely meadow with diverse plants which attract butterflies and birds. We loved her passion for nature! Our hearts are brimming with the peace and joy of our week in Northern Michigan and can't wait to return again next year.

Very nice property with “3” bathrooms! Two full baths attached to the upstairs bedrooms & half bath down. Plus, clean, spacious & convenient to the Dunes, parks, beach, shopping & hiking. Martina (owner) very helpful as well. Lots of local wildlife too. We hope to stay there again.