Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast
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About
#1 of 2 B&Bs in Empire
Location
4.4
Rooms
4.4
Value
4.3
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.5
Sleep Quality
4.6
The Sleeping Bear Bed & Breakfast is an oasis of tranquility ideally nestled between the dunes and the city. As of June 2020 it is now under new ownership with newly renovated rooms. Relax, Refresh, and Restore… Relax in an updated 1890s farmhouse with stylishly renovated rooms. Refresh yourself with healthy earth friendly breakfasts that are cooked for you each morning. Restore your body and soul with local fare and eco-conscious amenities. Your gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and so much more… We are ideally situated only minutes from: the dunes & trails, the beaches & bays, the wineries & breweries, and all the restaurants & retail of Glen Arbor, Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Frankfort, Leland, Lake Ann, and Empire. The perfect location to relax and to enjoy the entirety of northwest Michigan.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Wifi
Free breakfast
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Room features
Air conditioning
Fireplace
Separate living room
Sofa
Private bathrooms
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Whirlpool bathtub
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Charming
Location
11977 S Gilbert Rd, Empire, MI 49630-9599
Getting there
5 Restaurants
within 5 miles
Reviews
Traveler rating
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Detailed Reviews
Just had the coziest 3 night stay at this top quality B & B. On wooded hilltop out in the country between the crowds in Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Easy drive into Glen Arbor for restaurants.
Old farmhouse has had B & B renovations and everything is neat, clean, and functions well, nothing falling into disrepair. Our room (Sunset Room) was immense with comfortable queen bed, bathroom was the largest we've ever had in any B & B or hotel (and very nicely appointed). The web site photos accurately show the property and amenities.
Breakfasts were truly gourmet, each of the three completely different and better than any breakfast I've ever had at any resort. Libby and husband Deane are non-intrusive but very affable hosts. My wife and I felt the way you are supposed to feel out in the country -rejuvenated and rested. Hope we will find reasons to be in the area in future as we would like to stay again.
Old farmhouse has had B & B renovations and everything is neat, clean, and functions well, nothing falling into disrepair. Our room (Sunset Room) was immense with comfortable queen bed, bathroom was the largest we've ever had in any B & B or hotel (and very nicely appointed). The web site photos accurately show the property and amenities.
Breakfasts were truly gourmet, each of the three completely different and better than any breakfast I've ever had at any resort. Libby and husband Deane are non-intrusive but very affable hosts. My wife and I felt the way you are supposed to feel out in the country -rejuvenated and rested. Hope we will find reasons to be in the area in future as we would like to stay again.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This B+B was wonderful.....our own little slice of heaven! The hospitality of Libby and Dean were great, rooms very nice and clean, lots of relaxing options around the property, and close to everything! Plus, the breakfasts which Libby created for us were so delicious; everything organic and healthy, made it a great way to start each day on the Dunes and for exploring. We will definitely be back! Thank you again for your care and welcoming engagement!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elizabeth Western, Owner at Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast
Responded Jul 6, 2023
Thank you so much for your kind words. We would love to have you back.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Highly recommend. It’s a great location for hiking, beach activities, visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes and trips into TC.
Libby & Dean have created a warm and inviting space. The bedroom is well appointed, with high quality bedding. There are lovely touches everywhere. Hammocks. Fire pit. Beautiful seating areas. The breakfasts are locally sourced, fresh and delicious.
The hosts are environmentally conscious.
Libby & Dean have created a warm and inviting space. The bedroom is well appointed, with high quality bedding. There are lovely touches everywhere. Hammocks. Fire pit. Beautiful seating areas. The breakfasts are locally sourced, fresh and delicious.
The hosts are environmentally conscious.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Comfortable bed and spacious room in a homey, relaxed setting. Enjoy the gardens and wake up to an amazing healthy breakfast. Libby uses local and seasonal produce in her creative meals. Thanks Dean for your property tour. We’ll be back!
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highly recommend. Beautiful inn in a gorgeous county setting. Very special. Amazing breakfasts that exceeded our expectations. New owners Libby and Deane have thought of everything to make your stay a special one. We'll definitely be back.
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Date of stay: October 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WOW! We expected a relatively nice place, but the beauty and kindness we were shown was INCREDIBLE. The inn has new owners since May 2020 and the owners have redone and finished the whole place. We will be going back! Worth every penny!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elizabeth Western, Owner at Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast
Responded Sep 16, 2020
Chelsea, thank you so much! We've really worked hard to not only refurbish the guest spaces but to make it stylish and add special touches that we hope makes for a memorable stay. And to provide guests with great breakfasts, amenities, and all the personable kindness we can. So we are super happy that you guys thought so. You guys were the best guests and we'd absolutely love to have you back anytime. And we are continuing to make improvements inside and outside so we'd love to see what you think when you make it back up this way. Thanks again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sleeping Bear B&B is a fabulous place to stay on the Leelaneau Peninsula. The caretakers are welcoming, helpful with information/maps/dinner reservations, and Bella the schnauzer is delightful. The B&B is a vintage farmhouse in the midst of beautifully done gardens w/ multiple sitting areas decorated with vibrant flowers. We stayed in the Gilbert and Michigan rooms- shared a spacious bath. Rooms clean, nicely furnished, abundant towels, bottled water in room. A/C worked well and we were quite comfy. Breakfasts were served restaurant style with gourmet food- using local ingrediants and very tasty! Common area had DVD player and many up to date DVDs to choose from. Lots of books and the daily paper available as well. We were very satisfied with our stay and wouldn't hesitate to return to Sleeping Bear B&B.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I have only been to three B&B's and this place was not even close to the the way we feel they should be. The owners are Van and Susan. While Van tried to be accommodating and friendly, his wife seemed as if we were intruding on her home and did not say two words to us as we arrived. There was no mention of snacks or coffee at night. The other two we stayed at had cookies and brownies out at night and allowed access to the fridge for beverages. Tv was only good for dvd's, no actual cable or satellite. All these extras were at no charge at the candlelight inn that we stayed at the night before for $25.00 less and included a welcoming host . I will say the rooms were clean and the breakfast was good but not enough for me to come back again. Also, just so you understand that I am not just complaining unjustly , the other guest that were staying here also mentioned not feeling welcomed by Susan.
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Date of stay: July 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

We stayed the week of 7/4 and felt exactly the same as the other couple. In fact, I asked my husband if he wrote it! We were welcomed by Van, walked into the house where Susan was sitting at her desk and did not even turn her head to greet us. We did have a chat over breakfast the next morning, as we were the only guests that night, and she was complaining about not getting good help, having to clean and work so hard. Well, when we are paying you $250 per night, we don't want to hear about that. Either sell the place or just fake it and collect your money.
On the plus side, the king bed in our room was very comfy with nice linens as advertised. Breakfast was good, and the biscuits were exceptional. On the negative side (other than hospitality), we had a porch with rockers, but it had not been swept in some time. The notes in the bathroom about why we had to use the white towels felt mean. I felt like my mean aunt was going to come in and yell at me. The couple seem to collect everything, which fills the house. Not a stack of 5 magazines, but hundreds of mags, books, knick knacks, you name it. it...You could call it eclectic or you could call it hoarding. Also felt dark and musty. Open up the windows, dust out the corners, get rid of 50% and you'd have a fresh place.
OK, so if you just need a great bed, good biscuits and no small talk, this is the place for you.
On the plus side, the king bed in our room was very comfy with nice linens as advertised. Breakfast was good, and the biscuits were exceptional. On the negative side (other than hospitality), we had a porch with rockers, but it had not been swept in some time. The notes in the bathroom about why we had to use the white towels felt mean. I felt like my mean aunt was going to come in and yell at me. The couple seem to collect everything, which fills the house. Not a stack of 5 magazines, but hundreds of mags, books, knick knacks, you name it. it...You could call it eclectic or you could call it hoarding. Also felt dark and musty. Open up the windows, dust out the corners, get rid of 50% and you'd have a fresh place.
OK, so if you just need a great bed, good biscuits and no small talk, this is the place for you.
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Date of stay: June 2013Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I spent three nights at the Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast outside of Empire Michigan, near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Inn was comfortable, the grounds were lovely, the innkeepers were knowledgeable, and the breakfasts were delicious. We were fairly well satisfied with our stay during a busy, peak season week in which the Inn was fully booked. However, there were certain minor issues that we think prevented this inn from delivering the overall satisfaction that a good B & B typically provides. 1) My husband's dietary preference, which the innkeepers had requested in writing, was ignored. 2) Every room, including the breakfast nook, contained a noisy window air conditioner. Preferring fresh air, we had one screenless window to open, and the innkeeper failed to install a screen as promised. 3) The earliest scheduled breakfast was 8:30am, and no coffee was available earlier at this remote location. 4) The admittedly delicious, "gourmet" breakfasts were served with very diluted maple syrup. These were minor omissions, to be sure, but we had a sense of intruding and felt less than fully welcomed in the home of these obviously seasoned innkeepers. Our fondest B & B memories stem from warm encounters with personable innkeepers. The website reads "arrive as guests, leave as friends". We wish this had been so.
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Date of stay: August 2008Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check in / front desk
Service
Business service (e.g., internet access)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes, we do have daily attention to housekeeping concerns. We typically straighten the room, freshen with new any toiwels on the floor, and change the sheets after three nights.
Susan
Colors are really starting to pop! The most economical time to visit is during the week. Our off-season rates are in effect on Sunday - Thursday. Availability is good, except for the coming weekend. M22 (near us) was named as one of the best color drives in USA Today!
No, two of our rooms share a bathroom.. There are three rooms that have private baths. Check out our website to see all our rooms with amenities.
Susan
"Look very carefully at this lodging. This B&B charges premium resort prices, however, this lodging is very rustic."Read full review
ALSO KNOWN AS
sleeping bear hotel empire, sleeping bear b&b
LOCATION
United StatesMichiganLeelanau CountyEmpire
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast
Which popular attractions are close to Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast?
Nearby attractions include Old Settlers Park Historical Marker (3.2 miles), First Baptist Church (3.5 miles), and Dickinson Gallery (4.9 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, free parking, and free internet access.
Which room amenities are available at Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast?
Conveniently located restaurants include La Becasse Restaurant, Trattoria Funistrada, and Foothills Restaurant & Motel.
Are there any historical sites close to Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse (6.4 miles) and Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center (8.8 miles).