This cozy home is located in the Village of Empire, in the heart of the Sleeping Bear National Park (Voted "The Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America), just a short walk to the Lake Michigan beach and Empire Bluff trail. Empire offers something for everyone from families to couples and solo adventurers. Cleaning Fee - $95 Pet Fee - $50 Minimum stay 7 days from May 27th till September 2nd. 3 day minimum stay off season.
Property manager
David Taghon
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
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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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Empire
Located in Empire, this holiday home is on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum and Burnett Park are also worth visiting.
Empire, MI
What's nearby
Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Empire Bluff Trail - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - 6 min drive - 5.9 km
Little Glen Lake - 8 min drive - 7.5 km
Getting around
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 44 min drive
Restaurants
Shipwreck Cafe - 7 min walk
Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - 9 min walk
Food For Thought - 8 min drive
Friendly Tavern - 3 min walk
Tiffany's Ice Cream - 4 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Buena Vista - Empire Michigan Vacation Home pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Buena Vista - Empire Michigan Vacation Home?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Buena Vista - Empire Michigan Vacation Home?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Buena Vista - Empire Michigan Vacation Home located?
Situated on a lake, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) away.
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
It was very comfortable and up to date. Very nicely appointed kitchen- many appliances and tableware. The only problem was
the tv which was inconsistent in the turnon process.
the tv
Nancy W.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
8/10 Good
Laura G.
28 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Buena Vista in Empire Michigan
Clean, pretty ranch house in Empire MI that is located close to the commercial area and the beach. Big kitchen and bathroom. Electrical outlets did not work on two walls in back bedroom. Notified owner and not resolved during our 6 day stay. No TV channels available only streaming. Nice, open back deck with mature trees around the house.
We stayed at Buena Vista many years ago, and I was traveling with my mother and we decided to stay again. The place was clean inside, but the grass needed cutting, I don't think the deck, patio and chairs have been cleaned yet this year. We killed a couple of mice in the kitchen. The TV didn't work until the second night, which is difficult for me because my mom is 87 and likes that she likes. They advertise they supple soap, but all they had was used bars of soap stacked in a solo cup. No hot water for a shower. It's luke warm for about 3 minutes and then turns cold. Remodeling is nice, but the front/ back door scrape on the floor. There is quite a bit of wildlife in the yard and across the street which was cool.
I wouldn't stay again, I work very hard and many hours a week and when I stay somewhere I guess I hold a high standard. I think it is over priced for what there is too offer no hot water, killing your own mice. Not for me, but if you don't mind those things, then enjoy your stay.
We stayed for the 4th of July week (price was jacked up for this week). The place was comfortable but with little amenities. No facial tissues, no spices except salt and pepper, no games or beach chairs. It’s a basic rental. We ran out of hot water after one shower. The propane tank ran out. Only one towel bar in bathroom for a four person rental. No nightstand for your phone or glasses in either bedroom. No place to set your suitcase in one bedroom except the game table. Just a few hangers in closet. No wifi. The kitchen floor was a hot mess. The kitchen subfloor was flexing as you walked so the ceramic tiles and grout would make a crunchy sound as you walked across like it was cracking. I called the owner on our last day to tell him that we had issues with the hot water and propane. I was disappointed he didn’t even say, I am sorry this happened or maybe give a little discount for our next stay.
Buena Vista was the perfect location for a relaxing weekend. The cottage was within walking distance of downtown Empire where we visited art galleries, ate at Joe's friendly tavern, purchased amazing chocolate at the Grocer's Daughter and walked to the Lake for beautiful sunsets. The cottage was a short car ride from other towns like Glen Arbor and activities like the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The cottage was quiet, comfortable and a peaceful for a much needed end of the summer vacation.
This is the 1st time we have stayed in town and we loved it. We come to the area yearly and usually stay in a cabin in between traverse and empire but decided to focus on going to the beach this trip. Quite location with a good size yard for our kids to play. Walked to the beach and town a few times a day. Did hike a few trails and went to neighboring glen arbor for a day. Only downfall which is no fault to anyone but the house is not ment for tall people. My husband had to duck thru doors and the shower was pretty impossible for him he showered on his knees. Even with this we would still rent again.
What a great getaway! Cozy cottage, walking distance to beach and town. Kitchen is fully stocked, linens and towels provided. David was a fabulous host! Will definitely stay here again!
It met all our needs. House is close to everything. Empire Beach, Empire Bluffs, Dune climb etc.
Angela T.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
6/10 Okay
Laurie K.
21 Sept 2021
Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Super cute, needs some work.
This is a super cute cottage, great location, quiet, peaceful!!
Needs a thorough cleaning. No sheets on the beds or in the house. Maybe a simple oversight but inconvenient nonetheless as we arrived late. Linens were provided the next day.
We really enjoyed our stay at the house! We've come to Empire year after year during the summer. It's a great location, walkable to everything and we could bring our dogs which is a rare find in town. The house was clean and had everything we needed during the stay.
We enjoyed our stay in the cute little yellow house. Liked the shade trees and back deck. Kitchen had all we needed to make meals. It’s on a quiet street but just a short walk to Front Street. We don’t usually watch TV on vacation, but with Olympics underway, it was great to have a TV with lots of channels.
Location is great BUT house had a lot of ants inside, no ant spray. Manager said there was a grill, no gas in tank. Couch is literally falling apart. Needs some TLC for the price
Host had good contact. Easy entry. Good location. Short walk to beach, restaurant, local shops, and hiking trail, but the place is musty and smells bad. Carpet needs to be replaced. Beds ok, but grateful I brought my own bedding because theirs didn’t look that clean. Leather couch almost to gross to sit on... I put my blanket on it first. Water in shower went cold by the end of 1 shower even though I cleaned as fast as I could. Old and lacking in dishes. No wooden spoon to mix pasta. Shared the kitchen with family of ants despite keeping all food in fridge. Advice: pack like you’re camping. PLEASE replace the carpet for future guests!!