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South Pier Inn on the Canal: Traveler Reviews

701 South Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802
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South Pier Inn on the Canal
Ranked #7 of 32 hotels in Duluth
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149 reviews from our community

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Traveler rating
    100
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Date Rating
Livonia, Michigan
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
23 hotel reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
“Location, Location, Location”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed October 8, 2012

There is no other place on the Great Lakes where you can stay and see huge freighters pass by your room so closely. Location is the name of the game here, right next to Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge. The rooms are large and tastefully furnished, but somewhat worn around the edges as this place is now 12 years old. Our room had a fireplace, Jacuzzi tub, a small balcony, and separate bedroom and bathroom. Room also had a small kitchenette area with a sink, fridge, and microwave. Pricey: $220 on the ground floor facing the canal for a mid-week night in September after Labor Day. Expect much higher prices during the peak summer season. The only draw back is a very mediocre continental breakfast served in a tiny, tiny space next to the front check-in desk....a very poor arrangement.

  • Stayed September 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Ask GreatLakesMariner about South Pier Inn on the Canal
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Willmar, MN
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
21 hotel reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Incredible Stay”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 30, 2012

Have been to Duluth area several times and always stay in Canal Park. Decided to try the "other side of the bridge" this time! AWESOME stay! Make sure you get a canal side or harbor view room. Clean, lots of extras, could have spent our entire visit just hanging out at the hotel! Is expensive but well worth the extra dollars! Will definitely return!

Room Tip: Corner room with panoramic view the best!
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  • Stayed September 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Ask DanoWillmar about South Pier Inn on the Canal
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Niwot, Colorado
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“spring for a canal side room”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 29, 2012

We stayed a total of three nights - one night with a view of the parking lot, two with a view of the bridge and canal. Spend the few extra dollars for the good view and you'll be glad you did! The rooms are very light and airy, clean and modern, but what takes the experience over the top is watching the comings and goings of the ships and the incredible aerial lift bridge... it was very compelling. The breakfast was so-so, the only weak link in my opinion, but not a deal breaker. We had an issue with the air conditioning, and the manager fixed it instantly - thumbs up on the service. The location is excellent, in walking distance to plenty of restaurants and shops. If we ever go back to Duluth, the South Pier Inn is where we'll be, you betcha.

  • Stayed September 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Ask mbear80503 about South Pier Inn on the Canal
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Saint Simons Island
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Wonderful Location and Room!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 28, 2012

Not only is the canal view spectacular, but the room is so nice, it's hard to leave! With much to see and do in the area, the room was so comfortable I would have been happy just to stay there watching ships and relaxing. The bed was very comfortable, the low (TV) chair relaxing and the jacuzzi a nice plus. The bathroom was plenty big and had a small refrigerator. Nice little balcony to sit on and watch the ships coming through the canal and also a good continental breakfast. I look forward to returning for another vacation!

Room Tip: It's hard to decide whether to have a canal view room or harbor view room. There's a corner...
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  • Stayed August 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Ask Adventures60 about South Pier Inn on the Canal
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kansas City
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
“Ships+Ships,Location is great!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 24, 2012

Close to good local and national restruarnts. I did lots of ship watching as they entered+left the harbor. The hotel has a listing of when they will arive.Room was very clean, good TV, fridge and Free WI FI. Frount desk personel we always very helpful ;and had a lot of local info. So close you can just walk 50 yards and you can see the large ships arrive and leave..Always had lots of free coffee available in the lobby. Overall we were very pleased with South Pier Inn.

  • Stayed September 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
See 5 more reviews by KC traveler 2 for Duluth
Ask KC traveler 2 about South Pier Inn on the Canal
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
 
 
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Additional Information about South Pier Inn on the Canal

Also Known As:
South Pier Inn On The Canal Hotel
South Pier Inn On The Canal Hotel Duluth
South Pier Duluth
South Pier Inn Duluth
Address: 701 South Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802
Phone Number:
Region: United States > Minnesota > Duluth
Amenities:
Business Center Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Suites Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#1 Romantic Hotels in Duluth
#12 Family Hotels in Duluth
Price Range: $$
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Located at the foot of the Aerial Lift Bridge adjacent to Canal Park, South Pier Inn is Duluth's premier shipwatching hotel. Our 20 waterfront suites each feature a whirlpool, fireplace and private balcony, offering breathtaking views of the Duluth harbor or ship canal. This family-owned property offers the amenities you'd expect in a much larger hotel, yet provides the level of service and attention to detail you'd only find in a smaller establishment. ... more   less 
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South Pier Inn on the Canal
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