We have stayed at the "Cotton Mansion" a number of time's,for the simple fact that the service and hospitality is genuine and warm! My husband and I always have a quiet,relaxing weekend! The breakfast that we always look so forward to, is "spot on!" You need to make a reservation and stay,you will love it!

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Cotton Mansion during my first trip to Duluth, and it was absolutely wonderful. We planned our visit to the city only one week before we went, and we managed to get into the B&B through another guest cancellation (I had emailed through the website to be put on the wait list). It was such an unexpected surprise to be staying at a B&B, rather than a chain hotel.

We arrived late from the Twin Cities on a Friday evening, and our room in the Carriage House (Bella Flora) was waiting for us with soft, relaxing music playing and dim lighting. The room was large compared to an average hotel room - seating area, as well as a functioning fire place and large whirlpool (equipped with bath salts) in addition to the shower.

Breakfast was in the main house, which is gorgeous. Other reviews speak of its history - it is truly breathtaking. Coffee is served around 8, and breakfast is at 9 with the group at one large dining table - mostly other couples ranging from early 20s to early 50s. The group was lovely - a little awkward at first but then people started talking about where they were from etc. Stuffed French toast (some of the best I've had) and Eggs Benedict made breakfast a treat (and filled you up). Ken and Kimberly, the owners, are very aware of any food allergies or specifications - you can simply ask. Since we had checked in late, Ken and Kimberly took the time to show us around the house. There is a phone in the foyer that has their number where they could always be reached. After breakfast, Ken spent some time speaking to the group about newer restaurants/places around Duluth. We also had fruit, wine, and cheese which is served around 4-6 in the main house.

On Sunday, we asked Kim if we could keep our road bikes in the carriage house after checkout while we went hiking - she was more than happy to help out how she could! The Cotton Mansion was the perfect way to spend a weekend in Duluth - it felt like you were going home after a fun day of activity. I would stay here every time I came to Duluth - you will not be disappointed! It was incredibly romantic if you are traveling as a couple.

I really can't add anything more to the previous reviews which praised this wonderful B&B. They pretty much covered all the bases. My husband and I stayed there with another couple, and we all felt we might end up part of a British murder mystery a la Hercule Poirot since the staircase and the placement of the rooms around the balcony, looking down over the staircase, added to the feeling of a house that could be filled with intrigue.

The rooms were mostly filled, so we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with the other guests and received a fascinating account of the house's history from owner Ken.

Unfortunately, I cannot even comment on the nature of the architecture or charm of the Cotton House because I was never given the chance to stay. I made a reservation with my boyfriend, complete with valid credit card information and a note implying that we planned to use gift certificates (since the website boasted a gift certificate deal that included a bottle of champagne.) All within a few hours, we received a confirmation email, an inquiry about the gift certificates and an email stating that we "did not respond to the inquiry email in a timely manner" (only hours later!) When we emailed back AND called to amend the situation, they had unapologetically given our room (and the remaining free room) away without any further accommodation. Obviously, we have no intentions of ever working with this establishment again; I am appalled at their poor policies and quality of costumer service.