I booked a July weekend for myself at this hotel in conjunction with the big airshow they have up here every couple of years. I travel a LOT for my work, and see a great many mid-range hotels such as Hampton Inns, and have stayed at Hampton Inns in quite a few other places. This is a beautiful property located in the heart of Duluth's Canal Park, with the back side of the hotel facing Lake Superior. If you book a lake-side room, the view is awesome.
The only real "fail" of this property for me, and what cost it a star, is that unlike many of the competing properties, there are no balconies or patios, which for a location like this alongside a lake is a crying shame. But other than that, it's the perfect place to bring the family or a special someone, park the car for the day or the weekend, and simply go everywhere you need to in Canal Park on foot. There's plenty of parking in their private lot, and you don't get charged extra for parking, which is a big plus around here. Driving and parking in Canal Park in season can be a trial. There is a great variety of things to eat, drink, see, and do, all within walking distance of the hotel.
The staff was friendly, helpful, and professional. Check-in was fast and efficient. My room was always made up perfectly and in a timely manner. I'm not sure when this place was last refurbished, but everything in my room was spotless and in perfect shape. No playing "what's that smell" or "what's that stain" here. That's a hard thing to pull off in a tourist hotel with constant turnover and lots of families with kids staying. Beds and bedding were ridiculously comfortable. The rooms were equipped with refrigerators and microwave ovens, which are a nice convenience if you bring back food from any of the many great restaurants in the area, or if you bring food of your own to prepare.
The free breakfast is more than adequate, and while not haute cuisine, has plenty of selections, whether you want to eat healthy or indulge. If you must be a snob about it, you can walk to the Caribou Coffee that's literally across the street.
As I said, this is a tourist hotel that sees a lot of families, and you do get a little bit of noise from that, just kids being kids and having fun. I take this in good humor, having had kids of my own, but I get that people's sensitivities to this vary. It was never overly long, loud, or out of control - mostly just when people were leaving or returning to their rooms. The pool, as you would imagine, would be the exception to that, but it's located off by itself at the end of one wing of the hotel.
Wireless service was adequate, there were plenty of well-placed electrical outlets in the room, including at the pull-out desk. A nice little fitness room as well. If you need to get some work or a workout done during your stay, you're covered. I suggest a run along the 7-mile lakeshore trail over the monotony of the treadmill, though at times you may find it a bit brisk. read more