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    North Shore Cottages

    3.3 (7 reviews)
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    Keith G.

    I came into town for a couple days' bumming around en route to a family get-together, and just winged it on the lodgings. After going in to price some rather seedy chain hotels and motels along I-35 in the direction of West Duluth, I just gave up in disgust, blew past the main part of town, drove up London Road and onto the North Shore, and happened upon North Shore Cottages. The proprietor ('forgot to ask his name, but a friendly and helpful sort,) took me out to have a look at a couple of units after I'd asked about his least-expensive units - I was trying to keep a semblance of a budget for this trip because I had a lot I wanted to do and see before the week was up. He mentioned he'd been having some wasp problems at one of the smallest units, showed me the one he said they'd fixated on for whatever reason, and he wasn't kidding - a dozen wasps were buzzing lazily around the front door and a few had gotten inside the unit. They were oddly disinterested in humans however, so were more of an annoyance than anything else. Even though I mentioned I'd be happy to share the unit with the insectoid air force, the owner thoughtfully declined and showed me the next one over, number 4 - wasp-free and with a better view of the lake. Both of these were the smallest units, priced at around $60 a night (this was the weekend prior to the Independence Day holiday, so a very good deal,) so I booked Friday and Saturday nights, June 29th and 30th. The general feel is more or less exactly like a cabin at summer camp - only with carpeting, a fridge, microwave and coffeemaker. I didn't look at any of the bigger units, but from what I experienced, North Shore Cottages are exactly what they say they are and don't pretend to be anything more: Good, clean, comfortable and basic lakeside cabins. The complex is not house-flipper polished-curb-appeal pristine, but the place is well maintained. The room is clean; the mattress basic but comfortable; there's a small desk under the center window; a small flat-screen television with broadcast digital; a small table with the microwave and coffeemaker on it; a no-frills but clean and well-maintained bathroom with a shower stall. Behind the bathroom door is a gas heating unit, which being late June I had no need to try out. The room could benefit from an inexpensive window A/C unit - there's a standard box fan bravely handling ventilation - but that would likely drive up the electric cost a bit during the summer months. The only other thing that's lacking is some form of Internet service. The owner mentioned they're planning on getting a network set up, but that there are some issues needing to be worked out first. After a couple minutes' thought that quickly transformed itself into a positive: My stay there turned out to be far more enjoyable and relaxing for the absence of that great time-sucking electronic vortex standing at the ready. Too many people - myself among them - spend too much time with nose buried in communications devices and not enough time enjoying the world around them, I think. It was nice to have nothing to do after dark but dive into a book and catch a classic and supremely cheesy old gothic monster movie, I think "Son of the Second Cousin Twice-Removed of the Mummy" or something. Lots of the bandages and groaning and carrying passed-out girls around, plus a standard-issue torch-wielding mob of angry villagers to show him and his evil henchman what for. Just great stuff. Unless you're planning on cooking gourmet feasts, the bare-bones fridge / microwave / coffeemaker combination is perfectly adequate and a nice suprise for small cottage-type lodgings. A week later I stayed at the Radisson high rise in Fargo for more than double this rate, and was both amazed and annoyed to find that the rooms there have neither fridge nor microwave - so North Shore Cottages can stick that feather in its cap, righteously. I didn't do any cooking, but the fridge was essential and vastly appreciated, for keeping some basics nice and cold in the balmy summer heat. The scenic loop of North Shore Drive is perfect for a run or bike ride, and when you're done the shower, though a no-frills stand-up stall, has good water pressure and temperature and is kept flawlessly clean. The location is a ten-minute drive to downtown Duluth and maybe half an hour in the other direction to Two Harbors and Split Rock state park, but has the quiet and serenity of the country. Pretty near ideal, I'd say. I'll be a repeat customer here when I'm back in the Duluth area, most definitely.

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    Hampton Inn Duluth Canal Park - Guest room

    Hampton Inn Duluth Canal Park

    (50 reviews)

    $$

    This Hampton Inn has some age on her, but she's in a great location and is well kept! I would rate…read more4 stars but the cost outpaced the age and general atmosphere of this hotel, but the price could very well be consistent with summer demand. Beautifully set along the boardwalk and canal park commercial area, this location is perfect for Duluth visitors! The hotel and room was very clean but just was from a past era. I wouldn't say the bed was super comfy but it was adequate and the room was pretty quiet. Bathroom was spacious and uniquely designed. Elevator was super slow but stairs are easily accessible. Breakfast was the average marginal Hampton breakfast but served in a very nice windowed room with views of the water. I am a Hilton Honors Diamond member and received a complimentary room upgrade- room with view of the water. This was an appreciated perk but otherwise the front desk did not acknowledge my status even when checking in.

    Our stay was Sunday night Nov 23 for the Bentlyville Tour of Lights event. Initially we had…read morereserved a Queen Lakeview, but took advantage of a website offered upgrade to a King 1 Bedroom Suite (although that's not how it was labeled) with a Whirlpool (jetted tub) for an extra $40. The room labels for the upgrades to bid on did not match the labels of the rooms on the Hilton Canal Park webpage, but Michelle was very helpful in email correspondence in decoding the rooms being offered and the process of bidding on upgrades and the obligations involved. The King Suites are normally $100 more than the Queen Lakeviews for a Sunday. Oddly a Queen Partial View was also offered for bids at $80 more than our Queen Lakeview, although it would have been a downgrade. Construction was going on, which we were warned about on our stay last year. There was the expected smell of paint, commotion, and compromises on amenities because of this. You are paying a premium for the Canal Park location with this property, the event was a fifteen minute walk. Beautiful Lake Superior was about a hundred yards away across a service road, and we pretty much had the shoreline there to ourselves early Monday morning. The third floor room was clean, quiet, and adequately stocked which was expected for the price. They accommodated us with a rollaway bed for my girlfriend's daughter, though not right away. According to Business Travel News this property was built back in 1997 and last renovated 2013. It's definitely showing its age. There were several issues that likely won't be fixed with the current renovation, like dated slow elevators, which according to other reviewers has abruptly dropped with their groups inside. They have electronic checkin with the app, which is a big reason I stay with this chain, but the app didn't control the TV or the heating/cooling control, which their promo material advertises it to. I was told this was not going change with the renovation. The shower door wouldn't close all the way, so you had to be careful about water on the floor. Also when my girlfriend tried the jetted tub the hose leaked and sprayed water everywhere. The tiny laundry room had no washers (hopefully temporary with the renovation). The tiny workout room had just three of pieces of decades old equipment, a stairmaster, bike, and treadmill. It just fit me and her daughter, we had a couple people peek in and then leave while we were in there. The pool was nice. The breakfast, not in the normal dining area because of the construction, was typical generic fare to feed a lot of people cheaply despite TV promos showing a bagel shop bagel and sliced fresh fruit. I've yet to see either of these at any Hilton property. There wasn't much for snacks, you were mainly at the mercy of machines that ripped you off. I was overcharged several dollars for a bottle of Pepsi, which the evening desk person said he couldn't do anything about, but was refunded in cash the next morning by the day desk. When it happened the evening desk person mentioned the machine had outright stolen money from others without even giving drinks. When asked about the free water for 'Silver' membership, the only tangible benefit that level gets you, the evening desk girl pointed to a basket with some tiny bottles of warm Glacier Mint to apparently serve myself. This water perk is clearly just a token thing, but other Hiltons make more of an effort. The Hampton Duluth North gave us a couple of chilled large Aquafina's in a Hilton paper bag. We've stuck with the Hilton umbrella this last couple years after some bad experiences with Wyndham's, although the Hilton options for Duluth are fairly limited. A ten minute Uber ride away is the Hampton & Suites Duluth North/Mall Area, built in 2017, for two thirds the price of this one on any given night. We stayed there for the Haunted Ship event a month earlier, and 20 years newer does make a difference not to mention a more motivated staff. There are also countless other downtown Duluth hotels from competing chains and independents, like the new boutique property Force On Fifth, that likely would offer a comparable or better experience for less money. If you have to have a downtown Duluth Hilton and are willing to spend $200-$400 a night on a room depending on the day of the week, this property will just do.

    Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown - Pool area 8th floor

    Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown

    (101 reviews)

    $$

    General - I stayed here for a night for work while in the Duluth area…read more Location - You are right on the hill in downtown Duluth within walking distance to Canal Park and downtown's offerings. Parking is included in your stay and is found through a garage on the first floors of the hotel. So if you are staying during an popular event, this might help with parking woes. Rooms & Building - This hotel is a tower so you can get some really great views of the Lake Superior and the harbor or just downtown. Rooms are fairly spacious and include a fridge and microwave. Amenities - Crazy enough for the size of the hotel, there are two pool areas which is nice. I was staying during the week so had no issue finding a cozy spot all to myself in the hot tub on the 8th floor after work. Food - I did not eat or drink here during my stay. Breakfast is not included in your stay (boo) but there is a restaurant onsite that does offer breakfast. I was lucky that they had coffee in the lobby at least. Vibe - Easy going and super friendly staff. No complaints. Reality vs. Online - Pictures that I saw on their website and online matched the quality and condition of the hotel and rooms in-person. No surprises. Price & Final Verdict - If you want to be right in the heart of Duluth and not have to haggle over parking, this location is just right for you. Parking is included which is nice since they could easily charge for being downtown. I enjoyed my stay and would stay again if the price was right!

    Room 1502 Large room was odor-free, very clean & quiet…read more(until about 730a, when a door slammed), with a great layout & well-thought-out furnishings, such as a rolling desk that nests. King bed was comfortable & climate control worked well. We paid for the $143/n room with points. Kcups provided were 2 regular, 2 decaf & 2 tea. Restaurant on site, breakfast is not included. Unlimited entry to parking garage with provided ticket (on check in)

    The Suites Hotel at Waterfront Plaza - Relax in our renovated Whirlpool King Suites.

    The Suites Hotel at Waterfront Plaza

    (83 reviews)

    $$

    Helpful and very nice staff. Everyone we encountered. Thank you Eric!…read more Our room was clean. And I am picky. No dust on anything. I love the funky high ceilings and industrial building. Great location. Relatively quiet room. We were on 3rd floor. There were some negatives but the were not deal breakers. There was clutter and garbage in the halls for most of our visit. The cleaning staff shared that they are short on staff so that kinda made sense. The laundry was out of order. And the elevators were pretty dirty. But if you prioritize rooms this is fine by me. And it's winter so keeping up with that would be a battle. But our room was huge. The full size fridge meant I could buy from the smokehouse and not worry about it until we left. I am looking forward to coming back next year.

    Very disappointed stay…read more The hotel is very spacious, tall ceilings and the suites set up. Location is nice and with easy access parking However, the hotel was not very cleaned. It made me felt weird to even stay. Noticeable trash around the rooms, bottles, caps, straws, wrappers etc around the side of couch, shower etc. it felt like the room was not even cleaned. There were wrappers in the folded blankets too. I also peaked behind the couches and I regretted my choice. We also requested crib and was confirmed the cribs will be set up in the room. No cribs were set up. We called and waited for a long time and there was no sheets, blanket for the crib. It's a pack and play and we had to come up with creative ways to cover the pads. We were also charged twice and it took about 3 weeks to clear the second charge. Had I not look at my bank charges and called, it was not been addressed promptly. We rarely have bad experiences in staying as we travel quiet often but this was a little surprising and frustrating experience

    Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Duluth Waterfront

    Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Duluth Waterfront

    (20 reviews)

    Did a little weekend getaway to Duluth and found this place. It is located on the beach side of the…read morelift bridge and is walking distance from the beach and (over the bridge) from a lot of the town attractions. In a short, sub 10-minute walk from the hotel, you are in the thick of restaurants and bars. We also enjoyed the small hotel pool. Yes, the beach is across the street but it was nice to jump in the water and let the kids burn some energy. The room was nice enough. It is not a fancy place, but it seems pretty new, so everything was in great working order. Bed was comfy and the shower was hot. They also had a free breakfast and plenty of parking, too.

    The hotel is located farther down Canal Park. It is a bit of a walk to the main dining and shopping…read moreareas. Way too cold and windy to walk during our stay. I have Platinum status and had requested to use one of my suite nights for an upgrade. With status they will also upgrade you if a room is available. Neither had happened when I checked in despite lots of upgrade rooms being available. When I asked at check in the desk clerk did upgrade us to a slight harbor view. This is the third hotel in a row where I haven't been upgraded when a hotel has plenty of upgrade rooms available. The room had mold in the shower. The rest of the room was clean. Kudos to the desk clerk who obtained extra pillows for us as I needed them for an arm injury. Breakfast was very basic. Free parking and it was well lit.

    Sheraton Duluth Hotel - Hotel Exterior

    Sheraton Duluth Hotel

    (75 reviews)

    $$

    Another review gives a very funny and accurate description of the parking…read more First, park in front of the hotel and let your passengers and luggage out. They will need the license plate number of your car. Then drive to 1st Street and enter the ramp. You will need to park on level 2 (slightly confusing) and then use the skyway to begin the trek to the hotel. Then take an elevator down a level and a few more turns through the maze and you see the front desk. Ask for water and a snack. :) The person who checked me in was rambling and confused. The Elite desk had a line so I ended up with him. He was the one who tried to explain the parking ramp. You will then use another set of elevators to reach your room. We were upgraded to a king suite due to status and the room was great. The temp was set to 65 so it was cold but after we figured out there were 2 separate thermostats, it warmed up. Very clean. We checked out the Club Level and there were very minimal snacks and beverages. Not worth upgrading to a Club Level room just for access. Nice location downtown.

    The view from the hotel room was nice…read more The pool and hot tub were pretty good and the workout room was about average. I was not expecting incredibly loud police and fire engine noise both nights of my stay coming from the street below. I was not expecting kids of all ages to be running the hallways and screaming from 11:00 p.m. till 4:00 a.m.. I was not expecting to get locked out of my room an hour before I was trying to check out and then having the staff spend an hour trying to get me back into my room so I could check out. I was not expecting a bunch of broken HVAC equipment in the hallway by the elevator. I was not expecting a dirty diaper in the hallway next to my room. The staff was very nice and did a good job at welcoming me and helping with parts of my visit however they obviously didn't have the resources to keep the hotel quietly under control especially in the evenings. This would be a hotel to avoid in the future if you're going to Duluth.

    North Shore Cottages - hotels - Updated May 2026

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