The Superior St. location is convenient for anyone who wants access to the walkway, which is wonderful. The repurposing of the former city hall from the early 1900s is exciting and the room interiors are appealing.
Parking, however, is not easy, but there are options. There is a public lot across the street and meter parking on two sides of the building. With regard to the street parking, the city does not permit parking for more than 80 minutes before 9 pm. The entire street is the same "parking zone" which may or may not allow renewal when time expires. Generally, we renewed, but there were times when I had to find another spot. Perpendicular to the Superior St., there are six or eight spots on a hill that are in a different zone. For drivers uncomfortable with parellel parking, doing so on a hill may prove particularly disquieting. The city structure cannot accommodate vehicles more that seven feet high. Be warned.
A casino operates accross the street. Smoking is not permitted in the casino, so smokers congregate at the door of the casino, which shares space with the pedestrian entry/exit of the public parking structure. At first, one is inclined to think that the crowd consists of prostitutes and the unhoused, but upon closer inspection, many of the unhoused are actually morning, afternoon, and evening patrons of the casino enjoying the refreshing taste and sensation of burning tabacco smoke in their lungs. I am inclined to think that the prostitutes were prostitutes, but I confess that I cannot confirm. To clarify, casino patrons outnumbered the unhoused who in turn outnumbered the contingent of prostitutes. It should be noted that none of these folks bothered anybody.
As is increasingly common in many bathrooms in chain hotels, there is an awkward gap between the basin and the edge of counter in which the basin resides. For those with unfortunate inseams, shaving is messy as one must lean forward quite a bit to ensure the water falls in the basin and not on the counter's ledge or worse, the floor. Although practiced in this task, I still managed to miss the basin, so some water collected on the floor. Gravity always wins. While wiping the water from the floor, the moistened cloth revealed that the floor had not been cleaned, perhaps for some time. I did not test other parts of the room, nor did I inspect the area rugs largely because I expect rooms to be less clean than I might prefer. As such, I tend to travel with footware for use in rented rooms.
As mentioned, the rooms are visually appealing. Contributing to the appeal are the beds and bedding. The beds in our room were higher than I am accustomed. As an older person who experiences some mobility challenges like leaping up onto a bed, the height was initially a concern, but I was able to employ a variety of techniques that neutralized the obstacle. I should note that NO ONE else noticed the elevation. Only I, the older person with less agility and of average height, faced a challenge. I will also note that I was the tallest in the room. Generally, other customers appeared young and/or spry. I did observe some older folks, a group of friends I told myself, who emerged from their room chatty and apparently well rested, so I suspect they slept comfortably on their respective beds. My experience is most certainly an exception to the norm.
Our room was large enough to include a sitting area, but only a small sofa was available. It would be nice to sit and chat, play cards or have a drink in the room, especially when it costs over $300/night.
There is no staff at the hotel, but this was not a problem. Closets with codes that one receives via text have many of the supplies that may be needed. Although anxiety producing at first, the operation works just fine.
We used the sauna. We enjoyed the sauna. "Clothing" is required in the sauna. Note that towels are not provided at the sauna so be sure to bring a towel to sit on and one to apply to your perspiring brow. Providing towels at the sauna seems appropriate, but I am unaware of the issues that motivate their absence.
Coffee and sushi are nearby. Coffee (morning) a short walk from the front door, and sushi (afternoon and evening) in the building. Many restaurants are within walking distance, even for those less able to leap onto a bed. Also, there is a city bus that passes along Superior St. throughout the day. I don't know where it goes, but visitors can check online. A grocery co-op is within driving distance for those who need access to such things.
It was wonderful to visit Duluth, to experience the vibrancy and to observe the investment in the community. The Oliver Inn is part of that investment. The concept of the hotel is both intriguing and inspiring.
A star rating is required, so I pick the middle option (neither positive nor negative). Your expectations and experience ought not depend upon mine. Nonetheless, I hope this is helpful. read more