There are enough fun and unique places to stay in Duluth MN, the Lake Superior port city, that the hotel can be the whole REASON you travel to Duluth! We’ve definitely been guilty of booking a staycation and enjoying the big backyard adventures offered by the Zenith City.
Whether you want a view of Lake Superior or a waterpark or a simple launch base for fun on the north shore, here’s our list of where to stay in Duluth MN.
Which hotel will you choose to start your twin ports adventure in Minnesota?
Best Lakeside Duluth Hotels
Many of the lakeside hotels in Duluth are bespoke hotels and are not franchised. They may offer an in-house points or perks system. What they do have is a great view of Lake Superior and the iconic aerial lift bridge.
Canal Park Lodge
This Northwoods-themed hotel has great suites and gorgeous views. We love that it is within walking distance of many Canal Park district entertainment and dining options, including Canal Park Brewing Company which is right next-door.
Canal Park Lodge Highlights
- Free breakfast
- Pool
- Gym
- Laundry
- Free parking
- Easy access to the Duluth lakewalk
Edgewater Hotel
The most kid-friendly hotel in Duluth, the Edgewater Hotel is a blast with a small indoor waterpark on-site. The hotel is older but the kids won’t notice (or spend much time in the room) because they’ll be too busy splashing in the water, zipping down the slides and floating on the lazy river.
Edgewater Hotel Highlights
- On-site bar and restaurant
- Fee-based waterpark and arcade
- Lakeside at Duluth Harbor
- Close to Glensheen Mansion property for tours
Pier ` B Resort
Pier B Resort is a contemporary lakeside resort hotel property with really clean lines in the architecture and is a relatively new property in the area. This resort is hands-down the best spot to stay if you’re partaking in the holiday festivities of the Bentleyville lights display.
Pier B Resort Highlights
- On-site restaurant
- Outdoor patio hot tub and fire pit areas
- Great for romantic stays and a slightly elevated atmosphere.
Hampton Inn Duluth Canal Park
For those who love loyalty programs but still want the lakeside stay experience, the Hampton Inn Duluth Canal Park is absolutely your best bet. With familiar Hampton Inn amenities, you know what you will be getting in an overnight but with the added bonus of a Great Lake view!
Hampton Inn Duluth Canal Park Highlights
- Free continental breakfast
- Well-equipped fitness center
- Free parking
- Incredible Canal Park location with easy access to the popular lake walking path
Inn on Lake Superior
A favorite for local staycations, this upscale hotel offers a great view from the heated rooftop pool. Boasting that “if you were any closer to the lake you’d be in it,” the lakeside hotel in Duluth is popular for weddings and events as well as family-friendly stays.
Inn on Lake Superior Highlights
- Free bike rentals for guests
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Sauna
- Complimentary s’mores each evening
- Lakewalk access right outside the hotel
Fairfield Inn & Suites Duluth Waterfront
Marriott property on the shores of Lake Superior with common branded amenities
SheBuysTravel Tip: Make sure to check you’re booking the lakeside property, as there is one on the hilltop as well!
Great Downtown Duluth Hotels
Duluth has a downtown vibe that rivals any larger city. With so many places to eat and drink and shopping that seems to go on for miles, you might want to situate yourself in the thick of it all.
If that sounds like your style, no matter the season, choose downtown for your base camp. Skywalks connect many of the downtown buildings for staving off the winter chills.
Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth Downtown
An IHG property, this city center hotel is perfect for loyalty program points, downtown shopping and access to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Great Lakes Aquarium and even Canal Park a few blocks away.
Our favorite thing about the Holiday Inn Downtown? The stainless steel pool. It’s our favorite spot to swim because of fun echoes and the unique appearance of the pool.
- 2 indoor pools, one stainless steel
- Arcade
- Skywalks connecting the hotel to other parts of the city
- On-site restaurant
- Free wifi
- Business center
- Coffee shop
Duluth Hotels on Top of the Hill
Duluth is built on a hillside. The top of the hill is a few miles from the shores of Lake Superior and the Duluth International Airport.
It’s still a perfect spot to stay, with many dining options and close proximity to the Miller Hill Mall and other big box stores for shopping. The mall area is also only a few minutes drive from Enger Park, perfect for strolling accessible trails and enjoying a vast harbor view from the top of the tower.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Your typical Fairfield property, this one is convenient for business travelers and offers the familiarity of the branded chain. It’s close to Buffalo Wild Wings and a few other eateries; great for Marriott members looking to gain points for an affordable rate
Residence Inn
This Duluth hotel is wonderful for longer duration affordable stays; like many hillside hotels, the price points are slightly lower than the lakeside hotels. Marriott Duluth property for loyalty members of the brand. (Fairfield and Sheraton are other Marriott hotels in town.)
Other Great Places to Stay in Duluth
This city offers many hotels that make it easy to fly in and out of northern Minnesota. The city also has a plethora of vacation rentals and boutique hotels near the lake including some of the following:
- South Pier Inn
- Beacon Pointe
- Sheraton Duluth
- The Suites Hotel at Waterfront Plaza
- Lift Bridge Lodge – Ascend Hotel Collection (formerly Comfort Suites Canal Park)
- Park Point Marina Inn
- Fitger’s Inn
Places to Stay in Duluth for Busy Event Weekends
Some of the times when it’s very hard to find a room in the city if you didn’t reserve months to even a year in advance are: peak fall color season, Tall Ships festival, and Grandma’s Marathon weekend.
During peak times, try some of these hotels for the best bet in finding a room. Consider a hotel on the western side of Duluth if you’re enjoying the Duluth Zoo, Spirit Mountain ski and bike complex, or would simply like to avoid the crowding of downtown.
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