South Pier Inn

South Pier Inn descritpion

South Pier Inn sells fast on our site. Situated between Lake Superior and Duluth Harbor Basin, this waterfront hotel is nestled at the foot of the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge. Free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV are provided in every guest room.
All waterfront suites at South Pier Inn have private balconies, which provide the opportunity for our guests to look eye-to-eye with ships captains, as international vessels enter the harbor under the Aerial Lift Bridge. A refrigerator and tea and coffee-making amenities are also provided in each room.
Guests can enjoy a walk or enjoy a sunset from the private 400 foot shoreline path at South Pier Inn. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning.
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, located across the harbor, is less than one mile away. Duluth city center, Great Lakes Aquarium and Bayfront Festival Park are a 5 minute drive from this hotel.

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Facilities of South Pier Inn

Ski ：Ski Passes Available

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Fishing | Hiking

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Reviews for South Pier Inn

Review 1：The staff could have been a little bit more friendly. But, they may have just been iced over from winter. No microwave in room.

Review 2：The room was extremely clean!!!! and full of bright light from the windows. The small reception room was cozy and intimate with great views of Lake Superior.

Review 3：Key didn't work and twice had to go to the office. Ditto fireplace. Staff did attend to immediately. Price seems to have gone up a good bit since first came three years ago.

Review 4：The view to the harbor, the room, the fireplace, hot tub, robes.

Review 5：The fog horn at midnight was unexpected! But it goes with the territory I guess. (we used a GPS to find the place)

Review 6：Nice rooms. Good continental breakfast. We toured the grounds; nice!

Review 7：I loved the thick terry cloth robes, closeness to the lift bridge (can't get any closer then that), fireplace, personal deck, the binoculars to (get that close up view of the ships and boats when they come in); the jacuzzi tub is heaven sent, and most of all it was very clean.

Review 8：The room is extremely expensive with little amenities beyond the room. Just not a very good value for our money.

Review 9：I loved the Jacuzzi. I loved the view of the South Harbor on Superior.

Review 10：The Jacuzzi wasn't as clean as it should be (jets we're stained), and it was a lower entry model with very few jets where you actually need them. Binoculars that were provided were junk - could barely focus more than 30 yards. No pool at hotel (but we knew that going in)

Review 11：Loved the location. Loved the comfortable bed.

Review 12：The bed was uncomfortable because of the firmness of the mattress, but we were assured that this was easily remedied by adding a 'pillow top'.

Review 13：We enjoyed the comfort and design of the room. On the cold rainy night of our stay, the fireplace was a warm touch.

Review 14：The TV remote was a basic on/off, channel up/down. That's it - no guide or anything else. During the night, when the heat turned on, the vent system would rattle and make noise the whole time the heat was being blown out. Made it a challenge to sleep. :(

Review 15：The employees were very friendly and acknowledged us, each time we were in the office.

Review 16：Room was overpriced and small- about the size of my bedroom. No microwave in room, no pool or workout room. Breakfast was a joke and there was barely any parking. This place reminds me of a beat down motel where u might get mugged in the dark parking lot at night. It was my first business trip of many to Duluth but I guarantee I won't be staying here again!

Review 17：Location was ok. Pillows were soft.

Review 18：We had pizza delivered and it didn't survive the delivery. Restaurant problem - not hotel!

Review 19：We were able to see Bentleyville from our windows. It was beautiful! Room was clean and comfortable.

Review 20：We would have preferred a view of the canal, to see the ships, instead of the parking lot. Additionally, their complimentary breakfast is quite minimalist and therefore not very tempting.

Review 21：South Pier Inn is the absolutely perfect location to shops and restaurants, breweries and sports bars. Everything we wanted to get to was a short walk away - including the AMSOIL arena for the UMD hockey game. This Inn has scenic views of the canal and harbour, and is ideally situated to make the most of your trip to Duluth!

Review 22：The location was quite unique and the facilities were excellent. The staff was also very friendly and helpful. We look forward to staying at the South Pier Inn again.

Review 23：Loved everything!

Review 24：My girlfriend and I stayed here for Halloween, which was also our 6 month anniversary weekend. It was the best Halloween either of us has ever had. We are going to be living in St. Cloud, but we plan to make Halloween at the South Pier Inn a yearly thing.

Review 25：There was not one thing we didn't love

Review 26：Beautiful hotel and an excellent location on the canal. Seeing the ships and lift bridge work was fantastic

Review 27：The sofa bed is less than comfortable... I understand it's a sofa bed but it's deeply caved in in the middle so if you're on the edge, you feel like you're holding on for dear life. The mattress is maybe 1.5 inches thick... maybe having a mattress topper in the room would be possible?

Review 28：The room was great and the location is awesome.

Review 29：Only two places delivered across the bridge. No restaurant on site. Lamp did not work. Tv did not work. Had to go to desk to get delivery menus which should have been in room. Also had to wait to check in as room was not ready.

Review 30：Parking was tight

Review 31：Great location! We walked across the lift bridge to Canal Park to dinner and could see the harbor. Didn't see any ships this time but still great views. They had binoculars in the room too

Review 32：The Duluth iconic lift bridge view was fabulous. Canal walks and restaurants a short walk away. Large room with jacuzzi, fireplace, microwave, fridge, sink, binoculars, picture window, patio, comfortable bed.

Review 33：Fireplace didn't work. Not worth the $281 per night fee. Small continental breakfast, would expect more with that high of a rate.

Review 34：Great location, walking distance to dining and shopping.

Review 35：The TV didn't work on the one night we were wanting to watch something and they weren't able to get it resolved although they tried. We got a $30 credit for the trouble.

Review 36：Great location! Loved being right on the lake and right next to the lift bridge. It was a very fun experience.

Review 37：Terrible breakfast selection of donuts and other processed food. Staff has no knowledge or curiosity about their surroundings.

Review 38：Good location, pleasant staff

Review 39：Wish they had a few real food, fresh, low fat options.

Review 40：The location and the view were perfect! Easy walk out on the piers to watch ship traffic. Despite being on a fairly busy road with bridge alarms when raising and lowering, our room was extremely quiet.

Review 41：We like everything about the South Pier Inn.

Review 42：The South Pier Inn is our preferred hotel when in Duluth. Great location! It's location is very convenient to restaurants and ship watching...all within walking distance.

Review 43：It was an expensive stay for one night but (mostly) worth it for the location. For the amount of money spent, I would have liked to drink my morning coffee in a ceramic mug--not styrofoam. Small detail that would have made for a perfect start to the morning!

Review 44：GREAT location; comfortable room with wonderful views from the living area.

Review 45：lost power 2 hrs on all of park point & canal park but out of their control. The inflated weekend price is way too much...$325/night is ridiculous.

Review 46：location is excellent. Rooms were smaller than shown online but clean. Just tacky that they triple the rate on w/es. Stayed in 302 canal side, great view of boats through canal. Amazing soundproofing (lift bridge is noisy but couldn't hear in room) Cont bkfst good. Walked to dinner & shops.Would stay again.

Review 47：We had a couple with young kids above us and you can hear them walking around all night. If I were to go there again I would ask for the upper floor so you can't hear every footstep. Also I went into town came back went to go sit out on the deck to watch the view and the deck was wet from the sprinklers going. Wrong time for that.

Review 48：We like the location. Rooms very nice. Clean and well kept.

Review 49：The coffee pot was not very clean, and the only chair was a desk chair that was not very cofortable

Review 50：I liked the Location I liked there pricing and I liked there coffee and pastry and fruit ect. Very nice people own and operate this hotel. I will choose it again

Review 51：Great location on the canal. Great views of the ships passing through. And nicely soundproofed windows. Convenient access to shops and downtown and highway. Wonderful staff and facility. (Delicious morning donuts!!!) They'll give you a 3:00am wake-up call for ships passing thorugh, if you want.

Review 52：It was extremely warm during our stay so would have appreciated if housekeeping would have left more bottled water in the room after making up the room before our second night stay. Coffee pot was not cleaned out...but the coffee was replenished. Attention to little details is important.

Review 53：location, continental breakfast, the view is spectacular. Need to make sure guests know all that is offered here....easily over looked as no one really pointed this out.. sort of found out on our own.

Review 54：with no room service would like microwave table to prepare snacks East side view should have curtain options to block out morning sun

Review 55：Location Balcony Clean room

Review 56：The area for breakfast is quite small. We took our food and drink back to our room and enjoyed it on our deck.

Review 57：The location! A beautiful view of the bridge and city.

Review 58：Breakfast was very weak and should be considered "continental breakfast" at best

Review 59：Great ship watching location. Very close to many restaurants and things to do. Would definitely recommend the place. Just plan to eat out if you want breakfast.

Review 60：The office and breakfast areas were very small, but it fits with the cozy quarters of the room and the areas were still clean and updated. It would also be nice if they had one or two rooms that were pet-friendly.

Review 61：I was on a work trip and brought my fiance along, the location had a beautiful view and was close to many restaurants and shops. We stayed in a junior suite with a bay view balcony. The room was a bit small but very clean and the amenities were updated and good quality.

Review 62：Front desk staff not knowledgable about fishing guides/charters, good restaurant options. Assigned room to someone else and switched us to a wheelchair accessible room on the parking lot side instead. No desk/workspace in room. Small shower with bench. Poor Wi Fi signal. Small TV. Limited select for "breakfast".

Review 63：Very close to the lift bridge. Quick walk to pier, restaurants, marinas. Quiet. Free parking.

Review 64：After 8 days, doughnuts and muffins and danish were getting old, but they were very good doughnuts, muffins and danish.

Review 65：The staff was great - Jamie was very helpful and knowledgeable about the area and things to do. The housekeeping staff was also very accommodating. I wanted a table for my laptop and they brought me a card table which was perfect. Also, the coffee was great.

Review 66：The interior decorating was horrible and out of place - it didn't compliment where we were. I would have preferred to see interior decorating that highlighted canal park beaches/sand dunes, ships, light houses, lake superior photos such as Apostle Islands/North Shore. Instead we were surrounded with modern/ contemporary, and boring interior decorating from the art work to the couch and chairs. The bed wasn't a pillow top.

Review 67：I loved how quiet and peaceful it was. My wife said she felt like we were on vacation and didn't want to go home which is only 20 minutes away. That says it all - we'll be back!

Review 68：i don't like carpet, even when its clean it seems dirty, so I think wood floors would make your hotel fantastic, I have stayed in hotels in Europe and wood floors or tile is all you will find, it makes a difference , it seems cleaner, your room was very clean its just that you know there is a lot of junk hiding in the carpet

Review 69：Trying to iron a grDuation gown and the iron kept coming unplugged due to old/loose electrical outlet. They are less than $2 at any hardware store - should be replaced when old and non/barely functioning - like a lightbulb

Review 70：While not my first pick for location, still a great little place

Review 71：No elevator. We were put on 2nd floor and I have difficulty doing stairs. Do not remember being made aware that there was no elevator Also bathroom - tub was extremely slippery when wet. No grab bar for safety. Scary

Review 72：Liked room, complimentary breakfast, view so-so - said balcony so anticipated some view of marina - just had parking lot. Thought a ought upgrade but for one night stay - didn't feel $60 difference was viable

Review 73：Comfortable and aesthetically pleasing lounge area with view to ships coming and going. Continental breakfast included wonderful coffee, fresh, baked goods, cereal, fresh fruit, juice, yogurt - something for everyone!

Review 74：The wifi often went in and out or wouldn't let me connect. Very low Mbps.

Review 75：Most hotels and Inns toiletries are sub par but the shampoo and body wash left my hair so nice. Almost like high end products. The whirl pool was also excellent and the variety of breakfast items was nice.

Review 76：The continental breakfast was weak. Usually you expect some warm elements in a breakfast but there were none. Only cereal and yogurt and muffins. It was delicious just limited.

Review 77：It was cozy and quaint. The location was great! Very scenic.

Review 78：The comfortors were not covered with anything. Usually they are wrapped in a duvet cover or sheets, but they were just plain. Also, be sure you check carefully what room you are getting before you book it. We thought we had a room with a view and a hot tub, but we were sans hot tub and directly over the parking lot.

Review 79：It is a great location, but if you are on the parking lot side of the hotel, there is a bad view.

Review 80：We used the bedroom radio to get music, but I wish the TV had music channels.

Review 81：The harbor and lockside view is terrific. We walked to the DECC, saving ourselves a parking fee. Our adult daughter said the sofabed was the most comfortable she's ever used. Six of us comfortably ate a meal we brought and microwaved there. In-room recycling is nice. We checked out 45 minutes before breakfast was supposed to be ready, but coffee, juice, yogurt, fruit and pastries were available for us.

Review 82：My husband did not like the bed. He said it had a lump on his side and he kept rolling to the low spot in the middle. I slept well.

Review 83：The close up view of the ships coming in and going out.

Review 84：They didn't clean the room as well as one would expect for the money.example stuff left in fridge from previous people,didn't bother to clean bathroom,no decafe coffee when checked in.

Review 85：Being upstairs, only because i was with my elderly mom! Also, we had troubles with our phone not working when calling other guests. Breakfast could be a little more inclusive...hard boiled eggs? toast?

Review 86：Love the rooms, so comfy feeling. Little decor touches so nice, ie coathooks on the wall by the door, flowers in a cool little vase on the desk, corner setee..all very nice. Also like the larger bathroom and heatlamp, and makep mirror with light..lots of things to like!!

Review 87：Thought front desk could have been friendlier upon check in. Asked about a cab, could have been more helpful. But fine.

Review 88：Nice, clean spacious room. With a spectacular view of the lift bridge. Nice location to walk to many shops and restaurants. Watched ships come in all morning. Will definitely be back!

Review 89：This was our first time there and it was late fall. We look forward to going back in the warmer weather when we can walk to so many of the close eating and entertainment options.

Review 90：Our check in clerk was not very cordial. She was not rude but needs to project a friendlier and professional demeanor.

Review 91：We really liked the location to view ships coming in and out. The lobby where the continental breakfast is available (which was very good) and free coffee 24 hours a day had great view and was cozy. It reminded me of a little coffee shop with a great view! Windows were big and very clean.

Review 92：I didn't like being woken up at 4:25 in the morning to a boat horn. Understandable though, since the hotel was 20 feet from the lift bridge.

Review 93：I was surprised to see the whirlpool in my room. I didn't originally book it so it was a pleasant surprise.

Review 94：Pretty Small room and complementry breakfast was lacking options.

Review 95：Even though we did not have a canal view, we saw 95% of the ship traffic coming through! Very clean & friendly staff!

Review 96：We were awakened at 4am because the smoke alarms in our unit and in other units were going off. Apparently, they do not keep anyone at the front desk overnight, and our call for assurances about the smoke alarm went unanswered. We were left uneasy about going back to sleep.

Review 97：For a room with no view it was an extremely over priced room. The room furnishings were cheap quality and there was no comfortable spot to sit, the "couch" was a wooden square with a 2" "cushion" similar to something you'd find in a low grade motor home. The amenities were lacking as well. Very unimpressed.

Review 98：I always wanted to stay there and watch the ships come in from the balcony. but it was cold and raining and no ships came in while we where there I know this is not your problem. liked my stay any how

Review 99：comderful

Review 100：The sofa was very uncomfortable. We would have preferred a table with chairs. The whirlpool was nice, but very difficult to get into and especially out of. We are older adults and it made it not worth trying more than once.

Review 101：We loved being able to watch the ships and small watercraft in the canal. Having the kitchen facilities was a plus. I loved the balcony, even though it was mid-October, it was still mild enough to sit outside.

Review 102：I guess if we were to get a little "picky and negative....the bed(as well as the hide a bed), was not very comfortable along with the pillows. This might be a personal preference on our part. We are also "clean freaks" so in looking around the room we found the white ceiling fan was pretty dirty as well as the carpet in front of the fireplace...where the chairs were strategically placed:) We did find that getting across the bridge at times was frustrating but "we are on Duluth time!"

Review 103：Awesome location, relaxing view, very quiet, away from "the hustle and bustle" but just a walk away from the Canal Park activity, perfect distance the other way to Park Point for a healthy walk/jog, quiet shoreline for a sunset stroll......

Review 104：We love this place... we love the water side and the garden side. Rooms are interesting, and secure. We could walk all the way to Fitiger's from the place with out a problem... the lift Bridge is so cool to be near!

Review 105：Expensive considering no amenities (pool, hot tub or excersise room) and only a very basic contential breakfast. When I booked a balconey room I had no idea that it was not over looking the water as all pictures on website show. When I got the email confirmation it stated a neighborhood view. Which was realy a parking lot view.

Review 106：Walking distance to Canal Park. No need to pay for parking. Late check out. Room was fresh and updated. Bed was confortable.

Review 107：The room was very clean and nice. It was very close to the restaurants and shopping. We had a great view of the harbor and watched the boats come in and out. When we come to Duluth, we will be staying at the South Pier again.

Review 108：I thought it would be a great idea to put more pictures of the bridge in the rooms along with some of the ship pictures. Maybe a little warmer color on the walls. But that is a personal idea. We really loved this place and will stay again.

Review 109：The view was amazing! my sister and I had a back room but still could walk right out our door and we were at the foot of the famous bridge. Staff and owners were warm and welcoming. Loved being able to just walk across the bridge to the shops and Grandmas for dinner. Very safe walk over and back even after dark.

Review 110：The "neighborhood side" was actually a view of the parking lot which was disappointing. The rooms are smaller than typical hotel rooms so it was a bit crowded in the room we were in. The area where you have breakfast is very very small and cramped, however the food choices were fine. Note that there is no hot food for breakfast offered.

Review 111：The location would be awesome if you were on the Canal or Harbor side - spend the extra money and stay there! The rooms were clean and tidy.

Review 112：* The coffee pot and refrigerator are located in the bathroom!! they should be located out of the room for sanitary purposes *The hot tub is pretty small for 2 people. * the room looks much bigger on line

Review 113：The windows allowed us to view the ships/boats coming in.

Review 114：Walls were a little thin at times and there wasn't much to choose from for the continental breakfast.

Review 115：Very nice room. Comfortable bed. Staff was very friendly. Would definitely stay here again!

Review 116：Ads seemed to put the Hotel closer to other attractions in Duluth--had to drive across lift bridge No recliner in the room TV mounted too low Marginal Breakfast choices

Review 117：Friendly Staff

Review 118：Parking is tight, especially for a full size truck like my F150. If you want to park near your room, you're best off with a smaller vehicle.

Review 119：We were so close to the canal that we could have thrown a rock and hit the ships as they passed through. The facility is clean and well kept; the staff are helpful. We really loved the waterside room with deck overlooking the canal. We'll go back again.

Review 120：Breakfast area too small and poor flow. Light bulb over the sink is way too low wattage. If you are trying to save elect. go with an LED bulb with higher brightness.

Review 121：Great location and setting. Small and personal feeling, resort like. Parking next to your room. Sounds of ships, gulls and bridge.

Review 122：Read the broucher I was not happy I couldn't see any of the lakefrom my room. Advertise a breakfast should say continential.not evenorange juice. The staff was nice but didn't look professional whichgave me concern when I checked in.

Review 123：Our room was clean and bed comfy. Nice size bathroom!

Review 124：We had a real hard time open the deck door and the other door the security lock was broken but the deadbolt work. One of the blinds had a broken piece the fell off. I really didn't care for food. It was ok. Been to places that didn't charge has much with hot food.

Review 125：Close to everything.View wonderful.love the suite.people very nice and informational.Could walk if wanted to .the room was very cozy with the fireplace and Jacuzzis.Deck was great to sit out on in watch the sail boat and big boats go bye.

Review 126：Complimentry breakfast Sucked there should B more than Enough Muffins and Doughnuts and Bagels and Such Displayed for Everyone that Stays There. There is Not .Pretty Cheap for a Room that costs 300 dollars a Night

Review 127：The Ghost ship came through at dark only half the iron ore carrier was lit up ,but it was by Far the Biggest one we seen , and our room was wright their Awesome

Review 128：The beds weren't very comfortable. Everything else was great!

Review 129：The location was great! We were walking distance from downtown Duluth and we got to see boats coming and going!

Review 130：Liked it but want to have water view next time..

Review 131：Perfect walking distance to downtown shore activities. Did not mind the nighttime sirens and sounds related to the bridge raising but could bother some people.

Review 132：Only breakfast choices were fruit, yogurt, granola, juice/coffee, and pastries. I would like milk and cereal as well.

Review 133：Surprisingly quiet, love the convenience of being just across the bridge from Canal Park. Staircase lights for upstairs rooms are motion sensored. Bed faces window and balcony instead of a wall, which added to the ambience in that it felt less like "just another hotel room". Parking-lot side is not bad, but I plan to book further in advance next time to reserve a water-view room.

Review 134：Wifi was unusable

Review 135：For just a little more money you can stay at this adorable hotel. It's rooms are super cute, layed out well, and has those cute touches like binoculars to get a better view if the ships.

Review 136：I believe it would have been helpful if the clerk had told us how to get to the second floor. We searched for a while before we found the door leading to the second floor.

Review 137：We loved that the room was clean. The view was breathtaking from our second floor balcony. We enjoyed our stay and plan on visiting again. Next time we are staying at the South Pier Inn for more than one night.

The Fine Print

You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.