South Pier Inn

Hotels
10 (1039 reviews)
701 South Lake Avenue , Duluth , us

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Beautiful location
Clean and cozy rooms
Friendly staff
Great amenities
Cons:
Some parking lot issues
Need for better mattress quality
Desire for more breakfast options

Categories

Cleanliness
10
Most reviews highlight the cleanliness of the rooms, with only minor mentions of issues.
Service
10
Staff are consistently described as friendly and accommodating.
Location
10
The hotel location is praised for its proximity to Bentleyville and views.
Room Quality
10
Rooms are described as clean and comfortable with nice views.
Amenities
10
Amenities like the fireplace, jacuzzi, and breakfast options are well received.
Value for Money
10
Guests feel the price is fair for the quality of their stay, especially during holidays.
Food and Beverage
10
Good comments on breakfast, but some desire more variety.
Overall Experience
10
Guests overall express high satisfaction with their experiences.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 23:55

Property Description

Waterfront Location
Located between Lake Superior and Duluth Harbor Basin, South Pier Inn offers stunning views and a unique experience for guests.

Private Balconies
All waterfront suites feature private balconies, allowing guests to watch international vessels pass under the Aerial Lift Bridge up close.

Convenient Amenities
Guests can enjoy a 400-foot shoreline path, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to nearby attractions like Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and Great Lakes Aquarium.

Book your stay at South Pier Inn for a memorable waterfront experience in Duluth!

Important information:

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.

Please note reservations of 3 or more rooms are considered to be a group. Group reservations should contact the hotel directly before booking.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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: DLH

Location

Guest Reviews

10
Based on 1039 reviews
Cleanliness: 10
Service: 10
Location: 10
Room Quality: 10
Amenities: 10
Value for Money: 10
Food and Beverage: 10
Overall Experience: 10
A
AngieK943 Couples Woodbury, Minnesota
10
Just go there already!
Pros:

We only got to spend one night at South Pier Inn, but we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. When we checked in, there were baked goods, fruit, coffee, and other items available included in the price.

Our room was clean and bright with really comfortable sheets. The AC wasn’t too loud, and the size of the room was just right.

We loved getting to sit outside on a bench watching the ships go by while eating our dessert in the evening. The fire outside added to the lovely ambiance.

If you’re worried about the ships waking you up or that you’ll get stuck forever due to the bridge being up, we did not have that problem.

In the morning, we enjoyed the continental breakfast. The cranberry wild rice toast was especially tasty.

After breakfast, I got to take a free walking tour with the owner. Boy, was that great! You can tell how much he loves Duluth. If you have the time, go on the tour.

We’re already looking forward to our next visit.

2026-08-01 via Tripadvisor
M
M9910ACjanetb Couples
8
Good location and friendly staff
Pros:

Overall this is a nice motel style inn. The rooms are clean and simply decorated. The continental breakfast is sufficient and treats are available all day long. My only complaint is the insufficient window treatments. We were in a room right under the spot light lit 24/7 Lift Bridge. The room stayed dimly lit even with the blinds closed. It was impossible to make it dark for sleeping. The location offered great views but I was not able to get a good night’s sleep. Room darkening shades are needed on the canal side rooms.

2026-07-29 via Tripadvisor
J
jenniferlY8310VW Family
10
Excellent
Pros:

South Pier Inn, an excellent location, and the staff are incredibly friendly, patient, and very helpful. The complimentary historical tour is wonderful—what a fantastic gift the owners are sharing with Duluth and its visitors! Highly recommended!

2026-07-25 via Tripadvisor
E
emberp2016 Couples
10
10/10 location and viewpoint!
Pros:

We stayed in 401 and our stay couldn’t have been better. The room included a book to help identify passing ships. So so cool to watch massive ships navigate under the bridge. The viewpoint from this room was superb.
The bed was Very comfortable and the room was spotless. I was able to chat with the owners during breakfast and they were also the sweetest couple. I highly recommend supporting this small, local owned place if you are staying in Duluth.

2026-07-25 via Tripadvisor
J
Jeanne couple us
9
We had a wonderful stay here.
Pros:

It had a great view f the harbor and a balcony

Cons:

The air conditioner was noisy

2026-07-24 via Nuitee
2
274merris Couples O'Neill, Nebraska
10
Felt right at home!
Pros:

Great location! We wanted to see the ships and this gave us plenty of opportunity to do so! The walking tour provided by the hotel was wonderful and gave us such great information! Our room was very nice and the “extras” at the hotel lobby made us feel very at home. We loved the atmosphere, and we enjoyed sitting in the outdoor chairs along the water and taking in the environment. It was so nice to be so close to Canal Park. We were parked, and rarely needed to drive. The path along the river took us everywhere we needed to go! Will stay here again if in the area!!

2026-07-23 via Tripadvisor
E
Elizabeth couple us
9
Great location, comfy room
Pros:

The location can’t be beat! Our room was spotless and the bed was super comfy. Lots of pillows!

2026-07-22 via Nuitee
K
Kate solo_traveller us
10
Pros:

Loved the location

2026-07-20 via Nuitee
C
Carlos couple us
10
2026-07-20 via Nuitee
B
bradyk252 Family
4
Needs work for almost $300 a night
Pros:

Stick to the blinds broke, my keys kept deactivating, my brother slept on the pull out couch and it was very uncomfortable, the breakfast is mediocre: no hot food, half the selection is in a sandwich bag, no hot water for tea or the oatmeal. I usually don’t leave a bad review but this has to be the worst hotel I’ve stayed at in duluth

2026-07-19 via Tripadvisor
S
S597TGlindas Solo travel
10
Excellent
Pros:

Third time staying at this fabulous place! Love everything about it.

2026-07-18 via Tripadvisor
E
E3939IXruthb Family
10
Informative & interesting
Pros:

The South Pier Inn is directly south of the aerial left bridge. It was so cool to be right there when the bridge went up and down. Randy’s free walking tour was impressive. He was knowledgeable and easy to talk to regarding the Duluth area. It was a good stay.

2026-07-17 via Tripadvisor
5
581barbh Couples
10
Great experience
Pros:

I’m a very picky person who also notices details that others might not see and my assessment of the South Pier Inn is that it is perfect. Things I liked: great location and views, extremely clean and everything is in immaculate condition, quiet, free breakfast and snacks, rooms have a balcony, jacuzzi, fireplace and kitchenette and nice staff.

2026-07-17 via Tripadvisor
H
Happiness45832218731 Couples
10
Bridge view!
Pros:

Nice clean hotel with a great view! Hard to find family owned hotels anymore

2026-07-16 via Tripadvisor
B
B7038HUkerrys Couples Midland, Texas
10
Wonderful!!!!
Pros:

So beautiful! We loved watching the boats and the bed was sooooo comfy! Also the garden and the sitting areas around the property were so gorgeous! We will stay again. Thank you!

2026-07-15 via Tripadvisor
V
V3536UIchrish Business
4
No good
Pros:

They had a full credit card authorization for my stay from my place of business, they couldn’t figure out what that was or where it was though I confirmed it on my way into town. They ended up canceling my reservation, charging my personal card and I had to have work call in and figure all out the next day anyway. Total hassle, complete incompetence, in management and at the checkout counter.

Also, randomly had somebody walk into my room after they unlocked my locked door. Didn’t get any explanation for that, not even an apology. It was offputting as I was coming out of the bathroom. This is the last time I will be staying here.

2026-07-15 via Tripadvisor
M
Marilyn solo_traveller us
7
2026-07-09 via Nuitee
C
ckwross Family Manhattan, Kansas
10
Our favorite place!
Pros:

We go to Duluth once a year for a couple of days. We have stayed other places but for the last 8 years we have chosen the South Pier Inn. It’s quiet, small, near the bridge and close to many activities. We enjoyed the Adirondack chairs, fire pit and gardens. Marjorie, at the front desk was extremely helpful.

2026-07-08 via Tripadvisor
5
557gregh Family
10
Perfect location with excellent accommodations.
Pros:

A wonderful place to stay when visiting Duluth. Just steps away from the lift bridge and canal for watching the ships pass and a short walk to canal park, the Lake Walk and all the shops and restaurants. The inn is well kept and just a delightful place to stay. The room is well appointed and has everything you need. If you want less people and more relaxation simply walk to the harbor side of the Inn and enjoy the Adirondack chairs and calming views. Two blocks away to step right on to a nice sandy beach and can enjoy the lake side. The location is perfect! The staff were very friendly and do a great job of making your stay a good one. The free cookies at the front desk are an added bonus too 😋😊 I rate this property 10 out of 10 and will definitely stay here again.

2026-07-07 via Tripadvisor
T
T7706AKjulieb Family Boulder, Colorado
10
Perfect 4th of July firework viewing
Pros:

Great location nice breakfast included and wonderful backyard on the lake to relax with a glass of wine

2026-07-06 via Tripadvisor