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South Pier Inn

eef - (888) 406-7656
South Pier Inn, 701 South Lake Avenue, Duluth, MN -(888) 406-7656
Area: Duluth
(Map)
4.6
HOTEL RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.6 out of 5 (873 Ratings)
0.6 miles AMSOIL Arena
v3 mins driving
t13 mins walking
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - (888) 406-7656
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The Spotlight on South Pier Inn

Harbor Views and Easy Access to Duluth's Music Scene

Modern yet charming, South Pier Inn offers a serene lakeside stay right at the foot of the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth. With its unbeatable location between Lake Superior and the Duluth Harbor Basin, this boutique waterfront hotel blends tranquility with convenience. Each room comes with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, while waterfront suites feature private balconies where you can watch freighters arrive from around the world.

Why Concert-goers love it

If you're heading to a show at Bayfront Festival Park or the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, you're in luck — both are just a short walk or drive away. After the encore, you’ll appreciate the peaceful, scenic setting and the private 400-foot shoreline path that’s perfect for a post-show wind down. With a 4:00 PM check-in and an early 6:30 AM check-out, it works well for early risers and road-trippers alike.

Who this Hotel is great for

- Groups of friends wanting easy access to major venues without sacrificing comfort
- Solo travelers treating themselves to a lakeside getaway and a long-awaited concert
- Couples planning a romantic music-filled weekend
- Fans looking for a calm, quiet place to recover after the encore
- Budget-conscious music lovers wanting value without sacrificing views

Food and Drink Options

While South Pier Inn doesn’t have a full on-site restaurant, it does offer a complimentary continental breakfast — perfect for those who stayed out late. You're also just a short walk or drive from downtown Duluth’s many local restaurants and pubs, many of which stay open late. Each room includes refrigerators and coffee/tea makers for your own snacks and late-night cravings.

Nightlife Options

You’re minutes from Duluth’s buzzing Canal Park and downtown areas, where you’ll find live music bars, taprooms, and lounges showcasing regional talent and craft brews. Back at the hotel, the peaceful lakeside setting is ideal for a quiet nightcap under the stars.

What People Say

Guests rave about the incredible views of the Aerial Lift Bridge and harbor traffic, calling it a “hidden gem” and “perfect for watching ships.” Many mention the clean, cozy rooms and friendly staff, along with the unbeatable location for exploring Duluth’s waterfront and attending events across the harbor.

Areas for Improvement

There’s no on-site restaurant or bar, so you’ll need to head into town for meals beyond breakfast. Some guests also note that the early 6:30 AM check-out can be a bit abrupt after a late night—but it's manageable with a little planning.

The Bottom Line

With stunning lakeside views and a short hop to Duluth’s top concert venues, South Pier Inn is a relaxing, scenic base for music lovers who like their post-show moments peaceful.
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7
1 room
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2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
j
Free Parking
w
Non Smoking
q
Accessible
x
Free Breakfast
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
r
Pets Allowed
Other Amenities
` Free Parking
` Garden
` Room Service
` Skiing
` Air Conditioning
` 24-Hour Front Desk
` Express Check-In/Check-Out
` Fishing
` Hiking
` Cycling
` Heating
` Fax/photocopying
` Wheelchair accessible
` On-site parking
` vending machine
` Accessible parking
` Family Rooms
` Free Wi-Fi
` Picnic Area
` Daily Housekeeping
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Board games/puzzles
` Wine/champagne
` Outdoor furniture
` Outdoor fireplace
` Themed dinner nights
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` Cashless payment available
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Invoices
` Free face masks
` Electronic room key
` balcony/terrace
` CCTV security in common areas
` Daily disinfection
` Facilities for disabled guests available
` Non-smoking property
` Soundproof rooms available
` Tour services
` Accessible toilet
` Allergy-free rooms available
` Takeout dining services available

South Pier Inn Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Wonderful (4.6 out of 5)

Write a review

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Anonymous Sat, 19 July 2025

It was decent.

Liked: I loved the location and the chairs on the lawn were great, what a wonderful setting. We could walk easily to restaurants. We had great weather. We did appreciate the 2 bottles of water in the room, thank you.
Disliked: The lines on the pullout bed did not look fresh and clean. And sorry, but the pullout was not comfortable. We followed the instructions for reuse of or fresh towels and none of towels were refreshed. When we first arrived, we thought our key fob wasn't working but we were actually trying the wrong door. Better direction to the room would have been helpful.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Steven Thu, 17 July 2025

Loved it!

Liked: Comfortable, easy to find, close to beach, dining and shopping and the View!!! Staff was awesome, snacks to enjoy in the evening while sitting on the patio watching the ships come in while keeping cozy with the fire pit.
Disliked: NOTHING at all really!

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Folstad Sat, 12 July 2025

Exceptional

Liked: Love that it’s on the water having our own bedroom able to watch ships come in from the deck

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Anonymous Thu, 10 July 2025

Very nice Inn

Liked: Very clean, and prime location
Disliked: NA

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Judith Wed, 9 July 2025

Incredible location, room, looking out...

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Lori Sun, 6 July 2025

Wonderful!

Liked: Our room was great! Very clean. We will be back!!
Disliked: Walking distance to pretty much everything.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Kevin Sat, 5 July 2025

Exceptional

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Julia Sat, 5 July 2025

Exceptional

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Anonymous Thu, 3 July 2025

South Pier Inn is a...

Liked: Location was perfect! The bed was perfect perfect softness helped us sleep the most perfect night of the whole trip.
Disliked: On a Monday night it would of been nice to spend less but it was worth it

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Richard Wed, 2 July 2025

Exceptional

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South Pier Inn 701 South Lake Avenue, Duluth, MN